The Car-Free Parkway Loop: A Step-by-Step Walking Tour of Gatlinburg
The Car-Free Parkway Loop: A Step-by-Step Walking Tour of Gatlinburg
You do not need to deal with bumper-to-bumper traffic or pay multiple parking fees to experience the absolute best of downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The core shopping, dining, and attraction district is incredibly level and built for pedestrians.
This self-guided, 10-stop walking tour is perfectly synchronized to eliminate the headache of constantly weaving back and forth across traffic. You will explore exactly 5 iconic stops on the west side sidewalk as you head south, use one single designated traffic-light crosswalk at the southern boundary, and then explore exactly 5 premier stops on the east side sidewalk as you head back north.
🥾 Part 1: Heading South (West Side of the Parkway Only)
Stop 1: Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Description: Start your journey on the northwest corner of the Parkway strip. This world-famous indoor attraction features a massive 340-foot moving underwater glidepath through a shark lagoon and interactive penguin play zones.
Step-by-Step Directions: Exit the aquarium plaza directly onto the west sidewalk of the Parkway. Walk south, crossing the concrete pedestrian bridge that spans the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River.
Stop 2: Gatlinburg Mountain Mall
Description: Positioned right on the west sidewalk immediately after you cross the river bridge. This classic indoor shopping village features five distinct vertical levels of locally themed mountain crafts, traditional Appalachian music, and specialty boutiques.
Step-by-Step Directions: Exit the front doors of the mall and continue walking south along the continuous west sidewalk for one block, passing through Traffic Light #5.
Stop 3: Sugarlands Distilling Company
Description: Located right on the west side sidewalk line. This popular, authentic local distillery offers a rustic barn-styled atmosphere featuring moonshine tastings, behind-the-scenes structural tours, and a relaxing outdoor back porch layout.
Step-by-Step Directions: Continue walking south on the west sidewalk for one block, passing directly through the Traffic Light #7 intersection.
Stop 4: Gatlinburg SkyPark
Description: Situated directly on the west sidewalk near Traffic Light #8. This historic attraction features the famous open-air yellow chairlift that carries guests straight up Crockett Mountain to the spectacular SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian cable bridge on the continent.
Step-by-Step Directions: Exit the attraction courtyard and continue south along the west sidewalk for another block and a half to reach the very end of the downtown walking strip.
Stop 5: Ober Mountain Aerial Tramway Terminal
Description: The massive transit base building located securely on the west side of the Parkway. This serves as the ground-level boarding station for the iconic enclosed cable cars that carry passengers 2.1 miles up the mountain face to the ski area.
🚦 The Designated Crossing Point to Continue Walking Tour of Gatlinburg
Step-by-Step Directions: Right outside the entrance of the Ober Tramway Terminal on the west side, use the official pedestrian crosswalk equipped with the pedestrian walk signal at the intersection of Parkway and Ski Mountain Road / LeConte Street to cross safely to the east side of the Parkway. Turn left to immediately begin heading back north.
🥾 Part 2: Heading North (East Side of the Parkway Only)
Stop 6: The Park Grill Plaza
Description: Positioned right on the east side as you begin heading back north. This scenic stone plaza features beautiful rustic architecture, large wood carvings, and access to local mountain-lodge dining right off the pavement.
Step-by-Step Directions: Walk north along the continuous east sidewalk for two blocks, passing back through the intersection at Traffic Light #8.
Stop 7: Fannie Farkle’s
Description: Located right on the east side sidewalk path. A legendary mountain town amusement parlor packed with classic arcade games, a massive prize center, and the famous, sweet-smoky aroma of their oversized charcoal-grilled Ogle Dogs.
Step-by-Step Directions: Walk north along the east sidewalk for just a few steps to the very next adjoining storefront property.
Stop 8: The Pancake Pantry
Description: Tucked right on the east side strip at the stone arch entry of The Village. Operating continuously since 1960, this is celebrated as Tennessee’s very first pancake house, famous for fresh-batched batters and real whipped butter.
Step-by-Step Directions: Keep walking north along the continuous east sidewalk for half a block, staying clear of street traffic.
Stop 9: Anakeesta Downtown Station
Description: Situated right on the east side sidewalk. This open-air pedestrian plaza serves as the base ticketing and boarding terminal where guests catch scenic chondolas or heavy-duty Ridge Rambler trucks up to the mountaintop adventure village.
Step-by-Step Directions: Continue walking north along the east sidewalk for one full block, approaching Traffic Light #3 near the boundary of the river bridge plaza.
Stop 10: Martha Jane Ogle Cabin
Description: Sitting prominently on the open, historic northeast plaza grounds right near Traffic Light #3. This hand-hewn log structure was constructed in 1807 and stands completely preserved as the very first permanent home ever built by settlers in Gatlinburg.
What is included?
- Proin tincidunt, leo eget vestibulum dictum
- felis lorem ultricies felis, non pretium ipsum dolor ut
- Aliquam eu tellus vitae metus sagittis aliquet
- hasellus quis ultricies metus
- Proin vel tellus eget quam finibus ultrices.
- Mauris nec molestie dui, ut condimentum odio.
- Nam volutpat eu diam non faucibus. Aliquam neque erat
- Suspendisse at elementum nibh, pretium posuere lectus.
- uisque aliquet dolor velit, sed pellentesque libero condimentum eget.
- Donec eget lacus dapibus, convallis sapien sed, dapibus ligula.
What is excluded?
- Aliquam eu tellus vitae metus sagittis aliquet
- hasellus quis ultricies metus
- Proin vel tellus eget quam finibus ultrices.
- Mauris nec molestie dui, ut condimentum odio.
- Nam volutpat eu diam non faucibus. Aliquam neque erat
- Suspendisse at elementum nibh, pretium posuere lectus.
- uisque aliquet dolor velit, sed pellentesque libero condimentum eget.
- Donec eget lacus dapibus, convallis sapien sed, dapibus ligula.
