By Jim Watson © 2008, All Rights Reserved

Gatlinburg has been the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains national park since the dedication of the park in 1934. Although times have changed since the 1930s, the role that Gatlinburg plays as the host in welcoming visitors to the Smoky Mountain area remains ever the same. While the tourist mecca that is Gatlinburg was born out of the desire to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the city easily stands today as a vacation destination in its own right. Whether your main interest lies in the great outdoors, the air conditioned indoors, or the opening of restaurant doors, Gatlinburg serves up several combinations that can whet your appetite.

For those that prefer sunscreen to freezer burn, Gatlinburg offers three city parks; Holt, Mills and Mynatt, of which Mynatt Park is one of the more popular parks. Mynatt Park features tennis and basketball courts, a baseball field, horseshoe pits, a playground area, a picnic area with grills next to a mountain stream, restrooms and a covered pavilion. The covered pavilion is available for use by reservation. Reservations may be made by calling the Gatlinburg Recreation Department at (865) 436-4990. Any fees that may be associated with the reservation must be paid prior to the scheduled usage. The Gatlinburg City Commission provides free usage of the covered pavilions to Gatlinburg residents. For anyone not living in Gatlinburg, the fee structure is $25.00 for zero to four hours and $35.00 for four plus hours.

Just up the road from Mynatt Park is the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Along with Cherokee Orchard Road, the nature trail forms an eleven mile loop with about five miles of the loop being one way only. It is not suitable for bicycles, buses, trailers, or RVs. As the trail meanders through the lush mountain greenery and old growth forest take note of the historic Bud Ogle Farm, many trail heads, and the ever present ramblings of Roaring Fork Creek. The creek, which roughly parallels the road to its headwaters, provides countless photo opportunities with its cascades, falls, and rapids. If you would rather experience the local trails on foot, but are afraid to go it alone; then check out A Walk in the Woods for nature guide services. On the other hand, if you would rather experience the local trails with four feet on the ground, the creaking of saddle leather, and the smell of fresh…air; then check out Smoky Mountain Riding Stables. Horseback riding in the National Park and only minutes from downtown Gatlinburg, but remember; this is the mountains and there isn’t any flat land. Speaking of flat land, Gatlinburg is also home to the first 4th of July parade in the entire country. Beginning at the stroke of midnight, balloons of all shapes and sizes chip in to help honor our country’s five branches of military service. Over 150 volunteers donate their time each year to ensure that the parade is a red, white, and blue success enjoyed by everyone. Not to be outdone by the 4th of July, Winterfest brings the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade. Millions of twinkling lights line the parkway through Gatlinburg as marching bands and helium balloons make their way from one end of town to the other. Last but not least is Santa Clause as he and his elves make their VIP appearance before heading back to the North Pole to put the finishing touches on the holiday season. Little does everyone know, he spends the summer playing putt-putt while the elves take up bowling. (this article continues...)

Jim Watson is Owner of Timbercreek Cabins offering lodging near Gatlinburg. Vacation rentals are now available. Visit us online today for a complete listing of cabin rentals. Visit our website for the original article - Destination Gatlinburg, Tennessee.