The Gatlinburg Moonshine Trail

The Gatlinburg Moonshine Trail is a walkable route along the Parkway that connects the area's best distilleries. No tickets, no tour bus - just you, your friends, and a string of free tastings. Here's everything you need to plan your self-guided distillery tour.

Quick Facts

Suggested Walking Route

This order keeps you moving south along the Parkway and hits the most popular spots first. For more detail on each distillery, see our Moonshine Distilleries guide and Ole Smoky guide.

Map & Directions

All main stops are on the Parkway (US-441) in downtown Gatlinburg. Addresses and approximate walking distances:

• Ole Smoky Holler - 903 Parkway (start)
• Ole Smoky → Sugarlands - ~2 min walk south (~0.1 mile)
• Sugarlands → Doc Collier - ~5 min walk south (~0.25 mile)
• Doc Collier → Tennessee Shine - Check signage for nearest location; several on the strip

The Parkway is pedestrian-friendly. Cross at crosswalks and stay on the sidewalk. In peak season, the strip can be busy - weekday mornings are quieter.

Tips for the Trail

• Pace yourself. Tastings add up. Sip, don't gulp, and take your time between stops.
• Eat first. Have a solid meal before you start. Empty stomach + moonshine = trouble.
• Bring ID. You must be 21+ with valid ID for tastings at every distillery.
• Designated driver. If you're driving, skip tastings or have a non-drinking driver. Stay at our cabins and walk or Uber from downtown.

Food, trolley, and what not to do

Treat the Moonshine Trail as a walking tasting, not a pub crawl you drive. Our cabins are about 8 minutes from the Parkway. Park downtown or ride the Gatlinburg Trolley, start at Ole Smoky when it opens, and walk south. Do not hop between distilleries in a car after the first sample.

Eat before you start. Pancake Pantry, a Parkway diner, or breakfast at the cabin all work. Mid-trail, grab water and a snack. If anyone is done tasting, they can duck into candy kitchens or The Village Shops while the rest of the group finishes a flight. The Island Ole Smoky Barn is not on this walking loop. Save it for a Pigeon Forge afternoon (about 20 minutes from our cabins) if you already planned The Island.

What not to do: do not mix tastings with a Newfound Gap drive the same afternoon. Do not assume every flavor is "just punch." White lightning is still whiskey. Do not leave the designated driver guessing. Groups of 8 or more should stay in one cabin so the night ends on the ridge, not in a parking garage. Sleeps 8 for most couples-plus-friends trips. Sleeps 12 if the whole party is tasting together.

Learn More

For full details on each distillery, flavors, and what to expect: Moonshine Distilleries in Gatlinburg | Ole Smoky Distillery Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Gatlinburg moonshine trail?

The trail covers about 0.5 miles of walking along the Parkway. Plan 2 to 3 hours total including tastings and browsing.

Is the moonshine trail free?

Yes. Tastings are free at Ole Smoky, Sugarlands, Doc Collier, Tennessee Shine, and other stops. You must be 21+ with valid ID.

What order should I visit Gatlinburg distilleries?

Start at Ole Smoky Holler (903 Parkway), then Sugarlands (805 Parkway), then Doc Collier (508 Parkway). Add Tennessee Shine and Ole Smoky Barrelhouse as you go. Weekday mornings are less crowded.