What is gatlinburg tn famous for

As forests throughout the Southeastern US began being harvested at rapid rates, companies were forced to push deeper into areas of the Appalachian Mountains seeking timber.

The logging industry came to the Gatlinburg area in when local figure Andrew Jackson Huff opened a sawmill in Gatlinburg. For a few decades they brought their own men and enlisted some of the Gatlinburg folk as well to hew the tall trees, but changing economic times and new areas to get timber lured them away from the area.

Shortly after Colonel W. Townsend established the Little River Lumber Company near Tuckaleechee Cove and Lumber entrepreneurs began buying large tracts of land in the Smokies to attain logging rights. Mary Noailles Murfree, considered the first significant Appalachian female writer was from Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

She brought fame to the Smoky Mountain region with her book In the Tennessee Mountains eight stories on the life and character of the Tennessee mountaineer. Horace Kephart, a prolific writer and naturalist wrote about his life near Hazel Creek in what would later become the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. His writings about his experiences living in the great wilderness of the Smokies were first published in Field and Stream and Camping and Woodcraft in Both the writing of Mary Noailles Murfree and Horace Kephart bought the first tourists to the Gatlinburg area around the turn of the century.

The first school was not established in Gatlinburg until The school opened its doors to only 13 students. The school was an immediate success, teaching both children and adults. It quickly grew from 13 to students within the first year it was opened. Jack, his wife Pauline, and their family continued to operate the lodge until LeConte Lodge is still open to tourists who are ready to rough the hike today.

It is also said that LeConte Lodge is haunted, and if you wake up at exactly in the morning you might see a ghostly girl standing at the foot of your bed watching you. Though there have been many reports of this ghost, nobody seems to know who the little girl is was? With increased logging in the United States, Congress passed the Weeks Act in the w for the purchase of land for national forests.

Seeing the rapid logging taking place in the natural wonder of the Smokies region, author Horace Kephart and Knoxville-area business interests began advocating the creation of a national park in the Smokies. This dream came closer to a reality when With the purchase of 76, acres km2 of the Little River Lumber Company tract in Unlike national parks created out West, mostly on government land where many people chose not to live on, the land that became Great Smokies National Park was owned by hundreds of small farmers and a small group of timber and paper companies.

The farmers did not want to leave their family homesteads, nor did the businesses want to leave huge forests of timber, many miles of railroad track, extensive systems of logging equipment, and their profits behind.

Fortunately, with the diligence of hardcore conservationists, backpackers, and trout fishermen, motorists, and key support groups in Asheville, NC and Knoxville, a bill was signed by President Calvin Coolidge that provided for the establishment of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Due to complications purchasing the land from private landowners within the soon-to-be park boundaries, the official establishment of the park was delayed.

The problem was not over however because the cost of the land had now doubled, so the campaign ground to a halt. Between the great World Wars the US government created a program to provide employment and fulfill the dreams of President Roosevelt, an avid naturalist who had visions of maintaining the beauty of his country while providing work for its people. It's also a favorite area for wildlife viewing, and even offers the chance to see larger beasts, such as deer and black bears.

It's a particularly pleasurable area to explore by car, and a very picturesque mile, one-way tourist route - the Cades Cove Loop Road - has been established to add to the fun and remains one of the best free things to do in the area.

Hiking is also popular here, especially along the trails leading to Abrams Falls. Camping and cabins are also available here. Ober Gatlinburg is a ski resort and amusement park offering year-round recreational activities.

The complex includes a chairlift, indoor ice-skating, skiing, an alpine slide, mini golf, and Kiddie Land. The Wildlife Encounter is a big draw, too, and features a habitat for native creatures such as black bears, river otters, and opossums.

Getting to Ober Gatlinburg is half the fun. Most visitors opt for the two-mile-long Aerial Tramway , which departs from downtown Gatlinburg and offers superb views along the way. The chairlift from Ober Gatlinburg includes a minute ride to the summit with its scenic lookout. The newest of Gatlinburg's many attractions, Anakeesta might just also be one of the best adventure and nature theme parks in the state. It's named after the Cherokee word for "high ground" and the massive rock formations that make up the Smoky Mountains.

The fun begins with a cable car ride aboard the "Chondola" from the town up to the foot summit of Anakeesta Mountain, where you'll find yourself dropped off in the heart of the park's acre forest. Once here, you'll be able to enjoy fun activities, including a tree canopy walk suspended as high as 60 feet above ground, and side-by-side ziplines so you can race your friends and family.

There's also a fun kids' treehouse playground, a gem mining station, as well as great dining at the Smokehouse BBQ. A fun way to get back down the mountain is on the thrilling mountain coaster think gravity-powered rollercoaster, and you control your speed.

Worth mentioning, too, if you're seeking more ziplining fun is Zip Gatlinburg , and two additional mountain coaster experiences are available at Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster and Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster. Although already mentioned as one of the main tourist attractions in the downtown area, there's enough to see and do at the foot-tall Gatlinburg Space Needle to warrant giving it an extended mention here.

Once you've arrived - and you can't miss the structure, it's by far the tallest thing in town - board one of the two person glass elevators for the swift ride to the tower's observation deck. Here, you'll experience stunning degree views of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains be sure to claim your spot at one of the free viewfinders for a closer look. There are also plenty of fascinating displays pointing out the features and highlights of the many things you can see.

Afterwards, head down to the huge two-level Arcadia, a fun hangout, especially for those traveling with kids. Here, you'll find many classic arcade-style video- and fun-fair-style games, or you can catch a show at the on-site theater. Featuring more than 40 cars that were used in Hollywood movies, the collection includes vehicles from Gone in 60 Seconds , The Fast and the Furious, and Days of Thunder. Other famous favorites include the original Batmobile from the s TV show, Batman as well as a Batmobile from 's Batman Returns , and Herbie from the Disney movie franchise of the same name.

No trip to Gatlinburg is complete without jumping aboard one of the many chairlifts that head up into the Smokies. A popular option that departs from the downtown area is the completely refurbished Gatlinburg Sky Lift.

This open-air chairlift makes short work of the 1,foot elevation of Crockett Mountain, offering superb views over the town and its picturesque setting along the way. After unloading at the new Sky Deck platform at the summit of Crockett mountain, you're free to explore the many trails nearby, either making your way on foot back down to Gatlinburg or making the return journey on the Sky Lift.

It's an especially pleasant journey after nightfall when the town and its Space Needle are lit up to dazzling effect. To help you find the perfect place to stay at a rate that works for you, we recommend these highly rated hotels in Gatlinburg, each with easy access to downtown attractions and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:.

Tennessee's Musical Roots : The state of Tennessee offers no end of fun things to see and do. A must-visit for music fans is the state capital of Nashville , home to such landmarks as Music Row, widely considered to be the heart and soul of America's music industry. Music fans will also want to include Memphis in their Tennessee itinerary. Here, you'll be able to visit the Graceland home of Elvis Presley, and enjoy countless museums dedicated to musical icons of blues to country and rock and roll, including the excellent Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum.

Chattanooga Choo! The city is famous for its connection to the railway, and visitors are always pleased to find the city's original railroad station intact it's now a lovely hotel, including some old carriages for rooms. And thanks to a great preservation effort, it's possible to take a rail journey on a historic steam train run by the Tennessee Valley Railroad.

Tennessee Travel Guide. Local Services. Things To Do. Meeting Planner. Watch Gatlinburg TV. Chamber of Commerce. Skip Intro. Fall in the Smokies Calling all Leaf peepers! Crowned with hues of orange, red and gold, Gatlinburg is the perfect destination for viewing fall foliage in the Great Smoky Mountains. Autumn is the ideal time for a weekend getaway to Gatlinburg with family and loved ones.

The Mountains are Calling! View More. Great Smoky Mountains A hike through the Great Smoky Mountains — whether it be on the Appalachian Trail itself, a wildflower walk, or a trip to one of the many waterfalls — will leave you with a smile and a lasting impression. Gatlinburg Attractions Gatlinburg offers outdoor adventures, kid-friendly attractions, and laid-back scenic charms that keep families, friends and couples coming back, year after year. Sharpen up your putt-putt skills or sharpen your mind at museums.

Fly up the mountainsides and slide down the slopes. Discover oceans teeming with life and outdoor adventures unique only to Gatlinburg. Lodging With pillows this perfect, your weekend retreat might turn into a week-long vacation.