Where To Stay – Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg is a beautiful, mountain resort town, located at the center of Great Smoky Mountain National Park at the main entrance of the Tennessee side of the park. The city limits of Gatlinburg adjoins the national park boundary. Gatlinburg is the main gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The main entrance is on highway #441 that runs through Gatlinburg. This is the only highway that crosses the park into North Carolina.

I have visited Gatlinburg since I was a young child, thanks to my mother and farther. Notice the picture below of my mother and father with my oldest daughter, Stacy. The picture was taken by my wife in (coming soon) That swing ride, which goes up to the side of the mountain, still exist in the same location in Gatlinburg.

We lived in the Gatlinburg for three years. Black bears were a common sight from our deck and almost anywhere inside the city limits of Gatlinburg. The thousands of motels and cabins in this little town stays completely booked during the prime tourist season, so if you plan on staying there, be sure to book your reservations well in advance.

Fishing Access:
Gatlinburg is our number one recommended place for anglers fishing the park to stay with or without their family and children. It adjoins the national park at it main entrance on the Tennessee side and has any and everything you could possible need whether you bring your family or come with other anglers just to fish.

Gatlinburg is closer to the better trout streams on the Tennessee Side of the park than any other town or area. It is located on the Little Pigeon River, one of the best trout streams in the park. The road through Gatlinburg follows the Little Pigeon its entire length. You can catch wild trout anywhere upstream from the park boundary in Gatlinburg.

It also provides the fastest and easiest way to access the best trout fishing in Little River. It is only 5 miles from the Sugarlands entrance to the park at Gatlinburg to the best part of the Little River near Elkmont. .As I mentioned above, it is also located on the road that provides the only direct access to the North Carolina side of the park. You can be fishing for trout in the park in some of the best water on the Tennessee side of the park within five minutes from Gatlinburg. You can be fishing for native brook trout in the higher elevations of the park in just a few minutes from Gatlinburg.

Motels:
There are a huge number of motels in Gatlinburg. You should make your reservations in advance. They can become completely booked during the prime seasons.

Cabin Rentals:
There are hundreds of cabins and chalets for rent. We advise renting them well in advance. Here is our favorite with its own “Fishing Section”.

Campgrounds:
Gatilinburg has several campgrounds and RV parks.

Restaurants:
There are many restaurants of every type in Gatlinburg.

Fly Shops/Stores:
Smoky Mountain Angler
White River Fly Shop (Bass Pro Shop) I-40
Orvis – Pigeon Forge

Transportation:
Gatlinburg has a trolley system that travels with numerous stops between Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. Cost is only 25 to 50 cents.

Links that may be helpful:
Chamber of Commerce

Copyright 2011 James Marsh