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Where to Park in Gatlinburg: Tips from Locals

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With our setting at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is a great place to live. With our quaint downtown, tons of attractions, and natural scenery, it’s no wonder so many travelers come to visit us.

But with popularity come challenges, one of the most biggest being parking.  During peak tourist seasons it can be a challenge to find a parking spot in downtown Gatlinburg.

Parking Challenges During Peak Tourist Season

Gatlinburg experiences its peak tourist seasons during summer, fall foliage, and the winter holidays. During these times, the number of visitors can make finding convenient parking a chore.

One of the main challenges is the limited availability of free or inexpensive parking. On-street parking is scarce and limited to short durations. Many of the small, privately-owned parking lots fill up quickly, which means visitors have few options other than picking more expensive parking garages or lots.

Geography is part of the problem.  Gatlinburg is built along a narrow valley, which means space is at a premium. As a result, planning ahead and knowing where to park becomes crucial.

Parking in Gatlinburg

Parking Prices

Parking prices in Gatlinburg vary widely depending on the location, proximity to popular attractions, and time of year. During peak seasons, expect to pay premium rates, especially for spots closer to the downtown area. Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect:

  • On-Street Parking: Rates typically range from $1 to $2 per hour. However, these spots are limited and often have a maximum time limit of 2-4 hours.
  • Public Parking Lots and Garages: Prices range from $5 to $20 per day. The closer the facility is to main attractions, the higher the rate.
  • Private Parking Lots: These can be the most expensive, especially those operated by businesses or hotels, with rates ranging from $10 to $30 per day.

List of Parking Lots, Garages, and Other Parking Areas

To make your visit more convenient, here’s a list of some of the main parking options in Gatlinburg, including addresses, number of spots, and prices where available:

  1. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Garage
    • Address: 88 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
    • Number of Spots: Approximately 550
    • Price: $10 per day
    • Conveniently located near major attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium and downtown shopping areas.
  2. Ober Gatlinburg Parking Garage
    • Address: 1001 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
    • Number of Spots: 750
    • Price: $8-$10 per day
    • Provides easy access to the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway.
  3. Reagan Drive Parking Lot
    • Address: 830 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
    • Number of Spots: 250
    • Price: $8 per day
    • Located close to the Gatlinburg Convention Center and various dining options.
  4. Gatlinburg Convention Center Parking Garage
    • Address: 234 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
    • Number of Spots: 300
    • Price: $10 per day
    • Ideal for those attending events at the convention center.
  5. Calhoun’s Village Parking
    • Address: 1004 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
    • Number of Spots: 150
    • Price: $10 per day
    • A great option if you plan to dine or shop at Calhoun’s Village.
  6. Bearskin Parking Garage
    • Address: 125 Cherokee Orchard Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
    • Number of Spots: 300
    • Price: $12 per day
    • Offers proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance.
  7. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Parking Lot
    • Address: 900 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
    • Number of Spots: 100
    • Price: $10 per day
    • Convenient for dining at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and exploring nearby shops.
  8. McMahan Parking Garage
    • Address: 600 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
    • Number of Spots: 400
    • Price: $8-$10 per day
    • Centrally located, providing easy access to many of Gatlinburg’s attractions.

Tips for Parking in Gatlinburg

  1. Arrive Early: To secure a spot, especially during peak seasons, aim to arrive early in the morning.
  2. Consider Alternative Transportation: Utilize the Gatlinburg Trolley, which offers a convenient and affordable way to get around town without the hassle of parking.
  3. Check for Real-Time Parking Information: Some parking facilities offer real-time availability updates online or via mobile apps.
  4. Plan Ahead: Research parking options and have a backup plan in case your first choice is full.

Navigating parking in Gatlinburg can be challenging, but with a little planning and knowledge, you can make your visit more enjoyable. By considering the various parking options and prices, and being aware of peak season challenges, you’ll be better prepared to explore all that this charming town has to offer.

What To Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in July 2024

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The 4th of July holiday is the big attraction this month, with lots of celebrations in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and nearby towns.  There’s so much to do, many holiday events even start on July 3rd!  

There’s also plenty to do all month long. From patriotic celebrations to unique festivals, here’s a roundup of special events that will captivate tourists. 

Gatlinburg's midnight 4th of July parade

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Back Roads and Shortcuts in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

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Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge get a lot of traffic, especially during the summer peak season.  Roads through Great Smoky Mountains National Park can be crowded.  Likewise, traffic along the Parkway in Pigeon Forge can be bumper-to-bumper on buys weekends.

That’s why it can be useful to know some of the alternative roads to take if the main routes are jammed.

We’re locals, so we know our way around and have developed some tricks to avoid clogged rounds during the busy season.

Here are some of our favorite shortcuts.

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What’s Happening in June in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

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The arrival of June brings a world of excitement to the Smoky Mountains, particularly the twin towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a music lover, or searching for family fun, June is packed with something for everyone. Here’s a glimpse of what’s going on this June 2024.

Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge (May 20 – June 1)

Pontiac aficionados won’t want to miss Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge, an event that brings together over 400 Pontiacs, from classic models to the latest editions. The event includes a car show, a swap meet, and a cruise through the scenic streets of Pigeon Forge. Held at the LeConte Center from May 29 to June 1, 2024, it’s a unique gathering for anyone with a passion for these iconic cars and a perfect opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts.
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What’s Happening in April in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

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April in the Smoky Mountains around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge is the month of wildflowers in the millions, all the venues are open, people are arriving for fun, and everything starts popping.

Wildflowers are a big thing here in the Smokies, with literally millions of brightly colored wildflowers springing up all over during April. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is normally so filled with trees and covered with canopy that the forest floor doesn’t see a lot of sun, but in springtime, before the canopy has fully leafed out, the wildflowers get their chance in the sun, for a short window of time.

We see flowers blooming everywhere inside and outside of the park during April, but we see it best each year with the expert guides of the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage taking us on selected tours to the best places and the most stunning sights of these millions of exotic flowers. Registration opened in March, and the magic dates this year are May 1-4, 2024.

The snow melt brings water to the forest floor (the “understory“) for all those wildflowers to wake up, and the waters of Great Smoky Mountains National Park are generally rushing and giving us good waterfalls, and river adventures – and the fishing is good. Music is in the air as special events happen, and the sound of hot rods mingles in too.

April is also the time when the national park announces the viewing dates for the annual synchronous fireflies in June, and the Lottery dates for the limited parking available.

One image courtesy of GSMNP

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Immersive Theaters in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

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We’ve had virtual reality for some time, but immersive theaters are fairly new – this is where the screen image moves and so do you, in your moving seat. Immersive technology continues to grow, so this roundup of all the immersive experiences available in the area will expand over time. It’s a moving target – rather like most of the sights and sounds in the immersive attractions.

Here’s a brief roundup of the immersive theaters in the area.

Image courtesy of Ripley’s 5D Adventure

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Homeschooling Activities in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

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The Smoky Mountains area of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer a feast of wonders for homeschooling parents who want to pack a semester’s worth of learning into so much fun that kids will value their education forever. Even better is that many of the attractions also offer homeschool rates.

From the natural wonders of Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the museums and attractions of the towns, a trip to Gatlinburg packs in more opportunity for adventure and learning than anyone can take in just in the one trip. That’s why so many people make it a favorite for the kids (and parents) to return to often.

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We are the one of largest cabin rental agencies in the Smoky Mountains and have been recognized by Southern Living as the Best Family Resort in the Smokies.  We manage over 340 cabins in the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville Tennessee areas. Visit us today and get over $700 of free attraction tickets with your cabin rental.