Access to Gatlinburg, TN
Gatlinburg, for all its attractions, is a bit off the beaten path when it comes to the Interstate Highway System, but access is easy from whichever direction one plans to approach this superb vacation destination. Most visitors to Gatlinburg arrive by car.

Prefer to travel by air? The McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, Tennessee is located within 50 miles of most resort accommodations in Gatlinburg. Car rentals are readily available at the airport. The drive east from the Knoxville airport down U.S. 321 through Maryville and Townsend is quite lovely during most of the year.

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The major east-west interstate highway route through eastern Tennessee is I-40, which connects with another eastern artery I-81 northeast of the Gatlinburg area, between White Pine and Dandridge. Interstate-40 also connects with the north-south artery of I-75 just west of the Gatlinburg area in Knoxville.

Several road projects are on-going, including Highway 441 in Sevierville. To avoid traffic, in some instances you may want to take a more scenic route to Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains! These scenic highways lead you through beautiful country vistas offering some amazing views of the mountains, yet they may also save you travel time. The Pigeon Forge, Sevierville exit off I-40 at State Route 66 occasionally backs up during the summer season, especially on weekends. Taking the less traveled scenic routes to Gatlinburg may aid in avoiding major traffic snarls. The awesome scenery on these "back roads" may also add some inspiration as well as relaxation to your travel time. Using these following travel tips can help make your trip a pleasant one.

Driving east from the direction of Nashville, Tennessee consider taking I-40 to Exit 364 at State Route 95 South to Lenoir City, then take U.S. 321 East, continuing through Maryville and Townsend, then make a right onto Scenic Highway 73 to Gatlinburg.

Driving south from the direction of Lexington, Kentucky on I-75, consider taking I-40 West from Knoxville to Exit 364 at State Route 95 South to Lenoir City and U.S. 321 East and follow the same directions as those above into Gatlinburg.

Driving southwest from the direction of Roanoke, Virginia on I-81 South, consider taking I-40 East to Exit 435 or 443 (Foothills Parkway), turn onto U.S. 321 and continue until you reach Gatlinburg.

Driving northwest from the direction of Asheville, North Carolina on I-40 West, take Exit 443 (Foothills Parkway) or Exit 435, then turn left onto U.S. 321 and continue until you reach Gatlinburg.

Driving northeast from the direction of Chattanooga, Tennessee take I-75 North to Exit 81 at State Route 95, then follow Highway U.S. 321 East continuing through Maryville to Townsend, then make a right onto Scenic Highway 73 East to Gatlinburg.

(See your specific Gatlinburg area accommodations or attractions map for more detailed directions.)