There are so many towns in the Smoky Mountains you need to visit! From a small town feel to a pretty good-sized city, you have plenty of cool places you’ll want to check out. We want to tell you about the towns and some fun things you can do in them! Here are the top 4 towns in the Smoky Mountains you should visit:
1. Gatlinburg
You can’t visit the Smokies without visiting Gatlinburg! You can drive through downtown to get into the national park. Gatlinburg is considered a small town with only 4,000 permanent residents, but the city brings in millions of visitors every year. There are so many attractions you probably know about in Gatlinburg you have to check out, including Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies , Anakeesta , and Gatlinburg SkyLift Park . You’ll also find Tennessee’s first pancake house, the Pancake Pantry , in downtown Gatlinburg. There are a ton of restaurants you’ll want to check out, from fine dining to quick places where you can grab a snack. You’ll also find cool places to shop. If you love the Appalachian history and culture, you have to go through the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community . This 8-mile loop is full of shops where you can watch people make arts and crafts and purchase them.
2. Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge is one of the towns in the Smoky Mountains you need to experience when you’re in the area. This city is a little larger than Gatlinburg. One of the most iconic places in this city is the Old Mill Square . The grist mill is still operational and is used every day to make flour and cornmeal for the restaurants on site. The mill actually provided electricity to Pigeon Forge for a few years! Another popular place to visit in Pigeon Forge is The Island . You can look through over 40 shops, ride a ton of rides, grab some delicious food, and so much more. Of course, we can’t talk about fun things to do in Pigeon Forge without mentioning Dollywood ! This popular theme park is one of the most visited attractions in Tennessee and somewhere you have to go when you’re in the area!
3. Sevierville
Sevierville is right outside of Pigeon Forge and another city you have to check out when you stay with us. A popular sight people love to see is Dolly Parton’s statue right outside the courthouse in downtown Sevierville. You’ll also find quite a few places to shop, as well as some amazing hole-in-the-wall restaurants you’ll want to check out. If you want to do something a little unique, you should visit Forbidden Caverns, which is an underground cave with a lake. It’s a place where Native Americans spent some time, as well as moonshiners during prohibition.
4. Townsend
A small mountain town you’ll want to experience in the Smokies is Townsend. There’s an alternate entrance to the national park in Townsend, and it puts you closer to Cades Cove and Newfound Gap Road . There’s an underground cave called Tuckaleechee Caverns where you can explore. If it’s a hot summer day and you want to cool off, go tubing on the river at River Rat ! You’ll also find plenty of little shops where you can stop and explore.
These are just a few of the towns in the Smoky Mountains you should check out. Ready to plan your next trip? Look through our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals and book one today for your next vacation!
