Gatlinburg Moonshine Trail: Self-Guided Distillery Tour 2026

Q: How long is the Gatlinburg moonshine trail?

The Gatlinburg Moonshine Trail covers approximately 0.5 miles of walking distance along the Parkway. The main downtown stretch from Ole Smoky Holler to Doc Collier is easily walkable. Plan 2–3 hours total to visit the distilleries at a relaxed pace, including tastings and browsing.

Q: Is the moonshine trail free?

Yes, tastings at Gatlinburg moonshine distilleries are free. You can sample a wide variety of flavors at Ole Smoky, Sugarlands, Doc Collier, Tennessee Shine, and other stops at no charge. You must be 21 or older with a valid ID to participate. Purchasing bottles is optional.

Q: What order should I visit Gatlinburg distilleries?

Start at Ole Smoky Holler (903 Parkway)—the most famous and busiest stop—then walk south to Sugarlands (805 Parkway), then Doc Collier (508 Parkway). Add Tennessee Shine and Ole Smoky Barrelhouse for a fuller experience. Weekday mornings are less crowded.

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

Total Distilleries

Walking Distance

~0.5 mile

Time Needed

2–3 hours

Cost

Free tastings

Best Time

Weekday mornings

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.

Stop 1: Ole Smoky Holler

903 Parkway — Start here. America's most visited distillery, working stills, 20+ flavors, live bluegrass on the porch.

Stop 2: Sugarlands Distilling Company

805 Parkway — ~2 min walk south. Upscale tasting room, Appalachian Sippin' Creams, specialty spirits.

Stop 3: Doc Collier Moonshine

508 Parkway — ~5 min walk from Sugarlands. Named after a legendary local moonshiner, signature cocktails.

Stop 4: Tennessee Shine Company

Multiple locations on the Parkway — Wide variety of flavored moonshines and Tennessee whiskey. Friendly staff.

Stop 5: Ole Smoky Barrelhouse

Different experience from The Holler — Aged whiskey and moonshine, barrel-aged flavors.

Pigeon Forge Extension: Ole Smoky Barn at The Island

Drive to The Island in Pigeon Forge for another Ole Smoky location with a barn-style atmosphere.

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.

Local's Tip: Start at Ole Smoky Holler when it opens to beat the crowds, then walk south. Most distilleries offer free tastings—no purchase required.

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 2–3 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.

Enjoy Responsibly

Stay at our cabins and don't worry about driving after tastings. Many distilleries are walkable from downtown Gatlinburg.

View Our Cabins

Related Guides

Moonshine Distilleries Ole Smoky Restaurants Things to Do