A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Gatlinburg vs. Shenandoah National Park for Nightlife, Hiking, Backpackers, and Couples

Should you visit Gatlinburg or Shenandoah National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Gatlinburg and Shenandoah National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a wild, flashy, and high energy city. It's also popular because of the skiing, nightlife, and hiking.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a scenic, breathtaking, and serene national park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include skiing, food, and hiking.

Gatlinburg and Shenandoah National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gatlinburg or Shenandoah National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg than Shenandoah National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gatlinburg is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Shenandoah National Park is more popular for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Shenandoah National Park and is known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Also, Gatlinburg is famous for the Gatlinburg Strip. Shenandoah National Park is well known for its local wildlife, dramatic viewpoints, and world class hiking trails.

How is Gatlinburg different from Shenandoah National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Shenandoah National Park and Gatlinburg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Gatlinburg or Shenandoah National Park Better for Skiing?

Both Gatlinburg and Shenandoah National Park are destinations which offer notable snow skiing.

Gatlinburg is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

For winter sports and skiing, Shenandoah National Park is a great destination to visit. You'll find skiing and snowboarding at nearby Massanutten Resort, which is near Harrisonburg, Virginia. It's a family-friendly setting with slopes that are classified as "easiest", "more difficult", and "most difficult".

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Gatlinburg or Shenandoah National Park?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for its historical sights. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Gatlinburg. Museums range from gaudy to quirky. Check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Titanic Museum. There's also the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.

Shenandoah National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people spend their time outdoors enjoying the setting, there are museums in the area, as well as visitor centers that have exhibits and informative displays.

Is the Food Better in Gatlinburg or Shenandoah National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shenandoah National Park is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Shenandoah National Park. There are several restaurants along skyline drive where you can pick up a casual meal like fried chicken, burgers, or pasta.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Gatlinburg. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

Is Gatlinburg or Shenandoah National Park Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for nightlife.

Gatlinburg is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Live music, theatrical shows, as well as bars and clubs that stay open late into the night give this town a huge party atmosphere. During the peak season the town is packed with people looking to have a good time and you'll find tons of things to do by simply walking down the main drag.

Most people don't head to Shenandoah National Park specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a number of breweries in the area, but most people enjoy stargazing and sitting by the campfire at night.

Is Gatlinburg or Shenandoah National Park Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is great for its luxury resorts. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a resort destination.

In Gatlinburg, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Shenandoah National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Gatlinburg or Shenandoah National Park Better for Hiking?

Shenandoah National Park is renowned for hiking. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Many people visit Shenandoah National Park specifically for its hiking. There are more than 500 miles of trails in the park that pass through varied landscapes and take you to beautiful viewpoints. Visitors range from weekend visitors to long term hikers who come to experience the breathtaking beauty and serene setting.

Gatlinburg is a popular spot for hiking. You'll need to head out of town into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once you're there the hiking is impressive. There are waterfall hikes, trails to viewpoints, and loops that take you through wildflowers. Some of the most popular trails include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Middle Prong Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Gatlinburg or Shenandoah National Park?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for shopping.

Gatlinburg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are tourist traps and souvenir shops around town, but you can also head to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community where you can meet local artists and learn about their work.

Shenandoah National Park is a good destination for shopping. There are a handful of gift shops along Skyline Drive were you can pick up souvenirs or t-shirts.

Is Gatlinburg or Shenandoah National Park Better for Families?

Shenandoah National Park is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

Shenandoah National Park is a very family-friendly destination. There are tons of kid-friendly hikes to overlooks or waterfalls. Kids will love scrambling over the rocks or running through the forest. There are also plenty of campgrounds where families can hang out, toast marshmallows and enjoy some quality time together.

Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination. Ober Gatlinburg is a combination ski resort and amusement park that is a highlight for many families. During the warmer season, horseback riding and waterparks are popular. There's also a Ripley's Aquarium, minigolf, and Gatlin's Fun Center. Nearby you'll find Dollywood and Pigeon Forge.

Is Gatlinburg or Shenandoah National Park Better for Couples?

Both Gatlinburg and Shenandoah National Park are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Gatlinburg is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. If you're looking for a flashy and ostentatious experience, then there are all the typical activities around town - Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or Ober Gatlinburg. For a bit more nature, you can head out of town and enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also breweries and wineries in the area, as well as a range of resorts.

Shenandoah National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature will love a visit to the park. There are beautiful views and scenic spots that will make for a wonderful and romantic trip. Hiking, biking, and exploring will fill your time with adventure and fun.

Is Gatlinburg or Shenandoah National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shenandoah National Park is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Shenandoah National Park. Backpackers love the hiking trails and backcountry camping. Many people head to the park to escape into nature and enjoy some low key time in a serene setting.

Gatlinburg is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a touristy town with plenty of cheap motels in the area. There are also campgrounds and hiking not far away.

Is Gatlinburg or Shenandoah National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Gatlinburg offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Shenandoah National Park. There's no real public transit in the park.

Is Gatlinburg or Shenandoah National Park a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is great for its ease of walking around. However, Shenandoah National Park is not a good destination for its walkability.

Gatlinburg is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions in town can be reached on foot. If you want to leave town, a car is a must, but in town traffic and parking can be frustrating, so walk when you can.

Shenandoah National Park is not a walkable city. While there are plenty of hiking trails, a car is a must to reach most trailheads.

For even more information, also check out Is Gatlinburg Worth Visiting? and Is Shenandoah National Park Worth Visiting?.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gatlinburg and Shenandoah National Park, we can see that Gatlinburg is more expensive. And not only is Shenandoah National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Shenandoah National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shenandoah National Park and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Gatlinburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gatlinburg than you might in Shenandoah National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gatlinburg Expensive? and Is Shenandoah National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Gatlinburg or Shenandoah National Park?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Shenandoah National Park in the Summer?

Both Shenandoah National Park and Gatlinburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Gatlinburg for the hiking. Also, many visitors come to Shenandoah National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Gatlinburg is generally around the same temperature as Shenandoah National Park. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 81°F (27°C), and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in Gatlinburg. In July, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Shenandoah National Park. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Shenandoah National Park in the Autumn?

Both Shenandoah National Park and Gatlinburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Gatlinburg in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Shenandoah National Park for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Gatlinburg is a little warmer than Shenandoah National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gatlinburg averages around 63°F (17°C) in October, and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Gatlinburg usually gets less rain in October than Shenandoah National Park. Gatlinburg gets 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Shenandoah National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gatlinburg and Shenandoah National Park. Most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Shenandoah National Park because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Shenandoah National Park can be very cold. Gatlinburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Gatlinburg is much warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gatlinburg in January average around 40°F (5°C), and Shenandoah National Park averages at about 32°F (-0°C).

Gatlinburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Gatlinburg usually receives more rain than Shenandoah National Park. Gatlinburg gets 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gatlinburg or Shenandoah National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Gatlinburg as well as Shenandoah National Park. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Shenandoah National Park this time of year.

In April, Gatlinburg is generally a little warmer than Shenandoah National Park. Daily temperatures in Gatlinburg average around 62°F (17°C), and Shenandoah National Park fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Gatlinburg usually gets more rain in April than Shenandoah National Park. Gatlinburg gets 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain, while Shenandoah National Park receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Shenandoah National Park and Gatlinburg