Ecotourism in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Part 2

Reader Contribution by John D. Ivanko and Inn Serendipity
1 / 6
2 / 6
3 / 6
4 / 6
5 / 6
6 / 6

As much inspired by the mountains, rivers and forests as serving the needs of the droves of visitors attracted to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park every year, Gatlinburg’s arts and craft community, plus many of the hotels and restaurants, offer nourishment for the mind, body and soul.

The City of Gatlinburg spearheads efforts to keep things green, too. With the Gatlinburg Go Green initiative to help manage the impacts of millions of visitors every year, a massive recycling effort and composting plant have diverted about 70 percent of the waste from a landfill, electric charging stations have been set up at the park’s Sugarlands Visitor Center, and one of Tennessee’s largest public transportation systems now serve about 800,000 riders per year. Even Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies sports a large photovoltaic system on the roof (the aquarium is, in fact, an interesting visit if you need a break from hiking in the park).

This article picks up after the ecotourism adventures end in the water, up in the treetops or on the ground at a waterfall, along a stream or hiking trail.

Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Trail

Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368