Located within a short walking distance from the hotel, you will find Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, a hugely popular attraction, and Gatlinburg Space Needle. It has been called music city because it is home to many musicians, singers, songwriters, and record labels. Stones River National Battlefield, Murfreesboro Learn about one of the bloodiest human conflicts of the Civil War, the historical layers behind it and the important Union achievements during The Battle of Stones River. Follow US-441 towards your final destination Gatlinburg. While driving, keep your eyes open for white deer, coyote, elk, fox and black bears. The attraction also offers some special fun during the winter months. The choice of routes in which the Last week to save $500Save up to $500 on your next rail holiday until 18 November! The Alum Cave Bluffs Trailhead is on U.S. Highway 441, which connects Gatlinburg to Cherokee, North Carolina. The most popular attractions are Ripleys Aquarium, Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort, and Dollywood. I believe that, at the right time of year, it is one of the best scenic views in the United States. The peak tourist season is summer, when temperatures are usually soaring in the 80s, sometimes even above that. The Big A is packed with many terrific and exciting attractions, offers a vibrant nightlife and is overall a great tourist destination for friends and family vacations alike. From Orlando, MapQuest times this at 10 hours, 24 minutes (655 miles).. After your visit, continue northeast towards Manchester where you can find the Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park. ELVIS PRESLEY, DOLLYWOOD, NASHVILLE & LANCASTER DREAM TOUR APRIL 23 TO MAY 5, 2023 "We will enjoy a beautiful scenic route on the way to Dollywood.Once in Nashville, we will explore the birthplace of country music and enjoy wonderful music performances by the talented stars of Nashville. This route is the Chapman Hwy., the old road into G'burg before they put the interstates in and will bring you into S'ville at the main intersection then turn right. When visiting Asheville, plan at least a full day at the Biltmore. Try BYJUS free classes today!Right on! The straightforward and laid-back nature of the road trip from Nashville to Gatlinburg will make your journey feel seamless. Scenic route from Pigeon Forge to Chattanooga Tennessee. Keep on reading to learn about the best road trip route, where to stay along the way, and the best time to take your road trip. Best Time To Visit Nashville - Full Month by Month Guide, The Read House is an excellent resort with luxurious, atmospheric chandeliers and dark wooden dcor, A few things can make your stay at Gatlinburg even sweeter and one of those is a weekend at Margaritaville Resort. The drive is overflowing with unforgettable sites, gorgeous landscapes and scenic attractions, such as Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park, The Lost Sea Adventure, Nantahala National Forest and many more. Ober Gatlinburgs aerial tramway offers views along the trip as well as a spectacular view once you reach the ski resort, amusement park and scenic mountain getaway. This is an indoor and outdoor event that will. However, many of these will be located on roads that are closed during bad weather including snow or high winds. Although a trip to Gatlinburg might sound very appealing from June through August, you should reserve hotel rooms or cabins up to a year in advance. Otherwise, take Interstate 75 (I-75) towards Knoxville where you can take time to explore the city. Ober Gatlinburg is an amusement park with loads to see and do. Although a trip to Gatlinburg might sound very appealing from June through August, you should reserve hotel rooms or cabins up to a year in advance. Views from the Gatlinburg Space Needle. Were also showing you how to make some easy side trips into Alabama and North Carolina, to see Huntsville and Asheville, respectively. Follow the same interstate north back after your visit. If you took I-40 straight to Pigeon Forge nonstop, your travel would last about three and a half hours, but plan on taking more time than thatyou've got . Then, the second leg of our trip goes from Chattanooga to Gatlinburg, but with stops along the way in Knoxville and Pigeon Forge, both in Tennessee. For bonus points, did you know that this was actually the first designated national forest scenic byway in the United States? At the intersection with Little River Road, a left turn takes you toward Gatlinburg. The temperatures tend to fall downwards to 30 degrees Fahrenheit accompanied by snowfall in winter, so make sure to check road and weather warnings, especially if visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. - 2022 - All Right Reserved by "The Travel Vibes" (The Travel Vibes is an entity registered under PentaPR ) Hand Crafted and Made With , Best Places Along the Route of Nashville to Gatlinburg, Nashville to Gatlinburg Tips and Tricks for a Smooth and Comfortable Drive. Depending on the season, you might run into some traffic or run into some closed out routes, which shouldn't be a problem as long as you inform yourself beforehand. Anakeesta offers majestic views of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park as well as Gatlinburg below. This is only a small selection of the many landmarks and attractions you can see on this deceptively short journey. The small tourist hub is less than an hours drive from downtown Knoxville, and is a close neighbor to Gatlinburg, with just 1520 minutes separating the two. As mentioned, the fastest way to get to Gatlinburg from Nashville is via a quick drive along I-40 West, whichll take you across the state, about 220 miles, over 3 hours and 40 minutes. The trip can be made in several hours if you have a car with enough power and a good set of tires. If you're ready to stay at an amazing resort on your next trip to Tennessee, heres where to stay. Moreover, DriveTime can help you better with bookings! While the alternate route (through Atlanta) is 37 miles shorter, MapQuest estimates it as 21 minutes longer. Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is a very quick little drive outside of Nashville, so its easy to see why its a favorite small-town getaway for those who want to escape the bright lights of the city. What is there to see between Asheville and Gatlinburg? You dont have to leave Gatlinburg at all for great mountain views. The best way to prepare for this trip is to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. The 2008 financial crisis was the worst economic disaster since the Great Depression of 1929. On your way out of Manchester, you could immediately make a long detour to Huntsville by taking Exit 127 for US-64, which will merge onto TN-121 before taking you to Huntsville in Alabama. If possible, avoid driving through tunnels during the daytime because they can be boiling and uncomfortable without air conditioning or ventilation. To the east is the Forbidden Caverns, a vast underground cave system. Event Details . The drive is straightforward, and chances are you won't run into any traffic until you reach Gatlinburg. The temperatures tend to fall downwards to 30 degrees Fahrenheit accompanied by snowfall in winter, so make sure to check road and weather warnings, especially if visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is found just across the state line in Tennessee. Take I-40 E and take the Lenoir City exit. We hope we've inspired you today! The Bypass's beauty and expansive landscape make it an appealing route. We arrived on a Saturday and no traffic issues at all - we did drive through (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You will be mostly driving through interstates and main roads, which makes this scenic drive also a smooth one. The events, sights and activities shift in-between seasons, yet a vacation to both Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains is absolutely stunning all year round. Recommended option Bus, drive 7h 28m Take the bus from Nashville Bus Station to Asheville, NC Us0600 Preorder your boxed lunch to enjoy onboard dining! Reservations go quickly in advance but it is possible to hike in and out on the same day if you have the stamina. From here you are just 18 miles from Maryville in Blount County, one of the gateway counties to Great Smoky Mountains . Via: Cloudland Canyon State Park, Rising Fawn Enjoy a unique hiking Georgia experience, laced with steep cliffs, daring views and overall gorgeous scenery. I usually drive straight in Townsend and enter the national park. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Read Also: 10 things you didnt know about Clingmans Dome. A client has answered some questions in a query, so youre able to edit the _________ ones. In order to continue enjoying our site, we ask that you confirm your identity as a human. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is within easy reach, for all your outdoor adventuring. In Nashville, youve got all the country music culture, plus great historical sites and plenty of the amenities that come with a big-city stay, like posh hotels and world-class dining. But this doesnt mean you All in all, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are both incredible spots to visit. We typically arrive on Fridays around midday and almost never run into much traffic. John Gullion, Managing Editor at the Citizen Tribune, is a freelance contributor for TheSmokies.com LLC the parent company of TheSmokies.com and HeyOrlando.com. Take the bus from Nashville to Johnson City. White water rafting on the Ocoee River in Tennessee. Introduction to Nashville to Gatlinburg Drive. Answer 1 of 5: Hello! The top cities between Nashville and Gatlinburg are Pigeon Forge, Knoxville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Sevierville, and Townsend. Qu hacer cuando la computadora no encuentra la impresora? The straightforward and laid-back nature of the road trip from Nashville to Gatlinburg will make your journey feel seamless. The Alum Cave Bluffs Trailhead is on U.S. Highway 441, which connects Gatlinburg to Cherokee, North Carolina. #1 Best Seller in Sightseeing Tours & Cruises. That being said, you might find the atmosphere in Gatlinburg especially appealing during its peak seasons summer and fall. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. A quick stay for a few days gives you plenty of opportunity to explore the attractions in and around the popular city, including the Biltmore Estate, North Carolina Arboretum and Pisgah National Forest. Why not budget some time for some cool mini-attractions? We are not endorsed by, authorized by, or affiliated with any mentioned attractions. There is a Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort, Tennessee, in Nashville. It is found just across the state line in Tennessee. The Gatlinburg Sky Needle often referred to as the Gatlinburg Space Needle, features a 407-foot observation tower. In East Tennessee, Sevierville is a small city of forests and towns. Many folks heading to Pigeon Forge on vacation come from the Nashville area. 11. We will also visit all the main attractions the city has to offer. Shop the greatest selection of new and original F-100 parts ever! Cave is probably a generous descriptor. The most popular station is Riverfront but, we think, that the most scenic is Mt Juliet. The overlooks view of the darkening mountains meeting the oranges, pinks, reds and yellows of the sky is like something out of a poem or an impressionist painting. 1Ober Gatlinburg. The Gatlinburg Skylift Park and its SkyBridge also offer an observation deck and is also a great spot to get panoramic views of the Smokies. HOA Dues $39/month. Chimney Tops. Driver's License; How Old To Rent A Car . Its definitely possible, especially when you consider how the two are if you take the fastest route located less than four hours apart. 9 Unique Places to Stay in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, The 12 Best Spots to See Tennessees Fall Foliage, 12 Scenic Weekend Road Trips from Memphis, Tennessee, 11 Incredible Treehouse Rentals in North Carolina, 10 East Coast Vacation Spots You Never Considered (But Should!). Make the road trip fun with sightseeing along the way. Even though you could do the trip in less than a day, it is best to devote two to three days to the road trip alone and appreciate the mountainous landscapes of East Tennessee. After spending a full day outdoors, you can relax at the hotel's decadent spa or fabulous outdoor pool before heading to the on-site restaurant for a meal on the exceptionally manicured garden patio, if the weather allows. Fly up the mountainsides and slide down the slopes. This charming small town is the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, so there's clearly lots of beautiful scenery, but the town is also packed with all kinds of things to do. The most direct route is to take I-95 S, which will take you past scenic towns like Darien, Brunswick, and Kingsland. You can explore and enjoy Natchez Hills Winery with its breathtaking views of the Hermitage grounds or stop by for a wine slush when walking around the property. APRIL 23 TO MAY 5, 2023 - 2 seats left - 1-506-804-0989 "We will enjoy a beautiful scenic route on the way to Dollywood. The fact that all you need is a packed lunch and a blanket to create one of the worlds greatest picnic areas is an added bonus. Three hours east of Nashville, clocking in at 180 miles, make a pit stop in Knoxville. The population was 244 (2000) and 448 (2010). Weave your way on and off of Interstate 40 between Nashville and Asheville, stringing together an eclectic assortment of must-sees including an upscale farmstead retreat, misty Appalachian forests, and the capital of country music kitsch. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-94320096', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nashville to Gatlinburg? Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. It was Knoxvilles first permanent building. You will pass .. Just past the visitor center is the intersection with Newfound Gap Road/ hwy 441. You turn right at the intersection with Little River Road to go to Cades Cove where you turn left to go toward Gatlinburg. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Your email will not be provided to third parties. The Cumberland Mountain State Park is also home to the highest point in Tennessee, with 3,600 feet. You will pass .. Meigs Falls The Sinks Metcalf Bottoms Picnic area Laurel Falls Sugarland Visitor Center. For a more scenic route, the Gatlinberg Bypass can be used. Sold. How far is Gatlinburg from Nashville and how long will the road trip take? The track itself is 32 miles (51 km) long. You can enjoy the fresh air by taking nature walks or getting your daily exercise through local hiking trails. The drive from Nashville to Chattanooga is nearly a straight shot to the southeast via I-24.. And it also offers a great vantage point to see the surrounding mountains. The best and most scenic road trip route from Nashville to Gatlinburg will take around 5 hours of driving and will cover 295 miles. You could get from Asheville to Cherokee by going through Maggie Valley but if you want a scenic drive take the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville to Cherokee. Once in Nashville, we will explore the birthplace of country music and enjoy wonderful music performances by the talented stars of Nashville. The walk up to the observation tour is paved but its not easy. - People driving from Nashville to Gatlinburg, you will take I-75 South and follow the same directions as if you were coming from Chattanooga. 40 means you have to go through Knoxville and then the traffic disaster that is Sevierville and (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you plan on taking any of these scenic routes, don't forget your camera! Roaring Fork is an exceptional value in terms of time invested to get the best of the good stuff. The drive is straightforward, and chances are you won't run into any traffic until you reach Gatlinburg. DriveTime is one of the countrys largest used car dealers, with over 100 dealerships nationwide. Nashville is a metropolitan area that has experienced rapid growth over the last few years. On clear days, you can see over 100 miles, but due to air pollution, the view is often less than 20 miles. Youll find it located just over 30 minutes from downtown, so fill up on breakfast in Nashville and prepare for a morning spent exploring all Murfreesboro has to offer. The 295-mile road trip from Nashville to Gatlinburg takes 5 hours to drive. 1-800-987-9852 Chat Now. If you want to avoid a section of Lenoir City, take I-40 E to I-75 S and take the Lenoir City exit off of I-75. If you have some extra time, you can easily enjoy so much more that this beautiful state has to offer, and all without spending a ton of time in the car. In Townsend, hwy 321 turns to the left and will take you into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Learn More. You could also visit the Museum of East Tennessee History and learn about the regions culture, art and textiles. These roads include the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Cherohala Skyway, Newfound Gap Road, Outer Banks National Scenic Byway, and the Nantahala Scenic Byway. If you do, the hotel is located downtown so you will find many attractions such as the Tivoli Theater, Tennessee Aquarium, and Ross's Landing which boasts incredible views of the Tennessee River within walking distance. Deposit Photos. Though it's the most visited national park in the United States, travelers are still bound to find seclusion in the Great Smoky Mountains. If you were to drive direct from Gatlinburg to the start of the Cades Cove Loop Road, it will take 1-1.5 hours if you were to include likely traffic. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. We've been coming to Gat/burg from Paris Tn. There's far less traffic, and it's much more scenic. Get epic travel ideas delivered to your inbox with Weekend Wanderer, our newsletter inspiring thousands of readers every week. Huntsville, Alabama Huntsville is a well-known city for its hardworking scientists that develop military and aerospace technology at the U.S Space & Rocket Center. Also check. The riverfront city of Chattanooga is a great spot to stay overnight, as youll find lots of dining, shopping and entertainment. Thank you very much for your cooperation. Known as the 'city between two lakes' you'll soon see why. Related Read:8 Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Knoxville, Tennessee. Still, I would be remiss not to include the view from the front of the one-way loop road across the wide-open spaces of the valley to the mountains beyond. It is narrower and more curves than 441 but the drive is great. Her work appears in publications ranging from Global Traveler to Golf Magazine, Mashed to Forbes and Bloomberg. Boston, MA Washington, DC Shenandoah National Park, VA Pigeon Forge, TN Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN Washington, DC Boston, MA. Once youve thoroughly explored the historic side of Murfreesboro, you can head on down to Chattanooga, which takes just an hour and a half, or 100 miles. Follow Interstate 40 (I-40) out of the city and take Exit 407 towards TN-66. Pigeon Forge is a mountain town and vacationing spot that houses Dollywood country singer Dolly Partons theme park, featuring rides, a water park, and a museum of her costumes and memorabilia. Follow hwy 321 toward Maryville. You can ski, snowboard, and tube the mountain . Instead, well be taking a slightly longer route across I-75 and I-24 West. For the purposes of our trip, however, were not taking the fastest route on I-40 West from Nashville to Gatlinburg. The direct drive from Asheville to Gatlinburg is 80.8 mi (130 km), and should have a drive time of 1 hr 48 mins in normal traffic.. Here are 6 Gatlinburg scenic drives you won't want to miss when visiting the area. Follow US-441 towards your final destination Gatlinburg. Once youve arrived in Gatlinburg, you can still head back to Pigeon Forge later, if theres something you really wanted to do, but didnt get the chance to try. Discover the Asheville to Gatlinburg - Distance, Drive Hours, Stops & Best Driving Route with everything you must know about it. Strollers and/or wheelchairs are not allowed on the path which is quite steep. Depending on the season, you might run into some traffic or run into some closed out routes, which shouldn't be a problem as long as you inform yourself beforehand. It can offer shelter from the weather to go along with the most amazing views. To reach Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Nashville, drive east on Interstate Highway 40, continue east on Interstate 140 and turn north on U.S. Route 321, which brings you to the park's Townsend, Tennessee, entrance, a quieter and less-trafficked alternative to the one farther east in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.The Townsend route rolls through Nashville's outer suburbs and eventually into . More. Inspiration Point. And it is also home to the LeConte Lodge, the highest elevation inn providing lodging for visitors in the Eastern United States. If you choose to brave the weather and visit in winter, make sure to check out the festive New Year's Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show, which is the highlight of the holiday season in Gatlinburg. Hotel Margaritaville is an eccentric paradise for those who enjoy bright colors, coastal themes and the welcoming feel of a quirky dcor. What is your favorite overlook and view in Gatlinburg? The Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion will be held at the beautiful LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge. The 18,000-square-foot Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is the largest and closest outfitter to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at the south end of the Gatlinburg Strip. PinterestTodayWatchExploreWhen autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. At 54 x 84 it's the perfect size for two to keep warm during our cool mornings. Trip Details. Knoxville, about 100 miles from Chattanooga, is a bustling city that attracts a range of travelers, as well as students and families of students to the University of Tennessee. Is it better to go to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge? Follow Interstate 40 (I-40) out of the city and take Exit 407 towards TN-66. . How Far Is Pigeon Forge Or Gatlinburg To Nashville? A few things can make your stay at Gatlinburg even sweeter and one of those is a weekend at Margaritaville Resort. Baskins Creek Falls: How Long Is Baskins Creek Trail, Is It Safe to Hike? Bus, shuttle, drive 11h 22m. How long does it take to go from Texas to Mexico border? Townsend to Gatlinburg is about 45 minutes. And so, you can get great views on your vacation without ever leaving the confines of Sevier County. The quality service, amazing location and spacious rooms will shape up a unique getaway. Take the exit onto I-985 North and follow the bypass north past Lake Lanier. The operating hours, policies and procedures of other businesses may change at any time without notice. Gatlinburg was built on a rich and interesting history (left photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com; right photo public domain), Lake proponents argued that turning Cades Cove into a body of water would promote tourism (photo by Patrick Jennings/stock.adobe.com), Our site produces editorial content for the purpose of entertainment. 1. Cumberland Mountain State Park, Crossville Located around a man-made lake named Byrd, the Cumberland Mountain State Park provides countless recreational activities and interpretive programs along with numerous options for overnight accommodations. Townsend is a suburb in the southeastern United States. Maybe the least accessible popular viewing destination in the Smokies, Mt. Whether you are a beginner or an expert voyager, this thrilling adventure is bound to astound you with its beautiful natural and urban scenery. The events, sights and activities shift in-between seasons, yet a vacation to both Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains is absolutely stunning all year round. Related Read:6 Cool Campervan Rentals in Nashville, Tennessee. Located within a short walking distance from the hotel, you will find Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, a hugely popular attraction, and Gatlinburg Space Needle. If you take a few detours along the way, youll find some incredible scenery and make memories to last a lifetime. Popular sites include Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee National Forest, Fall Creek Falls and Cloudland Canyon State Parks as well as Chattanooga and Knoxville. In Gatlinburg, you get the blend of a tourist town and an outdoor adventure hub, with conveniently located hotels right near the Great Smoky Mountains, but also lots of family-friendly diversions, too, from museums to mini golf to go-karting. When shes not writing, you can find her exploring the mountains near her home in the Adirondacks. A great foodie scene? Gatlinburg Attractions Gatlinburg offers outdoor adventures, kid-friendly attractions, and laid-back scenic charms that keep families, friends and couples coming back, year after year. Downton Gatlinburg is the best city to enjoy museums, smoky mountains, theatre, candy factories, marketplace, and much more. After your visit, continue northeast towards Manchester where you can find the Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park. 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. Alternate Route #1: Take Highway 441 South From Knoxville View Larger Map If you have to go through Knoxville, you might want to consider getting off the interstate on Highway 441 in downtown. This is the fastest route and will get you to your . However, why just take the fastest route without stopping a while to look around? Atlanta, Georgia The beautiful city of Atlanta is rich in history, culture and has a massive art scene. Imbued with southern charm, the city on the Tennessee River offers lots to do, no matter what youre into when you travel. Take 40 E to Exit 364. Rehearsal dinner ideas Gatlinburg/pigeon forge. Nashville and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, are both worthy vacation destinations all on their own. Want to extend your trip and add on even more southern-favorite destinations? Read Also: Best mountain view cabins near Pigeon Forge: Top 9 ranked [2022]. The city offers a little bit of it all, and is only a two-hour drive from Gatlinburg. I'm told there are other "better and faster" routes to take, but we just happen to prefer this way.the "added time" just serves to heighten our excitement & anticipation of the tourist surroundings. Find a Scenic Drive Road Trip Planner Plan, edit, save, and share your custom day trips, weekend getaways, and cross-country adventures. This slightly longer route will take you to more great places in Tennessee, allowing you to make a full road trip out of your visit. Peer into the binoculars to check out the views of Mackinac Island (which, if you have time, is also worth visiting), Lake Huron, downtown St. Ignace, and I-75 itself. Even if you plan your vacation according to the weather forecast, it is essential to pack an additional layer of clothes, just in case. There are five trails that lead to Mt. Nearby bus routes include 41 . But what if you want to see both destinations in one Tennessee trip? Check. (615) 741-0803 Tennessee's collection of scenic roadways are a network of Scenic Highways, Tennessee Parkways and Scenic Byways. Cannonsburgh Village is likewise a popular historic attraction, with its living history displays reflecting daily Tennessee life in the 1830s. Directions to Gatlinburg, TN - MapQuest Shopping Coffee Grocery Gas Advertisement Directions to Gatlinburg, TN Get step-by-step walking or driving directions to Gatlinburg, TN. Route settings Get Directions Route sponsored by Choice Hotels Advertisement Help This narrow, winding trail offers a spectacular view of mountain streams, forests, log cabins, and a historic mill! Outdoor adventure? Take a shuttle bus from Black Bear Resort to Hot Springs, NC. However, if youre staying in Gatlinburg for the rest of your Tennessee road trip, youll find plenty to do here without leaving for even a second. Many other interests in the city dont necessarily deal with just shopping. The town is filled with art, great food and awesome breweries plus lots of outdoor adventure nearby (check out our fave hikes near Asheville). If you take a few detours along the way, you'll find some incredible scenery and make memories to last a lifetime. What are some FREE or budget friendly activities in the area? A few things can make your stay at Gatlinburg even sweeter and one of those is a weekend at Margaritaville Resort. Located on the Alum Cave Trail, Inspiration Point offers beautiful views of the North Carolina side of the Smokies.