Nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are the gateway towns to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Known for their scenic beauty, mountain culture, and access to outdoor adventure, these charming Tennessee towns welcome millions of visitors each year. If you’re planning a trip, one of the first questions you may ask is: What’s the closest airport to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge?
The good news: you’ve got options. From small regional hubs to larger international airports, there are several ways to arrive in the Smokies. Here’s a breakdown of the best airports to fly into depending on where you’re coming from and how you’d like to explore.
Closest Regional Airports
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) 40 miles | 1-hour drive
The closest airport to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge is McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, TN. With nonstop flights to major U.S. cities, this regional hub is the most convenient option if you want to maximize your time in the mountains and reduce time spent on the road.
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) 120 miles | 2-hour drive
Located in Asheville, NC, this airport offers easy access not only to the Smokies but also to the Blue Ridge Mountains and a segment of the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you love an American road trip, this is a fantastic option, especially during the fall season when the mountains are at their most colorful. Known for its lively downtown and thriving food and arts scene, Asheville makes a great bonus stop before or after your Tennessee adventure.
Closest International Airports
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) 135 miles | 2-hour drive
Greenville-Spartanburg International in Greer, SC, offers a mix of domestic and limited international connections, making it a suitable option for travelers from farther away. Its location also allows you to explore nearby Greenville, SC, a picturesque stop on your way to the Smokies.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) 200 miles | 2.5-hour drive
As one of the busiest airports in the Southeast, Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, NC, offers numerous flight options. While the drive is a bit longer, the abundance of flight routes and international access make CLT a practical choice for travelers heading to the Smoky Mountains. It also opens the door to an unforgettable road trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the scenic byway that winds from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia all the way to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Transportation Options
Once you’ve landed, getting to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge is part of the adventure. Here are a few ways to make the journey:
Car Rentals
If you’re not driving your personal car from home, then renting a car is the most flexible way to reach and explore the Smokies. With winding mountain roads, scenic overlooks, and charming towns nearby, having your own vehicle allows you to stop whenever inspiration strikes, turning a road trip into a memorable experience. Most airports offer car rental services from well-known national brands, so it’s easy to pick up a car upon arrival. Just make sure to book ahead during peak travel seasons.
Having a car also makes it easy to hop between attractions in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and the park’s many trailheads at your own pace. Keep in mind that while Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee, it does require a valid parking tag (available for purchase both online and onsite). However, this does not guarantee a parking spot at specific locations. Parking tags are not required on Free Entrance Days.
Shuttles
Using a shuttle is one of the easiest ways to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park without the hassle of driving or finding a parking spot. Local operators (not the National Park Service) run seasonal services (March through October) from nearby towns and airports for popular park destinations like Newfound Gap, Alum Cave Trailhead, and Chimney Tops Trailhead. Shuttles not only reduce congestion in popular areas but also let you relax and enjoy the scenery while knowledgeable drivers handle the logistics.
Learn more about shuttle providers here.
Guided Tours
For a stress-free way to explore, consider booking a guided tour with transportation. Let expert guides handle the planning and driving while you focus on soaking up the misty blue scenery and adventure. From guided hikes and sightseeing tours to whitewater rafting and ziplining, there’s something for every explorer. Just choose your date and group size – our adventure team will take care of the rest to create a seamless and unforgettable experience.
Bicycling in the Smokies
Biking is a scenic way to experience Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering a slower pace to take in the winding roads and mountain views. While most park trails are off-limits to bikes, with a few exceptions, the Gatlinburg Trail, Oconaluftee River Trail, and the lower Deep Creek Trail provide easy, family-friendly rides. Cyclists can also enjoy the popular Cades Cove Loop on designated vehicle-free days, when the roads are reserved entirely for walkers and bikers. What’s more, Cades Cove is one of the most magical places in the park for fall colors.
If you’re interested in mountain biking in the Smokies, head to nearby national forests and recreation lands outside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, such as the Chattahoochee National Forest, Cherokee National Forest, or Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area.
Where to Stay in the Smoky Mountains
Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains is located in Pigeon Forge, just 10 miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and is nestled within 182 acres of lush, wooded terrain near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Guests can enjoy al fresco dining paired with local sips, nightly campfires with s’mores, morning yoga, live acoustic music, and kids’ activities, making it easy to connect outside together. This unique glamping retreat, featuring upscale, safari-inspired tents, perfectly blends comfort and nature for an unforgettable stay in “The Land of Blue Smoke.”
For more trip planning inspiration, check out our Great Smoky Mountains Travel Guide.