Gatlinburg is a four-hour drive from Atlanta, Georgia, and 45 minutes from Asheville, North Carolina. The small town sits at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains along Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Gatlinburg is the location of the nation's first Independence Day celebration every year. At 12:01 a.m. visitors can partake in a variety of events across the city including a parade to kick off the day. About 450 shops line downtown Gatlinburg, attracting visitors to what the tourism council describes as a "mountain village." Other attractions in the area include stage shows and Dollywood theme park.
Year-round you will find moderate weather in Gatlinburg because of its high elevation. During the summer it is warm, but rarely hits more than 90 degrees Fahrenheit and it does not freeze in winter. May is one of the best months to travel because on average the temperature stays between the high 60s and 70s.
