The best time to visit Gatlinburg is between September and October. The two peak seasons in Gatlinburg are summer (June, July and August) and the month of October, when the fall foliage is at its zenith. July is the busiest month of the summer season, while weekends in October draw the largest crowds in the fall.
Secondly, do you have to pay to get into the island in Pigeon Forge?
There is no admission charge for The Island in Pigeon Forge. You only pay for what you want to do once you arrive.
Likewise, how many days do you need for the Great Smoky Mountains?
If you are a first time visitor to the park and want to experience the best of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we suggest 3 to 4 full days of sightseeing plus a day or two for doing some of the longer hikes, river tubing, or horseback riding and still have time to explore Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.
How many days do you need to visit Gatlinburg TN?
If you’re going to Gatlinburg, plan for at least three days. You can do it in two, but you’ll feel a little rushed. Anything past three days and you’re going to want to reach out to Pigeon Forge and explore what’s happening over there.
Is Gatlinburg a tourist trap?
Tourist Traps Abound in Downtown Gatlinburg
There are lots of t-shirt and candy shops, carnival games, and “gem mines” of questionable quality. Visitors can get so caught up in the rides, games, and shops that they miss enjoying the mountains.
Is Gatlinburg crowded?
Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP) are really popular tourist destinations which means that summer and fall are the two busiest seasons, but you can expect crowds just about any time schools are out since lots of families use those vacation breaks to travel.
Is Gatlinburg TN worth visiting?
It is definitely worth going to visit if you are into hiking, etc even if you don’t want a touristy area. It is possible to rent a cabin and avoid Gatlinburg altogether but plan on finding bypass roads to take and cook at your cabin. That said, Gatlinburg is a very touristy spot crammed within a couple of miles.
Is it better to stay in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg?
Overall, Gatlinburg is more compact than Pigeon Forge, which creates a more pedestrian friendly area. There are some downsides to being in a smaller valley. Since there’s not much open space or alternative routes, this mountain town tends to get more crowded than Pigeon Forge.
Is it cheaper to stay in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg?
If you don’t mind driving to activities, stay in the Forge. Lodging is definitely cheaper. If you like to park, stay in the Burg. We prefer the Burg when staying in a hotel because we love walking town every night when we return from our days activities.
What is Gatlinburg famous food?
5 Foods to try in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
- Food to try: Cinnamon Cake Donut. Restaurant: The Donut Friar. …
- Food to try: Chocolate Chip pancakes. Restaurant: The Pancake. …
- Food to try: Garlic Knots. Restaurant: Best Italian Café and Pizzeria. …
- Food to try: The Reuban. …
- Food to try: Grilled Trout.
What is the busiest time in Gatlinburg Tennessee?
What is the cheapest way to go to Gatlinburg?
5 Budget-Friendly Gatlinburg Vacation Tips
- 1) Arrive Late at Dollywood.
- 2) Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Free.
- 3) Take the Trolley for Cheap Travel.
- 4) Take Advantage of Direct Deals.
- 5) Rent a Cabin.
What is the difference between the Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains?
They are
| Great Smoky Mountains | |
|---|---|
| Borders on | Bald Mountains, Unicoi Mountains and Plott Balsams |
| Geology | |
| Orogeny | Alleghenian |
What is the off season in Gatlinburg?
Though Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains are truly a year-round destination, the off-season in Gatlinburg is during January, February, and March. However, these months still see lots of visitors, this “off-season” is simply less busy than other times of the year.
Why is Gatlinburg so popular?
The quaint, resort-like village of Gatlinburg, nestled in the mountains of East Tennessee, is known for it’s beautiful scenery, great shopping, as well as its colorful history. The small resort town, commonly referred to as the “Gateway to the Smoky Mountains,” lies at the foot of Mt.