Mountain Mall

The Smoky Mountains don’t just feel like a magical place, they really are a mystical destination. The phrase “old as the hills” rings true when you really dive into the old lore of the mountains. When you come to visit, take this otherworldly tour and investigate for yourself. Here are six of the Smokies’ best kept secrets.

1. Elkmont Trollbridge

Escape to a place that really feels like a glimpse into a mythical land. The Elkmont Trollbridge is a true hidden gem that only locals know about. Hike along the Little River Trail until you reach this spot. Covered in moss and mushrooms, the Trollbridge is perfect for capturing pictures or looking for hidden fantastical creatures.

2. House Of The Fairies

This whimsical spot is only a mile from downtown Gatlinburg yet it feels like you’ve been transported into another realm. Map to this magical place, then go out and explore. Here, you’ll find towering trees and moss covered logs and boulders. Then at the end of the trail you’ll see it...an arched doorway, that looks like it’s almost cut into the side of the hill, sits with a wooden ladder leaning against the frame. Step inside and find a cool spring, filled with water that tinkles like bells.

3. Synchronous Fireflies

The synchronized fireflies that come out every year like clockwork might be more science than magic but when you’re sitting among the trees and they begin to spark in unison, flickering in and out of sight, it feels like something otherworldly. This rare phenomenon is only seen in a few places in the world and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of them.

4. Elkmont Ghost Town

Once a thriving vacation spot for the Knoxville elite, the Elkmont Ghost Town looks like a legend brought back to life. Recently restored, explore inside the homes and hike trails where you will find the remains of homes once occupied by Appalachian locals who would serve, supply and work in the town. This piece of history is frozen in time and feels like stepping back into the past.

There are many magical places in the Smokies and these are only four of them. Don’t stop here, continue to search for more mystical creatures and sprites living in the trees and hollows. To discover more, stay overnight in the mountains in a log cabin. This cabin is even called Magical Moments, which is exactly what you’ll find when you visit the Smoky Mountains.

The Gatlinburg Mountain Mall, Gatlinburg’s premier indoor shopping experience, is unlike any other shopping mall. Nestled in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, TN at Traffic Light #6 across from Ripley’s Aquarium, the Gatlinburg Mountain Mall features a vast variety of shops each with a unique theme. Home-made candy, food, crafts, hand-made jewelry, custom-blended tobacco products, pipes, music, movies, leather goods, hot sauces, books, magic tricks, quilts, dolls, sports collectibles, toys, original artwork and even outfits for man’s best friend. These are just a few of the items you’ll find within our mountain-themed shopping center. We challenge you to give us a visit and not find something of interest to you and to each and every member of your family. Please see the Merchant Directory for more information on our many retailers.

The Mountain Mall’s Gatlinburg, Tennessee location is just minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and close to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN. In addition to shopping at the mall, downtown Gatlinburg is the host to many attractions. While visiting, you can ski at Ober Gatlinburg, explore the nature’s oddities at Ripley’s Believe It or Not, learn about feats, facts, and records at Guinness World of Records Museum, get spooked at Haunted Adventure, or surround yourself with sharks at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies…just across the street from Gatlinburg Mountain Mall.

Every detail of the shopping center has a mountain theme from cedar walls to the whiskey barrel trash cans (which are the same barrels used to make Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whisky.) And while you leisurely peruse the hallways of the Mountain Mall, you will hear Appalachian mountain music recorded by local musicians. Around our two indoor water fountains (one of which is over 30 feet tall!) you’ll find authentic mountain folk paraphernalia including millstones, a moonshine still, and a full-size bear trap.

Celebrating the rich history of Gatlinburg and the Ogle family which owns and manages the Mountain Mall, we have sprinkled the halls with historical displays featuring ‘now-and-then’ pictures of the town and pictures of the Ogle’s General Store (opened in 1850 and moved to the site where the Mall stands in 1910.) Even the actual 1934 Ford Model A delivery truck from the old family store can be seen on display.

Web: Mountain Mall
Address: 611 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Phone: (865) 436-5935