The 3 Best Trolley Routes in Gatlinburg for Seeing the Sights

Ditch your car and explore Gatlinburg by trolley! Free trolleys roll year-round and stop near all the popular attractions. Use these tips to see the best of Gatlinburg.

EASY TO USE

Board at any stop on the four routes–blue, red, yellow, and purple. Visit the trolley information site for hours and maps. Use the Trolley Locator to find out when the next trolley arrives at any stop.

Trolleys serve Great Smoky Mountains National Park only in peak vacation months. June through October, trolleys stop at Sugarlands Visitor Center, Elkmont Campground, and Laurel Falls trailhead. 

1. RED LINE: GATLINBURG ICONS

Red means stop and pay attention! Don’t miss this route that spotlights some of Gatlinburg’s best-known attractions, including these:

• Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is part of every route because the mass transit hub for all trolleys is right next door. Stop and meet the penguins! 
• The Gatlinburg Space Needle rises 400 feet above the city, giving you incredible 360-degree views. 
• Catch the chair lift for SkyLift Park from the Parkway near the Maples Avenue trolley stop.
• Visit Ober Gatlinburg ski resort and amusement park. The trolley stops across the street from the Ober tramway. 
• The Hollywood Star Cars Museum features snazzy rides you’ll remember from TV and movies. Take plenty of selfies! 

2. YELLOW LINE: A CRAFT LOVER’S DELIGHT

The yellow line whisks you to the doorsteps of Appalachian artisans. 

• Ride the loop road around the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, where artisans invite you to visit while they work. Pick up baskets, leather goods, woodcrafts, jewelry, paintings, quilts, and more. The trolley’s blue line serves the community too.
• Stop at Alewine Pottery, a family pottery-producing functional crafts for your home, including bakeware, plates, and mugs.   

3. PURPLE LINE: ALL ABOARD FOR PLAYTIME

Get the whole family outside to play! Jump on a purple line trolley for these destinations: 

• Herbert Holt Park, a short walk from the stop at Parkway Light 1, has a playground and horseshoe pit. Young anglers will love the children’s trout fishing stream!
• Mountain coasters are a Smokies tradition you have to try. The purple line takes you to Moonshine Mountain Coaster and Ripley’s Mountain Coaster.
• Grab a putter at Hillbilly Golf or Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini Golf and challenge the kids to a friendly tournament.

Stay at a Gatlinburg cabin, so you’re close to trolley routes. Book your Smoky Mountains vacation cabin now.