Gatlinburg kicks off the holiday with the first Independence Parade in the Nation stepping off at 12:01 a.m. on July 4. Stretching more than a mile, the parade route begins at Baskins Creek Bypass on East Parkway, turning south onto Parkway at traffic light #3 and traveling the length of downtown to traffic light #10 at Ski Mountain Road. Parade goers are encouraged to arrive early on Monday, July 3rd in order to secure the perfect viewing area along the parade route.