How long should I spend at Smoky Mountain Trout House?

Plan on 45-75 minutes for your meal if there's no wait. During busy times, add another 20-45 minutes or more for waiting since seating is limited.

Is Smoky Mountain Trout House good for kids?

Absolutely! They're family-friendly with a kids' menu and casual atmosphere. The rustic cabin setting appeals to all ages, and kids love the wood-burning fireplace.

Is there parking at Smoky Mountain Trout House?

Yes, they provide free parking across the street for restaurant guests. This is a huge advantage on the busy Parkway where parking can be tough to find.

Do they only serve trout?

While trout is their specialty with 10 different preparations, they also serve steaks, catfish, shrimp, chicken, burgers, and have a full kids' menu.

Is the trout really fresh and local?

Yes, they source rainbow trout from the clear waters of the Smokies and have it ice-packed directly to the restaurant. It's been their specialty since 1975.

Smoky Mountain Trout House

Name: Smoky Mountain Trout House
Address: 410 Parkway Gatlinburg TN 37738, Gatlinburg, TN, US
Telephone: (865) 436-5416
Price range: $$
Rating: 8.81

Duration

1-2 hours (longer during peak dinner times due to potential waits)

Best For

Trout lovers seeking authentic mountain cuisine • Families wanting hearty Southern comfort food • Couples looking for cozy, rustic dining

Pro Tip

Order the trout fritters as an appetizer - they're made with local trout, onions, and peppers, served with homemade dill sauce that locals rave about.

About Smoky Mountain Trout House

Since 1975, Smoky Mountain Trout House has anchored Gatlinburg's dining scene with its signature mountain-fresh rainbow trout, served in one of the city's oldest buildings. This family-owned seafood restaurant stands out for its ten distinct trout preparations, including the local favorite 'Eisenhower' style and perfectly blackened fillets that keep regulars coming back.

The rustic cabin interior features exposed wooden beams and a wood-burning fireplace that creates a cozy mountain atmosphere, especially welcome during cool Smoky Mountain evenings. While the restaurant offers steaks, catfish, and traditional Southern sides, their rainbow trout preparations remain the star attraction, with generous portions that justify the moderate pricing.

Smart visitors know to arrive early - the restaurant opens at 3 PM and doesn't take reservations. Peak dinner hours (6-7:30 PM) often see substantial wait times, but arriving right at opening or after 8 PM typically means faster seating. The free parking lot across the street - a rare amenity on Gatlinburg's busy Parkway - makes access convenient even during tourist season.

Each trout dish comes with traditional sides, and servers are known for offering helpful suggestions on preparation styles for first-time visitors. While the restaurant maintains its traditional, no-frills approach to dining, the focus remains squarely on serving quality mountain trout in an authentic Gatlinburg setting.

For those seeking classic Smoky Mountain dining without the tourist-trap prices, Smoky Mountain Trout House delivers consistently good seafood in a casual, comfortable environment that's been pleasing visitors and locals alike for nearly five decades.

Last updated: February 21, 2026 • Based on 1,420 reviews

Amenities & Features

Rainbow trout from local Cherokee-area farms, prepared multiple ways including blackened, smoked with bacon, and trout parmesanComplimentary warm chips and hush puppies with chili sauce as startersFamily-owned with authentic mountain atmosphere unchanged since opening in 1975Convenient parking across the street and typically no wait times

Don't Miss

Ten Different Trout Preparations

From broiled to blackened to their famous 'Eisenhower' style, they've perfected every way to prepare fresh rainbow trout. Each preparation brings out different flavors while showcasing the quality of their locally-sourced fish.

Trout Fritters Appetizer

These crispy golden fritters combine local trout with onions, peppers, and potatoes, served with their signature homemade dill sauce. They're a perfect way to start your meal and taste what makes this place special.

Historic Building Atmosphere

Dining in one of Gatlinburg's oldest buildings adds authentic character to every meal. The rustic cabin decor, murals, and real wood-burning fireplace create that genuine Smoky Mountain experience you can't fake.

Locally-Sourced Rainbow Trout

Their trout comes fresh from the clear waters of the Smokies and gets ice-packed directly to the restaurant. You can taste the difference that local sourcing and careful handling makes in every bite.

Family-Owned Since 1975

Nearly 50 years of local ownership means they've perfected their recipes and built genuine relationships with the community. The consistent quality and friendly service reflect that deep commitment to their craft.

Cozy Two-Level Dining

The intimate dining rooms upstairs and down create a homey atmosphere where conversation flows easily. The limited seating adds to the charm, though it means you'll want to time your visit right.

Know Before You Go

Use their free parking lot across the street rather than hunting for Parkway parking
Dress casually - it's a rustic, no-frills family atmosphere
They accept cash, cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay
Arrive early (3-4 PM) or late (8+ PM) to avoid dinner rush waits
First floor only is handicap accessible

Opening Hours

Monday3 to 9 PM

Tuesday3 to 9 PM

Wednesday3 to 9 PM

Thursday3 to 9 PM

Friday3 to 9 PM

Saturday3 to 9 PM

Sunday3 to 9 PM

Best Times to Visit Smoky Mountain Trout House

For the best dining experience, consider making reservations for weekend evenings.

🔥Buzzing

Weekend dinner rush 5PM - 8PM

☀️Relaxed

Tuesday & Wednesday evenings

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours for Smoky Mountain Trout House?

They're open daily from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Hours can change seasonally, so we recommend calling (865) 436-5416 to confirm before heading over.

How much does Smoky Mountain Trout House cost?

Trout entrées typically run $20-30 depending on preparation style. Other mains like steaks and catfish are generally in the high teens to mid-$20s, with appetizers and desserts in the single digits to low teens.

Do I need reservations for Smoky Mountain Trout House?

No, they don't take reservations - it's walk-ins only. This means you might wait during busy times, especially weekend evenings and peak tourist seasons.