In the case of a temporary closure, the alternative routes can add quite a bit of time to your trip. A few classic things to do as a tourist in the Smokies: go to a pancake house, buy fudge and try moonshine. The Truth About Newfound Gap Road and Driving - Visit My Smokies As long as your kids know how to separate themselves from a potentially uncomfortable situation instruct them to seek refuge in a store, restaurant or other public places and ask for help from employees then they should be fine. Now grab your car and explore Gatlinburgs true treasure: the Arts and Crafts Community Loop an 8-mile country road linking more than 100 shops featuring local arts and crafts. Its a fork in the road, but a fun one. more information on current conditions Daily operating hours for visitor centers. More information on the CDCs recommendation for a booster dose is available online at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. Gatlinburg is very quiet in January. For instance, I never sat in a safety seat. Gatlinburgs downtown streets can get congested, so smart visitors leave their cars where theyre staying and hop on the bright-orange trolleys of the free Gatlinburg Trolley System, which links major spots with the mass transit center at Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies. But as usual when were traveling, Im more alert, more aware and even more cautious of like wild life. Once you confirm that subscription, you will regularly For a more authentic experience, spend at least half your visit hiking and picnicking in the mountains. Cookies are used for measurement, ads and optimization. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. By continuing to use our site you agree to our privacy policy. Other great spots for hearty homestyle breakfasts in Gatlinburg are Crocketts Breakfast Camp (dont miss the cinnamon rolls) and Little House of Pancakes, a low-key local institution. Id been walking several blocks by myself as a kindergartner. Travel Smarter! It's the perfect time to start planning your Summer Gatlinburg getaway. Cant figure how they get thru the traffic! The surrounding towns and cities tend to have a similar safety rating to Gatlinburg. Going to Gatlingburg and Pigeon Forge- Coronavirus Scare - Tennessee Early spring (March to May) constitutes Gatlinburg's low season. Unfortunately, the bears have learned to associate cars with food. Travel Safe To Sevier County, TN Our cabins, campgrounds, condos, restaurants, attractions, stores and other establishments are working hard to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences for our guests under the Tennessee Pledge guidelines. Rates from $162, Cabin rentals:There are loads of cabin rentals, both near the towns or tucked into the surrounding hillsides, and they often come with gorgeous views. The only gripe among diners: the eatery only accepts cash. Visitors can get so caught up in the rides, games, and shops that they miss enjoying the mountains. Beautiful! Guess they steal leisurely. AtDollywood, of course, where you can pay homage to an American treasure and her vision for family-style entertainment. So when it comes down to it, is Gatlinburg safe? The mountains are calling, and we are here to help you answer, safely. Alpine Getaway 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms Red Roof Chalet 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms TRANQUIL MOMENTS 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms Many visitors come to the Gatlinburg area to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 95 Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN | A Gatlinburg Bucket List - Wild Hearted For some Pigeon Forge-esque fun, check outRipleys Aquarium of the Smokiesand theHollywood Star Cars Museum, where you can ogle rides from hit movies and TV shows including Batman and Ghostbusters, see the Beach Boys 1955 Thunderbird, and lots more. When analyzing violent crime, property crime, and other crime in Gatlinburg, Crime Grade, categorized Gatlinburg as having an overall level D crime grade. Do you feel safe in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee? In general, if you choose a trail not leading to a waterfall or an iconic peak, as soon as you walk a mile into the backcountry, the sights and sounds you experienced along the roadway disappear, Soehn says. I trusted my son at about 15 alone, always fine.. Hike with a group, or at the very least, tell others where you plan to be. The City encourages all of its residents and visitors to follow CDC guidelines to avoid being exposed to the COVID-19 virus. Area Attraction Coupons & Discounts Healthy and Responsible Travel Information, City of Gatlinburg Police Department Facebook. The mountains are magical, with their heralded smoky mists that nestle among their ridges and cloak their verdant valleys; their myriad streams, rivers and waterfalls providing a near-soundtrack to every corner of the park and its surrounds; and their stunning variegated ridgelines changing colors throughout the seasons. Editors note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about tourist traps in Gatlinburg. As always in unfamiliar place use the Buddy System. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try It's free for AARP members. Just crowded. Best Months to Visit. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Most incidents are either a burglary, robbery, theft or auto theft. Is Gatlinburg Safe? - Virtual Smokies Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. While I grew up playin in the creek with my cousins or walking to a nearby store in Sevierville and on the outskirts of Knoxville, My grand/s will never be more than an arms length in any of the surrounding areas and will never be out of my sight. Cades Cove and Smokemont campgrounds remain open year-round. Chimney Tops Trail is a 3.6-mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee that features a river and is rated as difficult. Holly Johnson|Marisa MndezApril 28, 2023, Brittany Chrusciel|Gwen PratesiApril 21, 2023, Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. ForsterApril 21, 2023, Lyn Mettler|Timothy J. ForsterApril 20, 2023, The U.S. News & World Report travel rankings are based on analysis of expert and user opinions. Rocky Vs Smoky Mountains which is Better to Visit? People have different motivations. Check out the following resources from theGatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau.Healthy and Responsible Travel InformationAlso, you may view our social media platforms for more information on the pandemic, as well as other City-based communications. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Gatlinburg is often considered the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains (photo by Hendrickson Photography/shutterstock.com). All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. So theres a greater chance of getting lost or getting into a road accident. Dinner shows are big in Pigeon Forge, too. You can also manage your communication preferences by updating your account at anytime. Car crashes are the most common cause of death in the park, which is in contrast to many other parks where the most common cause of death is falling. Its a legit question. Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. Welcome to our COVID-19 information center. In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails Winter:Both towns dress up to the shining nines for the holidays Gatlinburgs mountaintop SkyLift Park goes all out with Lights Over Gatlinburg from early November through Jan. 31 (including lit-up trees that dance!). Yes. While we do our best to bring you the most up-to-date information, TheSmokies.com LLC makes no warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of any content contained within. Be careful of tourists traps downtown, which has a numbers of expensive things to do. Rates are $5 for a dailytag, $15 for a weeklytag, and $40 for an annualtag. As for moonshine, you owe it a try (the commercial stuff wont kill you like the backcountry homemade stuff). Is Gatlinburg Safe? What To Consider With Advice From a Local The 5.5-mile-long, one-way, loop road is a favorite side trip for many people who frequently visit the Smokies. Millions of people visit Gatlinburg every year and have a wonderful experience, but that doesnt mean the town is completely safe. Plan far ahead to book your lodging, and prepare for slow-moving traffic. Vacations may be costly, particularly for families. A good 20 second scrub with soap and water goes a long way to stop the spread of germs and COVID-19. Crisp fall days in October when the foliage reaches its flaming peak draw huge crowds, and visitors can expect traffic delays, especially on holiday weekends. The world has changed. The best time to visit Gatlinburg is between September and October. Just be mindful of the potential dangers, particularly theft, and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community will host over 25 select classes, offering you a chance to create your own pottery, jewelry, homemade soaps Gatlinburgs award-winning Fourth of July Midnight Parade will step off at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4. The park's eight other campgrounds and five horse camps close seasonally. 107 Park Headquarters Road Our first night at 4 am Someone kick our door very hard. If you are staying in a cabin that might not be overly secure, take electronics and valuables with you during the day or lock them in your suitcase. Yes, masks are still required when riding the public trolley transportation system in Gatlinburg. Summer:Now comes the hot and humid weather (expect highs in the mid-80s and above in July and August), making swimming holes, rivers and creeks ideal places to spend outdoor time. receive communications related to AARP volunteering. Its not all amusements in Pigeon Forge. 10 Things Not to Do While on Vacation in Gatlinburg Wireless Emergency Alerts; . However, you'll need a car to take advantage of the scenic driving loops or to access areas of the national park that aren't within walking distance. Where is the Most Dangerous Place in Gatlinburg? Recently, Sevier County has taken another step to encourage safe travel to the Smoky Mountains by issuing aFace Covering Requirementwhich goes into effect on July 10, 2020. Cookies are used for measurement, ads and optimization. Ah, the hypocrisy is strong with this one. True to its reputation as a family destination, Gatlinburg offers a bevy of buffets, pizza joints and barbecue eateries to satisfy even the pickiest of diners. Its a great time to relax in nature with fewer crowds and challenges with high-pressure tourist traps. We didnt bother it and it didnt bother us , Just dont drive your car there. Information on appointment availability at local health departments can be found at https://covid19.tn.gov/covid-19-vaccines/availability/. 1594 ft) Last Update: 12:19 pm EDT Apr 30, 2023. Gatlinburg TN 35.73N 83.49W (Elev. 25 Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg, TN - Family Destinations Guide Some resources that provide reliable and helpful information about the virus are:Tennessee Department of HealthandCenters for Disease Control, 811 East Parkway, P.O. Ensure that anything you carry is secure, either in a zipped pocket that you can watch at all times or in a zipped bag that is secured to your person. Businesses throughout Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville have reopened following extensive guidelines from the CDC. Explore Gatlinburg, TN | Things to Do & The Great Smoky Mountains Taxi, shuttle or limo service to and from the airport will be pricey because of the distance. Road closures may occur due to severe weather events such as winter storms, floods, and tornados. I would instruct the kids to stay where they are supposed to be. Here some seasonal highlights to consider. Governor Bill Lee has signed Executive Order 80, declaring the end of COVID-19 as a public health emergency in the state of Tennessee. For the Love of Tennessee, Travel Safe | TN Vacation No such world exists today anywhere but I do feel safe traveling there. Despite the figures, most people feel safe in Gatlinburg and visit the town without getting into trouble. It offers free rides during the summer and only a 50 cent regular fare. Its all here for you, and youve made the great decision to base your vacation in its Tennessee gateway towns. They barely pay attention to other motorists around them. Thats a high honor for the two formerly sleepy little tourist hamlets just seven miles apart, which have maintained their small-town populations (a little more than 4,000 residents in Gatlinburg and about 6,200 in Pigeon Forge) even as they have expanded over the decades into twin juggernauts of pleasures from shopping and eating out to amusements, adventures and moonshine tasting. See below for information and press releases from the City of Gatlinburg as it relates to the pandemic.Visiting Gatlinburg soon? There are grifters and pedophiles in every town, just be on your toes. As an infant, I survived a car crash when my mom slipped me onto the floorboard and held on for dear life as a driver ran a stoplight and blasted our car. Keep in mind, the road may close for safety in the case of black ice or excessive snow. I tell them to stay away from the water without supervision. If you asked me if Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are safe for my children, the answer would still be yes, but with caveats. As theft is one of the biggest risks, be mindful of your belongings at all times. Then, make a right turn onto Clingman's Dome Road. Win a Free Getaway Find Lodging Attractions Get Your Free Vacation Guide In Pigeon Forge or Sevierville, I would set boundaries differently. I have changed. By and large, yes. Re: Going to Gatlingburg and Pigeon Forge- Coronavirus Scare. Our site produces editorial content for the purpose of entertainment. Be smart, be firm and you should be fine. Updates are available for Newfound Gap Road (US-441), Little River Road, Laurel Creek Road, and Cades Cove Loop Road. Here are just a few of the Spring in The Smokies is natures best invitation to strike out and explore the mountains. Gatlinburg SkyLift Park often offers a 17% discount to those who plan their visit ahead of schedule, plus a special ticket-combo that includes access to the . Citizens, employees, and visitors are encouraged to continue following and abiding by appropriate protocols to promote personal health and safety. Take a look at some of the best places to stay in Gatlinburg TN below! 8. They must of left . Tips on Avoiding Gatlinburg Tourist Traps - SmarterTravel Breweries:Craft breweries, which have popped up in the Smokies like wildflowers in April, make for great places to relax after an active day or as lunch and dinner destinations. Roaring Fork - Great Smoky Mountains National - National Park Service Click here for the latest COVID-19 data for Sevier County.The City encourages all of its residents and visitors to follow CDC guidelines to avoid being exposed to the COVID-19 virus. Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (856) 436-5423 Opened in 1973, this aerial tramway was built to provide a safer and cozier way to reach the ski area. Read Also: Is it safe to hike in the Smoky Mountains? Take in the parks many shows, enjoy little-kid-friendly areas, go full thrill on the Lightning Rod wood/steel hybrid roller coaster (max speed: 73 mph! This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. However, local John Gullion believes that Pigeon Forge is actually the least safe of the two destinations. The First Independence Day Parade in the Join the celebration in downtown Gatlinburg to mark our nations Independence Day with a spectacular 20-minute firework show starting at 11:00 p.m. BeginningMarch 1, 2023,valid parking tags will be required on any vehicles parking longer than 15 minutes. I called again to the office and told them now that it was light you could see where they kicked the door. info@gatlinburg.com, 2023 Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau. Backcountry (backpacking) campsites are open year-round. Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center. Ultimately, you know yourself and your family better than anyone. Notably, Gatlinburg is safer than Pigeon Forge. Who knows? Visitor Centers in the park are open year-round, except Christmas Day. Cascading waterfalls, roaming wildlife and a view that stretches out over 500,000 acres this is the countrys most-visited national park. All is well. Yes,always enjoy Gatlinburg and Pigeon forge, never had a problem, even when we seen a bear . Be patient, stay attentive, and if you need to pull over due to weather or other circumstances, then pull over. There have been in recent years, at least anecdotally, a rise in wilder behavior in Pigeon Forge. Know your limitations. Notably, Gatlinburg is safer than Pigeon Forge. Check with the NPS for the most up-to-date road conditions. Make sure you have access to a map that doesnt rely on internet access. With miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, as well as historical exhibits and cabins, and the opportunity to view black bears, elk, deer and other wildlife in their natural habitat, it's easy to see why the park is such a hot spot. Rates from $150. First Independence Day Parade in the Nation, Top 8 Things to Do This Summer in Gatlinburg, 5 Fun Things to Do in Gatlinburg Memorial Day Weekend, Creativity Reigns in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. If you prefer to fly, however, McGhee Tyson Airport near Knoxville, Tennessee, is about an hours drive northwest. If you are visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, plan ahead and drive carefully. And remember: In the Smokies, you can hike, bike, saunter, fly-fish, birdwatch, float a creek in a tube, river raft or just sit quietly and watch nature. While based near Old Mill in Pigeon Forge and Ripleys Aquarium in Gatlinburg, they traverse as far as Severville. There is a state order to stay at home and the mayors of Gatlinburg, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge have written a commentary to . Explore the history, culture and cuisine of the U.S. while cruising along the Mighty Mississippi. Enjoy the efficiency of an organized tour led by experts who bring Rome's history to life.
