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Getting to Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Half of the country's population lives within a day's drive of Gatlinburg, thanks to its easy connections to the interstate highway system.

Air Connections: The closest commercial airport to Gatlinburg is in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Driving to Gatlinburg: The most direct route into Gatlinburg for many travelers is off I-40 at Exit 407, heading south through Sevierville and Pigeon Forge. A warning, though: this route can be very crowded and slow, especially during peak travel season.

For a scenic (and less congested) drive, the Chamber suggests these scenic ways into town:

FROM VIRGINIA: Take I-81 South to I -40 East to Exit 435 (Newport) and follow Hwy 321 South all the way into Gatlinburg. Approximate drive time from interstate: 45 minutes

FROM LEXINGTON: From Knoxville take I-75 North and follow Highway 321 to I-40 East to Exit 435 and follow Highway 321 South. Approximate drive time from interstate: 45 minutes.

FROM CHATTANOOGA: Take Exit 81 on I-75 North and follow Highway 321 North to Gatlinburg through Maryville and Townsend. Approximate driving time from interstate: 1 hour 10 minutes.

FROM NASHVILLE: Take I-75 South to Exit 81 and follow Highway 321 North through Maryville and Townsend to Gatlinburg. Approximate driving time from interstate: 1 hour 10 minutes.

FROM ASHEVILLE: Take I-40 West to Exit 440 and follow Highway 321 South to Gatlinburg. Approximate drive time from interstate: 45 minutes.

FROM ATLANTA: Take I-85 North to I-985 North to US 23. Take US 23 to Highway 23/441 to Highway 74/441 through Cherokee, North Carolina to Gatlinburg. Approximate driving time: 4 hours 10 minutes