But if I caught them trying to cross from one side of the Parkway to the other? Also, local fireflies blink in synchronous rhythm (a mating thing) for several weeks each year, usually between late May and early June (though it varies some). You can also manage your communication preferences by updating your account at anytime. It's the perfect time to start planning your Summer Gatlinburg getaway. In the meantime, please feel free Be warned: It books up far in advance, so reserve early. Even when I know I shouldnt, I bristle at being told what to do. What is the Greatest Danger in Gatlinburg? To avoid the rush of crowds, plan to visit the park in the morning. Travel Safe To Sevier County, TN Our cabins, campgrounds, condos, restaurants, attractions, stores and other establishments are working hard to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences for our guests under the Tennessee Pledge guidelines. For regional guidance, visit the local tourism offices listed at the bottom of this page. I had a wonderful childhood with a level of freedom that would border on negligence today. Chimney Tops Trail is a 3.6-mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee that features a river and is rated as difficult. Smarter Travel also recommends being mindful of what you leave in your hotel room. I could be out of the range of my parents voices for hours and no one ever raised an alarm. But I have seen enough signs in reststop restrooms on our way there about human trafficking that I am always on alert. If you're looking for a more upscale menu or a special occasion spot, consider Buckberry Creek Lodge. Be smart, be firm and you should be fine. Keep in mind that the towns built these activities specifically to attract tourists. Nearby Pigeon Force and Sevierville are also have many tourist traps. Did anyone consider escorting me to school? The United States Geological Survey (USGS) maintains water gages that measure flow, river height, and temperature at Little River near Townsend, TN and in Cataloochee Creek in North Carolina. With miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, as well as historical exhibits and cabins, and the opportunity to view black bears, elk, deer and other wildlife in their natural habitat, it's easy to see why the park is such a hot spot. You've come to the right place (photos by Morgan Overholt and Bill Burris/TheSmokies.com), Gatlinburg was built on a rich and interesting history (left photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com; right photo public domain). Areas including the Greenbrier Valley and the Sugarlands, just out of town, were rated as experiencing the most crime. Ultimately, you know yourself and your family better than anyone. The operating hours, policies and procedures of other businesses may change at any time without notice. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate and a partner of other affiliate programs including Booking.com, CJ and Tripster, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases via links found in this article. The Forney Ridge Trailhead can be found here. By and large, yes. It was my 38 yr. Old niece and I. When analyzing violent crime, property crime, and other crime in Gatlinburg, Crime Grade categorized Gatlinburg as having an overall level D crime grade. Plan far ahead to book your lodging, and prepare for slow-moving traffic. That level of freedom from an early age acted like a booster rocket to my natural streak of independence. Ive never seen so many stolen cars I my life. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the third-most dangerous national park in the country. Keep in mind: that elevation is also responsible for rapid changes in the weather pattern, meaning you should pack layers no matter when you visit. Overall, the destinations surrounding Gatlinburg were classed as having crime rates of between C and F. Gatlinburg appears to be less safe than other towns with similar populations. Roaring Fork - Great Smoky Mountains National - National Park Service You can even walk inside a snow globe, stroll under a 1,000-foot canopy of twinkling lights, and enjoy live trees with decorations. Buy Tickets Online. Crisp fall days in October when the foliage reaches its flaming peak draw huge crowds, and visitors can expect traffic delays, especially on holiday weekends. Prior to the pandemic there was talk about a route that would even go out to the Bass Pro Shop and Stadium just north of I-40, along with stops out at the KnifeWorks. Hydration level is important when taking on any physical activity. Gatlinburg SkyLift Park often offers a 17% discount to those who plan their visit ahead of schedule, plus a special ticket-combo that includes access to the . AtDollywood, of course, where you can pay homage to an American treasure and her vision for family-style entertainment. Directions from Gatlinburg: Visitors should allocate the park entrance from the downtown Parkway. Check out these local favorites. Hence, using the Smoky Mountains sightseeing flex pass allows you to choose from three or five attractions while saving up to 30%. Lodges:LeConte Lodge, the only lodging inside the park, sleeps 60 souls in seven rustic cabins and three multiroom lodges atop the mountain that shares its name. more information on current conditions Daily operating hours for visitor centers. The health and safety of our visitors and employees remains a top priority when welcoming guests back to our area. According to National Parks Traveler, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most notorious parks for people going missing, with. I have always felt safe there and never worried about my kids. In between all the hiking, dining, and sightseeing, youll want to squeeze in an afternoon or two for that most-treasured American pastime: shopping. Gatlinburg SkyLift Park 7,007 Observation Decks & Towers, Amusement & Theme Parks Ghost and Haunt Tour of Gatlinburg 897 from $30 per adult Top Rated Wine and Shine Walking Tour 393 from $48 per adult 2022 Moonshine Mountain Coaster 1,249 Amusement & Theme Parks 2022 Hillbilly Golf 2,247 Miniature Golf 2022 Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail 1,767 However, millions of people pass through the park each year and are perfectly fine. The origins of Gatlinburgs arts and crafts community are as creative as its founders. The trolley system also links to a park-and-ride lot at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center (1011 Banner Road), just outside of town. More information on the CDCs recommendation for a booster dose is available online at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. I did have it deadbolted. It's free for AARP members. I trusted my son at about 15 alone, always fine.. Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats: There are children in rooms without an adult, Please select a trip duration less than 28 days, There must be at least 1 traveler (age 12+) for each infant in a lap. However, that doesnt mean you should avoid this unique destinationjust be aware of the potential dangers and take steps to protect yourself. The 5.5-mile-long, one-way, loop road is a favorite side trip for many people who frequently visit the Smokies. Road closuresmay occur due to severe weather events such as winter storms, floods, and tornados. The Sevier County mask mandate officially expired on April 15, 2021, at 11:59 pm. Primary roads such as US-441 (Newfound Gap Road), Little River Road, and the Cades Cove Loop Road are open year round, weather permitting. 8. Are you safe in Rome? Gatlinburg ranked in the 20th percentile for safety. Drop in at the Smoky Mountain Brewery (two locations, in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge) or the Gatlinburg Brewing Company. Not just nice cars. Are There Mountain Lions in the Smoky Mountains? Sign up for our free newsletter. Lunch and dinner:The blue Tennessee skies are the limit here. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue then throw the tissue in the trash. This means that the rate of crime in Gatlinburg is higher than it is in the average city in the U.S. During a standard year, the overall crime rate in Gatlinburg is 44.96 in 1,000. The two peak seasons in Gatlinburg are summer (June, July and August) and the month of October, when the . The greatest danger in Gatlinburg, as with anywhere else you travel, is other people. Statistics show that Gatlinburg has higher crime rates than most people would expect of the charming mountain town. The City encourages all of its residents and visitors to follow CDC guidelines to avoid being exposed to the COVID-19 virus. Cookies are used for measurement, ads and optimization. Rates are $5 for a dailytag, $15 for a weeklytag, and $40 for an annualtag. Secondary roadsare subject toseasonal closures. Road trips with my grandparents left me bouncing around in the expansive back seat of Paps giant Buick. In Gatlinburg, the compact downtown thrums with strolling shoppers, and its alpine branding has gone uphill literally to outdoor amusement zones, such as Anakeesta and SkyLift Park, overlooking the town. For excellent shopping and strolling, head to the Old Mill Restaurants shopping village for the Old Mill General Store, the Old Mill Farmhouse Kitchen, Pigeon River Pottery (the first tourist-based business in Pigeon Forge) and the Old Mill Candy Kitchen. Deep Creek Waterfalls (Juney Whank, Tom Branch, Indian Flats Falls). Bring a map. However, its important to keep in mind that Gatlinburg receives significant levels of tourists throughout the year, and these numbers arent reflected in its population count. Id been walking several blocks by myself as a kindergartner. Its old fashioned as all get-out, and the family will love it. Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. Pigeon Forge boasts its own system of forest-green trolleys, with five routes that connect the towns North and South Parkways, Dollywood, the Gatlinburg Welcome Center and Wears Valley Road (all routes begin and end at the trolley station on Old Mill Drive in the Old Mill District). Its a great time to relax in nature with fewer crowds and challenges with high-pressure tourist traps. The surrounding towns and cities tend to have a similar safety rating to Gatlinburg. Get inspired to plan your next vacation to the Volunteer State. Yes,always enjoy Gatlinburg and Pigeon forge, never had a problem, even when we seen a bear . Gatlinburg:Start by walking the compact downtown, browsing in its many shops. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Cookies are used for measurement, ads and optimization. Copy and paste this code into your website. Not to be outdone, the Pigeon Forge Winterfest features more than 5 million Christmas lights in cheery displays, plus shows, special events and parades. While we do our best to bring you the most up-to-date information, TheSmokies.com LLC makes no warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of any content contained within. Cant figure how they get thru the traffic! Many visitors come to the Gatlinburg area to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Trails, backcountry campsites, and shelters that are frequented by black bears may have warnings posted or be closed. Once redeemed, tickets will be valid until closing time that same evening.". Welcome to our COVID-19 information center. Ill never forget this freedom wed always have in Gatlinburg, see the Ghost Show or going into the gag shop to buy stuff like fake 100 dollar bills that were folded and said Sucker when open to leave on the streets and then watch others lol.