Downtown Gatlinburg

Downtown Gatlinburg is a walkable stretch of shops, attractions, and restaurants along the Parkway, ending right at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Park once, and you can spend a full day on foot. This page covers the practical side: getting around, parking, shopping, and events. For a block-by-block walk of the strip, see our complete guide to downtown Gatlinburg.

Getting around downtown

On foot

Downtown is compact. Most attractions, shops, and restaurants on the Parkway are within a few minutes' walk of each other, and the numbered traffic lights make handy landmarks for meeting up.

The Gatlinburg Trolley

The Gatlinburg Trolley runs color-coded routes through downtown and out to areas like the Arts and Crafts Community, so you can explore without moving the car.

Parking

Downtown has city parking garages and private lots throughout town, plus park-and-ride lots on the edge of town that connect by trolley. On fall and holiday weekends, arrive early, since the closest spots fill by mid-morning. Our guide to parking in downtown Gatlinburg has the details.

Want to check the crowds before you go? Look at the Gatlinburg live webcams.

Shopping in downtown Gatlinburg

The Parkway is lined with specialty shops, from candy makers and fudge shops to outdoor outfitters, Christmas stores, and souvenir shops. It's worth a slow browse with no plan.

The Village Shops

The Village Shops is a European-style courtyard of boutiques and specialty stores just off the Parkway, a quieter corner of downtown.

Candy and sweets

Watch taffy being pulled and fudge being made in shop windows downtown. Stop by Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen, Aunt Mahala's Candies, The Fudge Shoppe, and Kilwins, or see all of our Gatlinburg candy shops.

Arts and crafts

Just outside downtown, the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is an eight-mile loop of working artists. Shop pottery, woodwork, leather, quilts, and paintings straight from the people who made them. The trolley stops there, too.

Things to do downtown

Downtown is home to many of Gatlinburg's best-known attractions. Ride the gondola to Anakeesta, take the chairlift to the SkyBridge at the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, or catch the aerial tram to Ober Gatlinburg. See sharks at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, explore Ripley's Believe It or Not!, or brave Ripley's Haunted Adventure. Take in the views from the Space Needle, then play mini golf at Hillbilly Golf. Sample local moonshine and wine at downtown's distilleries and wineries. See all things to do in Gatlinburg.

Where to eat

From pancake breakfasts at Pancake Pantry and Crockett's Breakfast Camp to riverside dinners, downtown has a spot for every meal. Browse our guide to Gatlinburg restaurants to find the right one.

Downtown events

Something is happening downtown almost every month. Highlights include Pancake Week, St. Patrick's Week, GatlinBURGER Week, the midnight Fourth of July parade, the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, Winter Magic lights, and the New Year's Eve ball drop and fireworks. See the full calendar on our Gatlinburg events page.

The national park entrance

Great Smoky Mountains National Park begins at the south end of downtown, so you can be on a trail minutes after breakfast. The park has no entrance fee, but a parking tag is required to park for more than 15 minutes. Pick one up online or at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, just outside town. For an easy start, the Gatlinburg Trail runs from the edge of town into the park, and it's one of the few park trails where dogs are allowed. Learn more on our Great Smoky Mountains page.

Black bears downtown

Gatlinburg sits right next to the national park, so black bears sometimes wander into town. Never approach or feed a bear, keep food and trash secured, and give wildlife plenty of space.

Visitor information

Frequently asked questions

Is downtown Gatlinburg walkable?

Yes. Most downtown attractions, shops, and restaurants are within easy walking distance, and the trolley covers the rest.

Where should I park in downtown Gatlinburg?

Use the city parking garages or private lots downtown, or park on the edge of town and ride the trolley in. Arrive early on busy weekends. See our parking guide.

What shops are in downtown Gatlinburg?

You'll find candy and fudge shops, The Village Shops courtyard, outdoor and gift stores, and the Arts and Crafts Community just outside town.

What is there to do in downtown Gatlinburg for free?

Walk the Parkway, watch candy being made in shop windows, browse the Arts and Crafts Community, and step into the national park, which has no entrance fee. See our list of free things to do in Gatlinburg.

What is there to do downtown at night?

Many attractions and restaurants stay open into the evening. See our guide to things to do in Gatlinburg at night.