Gatlinburg Neighborhoods, Locations and Districts

(Gatlinburg, Tennessee - TN, USA)

A town steeped in authentic German heritage, Gatlinburg is one of the premier gateways to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States.

As such, Gatlinburg is geared up for tourists and the small town has plenty of historic districts, quality restaurants, nightspots, shopping and accommodation.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The most visited national park in the United States, the Great Smoky Mountains cover the borderland areas of Tennessee and North Carolina and offer unparalleled outdoor recreational opportunities. Close to central Gatlinburg, the geography is diverse, with 6,000-foot / 1,830-meter peaks, high meadows, forests, valleys and streams. The importance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been recognised by the United Nations and it has been designated an International Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site.

Within the national park are thousands of species of flora and fauna, with birdlife being particularly prolific. Gatlinburg is one of the most popular bases for exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and white-water rafting. Several campsites with outdoor activities, wineries, hiking trails, swimming holes and 4WD tracks are all available within easy reach of Gatlinburg.

Ober Gatlinburg

Accessed directly from downtown via aerial tramway, Ober Gatlinburg is a delightful ski resort with lots of amenities and attractions. The resort has some superb skiing, with several trails catering to all levels of ability. Ober Gatlinburg also offers facilities for snowboarding, ice skating, cross-country skiing and winter hiking. Kids can be kept amused by the amusement park, Kiddieland, go-karts and more. The resort has some great accommodation, quality coffee shops and unique stores.

Parkway District

Parkway is the downtown district of Gatlinburg and it is here that you will find all kinds of facilities for visitors. Alongside Gatlinburg's Parkway area are pleasant strips of greenery, while the main road is divided by a picturesque stream. Upscale stores, restaurants, cafés and nightspots line Parkway and most accommodation options are tucked away in the district's side streets

This whole area of Gatlinburg has a distinctive German ambiance and there are some great authentic German restaurants, pubs and hospitality. Parkway contains most of Gatlinburg's main tourist attractions, with many art galleries and museums lining the road. Don't forget to climb the Space Needle for some stunning panoramas and thrill yourself at the amusement park at the Space Needle's base.

Pigeon Forge

Just a few miles from Gatlinburg is Pigeon Forge, a charming town which is renowned for its relationship with the famous singer, Dolly Parton. Here you will find Dollywood, one of the most popular theme parks in the South, with music, a wide variety of rides and stalls, arts and crafts and much more.