Gatlinburg Trolley: Your Downtown Tour Guide

The Gatlinburg Trolley is the perfect way to explore downtown and its many attractions. The trolley is a popular mode of transportation that operates year-round. The trolley route covers downtown Gatlinburg along the Parkway and surrounding areas. It’s an easy way to get around Gatlinburg without worrying about parking or driving.

Gatlinburg Trolley Route & Major Attractions

One of the best things about the Gatlinburg Trolley is the convenience of the stops. There are over 100 stops throughout the city, with trolleys running approximately every 45 minutes. The trolley operates daily and is totally free for passengers of any age. Here are some major attractions to explore on the trolley:

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is easily one of the city’s top attractions. The aquarium is home to over 10,000 exotic sea creatures, representing more than 350 species. The exhibits provide an up-close and personal view of the underwater world. See colorful fish, penguins, fearsome sharks, and stingrays. 

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies also offers memorable experiences like sleepovers (choose from either a shark tank sleepover or a penguin exhibit sleepover) and a behind-the-scenes tour. The Glass Bottom Boat Adventure offers a unique and unforgettable perspective on the creatures. These experiences provide an intimate view of the aquarium’s operations, resulting in a one-of-a-kind adventure.

The aquarium also features interactive exhibits that allow you to touch and learn about marine life. The Discovery Center exhibit lets you feel jellyfish and stingrays. You also get up-close to small sharks housed in the Discovery Center but, for your own protection, touching the sharks is not allowed. For more event fun, the Penguin Playhouse offers a unique opportunity to get close to these adorable creatures.

The Shark Lagoon is one of the most popular exhibits at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. The Shark Lagoon exhibits a variety of shark species like sand tiger sharks, nurse sharks, and blacktip reef sharks. The underwater tunnel is also popular because you walk through a glass tunnel surrounded by marine life.

Ober Mountain Aerial Tramway

A visit to Gatlinburg isn’t complete without experiencing the stunning Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway. This scenic tramway ride takes you on a breathtaking journey above the city with views of the Smoky Mountains. The journey begins at the tramway station in downtown Gatlinburg and travels to the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park.

What makes the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway truly special is its ability to showcase the Smoky Mountains in all its glory. The tramway provides some of the best views of the mountains and the surrounding forests. The smooth ride and spacious tram cars accommodate large groups of people, and the overall experience is sublime.

Skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and more await you at the mountain top. There are plenty of outdoor activities like mini-golf, alpine slides, and scenic chairlift rides during the summer. If you prefer to take it easy, there are shops, restaurants, and a wildlife encounter exhibit to explore as well.

Anakeesta

Anakeesta is quickly becoming one of the best and most fun things to do in Gatlinburg. One of the park’s main attractions is the Chondola. The Chondola is a unique transportation system that takes you from downtown Gatlinburg to the park’s entrance. Once inside the park, you experience a range of exciting activities, like the Treetop Skywalk. The Skywalk, 40–60 feet above ground, features 16 sky bridges for crossing, all offering unique mountaintop views. The Dueling Zipline Adventure is another heart-pounding thrill ride, sending you soaring over 200 feet above the ground from 90-foot-high platforms and across 1,000+ feet of lines. 

For a more leisurely experience, Anakeesta also offers a variety of dining and shopping options. The Cliff Top restaurant, for instance, offers delicious Elk burgers, Ribeye steaks, Tuna and Trout. The Great Outdoors Trading Company is a popular stop for unique gifts and souvenirs to take home. Take advantage of the chance to experience the beauty and excitement of Anakeesta during your visit to Gatlinburg!

Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community

The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is an artistic hub just a quick trolley ride from downtown Gatlinburg. Over 100 skilled artisans and craftspeople feature traditional and contemporary art forms like pottery, painting, and woodworking.

One of the more fascinating features of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is the opportunity to meet and engage with the artists. Watch in awe as artisans demonstrate their crafts, and bring home a unique, personalized souvenir as a memento of your visit. The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community also hosts several annual events that showcase the vibrant culture and traditions of the region including the Easter Arts & Craft Show and the Thanksgiving Craft Show.

Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau

In addition to Mobile Brochure, the Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau is a great resource for anyone planning a trip to Gatlinburg. Their knowledgeable staff is available to provide information and assistance on a wide range of topics, from attractions and accommodations to events and dining. The center boasts over 160,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space, complete with state-of-the-art technology. It’s the perfect venue for conventions, trade shows, and other events, regardless of size or type.

Hotels On A Gatlinburg Trolley Stop

Bearskin Lodge

Bearskin Lodge is a premier hotel in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg that offers you an exceptional lodging experience. Its prime location provides easy access to the city’s famous attractions and entertainment. The lodge features an inviting lobby with a cozy fireplace, comfortable seating, and a rustic ambiance always provides a warm welcome. The well-appointed rooms at Bearskin Lodge have modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, coffee makers, and high-speed Wi-Fi. This beautiful lodging option also offers an outdoor pool and hot tub area to relax. The hotel includes a fitness center for those who want to stay active during their getaway.

Bearskin Lodge is committed to sustainable tourism. The lodge partners with the Great Smoky Mountains National park by donating $1 for every night booked, making it an excellent choice for environmentally-conscious travelers.

Courtyard by Marriott – Gatlinburg

The Courtyard by Marriott is steps away from the downtown Gatlinburg trolley stop, making it easy for guests to explore the town’s main attractions.

The hotel offers a range of comfortable room options, including standard guest rooms, one-bedroom suites, and two-bedroom suites. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-refrigerators, coffee makers, and comfortable beds.

The Courtyard by Marriott features amenities like an indoor pool, fitness center, and outdoor fire pit, making it an excellent option for families and couples. The hotel’s on-site restaurant, The Bistro, serves delicious American cuisine for breakfast and dinner.

Hampton Inn Historic Nature Trail

The Hampton Inn Historic Nature Trail is a top-rated hotel in the heart of Gatlinburg. The hotel’s prime location provides easy access to popular attractions like the Gatlinburg Convention Center, the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

You’ll enjoy a choice of standard rooms, suites, and accessible rooms with modern amenities. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a complimentary hot breakfast, and a fitness center. The hotel also has a business center for those working remotely and free trolley stop located just outside, making it easy for visitors to explore the town.

The Hampton Inn Historic Nature Trail provides exceptional customer service. Many of its past guests praise the hotel’s friendly and helpful staff. The hotel’s clean and well-maintained facilities make for a pleasant and comfortable stay.

Greystone Lodge on the River

The Greystone Lodge on the River is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a peaceful mountain getaway. Located on the tranquil banks of the Little Pigeon River, this beautiful lodge offers you a serene and relaxing experience. Plus, it’s just minutes away from Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and Anakeesta. Choose from comfortable rooms with one king or two queen beds, spacious family suites with separate bedrooms and living areas, or riverfront suites with private balconies overlooking the river.

The Greystone Lodge also offers a range of on-site amenities to enhance your stay. Take a dip in the indoor or outdoor pool, soak in the hot tub, or cook a delicious meal on the outdoor barbecue grills. The lodge also has a game room for family-friendly fun and a fitness center so there’s no skipping leg day. One of the unique features of the Greystone Lodge is its riverside restaurant. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner so that you can enjoy your meals with stunning views of the Little Pigeon River.

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The Gatlinburg Trolley is a great way to explore downtown Gatlinburg and its many attractions. With over 100 stops throughout the city, the trolley provides easy access to key points of interest. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies offers up-close experiences with colorful fish, penguins, sharks, and stingrays. Engage in interactive exhibits, sleepovers, and behind-the-scenes tours. 

The Ober Gatlinburg Tramway showcases stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. At the mountaintop, enjoy alpine slides and scenic chairlift rides. Anakeesta offers exciting activities like the Treetop Skywalk, Dueling Zipline Adventure, dining, and shopping options. Remember to visit the Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau to learn more about the area and plan your itinerary.

If you plan to visit Gatlinburg, try staying at Bearskin Lodge, Courtyard by Marriott, or Hampton Inn Historic Nature Trail. They each provide easy access to all the trolley routes and will make your stay in Gatlinburg very comfortable. The Gatlinburg Trolley is an excellent choice for exploring this charming mountain town. So, hop aboard and let the trolley be your downtown tour guide!

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