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Before you go
Your trip to Gatlinburg.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Gatlinburg – Tennessee Destination Great Smoky Mountains about 350 km from Nashville
How to get there
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McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) Alcoa · 65 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is about 65 km away via US-321 or US-441, passing through Pigeon Forge. From Nashville it’s about 350 km via I-40.
How many days
Two days for the park, including Kuwohi, Cades Cove and Roaring Fork; three days if you plan longer hikes.
When to go
From late September to early November the slopes usually turn colorful and crowds are heavy. April and May bring blossoms; summer has hot days and rainy afternoons. In winter some park roads close.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Yes. The park has no public transit, and points of interest are tens of kilometers apart. There is a trolley-bus in downtown Gatlinburg. Drive on the right.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Gatlinburg
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Morning
Sugarlands and Kuwohi
Leave early, stop by the Sugarlands visitor center and drive up Newfound Gap Road to Kuwohi.
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Afternoon
Roaring Fork
On the return, drive the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, which starts in downtown Gatlinburg.
2 days in Gatlinburg
Day 1
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Morning
Kuwohi
On the first day, climb to Kuwohi via Newfound Gap Road, stopping at the viewpoints.
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Afternoon
Roaring Fork
In the afternoon, do the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
Day 2
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All day
Cades Cove
On the second day, go to Cades Cove and drive the valley loop, visiting the cabins and churches.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Gatlinburg?
Enter Great Smoky Mountains National Park, climb Kuwohi, explore Cades Cove and drive the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
How far is Gatlinburg from Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
The park entrance is at the city limit, and the Sugarlands visitor center is about 3 km away.
How many days to stay in Gatlinburg?
Two days for the park; three days for longer hikes.
What is the difference between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge?
Gatlinburg is adjacent to the park; Pigeon Forge, about 10 km away, is home to amusement parks such as Dollywood.