Duration
20-40 minutes (longer during peak evening hours after 7 PM)
Price
$2 donuts, $3.50 ice cream scoops, $7 small milkshakes
Best For
Families with kids and pets • Late-night dessert seekers • Instagram-worthy treat hunters
Pro Tip
Visit before 11 AM for the best donut selection - flavors like maple bacon and dreamsicle sell out by afternoon, and you'll skip the evening crowds that pack the place after 7 PM.
About Mad Dog's Creamery & Donuts
Mad Dog's Creamery & Donuts has earned a reputation as Gatlinburg's premier late-night dessert destination. The shop features 24 flavors of hand-dipped ice cream, including creative options like Sea Salt Caramel Cheesecake and Smoky Mountain Fudge.
Pet owners particularly appreciate the thoughtful touches - water bowls and complimentary doggie treats make four-legged family members feel welcome. The outdoor picnic tables provide comfortable seating for families to enjoy their treats together.
The fresh donuts rank among the finest in the Smokies region. The popular maple bacon variety tends to sell out quickly, making early visits advisable for those seeking this fan favorite.
Visitors should note that prices can accumulate rapidly, particularly for milkshakes which cost around $7 for a small size. However, the quality remains consistently high and portions prove generous.
Specialty items like the Cotton Candy Burrito and Ice Cream on a Cloud Cone create perfect social media moments. This beloved establishment typically experiences heavy crowds after 7 PM, so timing visits earlier in the evening often provides a more relaxed experience.
Amenities & Features
Don't Miss
24 Premium Ice Cream Flavors
They rotate through unique flavors like Sea Salt Caramel Cheesecake, Smoky Mountain Fudge, and Orange Pineapple alongside classics. The hand-dipped scoops are creamy and generous, making it worth the $3.50 per scoop price.
Fresh Daily Donuts
The maple bacon and dreamsicle varieties are our favorites and sell out fast. Made fresh every morning, these $2 donuts beat most chain shops and pair perfectly with their soft-serve ice cream.
Cotton Candy Burrito
This Instagram-worthy creation wraps ice cream in cotton candy for a fun twist. It's messy but totally worth it for the photos and the unique taste combination that kids absolutely love.
Ice Cream on a Cloud Cone
They wrap cotton candy around regular cones to create a cloud effect that looks amazing in photos. The cotton candy dissolves as you eat, adding sweetness to each bite of ice cream.
Pet-Friendly Outdoor Seating
One of the few dessert spots in Gatlinburg that welcomes dogs with open arms. They provide water bowls and doggie treats, making it easy to include your furry family members in dessert time.
Ice Cream Nachos
This creative dessert uses waffle cone pieces as 'chips' topped with ice cream, whipped cream, and various toppings. It's perfect for sharing and gives you that fun carnival vibe without leaving Gatlinburg.
Know Before You Go
- Arrive early in the day for best donut selection before popular flavors sell out
- Bring bug spray if sitting outside during warmer months due to ice cream attracting insects
- Cash and cards accepted, no reservations needed for walk-up counter service
- Indoor seating available if outdoor tables get buggy in summer evenings
- Dog-friendly with outdoor seating, water bowls, and treats provided for pets
Visitor Sentiment
Based on reviewsMad Dog's Creamery & Donuts receives consistently positive feedback from visitors. Located in Gatlinburg, it's a solid choice for the area.
Mad Dog's Creamery & Donuts Opening Hours
Best Times to Visit Mad Dog's Creamery & Donuts
Visit during weekday mornings for the calmest experience.
Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Mad Dog's Creamery & Donuts?
They're typically open 4-9 PM daily, though hours vary by season. We always check their website or call ahead since summer hours are usually longer than winter hours.
How much does Mad Dog's Creamery & Donuts cost?
Donuts run about $2 each, ice cream scoops are around $3.50, and small milkshakes cost about $7. Expect to spend $15-25 for a family of four with basic treats.
Do I need reservations for Mad Dog's Creamery & Donuts?
No reservations needed - it's a walk-up counter service. Just be prepared to wait in line during busy evening hours, especially after 7 PM.
How long should I spend at Mad Dog's Creamery & Donuts?
Plan on 20-40 minutes total including ordering and eating. During busy times, you might wait 10-15 minutes in line, but service moves pretty quickly.
Is Mad Dog's Creamery & Donuts good for kids?
Absolutely - kids love the fun flavors and Instagram-worthy treats like Cotton Candy Burritos. The outdoor seating gives them space to enjoy messy ice cream cones without worry.
Is there parking at Mad Dog's Creamery & Donuts?
Yes, they have free customer parking in their lot. Being on East Parkway instead of downtown means parking is much easier than the main strip attractions.
Do they have dairy-free or vegan ice cream options?
The research doesn't specify dairy-free options, so we'd recommend calling ahead if you have dietary restrictions. They focus mainly on premium dairy-based ice cream flavors.
Can I bring my dog to Mad Dog's Creamery & Donuts?
Yes! They're super pet-friendly with outdoor seating, water bowls for dogs, and they even have special doggie treats available for your furry friends.
You May Also Like
More great places in Gatlinburg
Sugarlands Distilling Company
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Anakeesta
Ober Mountain
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park
CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains - Zipline Tour
We use a weighted 10-point scoring system to evaluate the best places to visit and things to do in the Smokies.
Scoring is carefully evaluated based on reviews, social signals and expert assessments.
Mad Dog's Creamery & Donuts receives consistently positive feedback from visitors. Located in Gatlinburg, it's a solid choice for the area.
Last Updated Jan 4, 2026
731 East Pkwy Gatlinburg TN 37738
731 East Pkwy Gatlinburg TN 37738
Gatlinburg
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