Unless you’ve lived under a rock since 1967, you’ve heard the name Dolly Parton before. However, you may not know that she opened her own theme park, Dollywood, in 1986.
For many, visiting the area means at least one day to head to this family-friendly theme park. But how do you get from Gatlinburg to Dollywood?
Today, we’ll help you get from the famous tourist town of Gatlinburg to the entrance of Dollywood.
Buckle up, and let’s get started!
Gatlinburg is a small town in the Great Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee. Despite its population of over 3,000, the tiny town comes alive during summer and fall. Many of the 14 million Great Smoky Mountains National Park visitors drive through this town on their way into the park.
Tourists love Gatlinburg for its welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere. It has a variety of restaurants, shops, and attractions that all ages can enjoy. Many rush to the Gatlinburg Space Needle to experience the incredible panoramic views of the mountains and city.
While the area remains open year-round, the peak seasons are summer, fall, and winter. Numerous festivals, including the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair, Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales, and the Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights, occur throughout the year. Honestly, you can’t go wrong no matter when you visit Gatlinburg.
Pro Tip: Be sure to check out if the Tree Walk in Gatlinburg is actually worth your time before mocking up your itinerary!
Dollywood is in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, just a short drive from the Great Smoky Mountains. The park’s founder, Dolly Parton, deeply loves the region because she was born and raised there. Since opening in 1986, the park has become one of the most popular attractions throughout the southeastern United States.
Walking through the park gates, you’ll quickly feel how the park’s atmosphere combines Southern hospitality with thrilling amusement rides and live entertainment. Every day is a celebration of Appalachian culture at Dollywood. Young and old will be able to find something fun and exciting to do here.
Aside from thrill rides, the park has a variety of shops, exhibits, and live demonstrations. Some favorite demonstrations include blacksmithing, glassblowing, and woodcarving. You can watch experts show off their talents as they handcraft delicate pieces. It’s an incredible place for anyone to visit that’s looking for a bit more adventure while visiting the Great Smoky Mountains.
The trip from Gatlinburg to Dollywood is relatively short. The two destinations are approximately seven miles from each other, and it will take about 15 to 20 minutes to make the drive. Traffic can be downright awful throughout Gatlinburg, depending on the time of day and year.
Those wishing to drive from Gatlinburg to Dollywood must hop on US-321 Parkway to Dollywood Lane. This will take you to the park entrance, where you can pay for parking and let the fun begin. It’s easy to enjoy the park during the day and the charming nightlife of Gatlinburg at night.
Summer is an incredible time to visit Gatlinburg and Dollywood. The weather is warm, and the area has plenty of things to do. On the other hand, it’s essential to know that this is the prime season for tourists. It can be chaotic and crowded. If you come during this time, expect to wait in lines at the most popular attractions.
The next best time to consider visiting Gatlinburg and Dollywood is the fall. The fall foliage brings the Great Smoky Mountains alive with color. It’s one of the best places in the country to experience the changing seasons.
The worst time to visit Gatlinburg and Dollywood is the month of February. The weather conditions during this month are incredibly unpredictable. As a result, the park closes down for the month to do repairs and routine maintenance. You’ll feel like Clark Griswold in National Lampoon’s Vacation if you show up at the gates.
If you want to make the most of your time in Gatlinburg, you must know a few things. Here are some tips to help you have an incredible time in this magical, tiny town.
A trip to Gatlinburg will require some planning. Don’t wait until you pull into town to start learning the lay of the land. Study the map and locate attractions that are important to you. This can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience during your trip.
A part of planning is to check the operating hours. Many touristy towns like Gatlinburg adjust their hours seasonally. Like showing up to Dollywood in February, you could be in a tough spot if you don’t take this critical step.
Additionally, while planning, it’s a good idea to get familiar with the various wildlife in the area. If you’re unaware, The Great Smoky Mountains is home to several dangerous animals. Two of the most dangerous creatures in the area are black bears and Timber Rattlesnakes. Research how to store food and how to protect yourself should you have an encounter with one.
One of the biggest attractions in Gatlinburg is Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The park has a massive network of hiking trails for all ages and abilities. If you want a more educational experience, check the park’s schedule for ranger-led programs. They often have hikes and other opportunities to learn from the experts that protect the park.
While visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, look for opportunities to view wildlife. Visitors commonly spot black bears, deer, elk, and various birds. We caution you at the same time, though. It’s important to remember that the animals you see are wild. They’re not behind some invisible barrier, and they can and will seriously damage you and your property if you get too close.
Another fun thing to do while in Gatlinburg is to explore its downtown. The Parkway is the heart of the downtown area. You’ll find numerous shops selling various crafts and souvenirs. Fudge is a popular item to sell at many of these establishments. Take the time to sample and bring some home as a souvenir.
In addition to shops, there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat. Since it’s the South, many diners specialize in Southern comfort food. Whether you want fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, or smoked ribs, you’ll likely find it while downtown. Remember, you may need to make reservations to avoid the long waits during peak season.
The Gatlinburg Space Needle is one of the best locations to take in the view of the area. Your experience will significantly depend on when you visit, though. Sunrise and sunset offer the best views as you watch the sky come alive with colors. Consequently, these will also be the busiest times at the Space Needle.
One of the great things about the Gatlinburg Space Needle is that it provides 360-degree panoramic views of the area. Take the opportunity to explore the various angles and capture some incredible photos. If you come during the fall, the bright colors from the leaves make for even more epic images.
Riding the Gatlinburg Trolley is free and allows you to enjoy the views without fighting traffic. All you have to do is climb aboard and hop off once you reach the trolley stop where you want to go. Using the free trolley may not be as convenient as Uber or Lyft, but the minor inconvenience can save you some serious cash.
Do yourself a favor and familiarize yourself with the schedule and route. You can access the most popular attractions, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg Space Needle, and the Arts and Crafts Community.
While visiting Gatlinburg, it’s practically a requirement to visit Dollywood. Here are some tips to help ensure you have an incredible time visiting Dollywood.
You’ll likely wait in multiple lines throughout the day, so why not eliminate one by buying your tickets in advance? With only a few clicks, you can purchase your tickets ahead of time on Dollywood’s website. This way, you can skip the ticket line and show staff your tickets when you arrive.
It’s a good idea to remember how many times you’ll visit the park. If you’re planning multiple trips to the area, it may be worth investing in a season pass. Buying tickets in advance can help you avoid wasting time standing in line and provide you with more time in the park.
If you’re paying for the entire day, you might as well get your money’s worth and arrive early. Additionally, the park is typically less crowded in the early morning hours. With shorter wait times, you’ll stand a better chance of getting to experience as many attractions as possible.
Even more, one of our favorite perks of arriving early is scoring the best parking spots. You’ll do enough walking in and around the theme park. After a day of exploring Dollywood, the last thing you want is a long hike back to your vehicle. Arriving early makes that walk a little bit shorter.
Like many great theme parks, Dollywood has a smartphone app. You can even purchase tickets through the app. Regardless, you can also find your way around the park, get details regarding shows and attractions, and check operating schedules. The mobile application may help you navigate the park and avoid getting lost efficiently.
If you come during the warmer months, Dollywood’s Splash Country is one attraction you want to take advantage of. This waterpark is open from May through September and is the perfect place to cool down during summer heat. USA Today Readers voted it one of the Top 10 Outdoor Waterparks.
If you plan to visit Splash Country, we recommend coming in the morning. Things get busier later in the day, and you’ll likely find yourself waiting in longer lines. Despite this, you can enjoy the various water slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and kid-friendly play areas all day.
One of the reasons Dolly Parton dreamed of creating Dollywood was to give families the chance to make unforgettable memories. Once you arrive, make sure you take as many pictures as you can to remember the day. Take advantage of an opportunity to take selfies throughout the day. Years from now, you’ll be able to remember the fun times you had at Dollywood.
Gatlinburg and Dollywood are both exciting places to visit. Luckily, they’re close enough to each other that you can easily kill two birds with one stone. As we mentioned, do yourself a favor and do plenty of planning. You don’t want to show up and wing it, or you’ll end up standing in long lines and wasting your time and money.
Are you planning an epic trip to Gatlinburg or Dollywood soon?
