Getting to Gatlinburg, TN

Swathed in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is an easy day drive from two-thirds of the U.S. population east of the Mississippi River. Once you’re here, you’ll also be hard-pressed to find a town that’s easier to park and get around in, and since most of the attractions, restaurants and much of the shopping downtown are within walking distance, you’ll be able to explore at your own pace. So pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare to be enchanted by the beauty of Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, beckons visitors with its stunning natural beauty, charming downtown area, and array of outdoor adventures. If you’re planning to visit, Pigeon Forge and Knoxville serve as integral gateways to this picturesque mountain town, but there are plenty of routes from major cities like Atlanta, Chicago, and Nashville to get you here.

Driving Directions from Popular Cities

From Pigeon Forge: A Gateway to Adventure
From Knoxville: A Convenient Starting Point
From Atlanta: A Southern Sojourn
From Chicago: A Northern Escape
From Nashville: A Musical Journey

From Pigeon Forge: A Gateway to Adventure

Pigeon Forge, known for its family-friendly attractions and entertainment, is another popular starting point for travelers en route to Gatlinburg. Situated just a short 7-mile drive away, the journey from Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg is a scenic delight, offering glimpses of the Smoky Mountains and the serene beauty of the region.

To travel from Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg, head southeast on US-441 S/TN-71 S/Parkway. Follow the signs for Gatlinburg as you continue along the Parkway, and you'll soon arrive at your destination.

From Knoxville: A Convenient Starting Point

If you're starting your journey from Knoxville, you're in luck! Gatlinburg is just a stone's throw away, making it an ideal day trip or weekend getaway destination. The distance from Knoxville to Gatlinburg is approximately 35 miles, which translates to around a 45-minute drive through scenic highways and winding mountain roads.

To reach Gatlinburg from Knoxville, begin your journey by heading east on I-40 E. Take exit 407 for TN-66 toward Sevierville/Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg. Follow signs for Gatlinburg and merge onto TN-66 S/Winfield Dunn Pkwy.

From Atlanta: A Southern Sojourn

For those embarking on the journey from Atlanta, Gatlinburg offers a refreshing retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. The distance from Atlanta to Gatlinburg is approximately 208 miles, roughly a 3.5-hour drive.

To reach Gatlinburg from Atlanta, start by heading north on I-75 N. Merge onto I-575 N, and then take the exit for I-575 N/GA-5 N toward Canton. Continue on I-575 N/GA-5 N as it turns into US-23 N/GA-15 N. Merge onto I-40 E toward Knoxville, then take exit 407 for TN-66 toward Sevierville/Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg. Follow signs for Gatlinburg and merge onto TN-66 S/Winfield Dunn Pkwy.

From Chicago: A Northern Escape

Travelers from the Windy City seeking a nature-filled escape will find Gatlinburg to be an inviting destination. While the distance from Chicago to Gatlinburg is substantial, approximately 550 miles, the journey offers an opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes of the American Midwest and Southeast.

To travel from Chicago to Gatlinburg, start by heading south on I-90 E/I-94 E. Merge onto I-65 S via the exit on the left toward Indianapolis. Continue on I-65 S, then merge onto I-40 E via exit 208B toward Nashville. Follow I-40 E through Tennessee, then take exit 407 for TN-66 toward Sevierville/Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg. Follow signs for Gatlinburg and merge onto TN-66 S/Winfield Dunn Pkwy.

From Nashville: A Musical Journey

For those departing from Music City, Gatlinburg offers a serene respite from the lively rhythms of Nashville. The distance from Nashville to Gatlinburg is approximately 220 miles, which equates to around a 3.5-hour drive through the scenic byways of Tennessee.

To reach Gatlinburg from Nashville, begin your journey by heading east on I-40 E. Follow I-40 E through Tennessee, then take exit 407 for TN-66 toward Sevierville/Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg. Follow signs for Gatlinburg and merge onto TN-66 S/Winfield Dunn Pkwy.

Google Driving Directions

Departing City	Time	Miles
Asheville, NC	1 Hour – 54 min	90
Atlanta, GA	3 Hours – 53 min	197
Baton Rouge, LA	10 Hours – 41 min	699
Birmingham, AL	4 Hours – 49 min	298
Bristol, TN	1 Hour – 39 min	102
Charlotte, NC	3 Hours – 57 min	219
Chattanooga, TN	2 Hours – 41 min	153
Cherokee, NC	1 Hour	35
Chicago, IL	9 Hours – 23 min	581
Cincinnati, OH	4 Hours – 59 min	297
Columbus, OH	6 Hours – 32 min	397
Dayton, OH	5 Hours – 42 min	344
Greenville, SC	2 Hours – 53 min	143
Huntsville, AL	4 Hours – 20 min	253

Departing City	Time	Miles
Indianapolis, IN	6 Hours – 29 min	398
Jackson, MS	8 Hours – 18 min	537
Johnson City, TN	1 hour – 31 min	94
Knoxville, TN	1 Hour	42
Lexington, KY	3 Hour – 38 min	212
Louisville, KY	4 Hours – 45 min	286
Memphis, TN	6 Hours – 47 min	432
Montgomery, AL	6 Hours – 5 min	385
Nashville, TN	3 Hours – 41 min	222
New Orleans, LA	9 Hours – 54 min	642
Orlando, FL	10 Hours – 19 min	631
Roanoke, VA	4 Hours – 19 min	261
St. Louis, MO	8 Hours – 23 min	327
Tampa, FL	10 Hours – 39 min	698