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4 Reasons Our Gatlinburg Restaurant is Perfect for a Meal Before or After Going Hiking

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August 26, 2026

If you are planning to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you will need to fuel up first and you’ll also likely end your hike with an appetite. Fortunately, The Park Grill is an excellent option right nearby, serving up delicious food and helping visitors feel connected to the Smokies. If you want to find out more about some of the top reasons why our Gatlinburg restaurant is perfect for a meal before or after you go hiking, simply read on:

1. We Are the Closest Restaurant to the National Park

First up, one of the top reasons why our Gatlinburg restaurant is perfect for a meal before or after you go for a hike is our location. While some national parks have a handful of restaurants within the bounds of the park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not have any. So, as the closest restaurant, we have become the “unofficial” restaurant of the park! There is nowhere more convenient to stop for some lunch before you head out into the park, or to enjoy a dinner after you get back than right here at The Park Grill.

2. Great Lunch and Dinner Options

Park Grill burger

Another of the reasons why The Park Grill is perfect for a meal before or after you go hiking is that we offer excellent dishes for both lunch and dinner. So, if you stop by midday, this means that you can choose to sit down to one of our lunch options, like a burger or sandwich, before you head out into the national park for some hiking. On the other hand, if you would rather enjoy a meal after you have gone for your hike, you can sit down to a dinner such as a ribeye or some fresh rainbow trout. You can also view our full menu right here!

3. Smoky Mountain Ambiance

Next up among the top reasons why our Gatlinburg restaurant is a great spot to grab a meal before or after hiking in the Smokies is the ambiance here at our restaurant! We have decorated The Park Grill to reflect the style of the Smokies, with a wooden exterior of hand-peeled logs, stone sourced from rock fences in Cosby, and more, all of which combine to make you feel like you’re still at the park while dining here at our restaurant.

4. Light and Hearty Options

Park Grill salad

Finally, when you’re planning a pre-hike or post-hike meal, you will want to consider what kind of food you will want to eat to fuel you up before the hike or recharge afterwards. If you are eating before your hike, you may want to choose lighter fare, such as a chicken sandwich or a custom salad from our world-famous salad bar. Or, if you are eating afterwards, you may have worked up a large appetite that makes options like our filet mignon or BBQ sampler ideal! Either way, there are dishes here at The Park Grill that we know you will love.

These are just some of the many reasons why our Gatlinburg restaurant is the perfect choice for a meal before or after you go hiking at Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Plus, if you’re looking for some recommendations for hiking trails to check out while you’re visiting the area, we’ve got you covered. Check out some of the top Gatlinburg hiking trails near our restaurant right here!