One of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to get around the town of Gatlinburg is by trolley! It can take you to a variety of popular Gatlinburg attractions and hotspots. Keep reading to learn more about the Gatlinburg trolley system and some of the best places to visit in the area:
Facts About the Gatlinburg Trolley
- The Gatlinburg trolley operates 365 days a year.
- There is no fare to ride– it’s absolutely FREE!
- Every trolley stops at the Mass Transit Center located at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
- You can also utilize the Park-N-Ride lot at the Gatlinburg Convention Center and get the trolley to downtown.
- This trolley map and schedule shows each stop across all 4 lines (red, blue, purple, and yellow) as well as operating hours since route hours change seasonally.
Places to Visit by Gatlinburg Trolley
1. Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini Golf (Purple Route Stop #9)
Davy Crockett Mini Golf is one of the miniature golf courses in Gatlinburg! If you’re already planning on visiting Ripley’s Aquarium or another Ripley’s attraction, be sure to get their combo packages to save the most money!
2. Moonshine Mountain Coaster (Purple Route Stop #6)
Want to experience the best mountain coasters in Gatlinburg? Be sure to add Moonshine Mountain Coaster to your list of places to visit via the Gatlinburg trolley. It’s open late during peak season, so you can even ride at night!
3. Winery Square (Blue Route Stop #54)
You’ll find unique attractions and shops such as the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum and Smoky Mountain Winery at this Gatlinburg trolley stop. Both of these iconic places should be on everyone’s bucket list, as they are unique local experiences you won’t find anywhere else!
4. Morning Mist Village (Yellow Route Stop #98)
The Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community has an entire trolley line dedicated to it– the Yellow Route. This 8-mile loop features local artisan shops and galleries, from candles to quilts, jewelry, woodworking, and pottery. One of the best areas to explore is the Morning Mist Village, where you’ll find all kinds of unique gifts, a cafe, and more!
5. Gatlinburg SkyPark (Red Route Stop #21)
Gatlinburg SkyPark is definitely one of the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains. Ride the chairlift, cross the SkyBridge, take in some of the most incredible mountain views, hike the SkyTrail, and relax on the SkyDeck with food and drinks!
6. Ober Mountain (Red Route Stop #24)
An iconic ski area and adventure park, the entrance to Ober Mountain is located on the downtown Gatlinburg Parkway. However, it can’t be reached by trolley alone. You will need to take the Aerial Tramway in order to reach the mountaintop fun center. This ride provides some of the most jaw-dropping, panoramic views of the Smokies that you’ll ever experience!
7. The Peddler Steakhouse (Red Route Stop #25)
Enjoy a fantastic dinner at The Peddler, famous for its delicious salad bar, high-quality steaks, fantastic service, and out-of-this-world desserts. The experience is the cherry on top after a fun day exploring Gatlinburg! This stop is extra special because it’s also a trolley stop for our hotel! The Bearskin Lodge in Gatlinburg is one of the best places to stay since you can leave your car parked for free in our parking lot and enjoy unlimited access to Gatlinburg via the trolley system.
Where To Stay in Gatlinburg TN
Our downtown Gatlinburg hotel on the river has everything you need for a relaxing stay in the Smokies. Enjoy balconies overlooking a peaceful mountain stream or beautiful city views, take advantage of our continental breakfast, outdoor pool and lazy river, firepit and seating area, and get discounts and perks by joining our Guest Rewards Program!
As you can see, saving money on parking is easy when you ride a Gatlinburg trolley! Explore our Gatlinburg hotel rooms today and start planning your next Smoky Mountain vacation! We look forward to seeing you soon!
