Gatlinburg is the headquarters and gateway
to the
Great
Smoky Mountains National Park,and
has been the Smokies'
leading center for fine arts and
crafts for many years.
Founded as a logging town, it became
a
Nineteenth Century mecca
for vacationers seeking the mountains'
unsurpassed views and special
character amid cool mountain air
and streams.
It thrives today tucked into its
high mountain valleys
besides the rushing Little River
and dozens
of tumbling streams flowing out
of the
520.000 acre National Park
witch brings millions of visitors
every year to its quaint street,
inns, European - style store fronts,
fine dining,
superb shops and galleries, and many festivals
and special events.