I would love to see the Great Smoky Mountains in person, but everything in Gatlinburg is way too expensive!
If you’ve ever found yourself thinking the same, let us shed a light of savings with our top FREE attractions in Gatlinburg! From witnessing master craftsmen at work firsthand and exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to satisfying your wine cravings and attending local events, choose one activity or go for them all. No matter what you decide, enjoy keeping money in your pocket for delicious meals and vacay souvenirs! Above all, remember the best things in life really are free — including Smoky Mountain memories.
Traverse the Tennessee Heritage Arts & Crafts Trail
When visiting a new place, it’s always nice to see the local arts and crafts, and in a historic place like Gatlinburg, the craftsmanship is truly a wonder to behold. While many towns offer such artworks at pricey museums, Gatlinburg hosts the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, which presents visitors not only with incredible masterpieces but also a chance to watch the masters at work — without paying a penny. In fact, as the largest group of independent artisans in all North America, this community has been deemed precious to the state, and so the 8-mile loop road that surrounds the community was dubbed a Tennessee Heritage Arts and Crafts Trail.
What might you find along the trail?
- Hand-thrown pottery
- Oil paintings
- Wooden figurines
- Custom blades
- Handcrafted jewelry
- Flower arrangements
- Metal sculptures
- Rock candles
- Homemade sweets
- Leather goods
- Artistic birdhouses
- Pet products
- Hand-woven baskets
- Glass-blown decor
Prefer to see a preview of these lovely creations in one stop? Plan your vacation around the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community holiday shows — held 3 times each year! Check out Thanksgiving-themed items November 20 – 25, 2018, Christmas goodies November 26 – December 2, 2018, or precious Easter gifts around the end of March next year. Oh, and admission is absolutely free, so grab your artsy pals and head for the Smokies for a creative good time at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.
Take a Scenic Drive
Once you’ve seen all the manmade art the area has to offer, take a scenic drive through the Smokies to see Mother Nature’s showpieces. From fascinating flora and fantastic fauna to majestic mountains and lush landscapes, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park won’t disappoint. In fact, it’s the most visited national park in the United States, which is proof alone of its popularity. So be sure to stop by or drive through — no entrance fees imposed!
Where is the best place to go for a drive within the national park? Glad you asked! A favorite among locals and travelers alike is Cades Cove, a valley area with white-tailed deer grazing in the meadows, black bears ushering their cubs through the forest, owls hooting in the evening, historic homesteads and churches waiting to be explored, nature trails seeking brave trekkers, and incredible mountain views charming visitors with every glance.
Before heading onto the cove’s paved, 11-mile loop road, fill your tank to the brim as there are no gas stations within the national park. If you would prefer to walk or bike ride around the loop, do so in the early morning to avoid car traffic. Pro tip: until 10:00 a.m. every Wednesday and Saturday from early May – late September, the roads are closed to vehicles, giving you the chance to explore in peace. Lastly, make the experience extra special with a picnic lunch at the pavilion (restrooms are available as well).
Hike the Day Away
Like the sound of a hike through the national park? Great idea! How about a free museum tour to go with it? Even better! Check out the Sugarlands Visitor Center to learn more about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a free 21-minute film as well as discover interesting facts about local wildlife in the provided nature and park exhibits. With various nearby hiking trails, such as Cataract Falls (an easy walk that ends with a 25-foot waterfall!), Fighting Creek Nature Trail (a 1.2-mile loop along the creek, past historic cabins, and back to the visitor center), and the Gatlinburg Trail (a 3.8-mile, paved, pet-friendly, roundtrip trek by foot or bicycle), this free visitor center is the perfect place to start your outdoor adventure! Plus, there’s free parking — you won’t have to pay a dime!
Looking for the best panoramic views? Venture to Clingmans Dome — the highest point in Smokies — providing unique sights and even better memories. Trust us; pictures just don’t do it justice. See the wonder of the Tennessee mountains and valleys with your own eyes atop the observation tower at 6,643 feet. The way up is paved, so don’t fret about uneven ground. And be sure to wear layers as the temperatures can vary greatly from the bottom once you reach the top. Remember to bring snacks and fresh water as well to keep up your stamina. Last but not least, keep your camera ready — you never know what kind of animals may show up! Important note: while the tower is open year-round, the road to Clingmans Dome is closed from December 1 – March 31 for safety reasons.
Want More FREE Activities?
Take on the Rocky Top Wine Trail, which dabbles a bit into Pigeon Forge and Sevierville — the travel is worth the wallet-friendly wine tasting (FREE at some, $5 at others) and wine cellar tours (at 3 locations* from noon – 5:00 p.m.). You’ll even get complimentary gifts with your collected stamps across the 5 featured wineries and 1 local distillery; collect 3 for a prize and all 6 for another!
Trail Locations
- *Hillside Winery | Sevierville | Free Tour Available
- Apple Barn Winery | Sevierville
- *Mountain Valley Winery | Pigeon Forge | Free Tour Available
- Mill Bridge Winery | Pigeon Forge
- *Sugarlands Cellars | Gatlinburg | Free Tour Available
- Doc Collier Moonshine Distillery | Gatlinburg
Don’t forget about local events! Many Gatlinburg events are FREE to the public, so make sure to plan your Smoky Mountain trip with these in mind. From parades and festivals to fireworks and fairs, good times are just around the corner — free of charge!
Final Thought: the key to a great vacation in the Smokies isn’t about how much money you spend — it’s about quality time spent with the ones you love. But…it doesn’t hurt to save, right?