Ever since I was a child, I have enjoyed playing mini golf with friends and family. I’m never very good at it but I always have fun. Throughout the years, I have played some fun and unique courses. I have to say though, Hillbilly golf takes the cake when it comes to playing a unique course and was such a fun experience for my family and I to enjoy.
The day we visited, it was unfortunately raining off and on but we still had a great time! There was also some tree coverage, “buildings” and different areas that were covered on the course. This is where we stopped for a few minutes to wait out the heavier rain, when needed.
The Hillbilly golf course is set up on the side of a mountain in downtown Gatlinburg, TN. In order to get to the top of the course, you ride on a cart that takes you to the top. That in and of itself was a fun way to start our game. When you have finished playing your round, you will also take the cart back down to the bottom.
Bears
Bears are a common thing to see in this part of TN. We actually saw one when we visited Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! However, it is not something I expected to encounter while playing mini golf!
As we were receiving our instructions, they informed us that there are phone numbers listed on each hole that we should call if we happen to see a bear. They explained where to find the phone number to call them and when you reached out, then they would safely remove the bear from the course. I became a bit nervous when I looked over and saw they had a posted sign that said “last bear sighting”. The date listed was the day we were visiting! Thankfully, our mini golf experience that day stayed bear free.
With the course not being right up against the mountain side for the majority of the game, we felt safe knowing we would probably be able to see a bear in enough timing if one showed up. There was a hole or two right against the mountain though that made us a little nervous. Thankfully all was fine!
The golf course
There are two distinct courses that you can choose to play when you get to the top. You make your decision by either exiting the cart to your left or to your right. We chose the left course and really enjoyed it. We want to go back on our next trip and check out the other side!
We almost went back on this same trip because you receive a 50% off discount if you came back within 3 days and bring your stamped score card. Unfortunately, we ran out of time and we were not able to try the second course.
One thing that makes Hillbilly golf so fun are the unique holes. Two of our favorites included a billiards table where you had to dodge the billiards balls as you tried to get your golf ball to the other side and a hole where you could either golf the traditional way or you could use your club as a cue and shoot it like you are playing billiards. You also have a plinko style board with this hole.
Not only is the course amazing, but the area where you are playing is also beautiful. We visited at the end of October (and despite lots of rain), the trees and scenery added to the experience.
Getting there
Hillbilly golf is easy to get to if you take the Gatlinburg Trolley. You can park for free at the Gatlinburg welcome center (the top parking lot) and take the purple line to hillbilly golf. It is one of the first few stops on the line so make sure you know when to get off. We missed our stop and ended up getting off at Morton’s antiques. It was a short walk back, so still very easy to access even if you miss your stop.
The trolley drivers were very friendly and knowledgeable and will help you know where to get off if needed. We utilized the trolley for most of our trip and I’m so glad we did!
Gatlinburg is a fairly easy city to navigate when taking the Gatlinburg trolley and makes it an easy way to get to some of Gatlinburg’s best attractions. Our family had such a fun time in Gatlinburg and playing at Hillbilly golf. You should definitely consider it for your next family vacation to Gatlinburg, TN!
Visiting Shenandoah National Park? Check out what you need to know about Skyline Dr. before visiting here: https://pepperandpassports.com/skyline-drive-what-you-need-to-know-before-you-go/
Visiting Big Bend National Park? Check out some of our favorite hikes we went on here: https://suitcasesandsalt.com/three-hikes-everyone-should-do-at-big-bend-national-park/