Tennessee is a state filled with utterly charming, historic towns, and one that particularly sticks out is the mountain town of Gatlinburg, located in eastern Tennessee and founded in the 1800s. Known as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg might be a small town, but it boasts some of the most beautiful mountain views in the entire country, jaw-dropping outdoor activities all year long, and plenty of art, history, and culture. In short, it’s one of the best small towns in the U.S.

In Gatlinburg, you can enjoy the only ski resort in the state, walk the longest pedestrian sky bridge in North America, hike the Great Smoky Mountains, enjoy a vaudeville show, ride a cable car to see the aerial views, explore museums, taste a variety of cuisines, peek into art galleries, or simply stroll down the street and take in the vibe of this charming, rustic town.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee is known as the gateway to the 520,000-acre Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's a great place to visit no matter the season.
City of Gatlinburg/Facebook
The town itself is endlessly charming, filled with unique shops, delicious restaurants, and quaint lodging. And see that tower in the distance? That's the famed 407-ft. Space Needle observation tower, so you can get 360-degree views of the mountains.
Maybe you'd rather experience the mountains for yourself. There are plenty of hiking trails that will take you to viewpoints that will make your jaw drop.
City of Gatlinburg/Facebook
In winter, Gatlinburg still attracts scores of visitors. After all, it has the only ski resort in the state, Ober Gatlinburg. (Plus, the mountains and forests make it a winter wonderland.)
Visit Gatlinburg/TripAdvisor

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Another fun attraction is the Sky Lift, a 2.1-mile aerial cable car that takes you from town to the ski resort/amusement park. Honestly, it's the epitome of "journey, not the destination" to ride in this car.
Visit Gatlinburg/TripAdvisor
Another title Gatlinburg can boast is having the longest sky bridge in North America. You can literally walk among the treetops on this bridge, which spans miles.
Angie G/TripAdvisor
But there is plenty to do if you're tired or the weather isn't that great. Have your mind blown by the Ripley's Believe it Or Not! Museum, check out the town's famed art galleries, or learn more about the area at the Gatlinburg History Museum.
daisyferret1/TripAdvisor
Clearly, Gatlinburg is a jewel of a town in Tennessee.
Sydney Rusak/TripAdvsior

What do you think – will you be visiting Gatlinburg soon? Share your thoughts in the comments! Then check out this list of the best cabin rentals in Gatlinburg so you can start planning that much-needed vacation.

If you’re looking for another great activity at Ober Gatlinburg, take a look at the incredible Wildlife Encounter.

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Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA