Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Gatlinburg?

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Gatlinburg?

Many visitors spend days in Gatlinburg during their trip. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because your journey calls for making the most of every moment. The city offers the chance to enjoy an evening out, get out into nature, ski down the slopes, and spend time at the museums.

Gatlinburg is not only the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but it's a destination in and of itself. The town has positioned itself as a tourist spot that attracts crowds looking to have a good time and enjoy quirky, and sometimes tacky, entertainment venues. While some visitors never leave the town's main drag, others head into the surrounding nature to enjoy hiking and scenic trails.

Do you have one or two days to visit Gatlinburg? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Gatlinburg?

One day is more than enough time to see everything that Gatlinburg has to offer such as the scenic town and gorgeous mountains. Many visitors prefer to spend days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the nightlife scene, the hiking, the skiing, and the famous sights and museums at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, especially for couples. You can also take a day trip to nearby mountain towns if you're looking to explore further around the area.

How to spend a day in Gatlinburg

Don't miss the Gatlinburg Strip during your trip to Gatlinburg, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. 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.

Gatlinburg is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. 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.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Gatlinburg?

A weekend is more than enough time to see pretty much everything in Gatlinburg, including the town and mountains. You'll be able to move at your own pace, relax at your hotel or nearby restaurants and parks. You could also use Gatlinburg as a base for exploring the surrounding mountain areas. Take the extra time to enjoy an evening out, get out into nature, ski down the slopes, and spend time at the museums over multiple days. Also, explore some of the smaller nearby mountain towns on day trips.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

How to spend 2 days in Gatlinburg

If you have more than a weekend (two to three days) in Gatlinburg, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.

Known for it's hiking, Gatlinburg sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. 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.

A few tour suggestions include:

Hidden Cascade Hiking Tour in Great Smoky Mountains from Gatlinburg ($83)
Thundering Streams and Falls of the Smokies Guided Hiking Tour ($76)

The public transit in Gatlinburg is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Gatlinburg, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.