10 Tourist Traps in Gatlinburg Locals Beg You to Avoid

Gatlinburg attracts millions of visitors yearly with its mountain charm and proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But not everything that glitters in this tourist town is gold. Locals know which attractions offer genuine experiences and which ones leave visitors feeling disappointed and overcharged. Before planning your Gatlinburg adventure, take some advice from those who call this mountain town home.

1. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium

The famous red facade might catch your eye, but your wallet will feel the pinch at this dated attraction. Most exhibits haven’t changed in years, making repeat visitors wonder why they paid premium prices twice for the same experience.

Many families report spending over $100 for admission, only to rush through uninspiring displays in less than an hour. The gift shop often feels more exciting than the actual museum!

For quirky Gatlinburg vibes without the tourist markup, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum offers over 20,000 unique sets for under $5 admission – and they’ll even apply your ticket cost toward a purchase.

2. Gatlinburg Space Needle

Standing at 407 feet tall, this observation tower promises panoramic views of the Smokies – along with a hefty admission fee that makes locals shake their heads. What most brochures won’t tell you: similar (and better) views are available for free throughout the region.

Lines can stretch for hours during peak season, and the elevator ride feels uncomfortably packed. Many visitors report feeling rushed once they reach the top, barely having time to snap photos before staff encourage moving along.

Save your money and drive to Clingmans Dome instead. At 6,643 feet, it’s the highest point in Tennessee and offers truly breathtaking 360-degree mountain vistas without the crowds.

3. Hollywood Star Cars Museum

Car enthusiasts might initially feel drawn to this collection of famous vehicles from movies and TV shows. Reality check: many visitors leave feeling they’ve paid premium prices for what amounts to a small room of cars behind ropes.

The museum houses vehicles like the Batmobile and cars from Fast & Furious, but the exhibits lack engaging information. Photo opportunities are limited by strict rules, and the entire experience typically lasts under 30 minutes despite the substantial entrance fee.

For a more authentic taste of local culture, the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center showcases Appalachian history through interactive exhibits. You’ll learn about mountain life while experiencing genuine historical artifacts rather than movie props.

4. Moonshine Sampling Bars (Overly Touristy Ones)

Nothing screams “tourist trap” quite like the moonshine tasting rooms that have multiplied along Gatlinburg’s main strip. While moonshine is genuinely part of Appalachian heritage, these crowded sampling spots often feel more like party zones than cultural experiences.

Expect to wait in line for tiny plastic cups of flavored spirits while staff rush through rehearsed spiels. The pressure to purchase bottles afterward can be uncomfortable, and prices are marked up significantly compared to state liquor stores.

For a more authentic experience, visit Sugarlands or Ole Smoky during off-peak hours. The distillers often have time for real conversations about their craft, and you might actually learn something about the region’s fascinating moonshine history.

5. The Village Shops (At Peak Hours)

This quaint shopping area looks charming in photos, but visit during summer weekends and you’ll find yourself shuffling through narrow walkways in a human traffic jam. The European-inspired architecture houses mostly overpriced gift shops selling items you could find anywhere.

Locals never visit between 11am and 4pm during tourist season. The small courtyard becomes so congested that enjoying the fountain or architecture becomes impossible, and restaurant wait times can stretch beyond two hours.

For a more relaxed shopping experience, drive the 8-mile Arts & Crafts Community Loop. Here, authentic artisans sell handcrafted goods in spacious studios where you can often watch them work and have meaningful conversations about their crafts.

6. Ober Mountain (for Winter Sports)

Marketed as Tennessee’s premier ski destination, Ober Mountain (formerly Ober Gatlinburg) leaves many winter sports enthusiasts deeply disappointed. The reality doesn’t match the brochures: tiny slopes, artificial snow that turns to slush by afternoon, and lift lines that can consume most of your day.

Equipment rentals add substantial costs to already expensive lift tickets. Many families report spending hundreds of dollars only to get a few actual runs down the mountain due to the crowds and limited terrain.

Serious skiers and snowboarders should make the drive to Cataloochee Ski Area in North Carolina instead. With longer runs, better snow management, and typically smaller crowds, you’ll get more actual skiing time for your money.

7. Mysterious Mansion Haunted House

From the street, this Victorian-style haunted house promises spine-tingling thrills. Unfortunately, most visitors exit wondering where their money went. The attraction relies on dated effects and predictable scares that fail to justify the admission price.

The entire experience typically lasts under 15 minutes, making it one of Gatlinburg’s poorest values. Actors inside seem disinterested during off-peak times, and the building’s maintenance issues distract from any potential frights.

Skip this disappointment and save your scare-seeking for fall when the region hosts legitimate haunted attractions. Better yet, take a nighttime ghost tour of the Smokies where guides share actual local legends and historical tales that are genuinely more chilling than anything in this mansion.

8. Old-Time Photo Studios

Nearly every block in downtown Gatlinburg features at least one sepia-toned photo studio promising “memories that last a lifetime.” The reality? Rushed photo sessions in recycled costumes that dozens of strangers have worn that same day.

Sticker shock hits when you select your photos. What started as a $25 sitting fee quickly balloons to $100+ when you add digital copies or prints. Props often show visible wear, and the whole experience feels assembly-line rather than personal.

Create authentic memories instead by hiking to stunning spots like Laurel Falls or Cades Cove. Your smartphone photos against natural Smoky Mountain backdrops will capture genuine moments rather than manufactured ones – and cost absolutely nothing except the effort to get there.

9. Mountain Mall

Hidden behind an impressive log cabin facade is one of Gatlinburg’s most disappointing shopping experiences. The Mountain Mall feels trapped in the 1980s, with dated interiors housing a collection of nearly identical souvenir shops selling mass-produced “mountain” merchandise.

Most items – from t-shirts to coffee mugs – feature the same generic Gatlinburg images but cost significantly more than similar products at stores outside the tourist district. The food court offers mediocre options at premium prices.

Seek out authentic Appalachian crafts at seasonal markets instead. The Gatlinburg Farmers Market (summer through fall) and holiday craft fairs feature local artisans selling unique items with actual connections to mountain traditions – often at better prices than the mass-produced mall merchandise.

10. Main Parkway Strip (During Peak Times)

The heart of Gatlinburg’s tourist district becomes a frustrating gridlock during summer weekends and holiday periods. What should be a pleasant stroll turns into a stop-and-go shuffle past chain restaurants and flashy attractions all competing for tourist dollars.

Parking costs can reach $20 for a few hours, and restaurant wait times often stretch beyond 90 minutes. Street performers and attraction barkers create a carnival atmosphere that bears little resemblance to the authentic mountain town experience many visitors seek.

Escape the chaos by exploring Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a peaceful 5.5-mile one-way loop road just minutes from downtown. This scenic drive offers historic cabins, rushing streams, and forest trails where you’ll experience the natural beauty that made the Smokies famous in the first place.