Experience Hillbilly Golf in Gatlinburg: A Unique Family Adventure

Updated October 9th, 2026

All information is current as of the date this post was written.

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. It was such a fun experience for my family and I to enjoy.

Unfortunately, it was raining off and on the day we visited, but we still had a great time! There were also trees, “buildings”, and covered areas throughout the course. These areas are where we stopped for a few minutes to wait out the heavier rain, when needed.

Hillbilly golf is built on the side of a mountain in downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee. When you are ready to begin your game, you take a cart to get to the top of the course. 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 Tennessee. We actually saw one when we visited Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Thankfully we were in our car for that sighting. While it is common in this area, it is not something I expect to encounter while playing mini golf.

As we received our instructions at the bottom of the course from the staff, they informed us that there are phone numbers listed on each mini golf hole. This is important to know because if you happen to see a bear, you will need to call that number. They explained where to find the phone number to call them. When you reach out, then they safely remove the bear from the course. While hearing these instructions I felt like it was just something they had to tell you in the unlikely event it happened. I became a bit nervous though, 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.

The majority of the course is not in direct contact with the woods on the mountain, and that made us feel more reassured. We felt safer knowing we would most likely be able to see a bear in enough timing if one showed up.  There was a hole or two though that made us a little more 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 come 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 on this trip.

One thing that makes Hillbilly golf so fun is the unique holes. Two of our favorite holes included a billiards table and a hole where you use your golf club backwards. Every time we finished a hole, we anticipated going towards the next one and seeing what fun twist they had created for it.

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 (in the upper parking lot) and take the purple line trolley 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!

The Gatlinburg trolley makes it easy to get around the city and visit some of Gatlinburg’s best attractions. Our family had such a fun time in Gatlinburg and playing at Hillbilly golf. No matter your age you should definitely consider visiting Hillbilly golf for your next vacation to Gatlinburg, Tennessee!

Check out this article for 16 activities to do during your stay in Gatlinburg!

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