GATLINBURG

The City of Gatlinburg rests on the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park along Highway 441, which connects to Cherokee, North Carolina. For centuries, Cherokee hunters used a footpath to gain access to the Smokies. Later, South Carolinian, William Ogle was the first permanent settler in the area. In the decade following, the area became known as White Oak Flats. In 1856, Gatlinburg got its name from Radford Gatlin, owner of the general store in the area, which housed the post office. Around 1900, extensive logging erupted as lumber companies were forced to push deeper into the mountain areas. Loggers were joined by their families on the weekends, hence beginning the tourism mecca. Gatlinburg eventually became more tourist-oriented with the establishment of specialty shops. Today, major attractions, luxury hotels and cabins, fabulous restaurants and state-of?the-art convention centers make up the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. Many large conventions, annual festivals and other special events are held in Gatlinburg each year. This romantic city falls second, only to Las Vegas, as the most popular place to get married. Many people travel from all over the world to experience the beauty of the area that includes magnificent wildlife, vegetation, waterfalls and streams that make for some of the most outstanding natural backgrounds the eye has ever seen.


EDUCATION

In 1912, Pi Beta Phi, a national college sorority, founded a small one-room school at the junction of Baskins Creek and the Little Pigeon River, near where the Arrowmont Craft Shop now stands. This school, though simple in its beginnings, was an attempt to give the proud mountain people of this area something better than the three-month school that had been available. The new school opened with an attendance of 13 children and closed with 33. The community, which the school served, numbered 500-600 people, a majority of whom were children. At that time, Gatlinburg, the center of this community, was a hamlet of a dozen houses, a blacksmith shop, a Baptist church, and the little schoolhouse. The new school quickly outgrew its quarters. In 1913, Pi Beta Phi, with the help of local citizens, purchased a larger tract of land in Gatlinburg, and a new school was opened in 1914. By the end of the year, over 134 pupils were in attendance at the Pi Beta Phi Settlement School. During the 1940's, the county gradually took over the administration of the school, constructing a new building for the elementary grades in 1949-50. In 1963, high school classes were moved to Gatlinburg-Pittman. Then, between 1966 and 1968, the present facilities were built or remodeled. By 1966, the fraternity had withdrawn its financial support for the school; however, it deeded the land on which the new school was built to Sevier County and issued a long-term lease for the playground at one dollar a year. Negotiations with the fraternity were successfully concluded to extend the lease far into the future, ensuring the place, both literally and figuratively, of Pi Beta Phi Elementary School in the heart of Gatlinburg for many years to come. Gatlinburg Pittman High School is the City's only high school. Its acclaimation to fame is the fact that it has graduated more than 200 national merit scholars. Both prestigous schools are located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.


NATIONAL PARK

Ridge upon ridge of endless forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for the diversity of its plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park. Whether you delight in the challenge of a strenuous hike to the crest of a mountain or prefer to sit quietly and watch the sun set, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a myriad of activities for you to enjoy. The hardest part may be choosing which auto tour, trail, waterfall, overlook, or historic area to explore!


CITY PARKS

All three City Parks have covered pavilions 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.

(1)Holt Park (formerly North Gatlinburg Park)
offers: Covered Pavilion, Sinks, Children's Streams, Cooking Grills, Playground Area, Horseshoe Pits, Trout Facility, Walking Trails, Picnic Tables and Restrooms

Holt Park is located on Pigeon River Road in Gatlinburg

(2)Mynatt Park offers: Covered Pavilions, Children's Streams, Basketball Court, Tennis Courts, Horseshoe Pits, Playground Area, Baseball Field, Restrooms, Picnic Tables and Grills

Mynatt Park is located on Asbury Lane in Gatlinburg.

(3)Mills Park offers: Picnic Tables, Softball Field Horseshoe Pits, Jogging Trail, Playground Area, Tennis Courts,
Football Field, Covered Pavilion, Sinks & Grills,
Basketball Court, Restrooms and a 400-Meter Track

Mills Park is located on Mills Park Road in Gatlinburg.

Fee Structure

Gatlinburg City Commission provides free usage of the covered pavilions to Gatlinburg residents. For anyone not living in Gatlinburg, the fee structure is as follows:
Mynatt and Mills Park
0-4 hours - $25.00
4 + hours - $35.00
Holt Park (formly North Gatlinburg)
0-4 hours - $35.00
4 + hours - $45.00


OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN GATLINBURG

Bicycling - The Cades Cove loop in the national park isn't just for cars. Seeing this historic community on bicycle is one of the best ways to get in touch with the Smokies. If your transportation allows, you can even bring along a picnic lunch for the trip.

Camping - Gatlinburg has three local campgrounds to choose from. They have many amenities such as electricity, water, cable TV, hot showers, pools, and much more. The national park also has several campgrounds, including Cosby and Elkmont, where you can pitch a tent and rough it for a few days in the wilderness. Some campgrounds accept reservations, but most are accessible on a first come, first served basis.

Fishing - You've heard about our famous mountain trout. Now come catch one yourself! Whether you're in a national park stream or the Little Pigeon River in downtown Gatlinburg, there's nothing more peaceful than dropping your line in the water and waiting to reel in the big one!

Golf - If you're a golfer looking for a challenge, how about a game of mountain golf? The rules are the same as golf everywhere, but the course is just a little bit different. It's up and down, up and down, with hardly a flat spot to be found. It'll be an experience to be remembered with a scenic background that is magnificent. Try out your skill on the greens of the Gatlinburg Golf Course or the Bent Creek Golf Course.

Horseback Riding - Saddle up, pardners, and see the beautiful East Tennessee countryside the old-fashioned way. Places like Smoky Mountain Stables & Sugarlands Riding Stables offer guided, back country excursions for kids and grownups alike.

Hiking - The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has over 800 miles of hiking trails that range from easy to difficult. Whether you choose a day hike, overnight or week long trip you are sure to experience the beauty and solitude of the great outdoors. A Guided Nature Service is available for those looking for a more educational and in-depth look at the Smokies. Need Supplies? Choose from one of the full service outfitters for all your outdoor needs. Always remember to be prepared before entering the backcountry! Visit one of the many visitor centers for information on planning your next hiking trip.

Whitewater Rafting - There's nothing quite as exhilarating as a ride on an untamed river. There are many outfitters that conduct guided trips down the Big Pigeon and other regional rivers.

Winter Sports - Ober Gatlinburg is Tennessee's only ski resort. Its eight ski slopes range from beginning to advanced and lie 3000 feet above sea level. Using a combination of natural and man-made snow, visitors can ski and snowboard. There's even an indoor ice-skating rink that's great fun rain or shine or snow. Even if you don't ski or skate, come up and enjoy the spectacular view or relax over a delicious hot meal at Ober Gatlinburg's restaurant.


AREA ATTRACTIONS

There's no place in the world quite like Gatlinburg. Offering exciting adventures around every turn, this Mountain Village has a special attraction for everyone... and all within easy walking distance. Everything from an aquarium with the largest underwater tunnel, a ski resort with year round ice skating, interesting museums, go cart racing, miniature golf, and much more. There are over 26 attractions in the City of Gatlinburg, all of which are members of the Chamber of Commerce. For a complete listing, please visist http://www.gatlinburg.com/