Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Gatlinburg?

Q: Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Gatlinburg?

A weekend is usually not enough time to experience the high energy city of Gatlinburg, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the main attractions such as the nightlife scene, the hiking, the skiing, and the famous sights and museums. You'll likely want more than a weekend, as many tourists set aside around two to four days for their visit to the mountains here. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Gatlinburg?

Many visitors spend two to four days in Gatlinburg during their trip. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because your journey calls for making the most of every moment. The city offers the chance to enjoy an evening out, get out into nature, ski down the slopes, and spend time at the museums.

Gatlinburg is not only the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but it's a destination in and of itself. The town has positioned itself as a tourist spot that attracts crowds looking to have a good time and enjoy quirky, and sometimes tacky, entertainment venues. While some visitors never leave the town's main drag, others head into the surrounding nature to enjoy hiking and scenic trails.

Do you have one or two days to visit Gatlinburg? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Gatlinburg?

The very popular city of Gatlinburg has many activities and attractions for visitors. One day is probably not enough time in the high energy mountain town. You might feel rushed to enjoy an evening out, get out into nature, ski down the slopes, and spend time at the museums. To thoroughly enjoy all that the city has to offer, you'll probably want more time here and in the surrounding mountains. Most travelers schedule two to four days to fully experience the high energy city. Nevertheless, if time is of the essence, we have some nice suggestions for your visit.

How to spend a day in Gatlinburg

Don't miss the Gatlinburg Strip during your trip to Gatlinburg, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. Live music, theatrical shows, as well as bars and clubs that stay open late into the night give this town a huge party atmosphere. During the peak season the town is packed with people looking to have a good time and you'll find tons of things to do by simply walking down the main drag.

Gatlinburg is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions in town can be reached on foot. If you want to leave town, a car is a must, but in town traffic and parking can be frustrating, so walk when you can.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Gatlinburg?

A weekend is usually not enough time to experience the high energy city of Gatlinburg, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the main attractions such as the nightlife scene, the hiking, the skiing, and the famous sights and museums. You'll likely want more than a weekend, as many tourists set aside around two to four days for their visit to the mountains here. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

How to spend 2 days in Gatlinburg

If you have more than a weekend (two to three days) in Gatlinburg, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.

Known for it's hiking, Gatlinburg sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. You'll need to head out of town into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once you're there the hiking is impressive. There are waterfall hikes, trails to viewpoints, and loops that take you through wildflowers. Some of the most popular trails include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Middle Prong Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail.

A few tour suggestions include:

Clingmans Dome Hike ($240)
Thundering Streams and Falls of the Smokies Guided Hiking Tour ($77)
Guided Art Adventure Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains Nat’l Park ($250)

The public transit in Gatlinburg is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Gatlinburg, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.