Gatlinburg Cabins in Gatlinburg TN

When planning a vacation to Gatlinburg there are several things to consider. The biggest being the reservation of one of the many Gatlinburg cabins planted throughout the quaint city. There are literally thousands of cabins ranging in size, amenities, price and location.

The first thing to consider is the location of the cabins you are interested in booking. Gatlinburg offers numerous locations including cabins on the Little Pigeon River, cabins with great views, cabins withing walking distance of downtown, and cabins near certain attractions. The two most popular locations seem to be cabins with a great mountain view or cabins on the river. Both offer unique settings that make for picturesque moments.

Prices seem to vary greatly. The most important thing to consider about pricing is that the price reflects the amenities. Basically, the price is reasonable in comparison to the amenities offered. Don't be afraid to ask questions regarding the amenities. For instance, ask questions about the bed size, TV's, game tables, hot tubs, etc. Typically, you get what you pay for with cabins in Gatlinburg.

One thing to consider when vacationing in Gatlinburg TN is your group size. With my experience, vacation are more fun when you spend them in a large group. There are several large group cabins in Gatlinburg that can sleep close to 50 people. Just something to think about if you have a large group.

One of the most asked questions regarding amenities is about hot tubs. However, more and more, people are asking about cabins that have private pools.This is a plus because you can put a little more money into the cabin and have a very popular attraction located at the cabin.

Searching through the many Gatlinburg cabins can be a very difficult process. Just stay focused and keep in mind that the end result is worth the process.

Like most southern cities, Gatlinburg Tennessee has beautiful weather for most of the year. There are a few weeks throughout the year that can be uncomfortable, but these moments are few and far between. All seasons in Gatlinburg have unique qualities. For instance, a lot of travelers love the spring time because of the beautiful blue sky and the dark green leaves on the trees. Regardless of any uniqueness offered by a particular season, the best time to visit Gatlinburg is during the fall. Fall foliage in Gatlinburg is incredible and everyone needs to experience it at least once. With that said, July is the busiest month because of summer vacation.

For the most part, September starts the fall season in Gatlinburg TN. Although it is different every year, fall typically runs through the end of November. The first few weeks of fall is still shorts weather, but in early October long pants and shirts are a must. Fall foliage peaks during the middle of October.

During the winter months it is highly recommended for travelers to drive a vehicle with 4-wheel drive or tire chains. The higher elevation will ice over a few times a year and without a durable vehicle guests will not be able to reach their cabin. Most companies will not refund because of weather conditions. Once again, another good reason to purchase travel insurance.

Wildlife in Gatlinburg, Tennessee can be, well, wild! The Great Smoky Mountains are home to hundreds of thousands of animals, everything from the tiniest of salamanders to the biggest of black bears. While we'll refrain from saying that everything in the mountains is out to get you, there are some seemingly cuddly and harmless animals that you should keep your eye out for. With this information, you'll be knowledgeable, safe and ready to hit the mountains in no time!

1. The Black Bear - Weighing up to 300 pounds, there are more than 600 bears in the Smoky Mountain National Park. Over the years, bears have become less and less cautious of humans and their homes. Venturing closer and closer for food, it may seem like an innocent act to feed the black bear, but don't! Aside from being illegal, it shortens the bears life span and makes them more dangerous by reducing their fear of humans. See a cub? Leave it alone! There is usually a mama bear close by, and they are notorious for being territorial and aggressive.

2. Bobcats - Twice the size of the Mr. Whiskers, these cats can reach over three feet in length and weigh more than twenty pounds. Bobcats are nocturnal and usually keep to themselves, but if you see a bobcat on your mountain vacation, don't panic! Enjoy seeing one of these animals in the wild - they are usually harmless to humans. However, they are known to kill small deer and dogs, so you may want to keep Fido by your side!

3. Eastern Cougars - Speaking of Mr. Whiskers, these cougars are the only native mountain lion to the Smoky Mountains. Reaching over seven feet in length and weighing around 140 pounds, this is a cat you may not want to get friendly with. While officially declared extinct in the United States, several sightings of these massive cats are reported each year. But if you see one, stay back! While usually shy, the Eastern Cougar has killed 21 people in the past 118 years.

4. Snakes - Making some people's skin crawl with just the thought of them, these slithery, Smoky Mountain creatures can tote potent (but not lethal) venom. Northern Copperheads have bitten more people than any other venomous snake in the United States. Usually copper, orange, or pinkish in color and reaching up to 36 inches in length, these snakes are encountered below elevations of 3,000 feet. Timber Rattlers populate the elevations above 3,000 feet. Reaching 4.5 feet in length, these snakes usually have brown or black bands on a yellow, brown or gray background - but some Timber Rattlers can appear all black. Luckily, both of these snakes are usually non aggressive and will only strike if threatened. So watch where you step and keep your eyes peeled for these slithering creatures!

5. the wild boar - While not native to America, these animals have indeed taken residence all over the United States. Weighing between 100 and 200 pounds (but known to grow much larger), these hairy pigs are typically grey, black, or brown in color. Emerging from their massive heads are razor sharp tusks, used in foraging for food. While these animals are usually not dangerous, they can become extremely aggressive when threatened or when they feel that their young are in danger. Both male and female boars will charge and bite if compromised.

When you arrive to your vacation in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, you may be overwhelmed with excitement and anticipation to begin exploring. However, throwing caution to the wind and jumping headfirst into the attractions of Gatlinburg can sometimes be a little risky. From scorching sun to busy traffic and icy roads, Gatlinburg is filled with small risks that can become dangerous if not handled and prepared for properly. We have compiled a list of our top Gatlinburg safety tips to make sure you and your family have a safe and fun-filled vacation!

Rule #1: Wear sunscreen!
Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or downtown Gatlinburg is a great and exciting experience for you and your family. With the hustle and bustle of your outing, however, you may not notice that the southern sun is causing damage to your family's skin. Slather on a sufficient amount of SPF before you leave in the morning and remember to reapply every two hours throughout the day to protect your family from sunburn and skin damage.

Rule #2: Watch the road!
During the busy summer months, the Gatlinburg Parkway can become packed and filled with excited tourists. Many of the visitors are just as lost or distracted as you are, eagerly looking at the stores and attractions or trying to spot their next turn. Avoid distractions such as the radio and your phone and keep both eyes on the road, making sure you keep an eye out for pedestrians crossing the street and cars stopping short. Winding mountain roads can be treacherous as well, so mind your speed and keep your eyes peeled for sharp turns and curves.

Rule #3: Don't feed the bears!
Though one of the Smoky Mountain's biggest attractions are its 1,500 black bears, you and your family are safer to watch them from the safety of your car or cabin rather than feed them from your porch. While smaller in stature than their grizzly bear brothers, black bears can be aggressive and dangerous, especially if they have cubs with or near them. Take a drive through Cades Cove in the National Park if you're looking to see a bear - but remember to lock your garbage cans and put away all food before the night time rolls around. Feeding the bear is illegal and totes a high fine if caught.

Rule #4: Have a plan!
When you arrive in Gatlinburg, you will be amazed by the vast array of stores, shops and restaurants that the area provides. If you're only visiting for a short amount of time and have a list of attractions that you would like to visit, it is best to form a plan so you can cross everything off your list by your departure date. While exploring the town can be fun, it can also be frustrating and overwhelming when you and your family simply want a nice, affordable restaurant to eat at. Have a plan and follow it - but don't be afraid to explore anything that piques your interest!

Here is an on going list of myths about Gatlinburg TN.

1. Myth #1 - All cabins, hotels, and accommodations were created equal.
Fact - Not even close to being accurate. Gatlinburg is rapidly turning into a widely known and publicized destination spot. Every cabin owner understands that if their cabin has better amenities it will rent more and for a higher price. It is very normal to see cabin with full movie theaters, elaborate game rooms, unbelievable views, and indoor pools.

2. Myth #2 - It snows in Gatlinburg like it does in Colorado.
Fact - As much as I want this to be true, it is not. It does snow a few times a year, but it only amounts to a few inches.

3. Myth #3 - There is no ski resort in Gatlinburg TN.
Fact - There is a ski resort in Gatlinburg TN. It is called Ober Gatlinburg. It offers a few slopes and is open four roughly four months a year. Perfect for beginners or for large family groups.

4. Myth # 4 - You have to travel curvy roads to get a mountain view.
Fact - There is some truth to this statement. You will get the best views the higher up the mountain you go, but you can absolutely get great views without traveling very curvy roads. Make this request and the reservation specialist should help accommodate your needs.

5. Myth # 5 - You can rent from a company without paying fees.
Fact - Sorry...not true! Well, not completely true. For the most part, you are probably going to pay the same from most companies. Prices cannot vary too much or one of the businesses would not be able to stay in business. Although cabin prices will vary, fee prices will be about the same.

6. Myth # 6 - The trolley system is not useful.
Fact - Come on...ride the trolley. If at all possible, help the city cut down on congestion by riding the trolley. The trolley's routes include several popular attractions and are fairly cheap.

7. Myth # 7 - Gatlinburg has America's largest Aerial Tramway.
Fact - I don't know. I am not sure how I would verify, but seriously, why would they claim this if it weren't true. Oh yeah, very convenient for skiing and offers great views.

8. Myth # 8 - Dollywood is in downtown Gatlinburg TN.
Fact - No, Dollywood (one of the areas largest attractions) is located in the neighboring city of Pigeon Forge Tennessee. While some parts of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge resemble each other, the cities are completely different.

9. Myth #10 - Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are basically the same.
Fact - Despite their extremely close proximity, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are quite different. They both offer very different attractions, restaurants, shopping experiences and more.

As we all know, soaring gas prices have burned a hole in many vacationers' pockets. From the cost to drive to and from your destination, to the cost of driving around the city as you sightsee and explore, many families have been forced to cut back or even eliminated their annual vacations. In response to the recession, Gatlinburg, Tennessee has become the perfect vacation destination for those pinching their pennies. Located within a day's drive of half of the United States population, Gatlinburg is close enough for many vacationers to arrive on a single tank of gas. Even better than the close drive, once vacationers arrive, many don't spend a single penny driving around the city!

Established in 1980, Gatlinburg's Trolley System has evolved to become the fifth largest mass transit system in Tennessee. Offering eight different routes and destinations throughout the city, the trolley system is a cost effective way to sightsee on your vacation. With all route fares between $.50 and $2.00, you and your family can explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or downtown Gatlinburg all for less than a gallon of gas!

There are more than 100 boarding locations throughout Gatlinburg for the trolley, and each trolley is color coded by destination. Take the pink trolley and you and your family can enjoy a day at everyone's favorite amusement park - Dollywood! The tan trolley offers a shuttle to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park so you can explore the wilderness of the Smokies and see the beautiful sights the park has to offer. Or take the green trolley and spend a day shopping and exploring the downtown Parkway.

When planning their vacation, many people forget that downtown Gatlinburg is designed to be walked through - not driven through! As many hotels, cabins, and other accommodations are within walking distance of downtown, take advantage of your two feet and explore Gatlinburg in a whole new way. Walking through downtown can be a great way to discover shops and stores you may have overlooked when driving by - in fact, there are many stores down side streets and alley's that are only accessible by foot.

So when you're planning your next vacation, keep in mind Gatlinburg's many cost effective ways to get around the city. With Gatlinburg's many attractions and destinations, you and your family can shop, eat, explore and relax - all without spending a fortune!

Updated periodically to keep our followers up-to-date, here is a list of the upcoming events and festivities in Gatlinburg!

June 17th through August 13th - Smoky Mountains Tunes and Tales goes all summer long! Hear mountain tales and music from fourteen acts every night in downtown from 6-11 P.M.
July 3rd and 4th - 36th Annual July 4th Midnight Parade celebrates the 4th with the nation's very first parade! Kicks off at midnight in downtown.
July 4th - Fireworks Finale where you can watch a beautiful fireworks display on the streets of downtown Gatlinburg!
July 15th through 23rd - Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair at the Gatlinburg Convention Center features more than 200 booth with some of the finest craftsmen and artists in the nation!
July 30th - Gatlinburg United Way Shark Race releases hundreds of rubber sharks in Little Pigeon River - the first one to cross the finish line wins!
September 15: A Taste of Autumn features cuisine from the area's finest restaurants and businesses, plus live music! For a small $25 dollar donation that goes to benifit the United Way of Sevier County, you can sample an unlimited amount of delicious treats and eats from vendors.
September 15 through October 31: Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival takes place all throughout Gatlinburg. Enjoy fall decorations, old fashioned hayrides, events, live entertainment and local craft exhibits all Autumn long!
November 9th:Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff takes place in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. Celebrate as Christmas lights are revealed and enjoy endless samples of endless types of chili with the purchase of a wristband - then vote on your favorite kind!
November 9th through January 30: Trolley Ride of Lights will take you on a guided excursion through downtown Gatlinburg and neighboring parts to allow you to soak up the winter magic Gatlinburg has to offer.
November 11th: Veteran's Day Celebration takes place in the Ripley's Aquarium Plaza. Enjoy a touching musical tribute with free admission.
November 21th through 25th:Festival of Trees at the W.L. Mills Conference Center is a classic holiday event. Enjoy performances and take in beautiful Christmas trees as you soak up the merry spirit.
November 22nd through December 4th: Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Holiday Show is presented by the members of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Come out to shop through unique and handmade items as they put on their annual Christmas show!
December 2nd:Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade is a free event in downtown Gatlinburg. Bundle up and come out to enjoy the holiday cheer!

Please consider paying for travel insurance when renting a cabin. This cheap insurance can help remove a lot of stress during hectic times in the United States. Typically for a minimal charge, travel insurance covers several things like a death in the family, identity theft, weather conditions, and loss of job. Insurance covering these unfortunate problems is a great benefit.

Travel Insurance is especially important during the winter months. Typically, Gatlinburg TN goes through a few rough winter spells each year. It is hard for city officials to get to all the curvy mountain roads in Gatlinburg. It is absolutely possible to miss a vacation because of some icy roads. Travel insurance can help transfer some risk should this unfortunate event happen to you!

After doing some research I highly recommend reserving from a company that offers travel insurance. For the most part, they will sell from a third party vendor. If your vacation rental company does not sell travel insurance you can still buy from an insurance company.

There are literally hundreds of attractions in Gatlinburg TN. Your family can enjoy putt putt, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, theater shows and aquariums. The only question is...Do all these attractions deserve my money? Here is a list of attractions in Gatlinburg that are very safe bets. They are not listed in any particular order...

1. Ober Gatlinburg - Ski Resort and Ice Skating
2. Sweet Fanny Adams Theater - Very funny and family friendly.
3. All the Ripley's Attractions...especially the Ripley's Aquarium
4. The Smoky Mountain National Park - Receives roughly 11 million visitors a year.
5. Hillbilly Putt Putt
6. Gatlinburg Indoor Water Park
7. Space Needle - I believe it is worth the view...can't you tell from my first picture!
8. Ghost Walk of Gatlinburg
9. Zipline Gatlinburg
9. Off Road Voyages - Ride off road though Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.
10. Gatlinburg Golf Course - Surprisingly this course is located in Pigeon Forge TN.
11. Smoky Mountain Arts and Crafts Community

Taking a vacation in Gatlinburg, Tennessee is an experience unlike any other. However, with the numerous amusement parks, comedy clubs and other attractions, many guests forget that Gatlinburg is the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, which offers visitors a chance to experience nature and other outdoor activities. Here is a list of some of our favorite activities in Gatlinburg that allow you to breathe in the fresh mountain air!

1. Hiking - Try the Laurel Falls Trail or the Alum Cave Trail in the park. Stop by the Welcome Center to pick up a map!
2. Fishing - Gatlinburg stocks it's rivers and streams every Thursday, so you're bound to reel one in.
3. Bicycling - Cades Cove Loop Road is definitely a favorite.
4. Golf - Check out Brent Creek Golf Course for a round in front of the Great Smoky Mountains.
5. Bird Watching - The Smokies are home to 240 species of birds, so your'e sure to be captivated!
6. Camping - You can choose to "rough it" or live in the lap of luxury.
7. Zip Lining - Fly through the treetops while taking in the view.
8. Whitewater Rafting - Take on Class IV rapids or enjoy a relaxing float trip.
9. Horseback Riding - Take a twilight ride for a once in a lifetime experience!

There are many outdoor activities that you and your family can experience on your Gatlinburg vacation. Check back for added and expanded information!

Whether you are at home or on a family vacation, everyone loves to go out to eat. There is something special about being served food and then leaving without having to clean up. If your family, which I am sure it does, falls into this category, then you will love Gatlinburg TN.

Gatlinburg is filled with several great restaurants. I am going to list the restaurants where I have personally paid for a meal. They are listed in no particular order.

1. Fannie Farkles - Great corn dogs.
2. The Peddler - Excellent dining.
3. Mountain Lodge - Great country cooking.
4. No Way Jose's - Good Mexican food.
5. Flapjacks Pancake Cabin
6. Best Italian Restaurant - Yes that's the name.
7. Hard Rock Cafe
8. Calhoun's
9. Legends By Max
10. Pancake Pantry - Delicious breakfast!
11. Park Grill Steakhouse - Try their Rainbow Trout or steak.
12. Bennett's BBQ - Some of the best ribs in Gatlinburg.
13. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. - Award winning ribs and great seafood.
14. Smoky Mountain Brewery & Restaurant - Enjoy a micro-brew and great pizza.
15. No Way Jose Mexican Cantina - Tamales made fresh daily!

I will continually add to the list when I find new places. I have heard good things about other restaurants. Some of them include The Brass Grill, Cherokee Grill and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Just like any other city in the United States of America, there are laws and ordinances you must follow. It is very easy to get caught up in the village like atmosphere of Gatlinburg and forget a few things. Some things you should be aware of are listed below.

1. The downtown parkway is the most popular location in Gatlinburg. Everyone loves to visit and walk the strip. There are several crosswalks in downtown and people are always crossing. Be very aware of the numerous pedestrians. They always have the right-of-way. It is best to drive very slowly through downtown Gatlinburg.

2. If, in any way, you do not need to eat fudge stay away from the strip. Some of the best fudge is located in downtown Gatlinburg TN. : )

3. This should go without saying, but please do not feed the wild bears. It is illegal and fine are very high. Plus it is dangerous.

4. Not purchasing a fishing license can be a very costly mistake...trust me on this one.

1. If you get lost, please stop and ask for directions or call your local cabin rental company. Almost all first time guests get lost. There are hundreds of mountain roads and it is very easy to get lost.

2. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are different cities, but have the same traffic light numbers. Make sure you are in the right location. This happens to more people than you might think so do not be embarrassed.

3. Consider renting a car. Mountain roads can add a lot unneeded wear and tear on your car. Some cabins are off of gravel roads. Please keep this in mind when you take your new car to the mountains.

4. During winter months, 4-wheel drive or tire chairs is highly recommend. Nothing can ruin a vacation faster than not being able to get to your cabin rental.

4. There are a lot of curvy roads in Gatlinburg Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains. They are called mountain cabins for a reason. Ask road questions to your cabin rental company. For more information visit www.tn511.com.

5. Well Water - Please be understanding about this topic. A lot of cabins in the mountains have well water. That is the only way water can reach the cabin. Water pressure will be slower and might occasionally have a slight brown tint because of iron. With that said, the water is safe to drink. If you need high water pressure make sure you request a cabin rental on city water.

6. Cabin and Satellite TV - Some rental cabins have different packages based on the location of the cabins. Depending on the particular TV package, some local channels might no be available. Football and big game questions need to be addressed at the time of the reservation.

7. Hot Tubs - By Tennessee State law, hot tubs must be drained, cleaned, and refilled after each guests leaves the cabin. All companies should follow this procedure.

8. Bugs and Spiders - You are reserving a cabin in the mountains. Unfortunately, there are be bugs, spiders, flies, bees and lady bugs in the Smoky Mountains. Most companies use pest control services which helps cuts down on some of the bugs. However, this does not guarantee a bug free stay. If there is a large amount of bugs, please call your cabin rental company.

Vacationers and tourists alike are familiar with the beautiful hiking trails Gatlinburg, Tennessee has to offer. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to more than 800 miles of trails, many of which are well worn through years of happy families enjoying a taste of Tennessee wilderness. Though breathtaking views are often a popular destination for hikers, many visitors forget about the beautiful waterfalls the Smoky Mountains have to offer. The Smoky Mountains provide the perfect environment for waterfalls - lots of rainfall and elevation change! Here is a list of some of the most visited waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains so you can plan your next hike!

Abrams Fall - Though only twenty feet in high, what this waterfall lacks in stature it makes up for in volume. At the base of this wide waterfall is a large pool of water, perfect for photographers or just enjoying the scenery! While the water may look calm and inviting, swimming is not recommended - undertows and strong currents make swimming in the falls dangerous.

Laurel Falls - One of the most popular waterfalls in the park, if you visit in the summer months or on the weekend, you are advised to reach the trailhead early in the morning to snag a parking space! Over eighty feet in height, Laurel Falls gets its name from the Laurel evergreen shrub that bloom around the falls in May. This 2.6 mile paved trail is suitable for anyone!

Rainbow Falls - Eighty feet in height, this waterfall gets its name from the rainbow that can be seen in the waterfall's mist on sunny afternoons. The hike to the falls is moderate in difficulty, gaining 1500 feet in elevation over a 5.4 mile round-trip hike. If you visit during the winter months, Rainbow Falls is the place to go - during freezing weather an impressive ice formation builds around the falls.

Mingo Falls - Located on the Cherokee Indian Reservation just inside the National Park, Mingo Falls is one of the tallest and most impressive waterfalls in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Reaching over one hundred and twenty feet in height, the half mile hike is definitely worth the trip!

Gatlinburg is a popular shopping destination for people of all ages. Shopping centers, malls, and outlets are scattered throughout the town, drawing crowds of eager shoppers month after month. However, the small, specialty shops are what give Gatlinburg it's unique and one of a kind feel. From beef jerky to handcrafted jewelry, specialty shops offer visitors a chance to view and purchase one of a kind items.

The Hayloft: Has nothing but boots and western wear! Stop by to find your comfy pair of hiking boots and get ready to hit the Smoky Mountain trails.
Verbena's Bath, Body, and Home: Offers the finest of bath and body treats. Choose a relaxing bath fizz or soap, or have your very own scent custom made for you!
Your Team Cards & Collectibles: The "must see" for sports fans! Shop a vast collection of sports memorabilia, baseball cards and college signs.
Beef Jerky Outlet: Offering over 200 types of jerky, you can purchase by the bag or by the jar! They have delicious jams, jellies, sauces and spices, as well.
Celtic Heritage: Jewelry, music, teas and more from Scottland, Ireland and Wales.
Gabriel's Horn: Donnie Pickett creates unique pearl and natural stone beaded jewelry. Offers quilts, original artwork, and glasswork, as well!
Glassblowers of Gatlinburg: They create handblown glass items, every day! Offers Swarovski crystal and fine jewelry.
The Honey Pot: Handmade pottery, wind chimes and garden flags. They have great functional items for your kitchen and home!
Just For You Gifts: Offers stained glass, rugs, soaps, oil candles, and more. Their hearth angels and hand painted gourds make wonderful gifts!
Magnet O'World: If it sticks to metal, they'll have it! With over 100,000 designs, it's worth the trouble just to stop by and take a look!