Duration
20-40 minutes (longer during peak evening hours after 7 PM)
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 stands out as Gatlinburg's go-to spot for late-night dessert cravings, serving up both premium ice cream and fresh-made donuts until well after most shops have closed. The ice cream counter features 24 rotating flavors of hand-dipped goodness, with standouts like Sea Salt Caramel Cheesecake and Smoky Mountain Fudge drawing repeat visitors.
What sets this ice cream shop apart is its creative specialty items - the Cotton Candy Burrito and Ice Cream on a Cloud Cone have become social media sensations. Dog owners appreciate the thoughtful touches, with water bowls and complimentary treats making it truly pet-friendly, while families can spread out at the outdoor picnic tables.
The donut selection here ranks among the best in Gatlinburg, with the maple bacon variety emerging as a clear customer favorite that often sells out early. For the best selection, visit before noon to catch these fresh-made treats at their peak.
Be prepared for premium pricing - small milkshakes run around $7, though portions are generous. The shop tends to get busy after 7 PM, particularly during peak tourist season, so consider an early evening visit for a more relaxed experience.
Pro tip: While the specialty items are fun, the quality of their traditional ice cream flavors and classic donuts is what keeps locals coming back. The combination of friendly service, pet-welcoming atmosphere, and consistently good desserts makes Mad Dog's Creamery & Donuts worth seeking out during your Gatlinburg visit, even if you have to wait in line.
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
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.
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