Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community

Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

An eight-mile loop road just outside downtown Gatlinburg, lined with working artists, craftsmen, galleries, studios, eateries, and small inns — and in continuous operation since 1937.

This is not a souvenir strip. Every item for sale here was made by the person selling it, and most of those people are happy to tell you how. Budget at least half a day — the loop is longer than it looks and the stops are worth taking slowly.

Staying nearby? Browse our Gatlinburg cabin rentals, minutes from the loop.

What it is

The community occupies an eight-mile loop along Glades Road and Buckhorn Road, roughly three miles east of downtown off Highway 321 North. Independent artists and craftspeople operate shops, studios, and galleries along it, each selling work they made themselves.

It's been running continuously since 1937, which makes it one of the oldest surviving artisan communities in the country and a genuine piece of living Appalachian heritage.

What separates it from a gift shop is the directness between maker and buyer. You'll frequently end up in conversation with the person who made the piece you're holding — learning the technique, the history of the craft, the materials. That interaction is the experience, not a bonus on top of it.

What you'll find

The craft disciplines represented across the member studios cover the full traditional and fine art range:

• Baskets, brooms, and chair caning — traditional Appalachian techniques passed down through generations
• Candles — hand-poured, often with locally sourced materials and mountain-inspired scents
• Glass — blown, fused, and sculpted work from active studios
• Jewelry — handcrafted in metal, gemstone, and mixed media
• Leather — custom goods made by hand
• Painting and fine art — originals and prints from local and regional artists
• Photography — fine art work of the Smokies and the wider Appalachian landscape
• Pottery and ceramics — functional and sculptural pieces from working studio potters
• Needlework, quilts, and textiles — hand-stitched quilts, weavings, and textile art
• Sculpture and blacksmithing — forged metalwork and three-dimensional pieces
• Soap and skin care — handmade soaps, balms, and botanical products
• Woodworking and woodcarving — furniture, decorative carvings, dulcimers, and vessels

Beyond the studios, the loop includes candy and specialty food shops, craft and gift retailers, dining, and small inns — so it's possible to spend a full day out here without leaving. Current member directory at greatsmokyartsandcrafts.com.

Make something yourself

Several members offer hands-on workshops and make-your-own experiences — a chance to try the craft rather than just watch or buy. Options vary by artisan and season, and the current list is on the community website.

Workshops book up. If a specific craft is a priority, confirm availability before your trip.

Seasonal shows

Two major annual shows draw visitors from across the region — a multi-day Thanksgiving show and a Christmas show in early December, both with expanded artisan participation and a festive atmosphere across the loop. Current dates at greatsmokyartsandcrafts.com.

Getting there and getting around

About three miles east of downtown Gatlinburg off Highway 321 North. Turn onto Glades Road to begin the loop, which runs along Glades and Buckhorn and reconnects to 321.

By car — the most practical way to explore. Each studio has its own free parking, so you pull in and out at each stop. There's no central lot; individual shop parking is the system.

By trolley — the Gatlinburg Trolley's Yellow Route runs from the Mass Transit Center downtown out to the community, on a loop taking about an hour. Free to ride, and a good option if you'd rather leave the car at the cabin.

Hours and planning

The community is open year-round, though individual shops may close for holidays or personal travel. Fall is the busiest and most visually spectacular season — the loop winds through mountain terrain and the color along Glades and Buckhorn is exceptional.

Tips for visiting

• Allow at least half a day. The loop has enough stops to fill a full one if you're genuinely engaging with the studios. A rushed drive-through misses the point entirely
• Talk to the makers. Everyone here made what they're selling. Asking about their process, materials, or the history of the craft isn't an interruption — it's why they're there
• Drive it both directions on different trips. The loop looks different heading east versus west, and returning visitors regularly find studios they missed
• Take the trolley if parking feels like a hassle. The Yellow Route from downtown is free and removes the logistics entirely
• Come in fall. Mountain scenery, color along the loop road, and the Thanksgiving show make autumn the peak of the experience

Nearby

The community sits east of Gatlinburg, in the opposite direction from the Parkway attractions — which makes it a natural standalone half-day or a change of pace from a downtown one. See our things to do guide for more.

• Downtown Gatlinburg — three miles west; the Parkway, restaurants, and attractions
• Gatlinburg Trolley — the free Yellow Route connects the community directly to downtown
• Crockett's Breakfast Camp — a classic Gatlinburg breakfast before heading east
• Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook — a free panoramic viewpoint on the Bypass, a natural stop on the way back into town
• Alum Cave Trail — one of the best hikes in the Smokies, on the other side of town via Newfound Gap Road
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park — the entrance is minutes from downtown

Frequently asked questions

Is it free to visit?

Yes — no admission fee, and every studio, shop, and gallery is free to browse. What you buy is up to you.

Is parking free?

Yes. Each shop has its own free parking, and there's no central paid lot.

How long does the full loop take?

At a comfortable pace with stops, budget at least half a day. A thorough visit with multiple studios, a meal, and a workshop can easily fill a full one.

Can I take the trolley?

Yes — the free Yellow Route runs from the Mass Transit Center downtown, on a loop taking about an hour.

Is everything handmade?

Yes. Membership requires that items sold be handmade by the artisan selling them, which is the fundamental difference between this and a retail gift shop.

Is it open year-round?

The community is, though individual shops vary and some close seasonally or for holidays. Check with specific studios before visiting.

When are the seasonal shows?

The Thanksgiving and Christmas shows run annually — check greatsmokyartsandcrafts.com for current dates.

Is it good for kids?

It depends on the child. Watching a glassblower or a blacksmith work holds most kids' attention completely; browsing quilts and jewelry doesn't. The make-your-own workshops are the reliable answer if you're bringing children.