Gatlinburg Welcome Center
by Stephen-KarenConn
The Gatlinburg Welcome Center is unique in that it is operated jointly by both the city of Gatlinburg and the National Park Service. In different areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are three Visitor Centers, and Gatlinburg also has a seperate Visitor Center, the first building on the right just inside the city limits. But this one is a joint venture. It is along the Parkway (U.S. 441) just before reaching Gatlinburg from Pigeon Forge. Here in a single stop you can get information on all the touristy attractions and accomodations of Gatlinburg, AND official Great Smoky Mountain National Park information. There is also a nice gift and book shop.
A Gatlinburg Trolly Station stands beside the Welcome Center. Here one can park for free and catch a trolly into either Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or the Smokies, thereby avoiding driving in the heavy traffic, and the need to find scarce parking space.
Unlimited Putt-Putt!!!!
by vhasouth
When you are in Gatlinburg, if you look behind Reagan Terrace on the hill you will see what looks like a fort. It is called Fort Fun. Up on that hill there are 2 putt-putt golf courses. Both are lots of fun to play.
Go into the arcade at the entrance to the courses and tell them you want to purchase the unlimited golf package. For $12.95 for each person in your group you will have unlimited access to the two courses during your stay in Gatlinburg.
Great Ribs
by 807Wheaton about Big Wallys
Big Wallys offers ribs on Thursday or Friday nights. Their food is local food. It's served by friendly folks and it's served well! It is open most of the week for lunch and dinner. It has a comfortable setting with clean bright decor. Their place is very family friendly. The RIBS!
Log Cabin Pancake House
by palmas57 about Log Cabin Pancake House
It is nice in the winter time to get out in the cold and go to the Log Cabin Pancake House and sit by the warm fire while you enjoy your breakfast. At Log Cabin Pancake House they have all different kind of pancakes. I like the ones that have fried bananas and coconut on top sprinkled with powered sugar. Pour warm syrup on top and enjoy. They also have great thick bacon.
Smoky Mountains National Park
by KaiM
The following paragraph from the National Park Service's website describes the Smoky Mountains National Park very well:
"Ridge upon ridge of endless forest straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the Eastern United States. World renowned for the diversity of its plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, and the depth and integrity of its wilderness sanctuary, the park attracts over nine million visitors each year. Once a part of the Cherokee homeland, the Smokies today are a hiker's paradise with over 800 miles of trails. "
Some additional information: There is no entry fee for the national park. But you have to pay about $12 if you are going to camp in the park. Because of its elevation roads leading through the park might be closed during wintertime. By the way: the park got its name from the clouds that are usually hanging between the mountains. When I was there it was one of those cloudy days and I immediately understood why the park is named like that.
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