r/Gatlinburg

My fiancée and I are taking first trip to the Smokys here in a couple weeks for our honeymoon. Been weighing whether to rent a UTV to go out on our own vs doing the Off Road Gatlinburg tour… does anyone who has maybe done one or the other or both have any pros and cons to help us out chose which one would be the better option?
Also any other recommendations whether food, entertainment, views that aren’t the typical what everyone else does and makes a YouTube video on would be greatly appreciated! We wouldn’t mind doing some things staying off the beaten path. Thank you!

I’ve been to this resort dozens of times and it still gets me every time when I read that sign because of how bizarre it is that they felt the need to specifically that you should not be under the influence of Tranquilizers to use the hot tub.

Maybe its a generic term for pills that make you feel just a little too tired.

My husband and I are planning a trip to Gatlinburg June 14 -18. I just checked the weather and it seems like the area is going to get some serious rain for the next 20 days. How bad of an impact can the weather have on our trip? We're just a couple, no kids. This getaway is meant for us to unwind and relax and explore Gatlinburg and its most iconic attractions, not looking for chilling adventures. We'll be driving almost 7 hours to the area, I don't want to be disappointed. Any thoughts?

i searched the subreddit before this post but know that reviews and prices can change frequently. it's my first time solo traveling to gatlinburg because i need a nature getaway but i'm struggling to find a place to stay. does anyone have suggestions of any affordable, clean, solo travel friendly places to stay near downtown? bonus points if its a hotel and has a private balcony but i know beggars can't be choosers. tyia!!!! 🌞

First time to the Gatlinburg area even though I've lived in Mid TN for 16 years. We got a cabin off 321 bout 1/2hr from Gatlinburg. What should I know for a first timer?

We don't plan on going to Gatlinburg but that might change. I'm assuming traffic will be the worst it's been all year so already know that much.

Are bears as big a deal as everyone says? Is DoorDash available? Uber/Lyft?

Any good joints to eat/drink outside of Gatlinburg? Like maybe off 321?

Hello, My family and I will be driving up to Gatlinburg from Florida. Since we dont see any mountains down here which is the nicer/safer route to drive into the mountains? Google gives me 2 routes, up 95 the cutting thru SC and NC into TN or thru GA then NC and into TN. We plan on making it in 2 days since we have little kids with us. Any tips will be appreciated.

Is anyone staying nearby Walt price road? I opened our back door a couple hours ago and I heard a growl. My husband also heard it. Scared the crap out of both of us😅 curious if anyone else experienced anything

I'm taking my grands to Gatlinburg next week. Unhappily for my planning, I discovered the Laurel Falls trail is closed. Does anyone have any experience taking kids on the Grotto Falls trail? My youngest is 6, oldest 18. It's the 6-year-old I'm wondering about on this trail. We won't do the full hike, just to the behind-the-falls trail and back.

Thanks in advance.

We’re heading to Gatlinburg July 2–5 with a family of 8 (6 kids). We’re considering Dollywood one day & tubing in Townsend another day. I’d love to know thoughts on that. I’m afraid Dollywood will be overly crowded & miserable.

We’re trying to avoid the Parkway crowds and keep things more nature-focused and relaxed instead of doing a bunch of tourist trap attractions.

I’d love recommendations for:

•	Hidden gem hiking spots or creek areas that are good for kids

•	Less crowded scenic overlooks or drives

•	Tubing spots or outfitters you’d actually recommend

•	Easy family-friendly activities we might not know about

•	Any “locals know this but tourists miss it” type places

•	Places to eat lunch & dinner. 

Hi everyone!

This summer I’ll be coming to Gatlinburg as an exchange student, and I’ll be working at Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg. I’m excited about the opportunity and would love to hear from anyone who has worked there or knows what it’s like. How is the work environment? Is it usually busy during the summer season? Any tips or insights would be greatly appreciated!

Also, if you own a business in Gatlinburg or know of any places that are hiring, I’m currently looking for a second job with early morning shifts (starting around 6–7 AM), such as breakfast service, cafés, restaurants, or hotel operations.

I have experience working in 5-star hotels in Front Office positions, as well as previous experience as a waitress both in the United States and in my home country. I’m a friendly, outgoing, and reliable person who enjoys working with people, learning new things, and being part of a team.
If you think I could be a good fit for your business, I’d be happy to send my resume and get in touch.

Also, I’d love to hear any facts, tips, recommendations, or local advice for the four months I’ll be spending in your city. Whether it’s places to eat, things to do, transportation tips, or anything else a newcomer should know, I’d really appreciate it!

Hi - has anyone recently stayed at Comfort Suites? Reviews in general seem good but I have never stayed in the comfort suites brand hotel. Seems it is about a 15 minute walk to middle of main strip. Seems there are many mixed reviews at a lot of the hotels in Gatlinburg and we want to be a fairly easy walk to the main stores/restaurants. Thanks!

My girlfriend & i are going to be in Gatlinburg in July & im planning on proposing to her then. I’ve never been to Tennessee in general so hoping for some guidance on a place to propose also if possible id love a local photographer to help capture the moment.

(I am a little on the broke side, so I’m not looking for anything too crazy but I also don’t mean to negotiate on price)

My girlfriend is a bit shy so she would not want to be proposed to somewhere with a crowd so if possible, something private enough for us to go off and do our thing, but also nothing too out of the way to raise suspicion.

Any & all suggestions are welcome!

If you've ever been to the New Orleans Sandwich Company than you've probably seen this guy. If you haven't been, then what's wrong with you? It might be the best place to eat in Gatlinburg.

If you can afford to help out, here is the link - https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-booboo-don-dowling-after-stroke

Hi there! My brother and his girlfriend have been dating for 6 years and are getting antsy to be engaged soon. My brother has the ring and wants to propose when they go on vacation to Tennessee. He has asked me to help find places but I am not a native unfortunately. She is also specific about what she wants in a proposal, she wants somewhere not too crowded or not much of a hike. And she does not want to do it in a restaurant either. They do not have a photographer, just a tripod. They’ve also been to annakeesta and Dollywood, I’m not sure of her feelings about annakeesta but she thoroughly enjoys theme parks. Please recommend any scenic romantic places that fit her requests! Thanks!