Population:                  3,382

Elevation:                    1289 feet above sea level

Land Area:                   10.1 square miles

Location:                     Bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in eastern Tennessee, the town is located on U.S. Highway 321, just 7 miles south of Pigeon Forge       

Time Zone:                  Gatlinburg is located in the Eastern Time zone (when it’s noon in Gatlinburg, it’s 11am in Chicago and 9am in Los Angeles   

Weather:

Climate:

Local Seasons:

With its beautiful weather as well as a host of attractions, the summer is by far the busiest time of year in Gatlinburg.  With temperatures averaging near 70 F and highs near 80 F, a lovely mountain setting, virtually all attractions open for visitors, and cool, comfortable nights perfect for a warm fire; visitors from around the world come to the area, many with children in tow.  Fall isn’t far behind, primarily due to the magnificent change of seasons in the mountains, offering a picture perfect fall setting as well as many unique local events taking place in and around the town.  Winter offers just the right amount of snow and skiing is available.  The temperatures can reach near 50 F, making the midday time perfect for strolling through the area and stopping for a casual lunch at one of the many restaurants in town.  For value, the spring is less crowded and still offers all of the beautiful scenery and attractions. 

How to Get There:

By Car

Traffic in the Smokies can get heavy especially along Highway 66 during peak travel seasons (July and October are the highest travel months). Visitors can take one of these less-traveled and scenic routes to Gatlinburg and be on their way to the perfect mountain getaway.

From Virginia: Take I-81 South to I -40 East to Exit 435 (Newport) and follow Hwy 321 South all the way into Gatlinburg. Approximate drive time from interstate: 45 minutes

From Knoxville: Take I-75 North and follow Highway 321 to I-40 East to Exit 435 and follow Highway 321 South. Approximate drive time from interstate: 45 minutes.

From Chattanooga: Take Exit 81 on I-75 North and follow Highway 321 North to Gatlinburg through Maryville and Townsend. Approximate driving time from interstate: 1 hour 10 minutes.

From Nashville: Take I-75 South to Exit 81 and follow Highway 321 North through Maryville and Townsend to Gatlinburg. Approximate driving time from interstate: 1 hour 10 minutes.

From Asheville: Take I-40 West to Exit 440 and follow Highway 321 South to Gatlinburg. Approximate drive time from interstate: 45 minutes.

From Atlanta: Take I-85 North to I-985 North to US 23. Take US 23 to Highway 23/441 to Highway 74/441 through Cherokee, North Carolina to Gatlinburg. Approximate driving time: 4 hours 10 minutes.

By Air:

Knoxville – McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)

2055 Alcoa Highway

Alcoa, TN 37701

865-342-3000

The airport is located approximate 55 miles north of Gatlinburg.  It is served by many of the national airlines as well as certain regional carriers.

Ground Transportation:

Most of the major car rental companies are available at the airport. 

Getting Around:

Due to the many activities and attractions available, the best way to get around the area is by either personal or rental car. 

Gatlinburg also provides Trolley service in and around the area. It is a good alternative for getting around Gatlinburg during the peak vacations times when Gatlinburg receives a large number of visitors.

National Holidays:

New Year’s Day, January 1

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the third Monday in January

President’ Day, the third Monday in February

Memorial Day, the last Monday in May

Independence Day, July 4

Labor Day, the first Monday in September

Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24 and 25

New Year’s Eve, December 31