Originally Posted by GomerPyle

The only time Gatlinburg is tolerable is if you go in an "off peak" time of the year AND you go M-Th.

And that's really a shame, because that is one of my favorite places on earth (The park, specifically, but Gatlinburg is the most convenient area to stay, relative to the park, if it's not super busy)

I will second the idea of going when it’s not peak season. I will add to plan any event downtown or around crowds during the week. Huge difference between a week day and a weekend day