Tennessee Discount Hotels - Gatlinburg Travel Guide

Tennessee Discount Hotels - Gatlinburg Travel Guide - Gatlinburg City Overview

Gatlinburg, Tennessee is most famous as the western entrance to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The city itself claims fame as a skiing resort, and there are numerous other attractions nearby that keep people in town before they head to the mountains. Gatlinburg is noted for its mountain handicraft shops, and local points of interest include the Homespun Valley Mountaineer Village and the Christus Gardens, a series of dioramas depicting the life of Christ. But most come to see and enjoy the Great Smokey Mountains.

The Great Smokey Mountains National Park is 20 miles wide and some 54 miles long. The park was established in 1934 to preserve the last remaining sizeable area of southern primeval hardwood forest in the United States. It covers over 520,000 acres and it contains some of the highest peaks of the Appalachian Mountains.

 

Summits and ridges are crowned with a forest of red spruce and Fraser fir, except in the open areas where purple and pink blossoming rhododendron can be seen. Other beautiful trees and flowers cover the area, making it a site to behold. Hiking is the most common activity along these parts, whether a day trip or as part of hike up the length of the entire Appalachian Trail. Some of the families who first settled this area have descendents who live and farm in much the same way they did. The site of those farms was designated a World Heritage Site in 1983.

Visitors come to the Smokies, the most popular area administered by the US National Park Service, to hike, fish, camp, ski, whitewater raft, and enjoy this well-preserved natural area. There are world-class spas as well as a few theme parks and resorts throughout the park. All of these draw their inspiration from the abundant beauty of the area.

Tennessee Discount Hotels - Gatlinburg Travel Guide - Gatlinburg Attractions

A Walk in the Woods
Here is where hikers can find affordable nature walks and overnight trips. A convenient shuttle service and much more are offered.

Alpine Slide
A great place for some winter amusements, Alpine Slide is a favorite destination for all ages.

Back of Beyond Expeditions, Inc.
This is one of numerous guide services to the Great Smoky Mountains. They also feature a shuttle service to get you to certain points of interest within the park.

Camp Thunder Fun Center
If you're looking for family fun for all ages, look no farther! Features include indoor go-karts, a motion theater and miniature golf.

Christus Gardens
Christus Gardens is known as America's #1 Religious Attraction. The pride of the gardens are life-size realistic dioramas that depict the Life of Christ.

Earthquake
As close to the real thing as anybody in Gatlinburg will come! Visitors get to experience all the bumps and thrills in a catastrophic live-action ride.

Fannie Farkles
For excellent family fun, Fannie Farkles features food, games and prizes! This is a great place to take kids!

Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway
Visitors to Gatlinburg always make sure to stop here to enjoy spectacular views year-round from aboard the 120-passenger Tramway.

Great Smokies Mega Theatre
A giant-screen theatre featuring IMAX Films, this attraction is open for visitors all year!

Guinness World of Records Museum
The Museum features exhibits and shows from the world-famous Guinness Book of Records. Some of the most unusual stuff to be found in Gatlinburg, or anywhere!

Hauntings - A Ghost Show
A live sit-down theatre presentation guaranteed to haunt and amuse visitors of all ages.

Hillbilly Golf
Ride the incline at this family fun place. Play the world's most unusual miniature golf course featuring lots of wacky and weird holes and obstacles.

Horsing Around, Inc.
Here's the place to book horseback rides for all ages and groups of all sizes. These rides take full advantage of the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountain Park.

Motion Ride Movie Theater
A motion simulator ride that offers four great movies to experience means lots of great fun for everyone.

Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort & Amusement Park
Ober Gatlinburg offers an alpine slide, indoor ice-skating, go-karts, winter skiing, snowboarding and more! Fun for all members of the family.

Old Gatlinburg Family Fun Center
Browse the General Store while the kids play the arcade with redemption and video games. Miniature golf and more will keep all ages having fun for hours.

Q-Zar Laser Tag
It's serious fun with a laser gun for everyone. The area's largest high-tech arena is not be missed.

Rafting in the Smokies
These family adventures require no experience whatsoever to enjoy rafting down some of the most scenic rivers in the whole Park.

Smoky Mountain Outdoors Unlimited
This is another of the top-notch outfitters that offer whitewater rafting in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.