Population:
3,382
Elevation:
1289 feet above sea level
Land Area:
10.1 square miles
Location:
Bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in eastern Tennessee, the town
is located on U.S. Highway 321, just 7 miles south of Pigeon Forge
Time Zone:
Gatlinburg is located in the Eastern Time zone (when it’s noon in Gatlinburg,
it’s 11am in Chicago and 9am in Los Angeles
Weather:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average temp. (°F)
34.0
36.7
44.4
52.0
60.0
67.2
70.8
69.5
64.0
53.8
44.7
37.1
High temperature (°F)
44.5
48.6
57.3
65.9
72.7
79.0
81.9
80.8
75.7
66.9
57.1
48.0
Low temperature (°F)
23.4
24.8
31.3
38.0
47.2
55.3
59.6
58.1
52.3
40.5
32.2
26.1
Precipitation (in)
5.2
4.4
5.7
4.6
6.0
6.1
6.3
5.0
4.8
3.1
4.4
4.7
Climate:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Days with precipitation
12
11
13
11
11
11
11
9
8
8
10
11
Wind speed (mph)
7.4
7.7
8.1
8.1
6.5
6.0
5.8
5.3
5.4
5.5
6.4
6.9
Morning humidity (%)
82
80
80
82
87
89
90
92
92
90
85
83
Afternoon humidity (%)
64
59
55
52
57
59
61
60
59
56
59
64
Sunshine (%)
41
47
53
63
64
65
64
63
61
61
49
41
Days clear of clouds
6
7
7
8
8
7
7
8
10
12
9
7
Partly cloudy days
7
6
7
9
10
12
13
12
9
8
7
7
Cloudy days
18
16
16
13
13
10
11
10
11
11
14
17
Snowfall (in)
3.9
3.4
1.7
0.4
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.6
1.5
Local Seasons:
With its beautiful weather as well as a host of
attractions, the summer is by far the busiest time of year in Gatlinburg. With
temperatures averaging near 70 F and highs near 80 F, a lovely mountain setting,
virtually all attractions open for visitors, and cool, comfortable nights
perfect for a warm fire; visitors from around the world come to the area, many
with children in tow. Fall isn’t far behind, primarily due to the magnificent
change of seasons in the mountains, offering a picture perfect fall setting as
well as many unique local events taking place in and around the town. Winter
offers just the right amount of snow and skiing is available. The temperatures
can reach near 50 F, making the midday time perfect for strolling through the
area and stopping for a casual lunch at one of the many restaurants in town.
For value, the spring is less crowded and still offers all of the beautiful
scenery and attractions.
How to Get There:
By Car
Traffic in the Smokies can get heavy especially
along Highway 66 during peak travel seasons (July and October are the highest
travel months). Visitors can take one of these less-traveled and scenic routes
to Gatlinburg and be on their way to the perfect mountain getaway.
From Virginia: Take I-81 South to I -40 East to
Exit 435 (Newport) and follow Hwy 321 South all the way into Gatlinburg.
Approximate drive time from interstate: 45 minutes
From Knoxville: Take I-75 North and follow
Highway 321 to I-40 East to Exit 435 and follow Highway 321 South. Approximate
drive time from interstate: 45 minutes.
From Chattanooga: Take Exit 81 on I-75 North and
follow Highway 321 North to Gatlinburg through Maryville and Townsend.
Approximate driving time from interstate: 1 hour 10 minutes.
From Nashville: Take I-75 South to Exit 81 and
follow Highway 321 North through Maryville and Townsend to Gatlinburg.
Approximate driving time from interstate: 1 hour 10 minutes.
From Asheville: Take I-40 West to Exit 440 and
follow Highway 321 South to Gatlinburg. Approximate drive time from interstate:
45 minutes.
From Atlanta: Take I-85 North to I-985 North to US 23. Take US 23 to Highway
23/441 to Highway 74/441 through Cherokee, North Carolina to Gatlinburg.
Approximate driving time: 4 hours 10 minutes.
By Air:
Knoxville – McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
2055 Alcoa Highway
Alcoa, TN 37701
865-342-3000
The airport is located approximate 55 miles north
of Gatlinburg. It is served by many of the national airlines as well as certain
regional carriers.
Ground Transportation:
Most of the major car rental companies are
available at the airport.
Getting Around:
Due to the many activities and attractions
available, the best way to get around the area is by either personal or rental
car.
Gatlinburg also provides Trolley service in and
around the area. It is a good alternative for getting around Gatlinburg during
the peak vacations times when Gatlinburg receives a large number of visitors.
National Holidays:
New Year’s Day, January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the third Monday in
January
President’ Day, the third Monday in February
Memorial Day, the last Monday in May
Independence Day, July 4
Labor Day, the first Monday in September
Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24 and
25
New Year’s Eve, December 31
Gatlinburg
