Ah, you finally made it to the Great Smoky Mountains! Fresh mountain air beckons you to breathe easy, and breathtaking views of the mountains, valleys, rivers, and trees amaze. Ready to create lasting memories with friends and family in the great outdoors of the Smokies? You could go hiking, horseback riding, ziplining, whitewater rafting, skiing, mountain biking, picnicking, camping, or fly fishing. Before setting off on your outdoor adventure, stock up on supplies, gear, and healthy snacks at Gatlinburg outfitters.
Many Smoky Mountain outfitters offer guide services as well. You can chat with locals to find the best picnic spot by a sparkling river, a family-friendly hiking trail, or where to park before casting a line for rainbow trout. Some outfitters in Gatlinburg even have places to book a guided outdoor adventure.
For a first-rate experience, you need to know the best outfitters in the Gatlinburg area before charting your expedition in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Between Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, our list of the top 5 outfitters in the Smokies can help YOU prepare for memorable outdoor adventures!
1. NOC Gatlinburg — The Great Outpost
Coming in at #1 has to be the Nantahala Outdoor Center Gatlinburg! Known as The Great Outpost, this Gatlinburg outfitter is located at the entrance to the national park. At 18,000 square feet, this supplier has the largest selection of outdoor gear and apparel in the area. Top brands include The North Face, Columbia, Patagonia, and Osprey.
Local goods at NOC Gatlinburg make great gifts as well. If you need help planning your outdoor journey, speak to one of the on-staff experts. You can even book a whitewater rafting adventure with NOC on the Pigeon River.
While exploring the shop, kids and kids at heart will enjoy walking across the swinging rope bridge, scaling the 25-foot climbing wall, and checking out the bear cave! And there’s a massive fireplace, always lit on cold mountain days.
Hours
Mon-Sun
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location
1138 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Contact
865.277.8209
2. The Day Hiker
Planning to hike to a waterfall or a scenic overlook and back? The Day Hiker has what you need. Operating for 2 decades, this veteran-owned Gatlinburg outfitter is a classic stop on your way to the national park. Inside this quaint store in The Village Shops, pick up a few trekking poles, hydration bladders, hats, maps, and trail guides.
What else does this outfitter in Gatlinburg carry? Well, if you’re hiking with your dog, there are pet supplies, like dog packs, too! Gifts and souvenirs include GSMNP T-shirts, patches, and books for kids.
Hours
Mon-Fri
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location
634 Parkway, Suite #1
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Contact
1.877.329.4453
865.430.0970
3. Ski Mountain Outdoors
Not only great for snowy outdoor activities, Ski Mountain Outdoors at Ober Gatlinburg is open year-round and changes out gear with the seasons. For warmer getaways in the Smoky Mountains, find caps, sunscreen, apparel, and more.
For wintry vacations, you can expect an assortment of skis, snowboards, boots, and gloves. Plus, this Gatlinburg outfitter features tuning services for skis and snowboards, including full tuneups, edges and wax, hot wax, performance wax, and bindings.
Hours
Mon-Sun
9:40 a.m. – 5:40 p.m.
Location
1339 Ski Mountain Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Contact
865.436.5423
4. Uncle Lem’s Outfitters
Locally owned and operated, Uncle Lem’s Outfitters is a top Pigeon Forge outfitter just a short drive from downtown Gatlinburg. You can’t miss it on the Parkway — its sign is holding up a classic red pickup truck!
Along with excellent brands for outdoor clothes, hats, shoes, backpacks, camping gear, and hiking equipment, like Patagonia, Chacho, and KAVU, you can find jars of local honey, home decor, kids’ clothes, and gifts.
Regular Hours
Mon-Thu | 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Fri | 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sat | 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sun | 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Winter Hours
Mon-Thu | 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat | 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sun | 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Location
2450 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Contact
865.366.1455
5. GSM Outfitters
This Great Smoky Mountain outfitter in Sevierville’s Wears Valley, just a little further from Gatlinburg, sells quality camping and hiking gear. At GSM Outfitters, the selection of outdoor apparel and shoes includes name brands plus their own exclusive clothing line.
Along with clothes, sandals, hiking boots, and accessories, you’ll find tents, packs, binoculars, compasses, emergency kits, flashlights, maps, trekking poles, whistles, and other outdoor adventure essentials. Before setting out, you can grab a latte, a tea, or an Italian soda at their gourmet coffee shop!
Hours
Mon, Thu & Fri | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tues & Sun | 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Sat | 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wed | Closed
Location
3275 Wears Valley Road, Suite B
Sevierville, TN 37862
Contact
865.366.2608
Gatlinburg Cabins Near the National Park
Staying near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park means you can hike to waterfalls, mountain bike along miles of trails, plan a picnic lunch by the river, ride horses or take scenic drives through Cades Cove, and cast a line for rainbow trout in no time!
At Cabins for YOU, we have Gatlinburg cabin rentals of all shapes and sizes, downtown condo rentals, and large group lodges in Chalet Village Resort — all within minutes of the national park entrance. Explore the great outdoors and return to rest, relax, and recharge at your cabin in Gatlinburg.
Cabin Amenities
- Mountain views
- Swimming pool (private/community)
- Hot tub
- Gas/charcoal grill
- Firepit
- Gas/electric/wood-burning fireplaces
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Big screen TVs
- Blu-ray/DVD players
- Theater room
- Pool table, air hockey, foosball, etc.
- King suites
- Indoor jetted tubs
- High speed Wi-Fi
Before planning your great outdoor adventure in the national park and visiting local outfitters, book YOUR Gatlinburg cabin online or at 1.800.684.7865.