Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a popular tourist destination located in Sevier County, in the U.S. state of Tennessee. It is known for its beautiful mountain scenery, outdoor activities, and local arts and crafts.

Geography

Gatlinburg is located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains. The city is surrounded by high ridges, with the Le Conte and Sugarland Mountain to the south, Cove Mountain to the west, Big Ridge to the northeast, and Grapeyard Ridge to the east. The Little Pigeon River flows through the heart of Gatlinburg.

History

The area that is now Gatlinburg was first settled by white settlers in the early 19th century. The city was named after Radford Gatlin, a controversial figure who opened the area's second general store. Despite being banished from the area in the 1850s, his name remained. Gatlinburg was officially incorporated as a city in 1945.

Tourism

Gatlinburg is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which attracts millions of visitors each year. The city itself is home to a variety of attractions, including the Gatlinburg Space Needle, Ober Gatlinburg ski resort, and the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. The downtown area features numerous shops and restaurants, many of which specialize in local products and cuisine.

Arts and Culture

Gatlinburg is known for its thriving arts and crafts community, which is recognized as a Cultural Heritage site. The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is the largest group of independent artisans in North America and features a variety of handmade crafts.

Cuisine

The cuisine in Gatlinburg is a reflection of its southern Appalachian heritage. Local specialties include trout, which is often caught fresh from the nearby streams, and cornmeal based dishes like grits and cornbread. The city is also known for its homemade fudge and taffy shops.

See Also

• Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
• Sevierville, Tennessee
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park