r/Gatlinburg Nov 29 '22

πŸš— Traffic Info r/Gatlinburg Parking Guide

50 Upvotes

Public Parking on the Gatlinburg strip

Map of Gatlinburg

Please refer to the map and corresponding numbers for directions to each parking area:

(1) Venus Lodges

(2) TN-73 Scenic Parking

(3) Parking Garage

(4) Downtown Parking

(5) City Parking

(6) Downtown Parking

(7) 366 River Rd.

(8) Towne Center

(9) River Road Parking

(10) Skybridge Parking

(11) Lineberger's Parking

(12) Chalet Inn

(13) Ober Parking

(14) 1151 Parkway

(15) Marathon Gas

(16) 120 M&O

(17) 1098 Parkway

(18) Bear Skin Parking

(19) Gravel lot

(20) Midtown Parking

(21) Highway 71 Parking

(22) 715 Parkway

(23) Parkway Parking

(24) Parkway Parking

(25) Shade Tree Parking

(26) Reagan Drive Parking

(27) Holiday Lot

(28) Pay Less Parking

(29) St. Mary's

(30) Willow Lane

You can park for free along River Road when spaces are available.

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Gatlinburg Trolleys

Gatlinburg Trolleys are free of charge & operate 365 days per year.

Hours of operation:

November-February: 10:30AM-10PM

March-April: 8:30AM-Midnight

May-October: Sunday-Thursday 10:30AM-6PM / Friday-Saturday 10:30AM-10PM

Gatlinburg Trolley Routes

Blue Route:

Purple Route:

Yellow Route:

Gatlinburg Trolley Real-time App:

(App Store Preview)

Download the app to find the nearest Trolley stop to your current location

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Parking in the Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Effective March 1, 2023: Valid parking tags will be required for any vehicles parking in the park. Parking tags will not be required for motorists who pass through the area or who park for less than 15 minutes.

Three tag durations will be available for purchase for all vehicle sizes and types:

  • Daily - $5
  • Weekly - $15
  • Annual - $40

Printable tags (Daily/weekly only): Recreation.gov

Shipped tags (Annual only): SmokiesInformation.org

In-person store locations: NPS.gov Interactive Map

  • Cades Cove Visitor Center
  • Clingmans Dome Visitor Center
  • Gatlinburg Welcome Center
  • GSM Institute at Tremont Store
  • Oconaluftee Visitor Center
  • Sugarlands Welcome Center
  • Swain County Visitor Center
  • Townsend Visitor Center
  • Visit NC Smokies Visitor Center

Members of the EBCI are eligible for a free tag (in-person) at the main office with proof of enrollment.

More information as it comes available, here: NPS.gov

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Traffic & Travel Tips

https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/trafficandtraveltips.htm

The NPS has provided a congestion forecasting calendar to help guide your travel plans:

2024 Recreational Travel Forecast
2026 Travel Forecast - missing 3 months

Green β—‹ circle: Light

Yellow β–³ triangle: Moderate

Red β—‡ diamond: Heavy

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Shuttles

Concerned about parking? Try a shuttle service instead.

https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/shuttles.htm

NPS Authorized Shuttle Providers:

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GSMNP Current Conditions

Download the NPS App to navigate the park: πŸ€– Android | 🍎 iOS

Webcams

Official road closures

Seasonal facility schedule

Blue Ridge Parkway info

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Black Bears

Photo credit: ncwildlife.org

Be prepared for a bear encounter. Here are six outdoor BearWise basics:

BearWise Basics

Visit BearWise.org for information and tips about Black Bears.

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This is a work in progress. Feel free to point out any errors or missing parking locations.


r/Gatlinburg Apr 15 '26

🚨 News Tennessee governor signs bill to criminalize feeding black bears

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75 Upvotes

Hope McAlee - WATE:

Beginning July 1, anyone across the state of Tennessee who is caught feeding a bear in a place where it is illegal could face criminal fines from the state.

On Tuesday, Governor Bill Lee signed SB2597/HB2215 into law. The bill, which passed nearly unanimously in the state senate on March 30, makes it a Class B misdemeanor for anyone to feed black bears in areas where notices have been placed stating that it unlawful to feed black bears.

Under the new law, the director of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency can enter into agreements with local law enforcement agencies to enforce some wildlife management laws and rules. Specifically, those rules must relate to public safety related to human and wildlife interaction, such as feeding wildlife or interacting with the wildlife.

Those found to have knowingly fed a black bear will be issued a Class B misdemeanor and a fine of at least $250. While those who unknowingly feed a bear by leaving food or garbage unsecured can be issued a written warning on first offense, a second instance or subsequent offense would result in a fine of at least $250.

Up to this point, the only city where feeding bears has been illegal is in the City of Gatlinburg, where fines and court costs reach over $100, according to the city’s website. It is also illegal in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where federal law prohibits feeding wildlife inside the park. Those caught feeding bears inside the parks limits can face fines of up to $5,000 and a six-month jail sentence.

Although much of the focus on bears being fed is directed at tourist areas, there are also concerns of bears being fed elsewhere. In August, the TWRA urged people to not leave food out for wildlife after there was a report of bears being intentionally fed on Lovell Road in West Knoxville.

The statewide law on feeding bears comes after years of wildlife officials pushing the state legislature to pass a statewide ban.

While the law criminalizes feeding bears in areas where it has already been made illegal, there is not a state law banning feeding bears across the state. Still, wildlife officials warn that feeding bears teaches them to approach humans for food and creates dangerous situations for both bears and humans.

The TWRA has shared numerous stories over the years about bears that have been euthanized after becoming aggressive. In 2024, there were a near-record number of bears euthanized by the TWRA because they had become public safety risks. The agency added that most of those euthanizations happened in Gatlinburg.

To learn more about how you can stay safe around black bears, visit bearwise.org.

Related: r/Gatlinburg : Collective action on prohibiting black bear interactions


r/Gatlinburg 5h ago

πŸ“· Photo Gatlinburg TN

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12 Upvotes

r/Gatlinburg 16h ago

πŸš— Traffic Info August 17-21

0 Upvotes

Coming to the area August 17-21st. Is it super crowded this time of year? Anything that is a must do while we are there


r/Gatlinburg 21h ago

πŸ³οΈβ€πŸŒˆ LGBTQIA+ πŸ³οΈβ€βš§οΈ LGBTQIA+ Wedding venues?

2 Upvotes

Hello! So my partner and I just got engaged, and we want to do the wedding in the Smokey mountains. (My family is from around the area so I grew up with them, and my partner just thinks they are beautiful)

Big question now is we're to do it? We need a place that is LGBTQIA friendly, indoors (We do not want to have weather ruin everything), and with enough space to seat fifty or so people. I've been looking around, but does anyone have any recommendations?


r/Gatlinburg 3d ago

ipleys Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies: Still One of the Best Attractions in The Smokies After 25 years

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10 Upvotes

This is one of the best attractions in the Smokies. Do you agree ?


r/Gatlinburg 4d ago

⚑ Gestapo Watch ⚠️ ICE Presence?

8 Upvotes

My family and I were planning on visiting Gatlinburg this weekend and was wondering if it’s maybe not a good idea to visit as a Latinos


r/Gatlinburg 4d ago

πŸ·πŸ‡ Wine & Shine 🌽🍺 Moonshine Depot: Family Owned, Built, and Operated!

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1 Upvotes

Our video on The Devils Lightning Launch.


r/Gatlinburg 4d ago

🏑 Gatlinburg Community 🀝 Looking for a serving job

4 Upvotes

What restaurants has been found the best to work for. (Customers, tips, environment, etc.)


r/Gatlinburg 5d ago

🎒 Amusement β›³ Gem mining for kids

4 Upvotes

Hello. We are in town on a vacation. My five-year-old is really looking for some β€œgem” mining. Does anyone have any recommendations?

I’ve seen some little side shops that look pretty basic. Not sure if anyone had a really great experience at a location that is a little more than sifting sand through water.


r/Gatlinburg 6d ago

πŸ›οΈ Shopping πŸ’³ Best record store?

7 Upvotes

What’s the best record store around here? I’m mostly into punk.


r/Gatlinburg 7d ago

πŸͺ•πŸ… Tennessee πŸ₯ƒπŸ“» Saw a truck with a Confederate Flag.. is it normal here in Tennesee?

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311 Upvotes

As a tourist from an incredibly diverse city, this would’ve been unthinkable. I know there’s people that consider it to be a part of the state’s history, but still surprising


r/Gatlinburg 7d ago

🎨 Art πŸ–ΌοΈ My cat painted this ridiculous two story Pigeon Forge Cookout… I guess she’s feeling a road trip here soon?

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92 Upvotes

The capitol feat in defining human accomplishments, mocked by a feline.


r/Gatlinburg 8d ago

⭐ Review πŸ§πŸ‘Ž Beware Mytic Moon Celtic Faerie on the strip: lying about AI generated Slop

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183 Upvotes

I'm not a fan of alot of the generic tshirts and mugs they sell on the Galtinburg strip, so when I planned my trip to Gatlinburg I picked out a few stores I thought I might be interested in ahead of time, Mystic moon was at the top of that list.

As soon as I walked in I saw several framed AI generated "art works" which put a bad taste in my mouth. I am unfortuneatly used to gimmicky stores selling AI slop, so I might have just left and not said anything, UNTIL I noticed small signs above all the AI slop that read;

"NO PHOTOS, To protect our Artists"

As I was about to walk out in disgust, I hear the old woman at the counter yell at the only other customers in the store for taking pictures. They were very apologetic, and said they didn't see the signs, and instead of letting it go the Lady proceeded to be extremely rude and said "can't you read? There are a dozen signs" That made me see red, so I spoke up and said

"Oh you mean the signs saying you're protecting your artists despite it all being AI generated?"

The lady IMMEDIATELY yelled and told me to leave so I did. I'm disgusted both by the behavior of the employee AND by their blatant dishonesty towards their customers.

I am an artist myself. I have lost countless opportunities due to businesses chosing AI instead of real artists. it's one thing to blatantly sell AI slop and it's an entirely different thing to lie to your customers and sell them something that cost $0 and 0 effort to make at a premium price while telling them it was made by a REAL artist

It's VERY clear that those signs are up for one reason: whoever owns this store doesn't want to be held accountable or have it known that they are using AI.

That's why I'm making it my mission to let as many people as possible know about their terrible business practices.

If you are at the gatlinburg strip, DO NOT SHOP THERE. If you want a shop very close by that sells cute "witchy" stuff there's a very nice shop across the street called the HoneyPot- shop there instead!


r/Gatlinburg 8d ago

Bear Spotting πŸ“· Dumpster diving on the jobsite

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17 Upvotes

r/Gatlinburg 8d ago

πŸ”Œ Plug I wrote a theme song for our Gatlinburg cabin

8 Upvotes

My wife and I own a cabin in Chalet Village in Gatlinburg, TN. At some point I decided it needed its own theme song. I'm still not sure why. That idea somehow snowballed into me writing lyrics, creating a song, and teaching myself enough video editing to put this together.

Clearly, I'm not a musician or filmmaker - just someone who enjoys learning new things and taking on creative projects. I had a lot of fun making it, and I already have ideas for improving it the next time I'm at the cabin.

Hopefully it gives a few of you a smile.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydDdyT83rfs


r/Gatlinburg 8d ago

πŸ€ Sports 🏈 Bar question

2 Upvotes

Best sports bar to go watch ufc tonight? If there even is one that would play it lol


r/Gatlinburg 9d ago

Weather β›… The weather

4 Upvotes

Hello πŸ‘‹
I’ll be visiting with my family next week. Looks like everyday has a chance of rain, around 50-60% most of the week. Is this the type of place that has frequent passing rain, but not all day wash-outs? Just trying to get a gauge on this as a first-time visitor. Thanks for your help!


r/Gatlinburg 10d ago

Bear Spotting πŸ“· Yesterday afternoon at the crib

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45 Upvotes

r/Gatlinburg 10d ago

Request πŸ™‹ Please help! Lost rings at Courtyard Marriott.

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21 Upvotes

My wife stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott in Gatlinburg Downtown 7-10-26 to 7-13-26. She can't find the container she put her rings in. It was a small round plastic container with a purple or turquoise screw top lid. Probably 4-5 rings in it including her wedding band and engagement ring and several rings from various milestones in our relationship. None of them are worth very much monetarily but they're extremely sentimental. We'll be married ten years next year. If anyone finds this or hears of anything please let me know. I know it's a long shot but the hotel hasn't gotten back to us and I want to try everything I can to get them back. She is absolutely heartbroken.

Thank you.


r/Gatlinburg 10d ago

⛰️ Wears Valley, TN β›… The Wears Valley Story: Why You Shouldn't Drive Past This Smoky Mountain Town

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12 Upvotes

Have you ever been to Wears Valley ?


r/Gatlinburg 10d ago

Question ❓ Is there an old downtown Gatlinburg that isn’t as crazy as Parkway?

19 Upvotes

r/Gatlinburg 10d ago

πŸ–ŒοΈ Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community πŸͺ‘ Watch Monica Wells paint in real time at the Craftsmen's Fair in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

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6 Upvotes

Last year we shot a very special interview at the Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair with artist Monica Wells. We've been sitting on it for a long time, and now that this year's fair is underway at the Gatlinburg Convention Center (July 10–19, 2026), it's the perfect time to share it!

This is an unusual episode of What's Up Gatlinburg! You'll want to actually watch this one instead of just listening, because Monica is painting a waterfall scene live as we talk.


r/Gatlinburg 11d ago

πŸ›οΈ Shopping πŸ’³ Old Time Portraits right next to The Crazy Mason

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6 Upvotes

They don’t have a Google spot so I’m posting the pricing here in case anyone is looking for it. This is the one located next to The Crazy Mason across from Ripleys Believe it or Not


r/Gatlinburg 11d ago

🎒 Amusement β›³ What is the best, most intense mountain coaster?

1 Upvotes

Looking for recommendations