Please Do NOT Do These 10 Things When Walking the Parkway in Gatlinburg

This is going to cause a little controversy with some of you, but hopefully I can convince the minority to respect these things that—whether you realize it or not—not only annoy fellow tourists, but also the locals. I get it. You’re on vacation, and you want to enjoy yourselves, but that doesn’t give you the right to infringe on someone else’s. Treat others the way you’d like to be treated. “Do unto others…”you’ve heard the oft used phrase. A few of these you may find a little petty; however, it can be a big deal to some people. I have seen it, so be wary. Well, let’s “walk” into the details.

Wide Walking

There’s only so much sidewalk space, and when you have a group of people, keep in mind this unwritten guide. Four people walking side by side is too many, especially when foot traffic increases. It causes problems for people walking behind and coming in the opposite direction. Be considerate and keep your group at a max of three wide.

Eat Walking

I know you want to sink your teeth into that indulgent desire you’ve waited an entire year to consume, but please find a place to sit. Yes, the Parkway could probably use some more benches lining the sidewalk, but there are places to stop, or maybe even standing by a building out of the way of others. You’re inviting wasting your treat by an unwelcome, accidental bump that’ll spill it on the ground for people to have to walk around. If you do, at least make an effort to pick it up or wipe it away.

Ignoring Crosswalks

Those are the brick paths that cross the road. This actually works both ways. People have been hit by cars that don’t realize or don’t care there are crosswalks in the road. As a pedestrian, please use them, and don’t cross the road in a random place on the Parkway. It’s simply too dangerous with the amount of traffic in town.

Assume You’re Fine When Crossing the Street

This is an extension of the last warning. Just because you’re following the rules, doesn’t mean you’re safe. Wait before crossing, and proceed with caution, watching vehicles in both directions when in the road. That’s why the mention the people driving. It’s a two way street. By doing your part, you can avoid a disaster you don’t want to mar your vacation.

Spit Walking

This may be fine where you live, but I’m guessing most of you don’t live in a place that rivals the amount of people you’re walking with in Gatlinburg. I’m not going to be a prude and call spitting gross—hey, it’s sometimes necessary—but be cognizant of the fact there’s people walking around you and stepping in your path. You’re throwing caution to the wind, literally on a breezy day. That could cause a caustic confrontation. You don’t want that.

Smoke Walking

I know there are fewer and fewer places where smokers can light one up, but I’m sorry, smoking when walking the Parkway isn’t necessarily the place for it. Many people have a very low tolerance for it, and while I inhaled a lot of bowling alley smoke as a kid without a single cough, I don’t want to breath in any more as a middle-aged adult. Try to find a more solitary place (I know it’s tough in Gatlinburg). At the very least, sit down and respect the “cleaner” air others are trying to breathe.

Stopping and Talking

This goes more toward groups and bigger families who stop in the middle of the sidewalk to chit chat. I understand if you want to talk about where to go for dinner, but step off to the side and discuss your plans. I’ve seen this in front of Fannie Farkle’s, which is probably the narrowest point on the main drag. It’s just a rude way of saying you matter and no one else does.

Intentionally Dropping Trash

I really wonder what your home looks like if you don’t care about where you throw your trash. This is prevalent on hiking trails as well. There are plenty of receptacles on the Parkway for your waste. Yes, there’s also cans that don’t follow proper bear-proof regulations, but that’s another issue for another day. I think most people who love Gatlinburg care enough to do the right thing in this instance. We’d like to keep this place beautiful.

Cause a Commotion

This can involve many different things, but as a rule in general, keep your business private so that you don’t involve others. Thousands of people are trying to enjoy their vacation, and if you’re not, keep it to yourself and don’t cause a ruckus of any sort on the Parkway. I could get into a rant on the vehicle aspect of this, but I’ll say this is another case of both sides-ism. No one thinks you’re cool when you get loud with anything, especially here. End of story.

Careless Movements

Specifically, I’m talking about people who are looking up and down when walking, random arm extending, backing up without looking around, sudden stops, and so on. Your going to run into someone and cause a commotion with a stranger (Remember the last one). I’ve seen it and been involved in situations like this. Some of it is a little unavoidable and totally accidental, but keep in mind you never know who’s walking behind or coming up beside you.

I know I’ve probably lost some of you, but I’m trying to emphasize appropriate and empathetic behavior when you’re trying to have a wonderful time in Gatlinburg. I hope you can understand where I am coming from, and I hope I didn’t offend too many of you.

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