Gatlinburg is surrounded on three sides by the majestic Great Smoky Mountains National Park and has evolved from a rural hamlet to a thriving gateway community in less than a century.

First named White Oak Flats for the abundant white oak trees in the valley, it was settled in the early 1800's by English, Scotch, Irish, and Scotch-Irish immigrants. From a small mountain village to a four-season resort, Gatlinburg and vicinity offer a glimpse of both eras.

There are 17 historic sites on a walking tour and a brief description of their significance to the city. They include sites like the Pi Beta Phi settlement school, White Oak Flats Cemetery, Ogle's Cabin, the First Clinic, and the Radford Gatlin Story. A driving tour map shows 25 different historically significant sites in and around Gatlinburg. Those include the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, the National Park Headquarters, and the Riverside Hotel.