Gatlinburg Glamping & Lodging in the Smoky Mountains | Under Canvas (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret entrance to Gatlinburg? ›

The secret entrance is the route through Wears Valley. This is how most locals enter the national park. The secret entrance becomes particularly handy during the high seasons. You get to see picturesque views while avoiding the crowds.

ABOUT UNDER CANVAS

Under Canvas currently operates 11 locations: North Yellowstone-Paradise Valley, West Yellowstone and Glacier in Montana; Moab, Zion, Lake Powell-Grand Staircase and Bryce Canyon in Utah; Mount Rushmore in South Dakota; Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee; Grand Canyon in Arizona and Acadia in Maine.

The busiest week in Gatlinburg typically falls during the first week of July, which coincides with Independence Day celebrations. The off-season months from November through February or late August through September.

The Gatlinburg Bypass begins at the south end of the Spur – the scenic stretch of Hwy 321 that connects Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg – just south of the visitor center on Parkway, at the north end of Gatlinburg. Just when the traffic might start getting snarled, this road offers your escape.

What is Elkmont? Elkmont is now considered a hidden gem in the Smokies, but it was once a booming logging camp and resort town for wealthy vacationers. The National Park Service is working on restoring the old buildings to protect the spirit of Elkmont and the history of the structures.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee. However, parking tags are required for all vehicles parking for longer than 15 minutes.

Enjoy seasonally rotating breakfast and dinner options (ranging from salads to burgers to roasted trout) at our on-site restaurant along with grab n' go lunch items available daily in the lobby. Are meals included in the nightly rate? Meals are not included in the nightly rate.

Under Canvas' traditional tent types include the Suites, Deluxes, Stargazers, and Safaris.

Under Canvas is majority owned by an affiliate of KSL Capital Partners, a leading investor in travel and leisure businesses.

Sightings in the Smokies and even in residential areas are possible as the bears search for food. Sightings and reports to TWRA peak in June and July as breeding season begins and newly independent cubs start roaming. Bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours.

What is the cheapest month to go to Gatlinburg? ›

Better Rates on Cabins – Since visitation is lower during the off-season, vacationers typically find better rates on cabin rentals during January, February, March, and April! Better yet, occupancy is typically lower during this time, so you can find the perfect cabin for your stay for a great price!

The very short answer to the question of is Gatlinburg a tourist trap is yes; if any tourist destination, is a “trap” then this is too, we suppose. But two things before you bounce away: Gatlinburg being a “tourist trap” is not a bad thing.

There are no fares or fees to ride the Gatlinburg Trolleys.

Gatlinburg Trolleys operate on a daily basis, serving visitors and residents 365 days a year, providing an easy, free way to get around Gatlinburg. Visitors in the area can board a Trolley at any stop in the City and be off to their destination.

The only way to access the top of the mountain (where the Gatlinburg SkyBridge is located) is to buy an admission ticket at the SkyPark ticket window and then ride the yellow SkyLift chair to the top of the mountain.

The Wears Valley entrance, which is also referred to as the Wears Cove entrance, is the least-used entrance into the park that offers access to major sights like Cades Cove and Newfound Gap. In fact, many locals enjoy using this secret entrance into the park — shhh, don't tell anyone!

To get to the House of the Fairies, you'll need to hike the Twin Creeks Trail. This out-and-back trail has a round trip length of 4.5 miles. Along the trail, you'll walk along the creek and see several buildings from the old Voorheis Estate.

The Upside-Down Building

WonderWorks, a science focused indoor amusem*nt park, combines education and entertainment. With over 100 hands-on exhibits, there is something unique and challenging for all ages. Feel the power of 74mph hurricane–force winds in the Hurricane Shack.

The five-mile round trip journey along Abrams Creek is a moderate trek that's worth every step. It's the most popular trail in Cades Cove for good reason, and you'll see why when you arrive at a waterfall that's only 20 feet high but still boasts a staggering amount of rushing water.