If you are looking for the perfect place to celebrate Independence Day, come on out to Gatlinburg for a day full of fun activities! With everything from the nation’s first Independence Day parade to a spectacular fireworks display, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy! Here are 3 fun events taking place on the 4th of July in Gatlinburg TN:
1. First Independence Day Parade in the Nation
For over 40 years, the 4th of July in Gatlinburg TN has kicked off in a huge way with the first Independence Day parade in the country! The parade starts promptly at 12:01 a.m. on July 4th and travels for more than a mile through the city of Gatlinburg. The parade route starts at Baskins Creek Bypass on East Parkway, turns south onto Parkway at traffic light #3, and travels the length of downtown to traffic light #10 at Ski Mountain Road. Everyone is encouraged to arrive early on July 3 to secure a great viewing spot along the parade route!
2. Gatlinburg River Raft Regatta
Come on out to be part of a unique July 4th tradition with the Gatlinburg River Raft Regatta! This annual race of unmanned floatables down the Little Pigeon River is a fun and exciting event for all ages! Contestants may register their floatable beginning at 10 a.m. at the starting line at the Christ in the Smokies bridge. The race kicks off at 11 a.m. and is complete once all the floatables have crossed the finish line at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. If you want to participate in the action but don’t have a floatable of your own, you can enter a rented rubber duck into the competition for just $2.00. Trophies will be given to those who finish 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in the Treasure, Duck, and Most Creative Float categories.
3. Gatlinburg’s Fireworks Finale
Finish off your 4th of July in Gatlinburg TN with an explosive 20-minute fireworks show starting at 11 p.m.! The fireworks display will be visible anywhere along the streets of downtown Gatlinburg, with the best viewing locations in the area around traffic lights #3 and #5. This fireworks event has been designated as a top 20 event by the Southeast Tourism Society and is the perfect ending to the Independence Day celebrations in Gatlinburg!
Where to Stay
Stay close to all of the July 4th festivities with a vacation at Hemlock Hills Resort Rentals! Our cabins are just minutes from the Gatlinburg Parkway, where you can enjoy all of the Independence Day events and everything else that Gatlinburg has to offer! While staying with us, enjoy our comfortable bedrooms and convenient amenities such as a fully equipped kitchen. Many of our cabins also feature a hot tub, cable television, pool table, and other fun games for your entertainment!
Check out all of our Gatlinburg cabin rentals today to stay near these exciting events taking place on the 4th of July in Gatlinburg TN! We look forward to seeing you soon at Hemlock Hills Resort Rentals! Remember to have fun and be safe no matter where you are celebrating the Independence Day holiday!