Getting Around in Gatlinburg Without Driving
Do you want to continue driving after you’ve just completed your six, or maybe sixteen hour drive to the Smoky Mountains? Do you also know you don’t have to pay $20 for parking? People from all areas of this great country travel to the mountains of East Tennessee without full knowledge of how to avoid the unnecessary stress of bonus driving in traffic once they’ve finally reached the promised land. It is anxiety you don’t need to start your vacation with. I’m going to do one better and give you a few other ideas of getting around Gatlinburg without operating a vehicle yourself.
Gatlinburg Trolley
This is a great way to get around in town. The routes are all color coded, and each takes you on a specific route in Gatlinburg, The best part? They’re all free! There is also one that runs the Arts and Crafts Community, and one that takes you to Pigeon Forge; however, due to tunnel work on the spur, this route is currently not available. Slated completion is expected in June. The main hub is conveniently located next to the Ripley’s Aquarium, but there are over 100 trolley stops located throughout Gatlinburg, so check out the website link at the end of this section.
The Welcome Center off the spur before you enter Gatlinburg is another great spot to park and ride; in fact, that’s what it’s called, The Park-N-Ride lot. That way you can avoid the elevated prices to park in most lots in town.
I was skeptical at first, but it is a welcome mode of transport when the legs and feet feel fatigued from all the walking, and you don’t want to fork out more money you could’ve better spent elsewhere. For maps and additional information, visit www.gatlinburgtrolley.org.
Gatlinburg Trail
The avid hiker may shrug his shoulders at this trail, but you can’t ask for a better beginner trail for the novice. It is just a two mile trail that begins off River Road in town, and can be easily missed since it’s off the Parkway, but it takes you all the way to Sugarlands Visitors Center, two miles inside the National Park.
On the way there, you will cross a bridge, view some lovely scenery, and also a little cemetery with some well-known names whose contributions were vital to the growth of this area. It’s impossible to ignore the hardships they faced when you see the ages engraved on the stones as well. The Gatlinburg Trail is perfectly wheelchair accessible, and one of two dog-friendly trails in Smokies. Highly recommended and still a peaceful walk, despite the Newfound Gap highway being nearby. The river drowns out the vehicle noise quite nicely at different spots.
Ober Mountain Tram
This method of transport is located on the Parkway and takes you up to the Ober Mountain ski resort. Available year-round, you can board a cable car from the Tramway Mall downtown, and it will take you on a 2.1 mile ride high above the city for some spectacular views. Warning: The tram can hold dozens passengers (seems a bit more than you think it could), but if you are a bit claustrophobic, this may not be your thing, because at times, people can be packed in like sardines. But still, this is a viable and uniquely cool way to head up to Ober Mountain instead of…wait for it…the price of parking your car in their lot.
The Skylift and Anakeesta
The only entry on this list I haven’t experienced is The Skylift. Better known as the reconstructed, classic chairlift enjoyed by generations of folks. It also rose from the ashes of the disastrous and tragic fire of 2016 to now welcome visitors to The Skybridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the United States. In the future, I hope to visit and give you an honest review. But for now, it is simply a recommendation to relax by not getting in your vehicle.
Anakeesta I know quite a bit about. Here, you can ride two different lifts to the top of the mountain: the chondola (an enclosed lift combining chairlift and gondola) and the standard open-air chairlift. Also available for those who don’t feel comfort in dangling their legs well above ground are the Ridge Ramblers. These are trucks with ample seating that will take the paved route up Anakeesta mountain. There are no parking options up here, so you have no choice but to have someone else do the driving…or operating.
Obviously, walking is the greatest appeal to many who love Gatlinburg. Simply strolling the Parkway and side streets, morning, afternoon, and evening itself can be a stress relief. Don’t let the barrage of visitors fray your nerves. You’re taking up space too, so take it in stride. After all, everybody’s here to have a good time!
Thank you all for reading my latest article. I’m happy to be able to give you some new writings this weekend. Life lately has been a bit more hectic than usual, so I apologize if it seems like I’m doing a little rehashing. Hopefully things will settle down enough to allow me to churn out exclusive content. I appreciate you for sticking with me!