Visiting Gatlinburg has its many advantages, but one challenge that comes with a getaway in this popular city is traffic. Highway 441, or the Parkway, is the main road through the city. This is where most of the shops, entertainment, and restaurants are located, so there is no way to completely avoid it. The best way to beat the traffic here is to learn to work with it. Gatlinburg has several options for traveling around town, and during the peak seasons of summer and winter, taking advantage of these is a good idea. Here are some ways you can make your time between stops run more smoothly.
The Trolley System – Within the city of Gatlinburg, there are 20 trolleys which service over 100 sites. As the fifth largest mass transit system in the state of Tennessee, this trolley system also runs through Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. Almost anywhere you go in Gatlinburg, you will be just steps away from a trolley stop, and the system is even color-coded for easy use. Fare is only fifty cents, or you can purchase an all-day pass. Pricing information, maps and schedules are available at the Gatlinburg Trolley website. The trolley is not only an inexpensive and convenient option for travel around the city, but it is also a fun way to explore the sites without the stress of driving through traffic.
Maps & Traffic Lights – If you do decide that driving is the best choice for you, Gatlinburg has made it much easier to navigate from place to place. Many restaurants and other businesses have city maps readily available. Grabbing a map will help you get around, but it can also give you some great ideas about where to eat, shop and play! Another helpful feature of Gatlinburg is the numbered traffic lights. Down Highway 441, the traffic lights are numbered 1 through 10, so maps (or helpful locals), will often give you directions based on traffic light numbers. If you are direction-challenged like I am, this is especially helpful in letting you know if you have already passed your destination.
Rentals Cars – Gatlinburg also has a number of rental car services available to you. Southland Car and Jeep Rentals has Hummers, a variety of Jeeps, ATVs, and even mid and full size cars on hand. That Scooter Place also has scooters if you want to cruise in the breeze.
With so many ways to travel through the city, you are sure to find something that works for you. Now, all you have to decide is – when do I start packing?!