Once Again, This Tennessee Destination Was Named One Of The Best Small Towns In America
By Meghan Kraft|Published October 03, 2020
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
The state of Tennessee has long been known for its rustic charm and southern hospitality, but within its borders is a small town with tons of its own character: Gatlinburg. Whether you visit for a winter cabin stay or a summer afternoon spent downtown, there’s a whole lot that this southern city has to offer. Learn a bit about it below, and you just might understand why it’s considered the best small town in Tennessee. Gatlinburg is truly a diamond in the southern rough.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee is located in one of the most beautiful areas in the state of Tennessee. Right in the heart of the Smokies, the rustic charm and southern hospitality of the region goes unmatched.
There are plenty of outdoor adventures in the area, with over 150 hiking trails striping the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the city's immediate vicinity. Whether you're an average hiker, a newbie, or perhaps an absolute professional, there are experiences for everyone.
You'll find that the Gatlinburg downtown strip is great for local tourism and families. From the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies to the Titanic Museum, the history and fun are rampant and widely available. Gatlinburg may be a rustic mountain town, but it has its fun side.
The city itself is home to fewer than 5,000 people and became known as a popular destination once the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was founded. It's the most-visited national park in the United States, which has since boosted Gatlinburg in popularity.
From cultural attractions to natural beauty, Gatlinburg dates back to the time of the American Civil War. It's both historic and relevant on a contemporary level.
Make sure that you find time to get out in the natural expanse of the East Tennessee area while you visit. The trickling streams and old-growth forests are unlike any other in the state. You can also observe from above atop the 407-foot Space Needle in the heart of Gatlinburg.
