Enjoy Summer in the Smokies & Gatlinburg: What You Need to Know

Tennessee has so many great activities to offer for both tourists and locals. With CDC guidelines lifting and businesses slowly going back to normal, here are some tips on how to safely enjoy all the fun attractions in the Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg area and where to go!

CDC Guidelines in Tennessee

As federal regulations ease regarding masks and gatherings, things are changing. Spending time outside and doing more “normal” activities is being seen as achievable! Currently in Tennessee, if you are fully vaccinated there is no mask requirement either outdoors or indoors. Despite this, some restaurants/stores still have their own masking policy that may differ and it’s still advised to avoid large crowds. Especially those that do not include household members or other vaccinated people. Remember we are all here for the same reason, to have fun and enjoy Tennessee. So, take precautions when necessary and protect yourself and others because you can’t have fun if you’re sick!

Great Smoky Mountain National Park Regulations

First, when you are out visiting the Smoky Mountains be sure to take note of a few things. Currently, there are some closures:

-Cades Cove Loop Road will be closed to all vehicles on Wednesdays from May 5- September 1, 2021. This is to provide for pedestrian and bicycle use.

-Abrams Falls Trail and associated parking areas will be closed May 10, 2021, through November 10, 2021, excluding federal holidays, on Monday mornings at 7:00 a.m. through Thursday evenings at 5:30 p.m. weekly. The trail will be fully open each week on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

-Scott Mountain Trail is closed from campsite #6 to Schoolhouse Gap. Campsite #6 is open.

-Now, due to Bear Activity and active sightings, Cosby Knob Shelter, Sites #24, #

36 and #37, and Spence Field and Russell Field Shelters are closed.

What to Do When You’re in Town

One thing you won’t run out of to do in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, or Gatlinburg is visit the attractions… Next, we\’re going to tell you about the many fun things to do in the span of just a 10 mile radius. The Island in Pigeon Forge has all your favorites, food, games, and a Ferris Wheel! Sevierville has plenty of outdoor activities, like ziplining, helicopter tours, Open-Air Jeep tours, and Outdoor Gravity Orb Park. The Gatlinburg Space Needle is always a hit along with Gatlinburg Ghost Tours.

Where will you explore next?

Taste Buds Approve

Equally important is food! When out running around, you’ll probably work

up appetite for some local fare. Lucky for you Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg are filled with a variety of restaurants for whatever mood you’re in.

In Pigeon Forge make sure to check out Pigeon Forge Axe House, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, Harpoon Harry’s Crab House, Cookie Dough Monster, Sunline Diner, and Timberwood Grill. Just to name a couple.

Sevierville’s top places to eat include Buddy’s Bar-B-Q, Five Oaks Farm Kitchen, The Diner, Thai Basil, Holston’s Kitchen, and Graze Burgers. Go and find out for yourself how good it tastes!

While in Gatlinburg, all down Parkway, you’re bound to find something you like. Here are just a few hot spots: Crockett’s 1875 Breakfast Camp, Delauders BBQ, Pancake Pantry, Cherokee Grill, The Park Grill, Calhoun’s, Hot Diggity Dawg, and El Sonador.

Enjoy!

And don’t forget to make your stops on the Rocky Top Wine Trail!  And if you are looking for someone to be your designated driver, be sure to check out the VIP Shuttle Tour that takes you by all 5 locations along the trail!