River Terrace Resort and Convention Center

Gatlinburg Area & Directions

From Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport:
From U.S. 129 North, take the I-40 East ramp toward Asheville, North Carolina. Take I-40 East to the 407 Exit toward Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Turn right onto Highway 66 and travel South to U.S. 441. In Sevierville, proceed to Forks of the River Bypass to U.S. 441. Turn right onto U.S. 441 and travel through Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg. Veer right onto East Parkway/441. Turn at Traffic Light 5 onto River Road.

From Atlanta, Georgia:
Take I-75 North to Knoxville, Tennessee. Once in Knoxville, take I-40 East toward Asheville, North Carolina. Take I-40 East to the 407 Exit toward Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Turn right onto Highway 66 and travel South to U.S. 441. In Sevierville, proceed to Forks of the River Bypass to U.S. 441. Turn right onto U.S. 441 and travel through Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg. Veer right onto East Parkway/441. Turn at Traffic Light 5 onto River Road.

From Cherokee, North Carolina:
Take U.S. 441 North toward Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Bear right onto 441 to Gatlinburg. Continue on Parkway and turn at Traffic Light 5 onto River Road.

Gatlinburg Area Points of Interest & Attractions

Gatlinburg Area Events

March through January

• Smoky Mountains Springfest
  A countrywide, three-month festival that welcomes the arrival of spring, this popular event includes a craft show and other special events throughout Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.

Early April through Mid-May

• Dollywood Festival of Nations
  An international celebration, Dollywood Festival of Nations offers live entertainment, culture exhibits and great food.

Mid-June through Early August

• Dollywood KidsFest
  Kid crafts, karaoke, puppets, clowns, jugglers, magicians, a trained dog show, extreme sports and much more highlight the festivities at Dollywood theme park during KidsFest.

July

• Fourth of July Midnight Parade
  Lighted floats, giant helium balloons, lively marching bands and more make up Gatlinburg’s Fourth of July Midnight Parade, which begins promptly on July 4th at 12:01 AM – making it the first Independence Day parade in the country each year.
• Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
  More than 200 of the most talented artists and craftspeople in the Smoky Mountains showcase their talents in the areas of woodworking, pottery, furniture making, basketweaving, dulcimer making, stained glass, metal work, jewelry, broommaking, quilting, candlemaking and more.

August

• Celebrate Freedom!
  Pigeon Forge salutes America’s veterans during this weeklong tribute full of live concerts, parades, dances, historical exhibits and the Freedom Works fireworks display.

Early September through Late October

• Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival
  The countywide Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival features arts & crafts demonstrations, exhibitions, shows, special events, a decorating contest and live mountain music.

Late September through Late October

• Dollywood National Gospel & Harvest Celebration
  View the talents of more than 100 craftspeople from around the United States and enjoy the best Southern gospel music at the Dollywood National Gospel & Harvest Celebration.

Early November through Late December

• Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas
  Dollywood shines brightly with 3.5-million lights and a variety of special holiday events during Smoky Mountain Christmas.

November through February

• Smoky Mountain Winterfest
  The Smoky Mountain region’s premier annual event, WinterFest started in 1990 and has evolved into a four-month celebration of the winter holidays that encompasses the entire county and draws thousands of visitors. Festivities include live entertainment, storytelling, wine tastings, illumination and decorating contests, trolley light tours, guided hikes and much more.

December

• Gatlinburg’s New Year’s Eve Ball Drop & Pyrotechnic Show
  Highlights of the annual downtown Gatlinburg New Year’s Eve street party include a ball drop from the 340-foot-tall Gatlinburg Space Needle and a spectacular fireworks display.