05/05/2025
Here are a few fun, new places to check out.
7 Local Secrets in Gatlinburg That Most Tourists Miss
You’ve walked the Parkway. You’ve ridden the chairlift. Maybe you’ve even sampled the moonshine.
But did you know that just a few blocks or bends off the main drag, there’s a whole other side to Gatlinburg—one that most tourists never experience?
We’re talking quiet nature escapes, hidden historic sites, and hole-in-the-wall favorites that even some regulars haven’t stumbled into yet. These are the places where the crowds thin, the locals smile, and the memories hit a little deeper.
Here’s a sneak peek of what’s waiting for you:
Emerts Cove Covered Bridge – A peaceful photo op tucked away near the edge of town.
Twin Creeks Trail – A quiet, forested escape just minutes from downtown.
Mynatt Park – Bring a picnic, skip the traffic. Locals love it for a reason.
Glades Road Arts & Crafts Community – 8 miles of Appalachian artistry, away from the noise.
Roaring Fork’s Hidden Cabins – Most drive past without realizing what they’re missing.
The overlook locals go to for sunrise (hint: it’s not the Space Needle).
The shortcut road that saves you 20 minutes—and offers better views, too.
This is the real Gatlinburg—the one you only find when you step off the sidewalk and into the stories.
Want the full list, location tips, and how to enjoy them like a local (without the crowds)?
It’s all waiting in the first comment.
