NEW LODGING
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Embassy Suites by Hilton Gatlinburg Resort
A new upscale lodging option, Embassy Suites Gatlinburg provides premium accommodations. Guests can enjoy on-site dining, modern amenities, and easy access to the Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park—making it an ideal stay for families, groups, and business travelers. Sweet dreams await on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Check into this luxurious retreat and check out the resort-style pool, complete with slide and lazy river. With onsite restaurant The Roaring Fork featuring Appalachian flair and favorites, you’ll find plenty of reasons to settle in and enjoy your stay.
The Historic Rocky Waters Inn, A Small Luxury Hotel
The historic Rocky Waters Inn has reopened after a full renovation and is now part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Nestled along the Little Pigeon River, the inn features 36 rustic-luxury guest rooms with private balconies and upscale amenities—perfectly blending heritage with comfort. This hotel pays homage to vintage Gatlinburg hospitality with an entirely new spin. You’ll find nostalgia at its finest, where modern amenities share space with timeless travel adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This 36-room property is the perfect destination for your next mountain vacation, beckoning you to relax and leave your baggage behind.
The Timber at Holly Branch
This new luxury mountain lodge offers secluded accommodations perfect for weddings, retreats and group getaways. With stunning views and upscale rustic charm, The Timber at Holly Branch is a serene escape for those seeking the beauty of the Smokies with added privacy and elegance.
Up the Ante
Elevate your Gatlinburg getaway by booking this newly upgraded modern farmhouse cabin. Comfortably sleeping 12, this three-story 2500-square-foot abode features four bedrooms, a game room, a theater, and a hot tub. Minutes from downtown yet boasting breathtaking views of the Smokies, don’t sleep on this booking!
NEW FOOD & DRINK
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The Heirloom Room: Creekside Restaurant & Bar
Located inside Rocky Waters Inn, The Heirloom Room delivers chef-crafted Appalachian fare with a modern twist. With an extensive bourbon and whiskey program and creekside views, it offers an elevated yet inviting dining experience. Featuring Appalachian culinary traditions, the menu and dining experience is a feast for the imagination and the senses.
PizzaRio
With its incredible Brazilian-style dining experience, serves up a fresh slice of goodness on the Gatlinburg food scene. Expect a menu filled with high-quality ingredients, delicious meals and scrumptious sips of sangria and wine. Bring your appetite and feast “The Brazilian Way” in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Taco Trail Taqueria & Bar
Taco Trail brings bold flavor to downtown Gatlinburg with creative dishes like Hiker Trash Nachos, brisket tacos and queso mac & cheese. This fast-casual spot is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Myron Mixon’s Pitmaster BBQ
Legendary pitmaster and five-time world barbecue champion Myron Mixon brings his bold, Southern-style barbecue to Gatlinburg. The restaurant offers expertly smoked meats, signature sides and classic sauces in a laid-back, family-friendly setting.
Smash Burger at Gatlinburg SkyPark
To celebrate SkyPark’s 71st anniversary, a brand-new Smash Burger restaurant has opened at the top of the mountain, pairing delicious burgers with unmatched Smoky Mountain views.
Smokin' Banjo Wine Company
This fun, fresh winery serves sparkling wines and hard ciders in playful blends such as Banjo Blues and Sweet Heat. It’s a lighthearted, flavorful stop along the Gatlinburg Wine Trail.
Myron Mixon’s Pitmaster BBQ
Legendary pitmaster and five-time world barbecue champion Myron Mixon brings his bold, Southern-style barbecue to Gatlinburg. The restaurant offers expertly smoked meats, signature sides and classic sauces in a laid-back, family-friendly setting.
NEW ATTRACTIONS & EXPERIENCES
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Gatlinburg SkyPark SkyTrail
The Gatlinburg SkyPark’s new SkyTrail offers a scenic 0.5-mile walkway connecting both ends of the iconic SkyBridge. Divided into three sections—the Elevated Boardwalk, the Tulip Tower, and The Path—the SkyTrail provides a mix of mountaintop adventure and history. Visitors can learn about the SkyBridge and the 2016 wildfires on interactive signs, climb the 70-foot Tulip Tower for panoramic Smoky Mountain views, and enjoy a peaceful hike along a natural hillside trail. The SkyTrail adds a dynamic, family-friendly experience to the park’s stunning mountain setting. The park also recently opened a new gift store, SkyPark Shop, featuring t-shirts and other souvenirs.
Hellbender Mountain Coaster at Anakeesta
Anakeesta has launched the Hellbender Mountain Coaster—an exhilarating ride that speeds through the treetops and offers panoramic views of the Smokies. It's a thrilling new addition for adventure seekers.
Ober Mountain
Cloud Catcher Zipline & Mountain Biking
This ski area and amusement park has added several updated amenities to its roster. Ober recently installed a new chairlift system for this season, replacing the main ski lift for an improved guest experience. Atop Mt. Harrison, where the longest chairlift of its kind in the U.S. summits, take in the majestic views from a new elevated observation deck. This is also the starting point for Ober’s new Cloud Catcher Zipline Experience. It’s never all uphill at Ober, where new downhill mountain biking challenges riders to conquer the descent! Offering mountain biking trails for all skill levels. With rentals, lift access and scenic routes, it’s an exciting new way to explore the terrain in every season.
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Ocean Wonders Show
Running through summer 2025, Ripley’s new Ocean Wonders experience combines lighting, sound and water effects to immerse guests in an enchanting underwater atmosphere. Included with general admission.
Speedwerkz Exotic Car Experience
Speed enthusiasts can now step into the driver’s seat literally at Speedwerkz Exotic Car Experience. Located in downtown Gatlinburg, this immersive attraction features an impressive collection of exotic cars, racing simulators and interactive exhibits that blend engineering, speed and style.
RESTAURANTS RETURN
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Pucker's Sports Grill
After a devastating fire in 2022 shuttered Pucker’s Sports Grill, it’s back in business with Gatlinburg’s biggest TVs for game-watching. Don’t miss seeing your favorite teams play while you’re on vacation – head to the newly rebuilt Pucker’s on the Parkway to enjoy sports, cold beverages and a chef-driven menu.
Dick's Last Resort
Also emerging after a blaze, Dick’s Last Resort – while self-described as “the shame o’ the Smokies”— is back by popular demand. The remodeled establishment serves up tasty food and drinks with a heavy dose of humor. Come for a meal, leave with some cheeky merch!
NEW EVENTS
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Gatlinburg Sweet Week
Every February the week prior to Valentine's Day is a weeklong tribute all things sugary and decadent. In its inaugural year, Gatlinburg Sweet Week will take place every February leading up to Valentine’s Day. For seven days, our mountain town’s bakeries, candy shops and dessert destinations will serve up their sweetest confections. Bring those you love, eat your weight in treats – and check in on the app at seven or more locations to win delightful prizes.
Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain Wine Fest
In March, join us for the Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain Wine Fest at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. Surrounded by the beauty of the Smokies, relax and savor pairings of regional wines with food from local restaurants. Artists and artisans from Arrowmont and the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community will elevate the experience with behind-the-scenes displays of creativity and handcrafted wares for sale. Peruse items for sale from local wineries, while Appalachian music from Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales will set the dreamy scene.
WATERFALL TRAIL REOPENS
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Ramsey Cascades
After a three-year renovation project, the Ramsey Cascades Trail has reopened for hikers, seven days a week. This eight-mile round trip hike leads to the largest waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, at 105 feet. The rehabilitated trail begins on an old roadbed and winds through a cove hardwood forest, narrowing and becoming rockier on the 2,000-foot ascent. Be prepared to navigate over multiple footlog bridges and streams!
GET SOCIAL
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Don’t be a stranger! Use #TheMountainsAreCalling on social and share your favorite Gatlinburg vacation photo and story for the chance to win the Ultimate Gatlinburg Getaway. This prize pack includes a three-night stay for up to four people, a Gatlinburg attractions family pass, restaurant gift certificates and more!
