Travel Tips For The Tennessee Smokies

1.) In The Summer (traffic), (high temperatures).

2.) In the Spring (wildlife returning) (surprise snow or other storms)

3.) In The Winter (dead season) (cold temperatures) (snow)

4.) In The Fall (high traffic) (autumn colors) (reserving ahead of time)

5.) Watch out for wildlife; bears, deer, critters, etc.

6.) Gas prices are generally more expensive in Gatlinburg and least expensive in Sevierville.

7.) Areas with Sevierville addresses can be confusing as areas that are not strictly considered Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Seymour or Kodak are legally considered Sevierville and the lines for when it becomes where is not always clear.

8.) When are the Rod Runs?

9.) There are multiple entrances to the National Park and road closures affecting National Park headquarters could be going on for many reasons. Check nps.gov for the latest information on road status.

10.) Traffic 8 months of the year can be congested on the main roads in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg specifically, as well as Chapman Highway from Knoxville to Sevierville and Highway 66 from Kodak to Sevierville from time to time. Look up and familiarize yourself with these backroads that can help reduce traffic time or at least keep you moving instead of being stuck in one place:

11.) Parking passes for the National Park have been required since 2023, so vacation plans for hiking or sight-seeing in the National Park boundaries will need to account for that.

12.) Bring sunscreen, as you may get sunburnt in every season except Winter.

13.) If you are staying on a river or creek, bring life vests for kiddos and use them. The water can be deeper than it appears and can run swiftly. Do not enter any waters after a rainstorm or if it appears high.

14.) Try to arrive before dark. Many remote properties are, by nature, secluded and difficult to spot after sunset.

15.)  If you are staying in Cosby, you do NOT have to drive to Gatlinburg to enter the National Park. The Cosby entrance is within just a few minutes.  It is beautiful – take advantage of it!.

16.) If you are going to visit the National Park, a parking permit is now required.  You will save yourself time and headache by purchasing it NOW, taking it with you, and putting it on your dash.  You can buy it online at this link:  Great Smoky Mountains National Park Parking Tag Pass in Tennessee – Recreation.gov

17.)  If you are planning to FISH in the National Park, a fishing license is required.  A North Carolina license works throughout the Park, and is considerably less expensive than a Tennessee license.  You will want to buy the “10 day inland fishing license” at this link: Fishing Licenses – North Carolina Fishing | eRegulations

18.)  No need to bring toilet paper, paper towels, or bed linens; all are provided.

19.)  Bring sunscreen, bug spray, and hats.

20.)  If you are staying on a river or creek, bring life vests for kiddos and use them.  The water can be deeper than it appears and can run swiftly. Do not enter any waters after a rainstorm or if it appears high.

21.)  You may encounter a bear at your property.  Do not feed bears whatsoever, and keep your distance. If one approaches the house/porch, go inside. They are large, strong wild animals and can be very unpredictable.

22.)  The top eateries in Gatlinburg are as follows:

• Steaks/Seafood:  The Alamo
• Italian:  Best Italian
• Breakfast:  Pancake Pantry (But arrive before 8:30 am to avoid long lines)
• Mexican:  No Way Jose’s (Park in the parking garage directly behind the Aquarium for $10)

23.)  The best attractions are as follows:

• Families with small children:  Dollywood, Ober Mountain, Anakeesta, Ripley’s Aquarium.
• Adults and teens:  Dollywood, Ober Mountain, Anakeests There are several mountain coasters in the area, all of them good from what we have heard.
• Snow skiing:  From December through February, skiing can be quite respectable on Ober Mountain.  Skiing at Maggie Valley, NC is a better overall experience though, and is about one hour away, depending on which cabin you are staying at. It is a beautiful drive, too.

We have also enjoyed helicopter rides, horseback riding, and many shows that are primarily in the Pigeon Forge and Sevierville area.  The Titanic museum is good.