The Smoky Mountain area is home to some of the most popular things to see and do in the Southeast. Dollywood, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Cades Cove, and Kuwohi frequently top the list of things to do in the region, and deservedly so. However, the Smokies also offer a number of lesser known attractions that can be just as much fun as the big name destinations. We’ve put together a list of five hidden gems in Gatlinburg TN and the Smoky Mountains that you’ll definitely want to check out on your next vacation. If you’re already familiar with some of these places, you can consider yourself a Smoky Mountain insider!
1. The Secret Entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National
Most visitors to the area drive through Gatlinburg to make their way to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but the locals like to take a different route. To avoid the crowds, you can use the secret entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Wears Valley. Located on the “quiet side of the Smokies”, Wears Valley is an incredibly scenic area that is tucked away from all of the activity on the Parkway. If you decide to enter the park via the Wears Valley entrance, be sure to stop at Metcalf Bottoms, which offers fishing, tubing, and picnic tables right along the Little River. Using this entrance is a great way to skip the worst of the crowds!
2. Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
A visit to the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum in Gatlinburg is an experience unlike any other. This one-of-a-kind museum has over 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers from around the world. Best of all, admission is only $3.00, and that money goes toward the purchase of any salt and pepper shaker in the gift shop. Kids who are 12 and under get in for free! It's a great way to spend some time on a rainy day and simply coming across something unique is half the fun.
3. Gourley’s Pond in Cades Cove
Cades Cove is full of spectacular scenery, but one of its frequently overlooked spots is Gourley’s Pond. This beautiful pond isn’t visible from the road, so it is quite literally one of the hidden gems in Gatlinburg TN! To get to Gourley’s Pond, leave your car at the LeQuire Cemetery parking area just after you pass the south end of Sparks Lane. Then, walk down the loop road for about 200’ until you see a path on your right. Follow that trail for about 100’ and then head southwest until you see the pond. Gourley’s Pond is a wet-weather pond, meaning that it will be dry and empty if there hasn’t been significant rainfall in a while. Keep in mind that the trail leading to the pond can be a bit difficult to traverse if there are downed trees along the path.
4. Lodge Factory Stores
Founded in 1896, the Lodge company is the only remaining manufacturer of cast iron cookware in the United States. Both Pigeon Forge and Sevierville are home to Lodge Factory Stores, where you can pick up cast iron skillets, dutch ovens, pizza pans, woks, and even more great products for your kitchen. Cast iron cooking has been a staple in the Smoky Mountains for generations! Lodge’s staff are experts on cast iron cooking, so feel free to ask plenty of questions. The Pigeon Forge location is at 2654 Teaster Lane and the Sevierville store is at 105 Knife Works Lane, Suite 2.
5. Cakes by Bakin’ Bishop
Anyone with a serious sweet tooth will love Cakes By Bakin’ Bishop! This amazing bakery uses only the best ingredients to create desserts that are out of this world. The cakes and cupcakes from Bakin' Bishop are to die for! If you’re getting married in the area, Bakin’ Bishop specializes in incredible wedding cakes. Whether it's your big day or your throwing a milestone event, take your celebration to the next level with Cakes by Bakin' Bishop!
More Hidden Gems in Gatlinburg TN and the Smoky Mountains
These hidden gems in Gatlinburg TN and the Smoky Mountains are truly one-of-a-kind spots that you don't want to miss! Plan on spending time exploring the national park? Make sure to check out hidden gems in Smoky Mountain National Park!
