Gatlinburg Welcome Center — Attraction in Gatlinburg

Well, howdy folks! Gather 'round as I spin the yarn of our family's visit to the Gatlinburg Welcome Center, the gateway to good times in the Smokies!

Now, I'll tell ya, this place is more welcoming than a grandma with a fresh batch of cookies. Right off the bat, you're greeted with a smile wider than the Mississippi and a heap of brochures that'll make your head spin like a top. Discounts? Check. Parking passes for the Smoky Mountain park? Double-check¹.

But let me tell you, the real gem of this joint is the tram. It's like an eagle soaring through the mountains, and it's a hoot and a half for the whole family. And if you're lucky, you might just spot a bear or two – from a safe distance, of course¹.

Now, no dad review is complete without a dad joke, so here goes: What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear! Ha! But don't worry, the only thing toothless here is the bad humor.

The welcome center itself is as informative as an encyclopedia and as helpful as a boy scout. They've got maps, guides, and a gift shop that's chock-full of souvenirs to remember your trip by – because let's face it, the kids won't let you leave without a magnet or seven¹.

And speaking of kids, they've got a great little area for the young'uns to stretch their legs and learn a thing or two about the local flora and fauna. It's like a mini-adventure before the real adventure!

Gatlinburg Welcome Center is the perfect pit stop before diving into the wonders of the Smokies. It's got charm, it's got info, and it's got all the dad jokes you can handle. So, if you're passing through Gatlinburg, make sure to drop by – and tell 'em Corny...

When I think of Welcome centers, an image comes to mind of a truck stop with vending machines and the scent of urinal cakes. This welcome center however is a diamond in the rough. Upon entering, we were embraced with a plethora of welcoming resources from pamphlets to maps - this center even had a quaint little gift shop. Where this specific Gatlinburg Welcome Center rose above the rest though was an employee named Jan. Have you ever wished to have that "local insight" when travelling? Do you ponder if you are on the cusp of being bamboozled by flashy waterfall scenery crippled by crowds of tourists who reek of sweat and sunscreen? Well worry no more, Jan has your back. Go to this welcome center and ask for Jan, she'll give you the inside scoop and get you hiking trails that are less crowded than Protestant church in a Catholic town. Her timely advise told us of the travesty that is traversing a temultuous trek, trodding on terribly tourist trampled trails. Thus our exodus detoured from the ever crowded Laurel falls to the tranquil Little River trail - all thanks to the expert advice from Jan.

"Come with us! Teach us the ways of the trails", we pleaded.

"No, I can't", replied Jan. "I must stand my post, ever vigilant. For the weary travelers will come and they will require guidance. And they shall receive guidance. For those wise enough to seek it, are wise enough to heed it".

As such, we forged ahead, inspired by Jan's...

Stopped to stretch & use restroom. The restroom was clean, they need more then 1 hand dryer. Nice gift shop & tons of brochures, maps,coupons to the attractions & older lady working desk was very helpful. A little expensive on their souvenirs. They also have parking for trolley to downtown Gatlinburg. Trolley seemed to run every 15 mins. Smart way of not having to pay $20 to park downtown. Lots of trails & detailed maps. Only downside is if u wanted or needed to get a few hours shut eye before heading back on the road, I overheard the lady tell a couple who had bn driving from Ohio that asked if they were able to park & get a couple hours sleep as they bn driving all night & were tired. Tht they weren't allowed too. I don't understand why considering they have 2 huge separate parking lots & plenty of space to allow a driver who is drowsy to get a few hours sleep. Esp when their is plenty of enough space available. They close at 5pm. I was there from 3pm till abt 11pm. Taking pictures & walking along a few paths across the road. Came back to car & had a snack & headed back to Pigeon Forge. The parking lots were empty. So, not sure the rules around this area but not tht many rest areas close by just welcome centers. They need an area where people can rest esp driving 8+ hrs instead of letting some1 drowsy drive on these roads. So, for tht reason alone I have to...