As the sheer sales volume of its T-shirt shops attests, the bustling tourist town of Gatlinburg owes a large part of its thriving economy to dollars brought in by tourism. Sevierville and Pigeon Forge, home of Dollywood, are also within an easy drive. The center is nestled in the Sugarlands Valley, home in pioneer times to a few scattered cabins and cornfields and reachable only by mule. Two short and easy trails lead off from Sugarlands. From downtown Gatlinburg, follow US 441 south 2 miles to intersection with Little River Road.
Visitor center is on right.
Visitor center with exhibits and information, filmed orientation, sales area, restrooms, backcountry permits. They plan to open a larger retail store near the Asheville area, but for now, they have dived into the world of the 'net. They are a very nice young couple. Most of their tent prices are lower than most other online stores that I've shopped. The Black Mountains' Initiative - A photo documentary of North Carolina's Black and Great Craggy Mountains.