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6 Day Smoky Mountains Itinerary – 2 States & 1 Grand Adventure

Last Updated March 15, 2024 William Tang

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The legendary Great Smoky Mountains National Park conjures up images of classic blue silhouette of mountain ridges, black bears, elk, and rolling waterfalls. The national park spans both North Carolina and Tennessee and makes for quite the epic road trip. The question is, what’s the best way to do it?

With this 6 day Smoky Mountains itinerary, you’ll gain inspiration for how to make the most of a trip that covers both states and includes the best places to see, do, eat, and stay for those with an adventurous spirit.

What You’ll Get Out of This Article

• Day-by-day breakdown of the itinerary.
• Critical details for important activities and sights.
• Google Map of all locations on the itinerary.
• Access to a Google Sheet itinerary spreadsheet.

In This Article

What To Know Before Planning Your Road Trip

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The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited of all of the US national parks but for someone that’s never been there, it’s a daunting task to put together an itinerary, especially when you only have 6 days to work with.

If you love the outdoors, beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and exhilarating adventure, this one’s for you!

There are probably a million ways to see the Smoky Mountains.

Something you’ll learn is that most road trips will include a combination of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park itself and the surrounding towns and cities that flank it on both sides of Tennessee and North Carolina.

Since there’s so much to see, do, eat, and stay in the region, you’ll have to pick and choose what you want to do. Much of it will depend on your travel style, your group, the number of days you have, and how much of the national park you want to do versus the periphery.

As we’ve mentioned, this Smoky Mountains itinerary is meant to be guide for a trip that someone real has actually done, to give you an idea of one way to plan a trip here.

To help put this together, we employed our art of planning trips as a way to visualize the trip and stay organized. Keep reading to find out how you can get access to the 6 day Smoky Mountains itinerary spreadsheet.

Like most, if not all national parks in the United States, The Great Smoky Mountains and its surroundings are best explored by car.

This means that your best bet to getting around here is to come here by your own car if you’re doing a much larger road trip through the US or simply rent a car.

The easiest way to rent a car is to pick it up at the airport you’re landing in. The two major airports are Knoxville, Tennessee (TYS) and Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT). You can either book a one-way car or round-trip rental.

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For those that don’t drive, there are a couple of options that you can look at:

• Base yourself in North Carolina (i.e. Waynesville, Bryson City) and do day trips.
• Base yourself in Tennessee (i.e. Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville) and do day trips.
• Book a guided Smoky Mountains tour .

As with all of our detailed itineraries such as our 9 day Northern California road trip , 2 days in Istanbul , 8 day Iceland itinerary , 3 days in Kauai , and others, our goal is to share as much detail as we possibly can so you can be as prepared as possible.

That said, everyone is going to want something a little different with this Smoky Mountains itinerary so use this as a a place to start and adjust from there.

Where we’ve been able to, we provide alternatives and other recommendations for things like accommodations, activities, tours, and restaurants.

For this road trip, we arbitrarily decided to start in North Carolina and end in Tennessee but you could easily do it the other way around.

As you start planning your epic road trip, it’s worth noting a couple of things when it comes to driving around the Smoky Mountains:

• Rent from the airport – If you’re flying in and out of the region, you’d be better off renting from the airport than trying to find a city location. This would be a lot more efficient than having to find ways into and out of the city.
• Gas up often – Trust me, you don’t want to run out of fuel while in the national park or in more rural areas. A good rule of thumb is to fuel up when you’re at half gauge.
• No tolls – We’re happy to report that there are no tolls to speak of in and around the Great Smoky Mountains so there’s no need to stress here. To be doubly sure, make sure to turn off toll routes on your navigation app.
• SUV is a great idea – This isn’t mandatory but there are a lot of steep winding roads in and around the Smokies and not all of them are paved. Getting around in a compact sedan would be fine but we did enjoy having the extra confidence of the SUV.
• Many single-lane roads – There were a lot of rural roads that reminded us of our road trip in southern Ireland where the hedges went straight up to the road and the opposing traffic were too close for comfort. That was the easy part. On some of the roads you’ll find in the national park or winding up/down to a cabin, you’ll be faced with single-lane roads that also feature hairpin turns and steep drop offs on one side without guard rails. Make sure to drive safely.
• Watch for elk – Elk aren’t shy and will hang out near or on the roads so be alert, especially when you see the yellow elk warning signs.
• Pre-save points of interest – There is no cell service and hence no data in the entirety of the national park. For ease of mind, it’s worth saving pins on your Google Maps app and also make your maps available offline .

We’re not blowing any smoke here! The truth is that the Smoky Mountains National Park and both sides of North Carolina and Tennessee are amazing all-year round. It really depends on what you’re looking to do and see.

A better way to put it is that there isn’t a wrong time of the year to come to the Smokies.

One of the nicknames of the national park is “Wildflower National Park” and that’s because in the spring time, 1,500 different flowering plants bloom. The lush green foliage combined with the rainbow of colours from all of the flowers is a sight to see and an incredible opportunity for photographers.

Snowmelt and rain also means that the waterfalls will be full and gushing with water.

Wildlife wise, this is calving season for elk so you may be able to spot their babies. Spring is also bear season where they start emerging from their dens and coming out of hibernation. This happens between late March through early April.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a great page on black bears that you should definitely read.

The weather is quite cool throughout the season and you’ll be faced with unpredictable rain but the benefit is that there’ll be fewer crowds and lower lodging prices.

The summer months are undoubtedly the most popular and busiest times in the Smoky Mountains. With the kids off from school and the weather the warmest, lookouts, trails, and activities in both Tennessee and North Carolina will be packed with people.

That said, you’ll have the whole national park available to you as all of its amenities are open and you’ll have access to all elevations.

Weather wise, it will get up to the 80’s and 90’s (27 ° C to 32 ° C) in July so you’ll want to plan to do most of your activities in the morning or late afternoon. That said, this’ll depend on what elevation you’re at. July also has the most rainfall in the year where the surprise afternoon thunderstorm will seemingly pop out of nowhere.

Summer is also great for wildlife viewing where you’ll see turkey, deer, bears, and elk be quite active.

Bear-wise, mating season begins in July so you’ll find them active in the early morning or late evening. This’ll give you opportunities to view them but you’ll also need to be careful on trails.

After a hot and humid summer, crisp and cool air descends and the fall colors emerge in mid-September.

There’s a quick dip in crowds and lodging prices after Labor Day but because of how popular the autumn season is, it spikes again once the colors start changing.

Whether you’re in the park or viewing it from the Tennessee or North Carolina side, you’ll see a carpet of orange, red, and yellow hues. The peak of the fall colours is in October and quickly fade when November hits.

Similar to spring, it gets cold at night and averages in the 70s (21 ° C) during the day.

For wildlife, this is also the best time to see the elk as this is when the antlers of males are fully grown and they challenge other bulls and bugle to attract females.

No surprise that this is the least visited season of the year in the Smoky Mountains. The advantage of coming here is that you won’t find crowd anywhere and it reveals a completely different landscape filled with frozen waterfalls and snow-capped mountains.

Extra care is required when travelling through the national park at this time because of the icy and slippery conditions. You also have to pay close attention to closures and weather warnings.

There’s something quite magical about staying in a cabin in the winter and cozying up by the fireplace.

While it does get cold at higher elevations, towns such as Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Bryson City, and Waynesville don’t get much snow so it’s not as cold as you think.

Now if we were forced to choose, the best time to come to the Smoky Mountains is in the autumn season. You’ll see from our photos just how lush and green the forests are in the spring so just imagine how vivid the changing of the leaves would be in the fall.

If you want to avoid the massive crowds in the fall season, try to plan a trip in late September or early November.

6 Day Smoky Mountains Itinerary

The below is an interactive map showing you all of the locations mentioned in the itinerary. Click on each point of interest to find out more information and links to reviews or to book an activity.

TIP: You can make this accessible on your phone. Simply expand the map and then make a copy to your own account. This will give you access to the map on the Google Maps app.

You’ll be starting your 6 day Smoky Mountains itinerary on the North Carolina side and for those that are flying in, the Charlotte airport (CLT) will be the easiest to get to. If looking for more small town finds while in the area, check out our guide on quick trips around Charlotte .

All of the major car rental companies are accessible in the parking garage right across from the airport so you won’t need to take a shuttle. Once you pick up your car (we used Avis;s code AWD #A519319 for easy savings), you’ll hit the road and drive 2.5 hours to the foothills of the Smoky Mountains.

Make your way to your lodgings for the night, Boyd Mountain Log Cabins . Set in a family-owned Christmas tree farm with 150-acres overlooking the Smoky Mountains, you’ll find 8 authentic hand-hewn log cabins that date back 150-200 years. Each one has been relocated from other locations, rebuilt, restored, upgraded to modern standards, and tastefully furnished. They are also named after the locations where they originally stood.

The particular cabin we stayed at was Meadow Fork Cabin , a two-story cabin that can accommodate 8 people, has central heat and air conditioning, full dining room space, firepit, and picturesque front porch with matching rocking chairs.

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After you settle in, you won’t want to leave. You can either grab a book on the mantle to read, play checkers on the porch, take a stroll around the pond or go fishing in the ponds which are stocked with rainbow trout, bluegill, bass and catfish.

For dinner, head into the cute town of Waynesville, North Carolina. The local watering hole you’ll want to visit is Boojum Brewing Company . They’re a microbrewery that has a refreshing line up of beers that range from hoppy IPAs, crisp pale ales, deep and silky stouts, and tangy sour ales.

Their taproom features 16 taps of their latest rotation of freshly brewed beer and they also have a fine menu of tasty pub snacks, burgers, steaks, and seafood. We highly recommend trying out their brew brew day pretzels and farmhouse stack starters. A local also had us try the Graveyard Fields and I absolutely loved it.

TIP: They have an outdoor patio in the back that has its own bar and tables. If there’s space, try to get a spot there!

Before you end the night, head over to the nearby grocery store, Ingles to pick up your road trip supplies. Grab everything you think you’ll need for your 6 days including snacks, water, other drinks, and breakfast. There’ll be other chances to drop by grocery stores but you’ll save a lot of time by just making this one stop.

Get some early rest because you’ll be up early the next day.

Day 1 Summary

Where you’ll eat:

• Dinner – Boojum Brewing Company Taproom – Relaxing and casual restaurant located in the heart of downtown Waynesville with a great selection of beers and seasonal pub faire.

Where you’ll stay:

• Boyd Mountain Log Cabins (Meadow Fork Cabin) – Authentic log cabins set in a Christmas tree farm that’s perfect for a retreat and family getaways. This is one of the best places to stay if you’re coming to the Waynesville and Maggie Valley area.

We also recommend staying here:

• Brookside Mountain Mist Inn – A lovely B&B that is known for its friendly hosts, comfortable rooms, and 3-course breakfast.
• Best Western Smoky Mountain Inn – If you’d rather stay in a traditional hotel, this one is highly rated and conveniently located in Waynesville.

Your first full day in North Carolina as part of this Smoky Mountains itinerary is going to be packed with hidden gems and the highest peak.

Waking up before the crack of dawn, make breakfast, pack your bags, and start heading out from Waynesville towards Cataloochee Valley . You’ll want to depart 30 minutes before sunrise.

Nestled within giant peaks is a historic community that prospered here in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Cataloochee Valley is one of the remote areas to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park but in here you’ll find well-preserved historic frame buildings such as churches, schools, and homes.

Starting in 2001, a plan was put into motion to reintroduce elk into the park and they’ve since flourished in this valley, making it to best place to watch and photograph elk in the particularly vast and open fields.

When you arrive in the morning as the fog hovers over the field, the sun just starts to reach its arms to the mountain tips, and the air is still. This is a tranquil retreat that you’ll want all to yourself.

How come no elk in the photo above? While we were the first to arrive in Cataloochee Valley, we didn’t have any luck spotting elk on the field but we did see a ton of turkey. Here, you’ll also have a chance to spot white-tailed deer, black bears, birds.

There’s no guarantees to spot elk here but this is one of two spots that give you the best chance.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW – CATALOOCHEE VALLEY

The Smoky Mountains is a massive national park but what’s unique about it is that it straddles both North Carolina and Tennessee. As a result, each side also has their own special areas of the park.

Cataloochee Valley is one such area and it’s one of the hidden gems that you have to visit that’s most easily accessible from North Carolina.

Website: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Cataloochee Valley

• This is an easy answer! It’s free. Unlike the other national parks which either have park fees or a reservation system, there are no gates to enter any part of the park. You simply drive right in or through.

Best time to visit:

• You’ll be coming here to see elk and the best time to see them is in the early morning or late afternoon when the temperatures are cooler.

Driving tips:

• The most direct way to get to Cataloochee is to take Cove Creek Road which is easily accessible from Waynesville, North Carolina.
• Cave Creek Road is a winding road that starts off as paved but once you pass through the residential area, it turns to a gravel road. You’ll be on this gravel road for 15-20 minutes and it’ll eventually turn into Old Cataloochee Turnpike.
• The gravel road is quite narrow and twists and winds quite a bit so drive carefully.
• Turn left into Cataloochee Entrance Road and the gravel road continues until right you’re about halfway down where it finally turns into a paved road.
• Technically, you can drive gravel roads from Tennessee along Mt. Sterling Road which eventually becomes 45 minutes of gravel road towards Cataloochee Valley but it’d be much easier to take I-40 into North Carolina and then up through Cove Creek Road.

Photography tips:

• Have your zoom lens prepared and ready to go before heading out.
• There is a great view back towards the towns near Waynesville on Old Cataloochee Turnpike right before you have to make that left onto Cataloochee Entrance Road.
• You’ll be tempted to go to Cataloochee Valley Overlook when you just get in. The view here is just ok so we’d recommend getting down to the valley floor first and spend your time with the elk.
• Sunrise is a great time to go because the lighting isn’t harsh, the sun just lights the trees at the top of the valley, and you might be able to catch the mysterious fog that hovers over the field.
• There are two single beam bridges across the creek that are photogenic so make sure not to miss them. One is near the school and the other is at the start of the Caldwell Fork Trailhead. Make sure to look down at the water where you might see trout passing through.
• The barn across from Hiram Caldwell House has two floors and has a giant opening that is great for portrait photography.
• Your chances of seeing elk diminishes significantly if you come during the day.
• You cannot fly a drone in the national park whatsoever.

General tips:

• Cataloochee Valley has 3 main fields for elk viewing. One is a smaller one by the Cataloochee Seasonal Quarters & Ranger Station, one right before the Palmer Chapel Methodist Church, and the largest is the field that covers the area between Hiram Caldwell House to the end of the road.
• There are a few parking lots marked on Google Maps and while you could certainly park there, Cataloochee Valley is more of a place where you drive to the field where elk can be spotted and park on the gravel pull offs.
• At first it wasn’t clear whether this was meant to be a driving safari. Yes, you’ll be driving to the various fields in the valley but once you’re there, you park, get out of your car and choose a spot on the gravel or edge of the field to watch the elk. There aren’t any fences here.
• The bathroom isn’t marked on Google Maps but there is one right between the Palmer Chapel Methodist Church and the marked parking lot. You don’t need the comfort station by the campground.
• If there are elk on the field, don’t walk on the field but if they’re not there, you’re allowed to get onto the grass.
• There are no gates to enter Cataloochee Valley so you can enter as early as you’d like or leave as late as you’d like.
• If you have the time, explore the historic buildings that have been preserved such as the Palmer Chapel, Hiram Caldwell House, the school, and Palmer House. You can enter many of the buildings and explore their interiors.
• There are several trails here including the Rough Fork Trail (takes you to Steve Woody House) and Big Fork Ridge Trail which is at the end of the road, Pretty Hollow Gap Trail, and Caldwell Fork Trail.
• Learn about the elk seasons of Cataloochee Valley to plan your trip.

Next, you’ll see a whole other side of the Smokies. At an elevation of 5,000 feet and overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll find a luxury mountaintop retreat called The Swag .

It’s more than just a small rustic inn. It’s a hideaway and invigorating getaway that allows you to truly disconnect with its view of the mountains, boundless activities, authentic hospitality, and delicious dining.

While we didn’t plan early enough (at least a year or more in advance), we got a local tip that you can book a packed picnic lunch here without being a guest. This gives you access to the entire grounds, giving you the opportunity to hike up to Gooseberry Knob, watch the hummingbirds, explore the grounds, or enjoy book a spa treatment.

TIP: They have two vintage coolers right outside the main lodge where they stock ice cream and drinks. They’re free for all guests!

From the get-away-from-it-all feels, you’ll crank things up a notch with a visit to Dale’s Wheels Through Time . This is one of the top motorcycle museums in the United States. Curated and collected by Dale Walksler, his exhibits focus on an array of rare American motorcycles.

What makes Wheels Through Time more than just another museum is in their tagline of “the museum that runs”. Every single one of their machines on display can be fired up and they are more than willing to let you hear their beautiful growls.

In many ways, it feels like you’re walking through Dale’s personal workshop with bikes of all kinds, generations, and eras all under one roof. If you’re into Harleys, motorcycles from World War 2, or the most rare bike in the world , they have it all!

You’ll be driving through Maggie Valley and eventually into Bryson City. Check into your tiny home for the night at Gina’s Great Getaways , eat an early dinner at Nantahala Brewing’s Burger + Bar (or takeout to eat on the road), and start making your way back into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

This time, you’ll be heading up to the famous viewpoint, and tallest peak in the park, Clingmans Dome .

On the way though, make sure to be on the lookout for elk grazing on the side of the road. While we didn’t see elk at Cataloochee Valley, they were right by Highway 441 near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center , munching on grass, casually crossing the road, and causing quite the stir amongst the motorists passing by.

Clingmans Dome is a unique piece of architecture in the national park. At 6,643 feet, the observation tower was built in 1959 and features a spiral ramp that is in sync with the same 12 percent grade that the trail leading up to the tower has.

When you arrive, the panoramic views of the mountains and cascading ridges will take your breath away. This is just from the parking lot and visitor center area.

Continue hiking up the trail and this is when you actually start losing your breath because of how steep the path is. The 0.5 mile hike takes you to the base of Clingmans Dome where you’ll do the remaining spiral to get up to the top of the 45-foot circular observation platform.

The reason for the slightly awkward dinner option is because you’re trying to rush here to catch the sunset. It’s been a packed day so decompress out here with everyone else that has gathered here and watch nature’s finest light show.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW – CLINGMANS DOME

At the highest peak in the national park is a unique spiral structure that offers 360 degree unobstructed views of the Smoky Mountains and cities below.

Clingmans Dome is built along state lines so half of it is in Tennessee and the other half is in North Carolina.

Website: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Clingmans Dome

• Sunrise or sunset for the best views from the tower.
• The road from the main Newfound Gap Road (Highway 441) is windy but easy to drive and newly paved.
• The drive towards Clingmans Dome has a number of scenic pullouts.
• While open all year round, the 7-mile road to Clingmans Dome from Newfound Gap Road closes from December 1 – March 31 so the only way to get there is by hiking.
• There is a large parking lot but during high-season it can fill quickly so come early.
• If you’re coming here for sunset, this means you’ll be driving in the dark through the national park so be careful and use your high beams (while not blinding oncoming traffic at the same time).

• Many photographers will try to capture the sunrise or sunset from Clingmans Dome but most photographers prefer sunset because the curve leading up towards the tower points west.
• Photographers will set up tripods along the ramp up and on the tower itself so you will want to go early to pick a spot. It does get quite busy at sunset.
• The best spot overall is actually on the ramp and not in the tower itself because there are less foreground trees obstructing the view of the mountain range.
• Right before the visitor center is a lookout point with log benches. This is a great spot to shoot the silhouette or mountain ridges.
• Pets and bicycles aren’t allowed.
• The trail up to Clingmans Dome is not wheelchair accessible.
• If you’re going for sunrise or sunset, make sure you have the right headlamp. The Fenix HM65R we’ve reviewed is highly recommended.
• Open all year round.
• The hike up to Clingmans Dome is only 0.5 miles and well-paved but don’t be fooled, the elevation change is quite large and so you’ll find yourself quite gassed when you reached the base of the tower.
• Since this is at 6,643 feet, the dome can be 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit (6-12°C) colder than where you came from so make sure to pack a jacket, even in the summer.
• The Appalachian Trail crosses Clingmans Dome if you want to do a short segment of it while you’re here.
• There are washroom facilities in the parking lot.
• If you can’t do the hike up to the dome, there’s actually a great view of the mountains looking westwards which is perfect for sunset. You’ll see many people lining up their camping chairs to watch from the parking lot.
• The visitor center is right by the trailhead and their hours can be found on the Visitor Centers page. There’s a bookstore, shop, and park information here.

For the next two nights, you’ll be staying in the Sweet Pea Tiny Home . As a tiny home, you’ll be amazed by how spacious and functional it is for its size. Inside, you’ll find a full kitchen, dining area, bathroom, bedroom. Outside, there’s a front porch, back deck, fire pit, and barbecue.

This Smoky Mountains itinerary is filled with unique stays like this but you need to know where to look, so hopefully this gives you a few ideas.

Day 2 Summary

What you’ll see:

• Cataloochee Valley
• Dale’s Wheels Through Time
• Clingmans Dome
• Breakfast – Make your own breakfast at the cabin.
• Lunch – The Swag – Exclusive luxury mountain lodge where you can book a picnic lunch to get a sneak peek. You won’t find it on their website so just call them to set it up.
• Dinner – Nantahala Brewing and Burger Bar – If you have time, come here for dinner or pick something up to go and eat it on the way up to Clingmans Dome.

Tours you can book:

• Clear Creek Falls Hike – This is a guided 4.5 hour hiking tour to Clear Creek Falls that starts and ends in Waynesville.
• Gina’s Great Getaways – They have a wide selection of getaway homes from a Lil’ Red Caboose to the Sweet Pea Tiny Home we stayed in. A heads up that their wifi is a bit slow because they’re in a remote area.
• McKinley Edwards Inn – This is located in the outskirts of Bryson City that runs like a B&B with a superb breakfast, great hosts, comfortable rooms, and is well-reviewed.
• Nantahala Cabins – If you’ll be spending time with the activities along Nantahala River, this place has a collection of cabins to choose from that range in sizes and budgets. Many of them hot tubs as well!

For your day 3, you’ll be combing two iconic activities in western North Carolina – riding the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and rafting the Nantahala River.

Start your morning by heading into Bryson City. Park in the giant lot reserved for Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (GSMR) guests and stop by Mountain Perks across from the train depot for breakfast.

Check in at the GSMR office where they’ll provide you the tickets that you need. The beauty of the Raft & Rail package is that it’s a continuous experience that’ll start with your train ride through the Nantahala Gorge, where you’ll then get picked up by Wildwater on the other end to start the rafting segment of the trip.

Once they give the signal to board the train, you’ll make your way to your designated car and off you go.

Compared to the train ride we did in Sacramento in our Northern California road trip , I’d say the Nantahala Gorge Excursion is much more exciting, passing through Fontana Lake, Nantahala Gorge, two trestle bridges, ravines, waterfalls, and relocated towns created from the Fontana Dam.

This is a trip back in time as the diesel or steam-powered locomotive runs through tracks known as the Murphy Branch of the Western North Carolina Railroad. The brakeman responsible for your car will also come around to provide commentary on things you can see along the track.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW – GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS RAILROAD

This is a must-do activity for those exploring the western edge of North Carolina. With 53 miles of track, 2 tunnels, and 25 bridges, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (GSMR) offers two different tracks – one to Nantahala Gorge, and another to Tuckasegee River.

Take a step back in time with this classic train ride through the beautiful countryside and the same track that was part of the Murphy Branch built in the late 1880s.

They have two locomotives – diesel powered and steam powered.

Website: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

• They have a number experiences and locomotives. It’s best to look at the calendar ahead of time especially if you’re set on riding a steam train.
• Each train ride also has multiple classes of service.
• For Nantahala Gorge , you can look at the Class Comparison table that has a clear table of what’s included in each class.
• Prices increase in October.
• Throughout the year, they’ll also have seasonal excursions.
• They also offer a special Raft & Rail combination. This is $121.75 for adults (13+) and $104.75 for children (7-12).
• Nantahala Gorge Excursion – 4 hour 30 minutes. 1 hour and 45 minutes in, you’ll reach the end and the train turns back. This includes a 1 hour layover at the Nantahala Outdoor Center.
• Tuckasegee River Excursion – 4 hours. 1 hour 30 minutes in, there’s a 1 hour 20 minute layover in the historic town of Dillsboro.
• GSMR runs all year round but their primary schedule is from April to October.
• The most popular time to visit is during the fall colours. You’ll notice that they run more trains most of October.
• GSMR has a large parking lot on Mitchell Street across from the railroad depot. When booking your tickets, the parking fee is mandatory and built in. Pre-paid parking is $6 per vehicle.

• The best car to book is the Open Air Gondola (or Premium Open Air Gondola) which is a covered open air car with benches on each side. This gives you unobstructed views.
• There’s a lot to see throughout the train ride so make sure your camera is already ready.
• For photos, look for the trestle bridges and big bends in the track which will allow you to take photos of the entire train.
• You need to arrive 1 hour before departure.
• There are bathrooms on board.
• You can walk between cars and you’ll have an opportunity to purchase lunch and drinks (including alcoholic beverages).
• Before you book, make sure to check out their deals page which has discounts for local residents, seniors, military, AAA, and others.
• For both primary excursions, they are one way trips up and the same track back to the railroad depot.
• During the train ride, a brakeman will be coming by to provide insightful and thoughtful commentary about the surroundings.
• With the open air gondola, you’re exposed to the elements so make sure you bring layers in case it gets cold.

After passing the Nantahala Outdoor Center and going further upriver, the train eventually comes to a full stop. For those that are on the Raft & Rail or Rail & Trail package, this is where you’ll disembark.

A Wildwater mini school bus will pick up the rafters, with the rafts themselves in tow. After a short ride, you’ll reach the launch site and riding down rapids in no time.

If you’ve done higher class rapids on the Ottawa River , you may have encountered class III to V. To set expectations, these are class I to III rapids which means that this is more of a low-intensity rafting trip that’s great for non-swimmers, multi-generation and groups with children 7+.

Your expert guide will take you down the fast-moving Nantahala River and navigate over a dozen different named rapids such as “Whirlpool”, “Patton’s Run”, and “The Bump”. The final drop is the biggest one called “Nantahala Falls”.

Paddling is quite minimal except for the occasions where your guide will say “give me 2!” where you’re then expected to do two strokes. At most you might have to do 5 continuous strokes together.

This is why we think this is great for those that want to experience rafting without it feeling scary or too serious. It’s extremely family friendly and many parts feel like one of those water rides in theme parks except this one’s in the real world.

There’s one stop along the way where you’ll be able to explore a natural rock cave that the Cherokee likely used.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW – WILDWATER

The Nantahala River is not only abound with visual beauty but nestled in the gorge are 8 miles of clear and gushing water that creates the perfect condition for whitewater rafting for beginners. It’s great for families because the whitewater only goes up to Class III.

While there are many companies that ofter whitewater rafting excursions, Wildwater is the exclusive operator that works with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. The Raft & Rail package allows you to uniquely combine both the train with rafting experience. We’ll be focusing on this in the details below.

Website: Wildwater

• The Raft & Rail package is $121.75 for adults (13+) and $104.75 for children (7-12).
• Wetsuit rental – $10
• Wetsuit booties rental – $5
• The rafting experience itself takes 1 hour and 45 minutes.
• There is usually only one departure time available for Raft & Rail but check the schedule (most likely 10:30AM.
• Rafting is only available April – October.

How does raft and rail work?:

• Check into GSMR where you’ll receive all your tickets.
• In the waiting area is the cafe and this is where you exchange your boxed lunch tickets for your boxed lunches.
• Just outside on the other end of the waiting area is an outdoor Wildwater kiosk where a member of team will ask you to fill out the waivers and brief you on how the trip will work. This is also when they’ll ask whether you need paddle jackets, wetsuits, or booties.
• Board the Nantahala River Excursion train (could be diesel or steam) with everyone else. You will be on the Wildwater open air gondola car.
• Eat your lunch on the train ride.
• Once you reach the train’s turnaround point (2 hour 45 minutes to 3 hours in), you will disembark and the Wildwater team will pick you up in one of their small buses.
• You’ll head in the Nantahala National Forest where there’s a launch site. Gear up on the bus or on the ground as they get their rafts ready. There’s a few porta-potties here if you need it. You can leave your bags on the bus.
• After a safety briefing, you’ll help carry the rafts down the ramp to the water.
• Raft for 1 hour 45 minutes. The pick up point is right by the Nantahala Outdoor Center.
• The same bus will pick you up and once the rafts are loaded back on, they’ll drive you to the Wildwater outpost/office.
• At the office, you’ll be able to use their change rooms, take a hot shower if you want, buy souvenirs, and purchase photos.
• The bus will then drive you all the way back to Bryson City and drop you off to the parking lot. This will be around 4:30PM.

Difficulty:

• Beginner level rafting (no prior experience required).
• The rafting is exciting but does not require too much paddling so it is not strenuous.
• You will get wet but flipping is almost impossible with these classes of rapids.
• You can continue to park in the lot after you return to Bryson City so feel free to explore the city.
• Since the rafting is quite easy going, you’ll have a lot of opportunities to take photos. Make sure to bring a waterproof phone case .
• For video, bring your GoPro with orange floatie as many of their helmets have mounts. To mix things up, you can have a floating hand grip ready.
• If you want to bring camera gear, be prepared by bringing your own dry bag . There are a few loops at the front and back of the raft that you can clip to.
• They have a dedicated photographer capturing the final Nantahala Falls. Those are the photos you can purchase at the end. They don’t have a videographer.
• If you’re booking the Raft & Rail package , you will be in the Wildwater open air gondola car on the Nantahala River Excursion.
• To save time, fill out the trip waiver beforehand found on the Nantahala River Rafting page.
• For some reason it seems like it’s cheaper to book the Raft & Rail package through Wildwater (make sure to opt out of the “Trip Cancellation Guarantee”) but I believe they tack on the parking fee afterwards.
• Helmets are optional.
• There aren’t any official changing rooms at the launch site so it makes sense to wear your swimwear when you board your train.
• Pack your bags accordingly for both the train ride and rafting and think in advance how you’ll shift your gear around once you get on the Wildwater bus.
• The rafts rafts can carry up to 8 people + guide so these aren’t the massive rafts we had at OWL Rafting in Ontario’s Highlands .
• To be clear, Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) has their own rafting tours but it is not the same as Wildwater which is a different company. There are in fact a dozen or more companies that operate on the river. Wildwater is the only one that is partnered with GSMR.

Wildwater will eventually deposit you back to Bryson City where you parked. At this juncture, you can hang around town and grab dinner at a restaurant such as The Bistro at the Everett Hotel or if you wanted to see more of Nantahala River, you can drive back in.

Since Wildwater doesn’t linger around the rafting end point, you’ll be able to come back to get a glimpse of all the facilities around the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). You’ll be able to walk the bridge where you’ll see the river rushing past, slalom gates used for canoe/kayak training, fishing from the shore, and a huge swathe of exhausted Appalachian Trail hikers.

River’s End is right along the side of the river and is an iconic spot for those hiker and paddlers alike. With a view of the river on one side, you’ll devour their yummy pizzas, burgers, world-famous sherpa rice , and seasonal entrées.

Day 3 Summary

What you’ll do:

• Raft and Rail Tour with Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and Wildwater
• Waterfalls and Breweries Tour – Combination of four waterfalls and five breweries in this small-group tour that leaves from Bryson City.
• Blue Ridge Parkway Day Tour – Since you won’t get to truly explore the Blue Ridge Parkway on your own, this could be a great alternative private tour.
• Breakfast – Mountain Perks – Right across from the GSMR depot, this is a popular spot in the city to grab a coffee or full breakfast.
• Lunch – Boxed lunch that’s part of the Raft & Rail tour .
• Dinner – Rivers End – Great location right beside the Nantahala River that serves yummy pizzas, burgers, and specialty entrees like the blackened local trout. This is a popular pitstop for Appalachian Trail hikers. Alternatively, The Bistro at the Everett Hotel is great if you’re looking for something in Bryson City.
• Gina’s Great Getaways – They have a wide selection of getaway homes from a Lil’ Red Caboose to the Sweet Pea Tiny Home we stayed in.

This is an exciting day of your Smoky Mountains itinerary because not only will you be seeing both sides of the national park, you’ll also be doing some of our favourite parts of the trip.

You’ll want to get an earlier start to your day and get to the Deep Creek section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The reason for the early start is because this’ll give you an opportunity to see the 3 waterfalls here uninterrupted from large crowds.

Start with Juney Whank Falls which is closest to the parking lot. There’s a gradual climb on this trail but it’s a short hike. There’s picturesque wooden footbridge that crosses the falls and divides it into an upper and lower section. You’ll see a combination of cascades and sliding water.

Next is Tom Branch Falls which is the most easy to access out of all 3 waterfalls. Along the primary walkway you’ll have a wide open view of this elegant waterfall on the right side. Standing 75 feet high, it features a multilevel cascade.

To complete the trio of waterfalls, there’s Indian Creek Falls . This is a 45-foot sliding waterfall. From the trail, you’ll take stairs down to a viewing platform and it’s here that you get the best photos.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW – DEEP CREEK

Another great part of the Great Smoky Mountains that you can only get to from North Carolina is Deep Creek which is well-known for its streams and waterfalls. What you’ll love about hiking here is that you can see 3 waterfalls in close proximity together.

Website: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Deep Creek

• To see all 3 waterfalls, you should budget 1.5-2 hours here.
• Early morning is a great time to go when the light isn’t too harsh for photography and there are fewer people on the trail.
• There is plenty of parking. Drive all the way to the Deep Creek Falls and Trail parking.
• If you’re looking for milky waterfalls, make sure you pack your ND filters and tripod (we use the Peak Design Travel Tripod ) or have a camera like the OM System OM-1 which has built-in ND filters that can be used hand-held.
• You can’t fly drones whatsoever here because you’re within the national park.
• There is some elevation change up to Juney Whank Falls. This loop is the only trail that takes you into the forest.
• The Deep Creek Trail to Tom Branch Falls and Indian Creek Falls is extremely wide and groomed gravel. This trail also has plenty of benches along the way.
• If you have difficulty walking, Tom Branch Falls is right along the easy-to-walk path , has no elevation change, and the waterfall can be viewed right across the creek.
• For a more challenging hike, you can ado the Deep Creek Horse Trail from Juney Whank Falls up to Indian Creek Falls before coming back down to the trailhead and catch Tom Branch Falls.
• There aren’t restrooms at the trailhead but you’ll find them in the picnic area.
• Pets are not allowed on the trail to see Juney Whank Falls nor both Indian Creek and Tom Branch Falls .

DEEP CREEK REVIEWS

If you didn’t end up making breakfast at your tiny home, make a brunch of it and grab a sandwich and coffee to-go from The High Test Deli and Sweet Shop .

Halfway through the trip, it’s only fitting to now make that crossing over the Great Smoky Mountains National Park . The first part of the drive will be familiar because it’s the same Newfound Gap Road (Highway 441) that you took earlier to get to Clingman’s Dome.

Along the way, take the obligatory sign in front of the national park sign. There’s a pull off for the sign so you won’t need to rush this part.

Make sure to stop at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center . There aren’t many shopping stops on this itinerary so this is your chance to pick up some souvenirs. Behind the center is also the Mountain Farm Museum which has historical buildings dating back to the early 1900s.

For those that are keen on learning more of the history of settlers in the area, Mingus Mill , an 1886 grist mill with functioning machinery, is also worth stopping by.

The first part of the drive is mostly uneventful as you’ll be going uphill and driving through what will feel like a tunnel through a thick forest of trees.

You’ll pass through a number of lookouts along the way but here are the ones you should focus on:

• Luftee Overlook – This viewpoint has an elevated view of not only Oconaluftee Valley but also the gentle bend in the road. You can’t cross the road so you’ll be taking photos from the parking lot.
• Newfound Gap – The Appalachian Trail cuts right across and this is perhaps the important stop you’ll make because it’s here that you’ll find the North Carolina/Tennessee State line sign, and also both UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserves plaques. The path below the parking lot offers stunning views of the mountains and road that you just took up.
• Morton Overlook – Once you get here, you’re starting to make the downhill drive. This is one of the famous overlooks that looks down the line of the valley of trees and you get a small sliver of the road in the foreground.
• Chimney Tops Overlook – The Chimney Tops sustained massive fire damage in 2016 and so the landscape is quite a bit different from before. This pull off on the left gives you a glimpse of how extensive the damage was. Mark this on the map because this will come up on you really quick and there isn’t any signage. Also, heads up that the Chimneys Picnic Area doesn’t have any view of the Chimney Tops.
• Carlos Campbell Overlook – Named after the director of the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce in the 1930s, advocating for the creation of the national park, you’ll see 3 peaks in one view. The official overlook has quite a lot of tree cover in the foreground so we recommend driving to the smaller pull off just a bit further downhill.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW – GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS

The entirety of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a guide all on its own but here are some of the key things you should know when making the crossing on Newfound Gap Road.

Website: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

• The speed limit through the Smoky Mountains is at most 45 miles per hour (72 km/h) but is generally 35 miles per hour (56 km/h).
• There are a lot of pull offs on Newfound Gap Road and not only is that for scenic views but it also allows cars to let others pass if you find that you’re being pressured to drive faster.
• Overall the road is vert well-maintained, not too twisty, very safe with its rock barriers, and newly paved.
• Crossing North Carolina to Tennessee without stops is only 1 hour so it is not a long drive.
• As we mention above, there are a ton of scenic overlooks especially along Newfound Gap Road (Highway 441). You’ll be tempted to do a lot of them but you’ll be better off to plan the specific ones you want to do and then see how you feel when you’re there.
• Be on the lookout for wildlife and more specifically, bears! Bears aren’t shy and they’ll come right up to the road. Typically, if you see a big traffic jam with people looking into the forest, it’s most likely a bear.
• We spoke to a ranger at Oconaluftee Visitor Center and they said that the elk can be seen typically from the entrance to the park on Highway 441 all the way to Smokemont Campground but never any further.
• Two popular spots for elk are in the huge meadow beside the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, near Mingus Mill, and by the side of the road in the mile leading up to the visitor center.
• Always check for closures on the Great Smoky Mountains page. Their “Alerts in Effect” show all of the important notices at the top.
• Cellular service – There is no service once you enter the park. The edges of the park might have a bit of service but plan to be disconnected while here.
• If you want to support the national park, don’t buy souvenirs in town but at the visitor centers instead where the money can make a difference.
• The two major visitor centers are Oconaluftee on the North Carolina side and Sugarlands on the Tennessee side.
• If you plan on doing any hikes, try to get to the trailhead early in the morning because the parking lots and pull offs fill up very quickly.

Take the road straight into Pigeon Forge , Tennessee where you’ll see a dramatic change to a street filled with larger-than-life themed shows, rides, and a whole lot of fun.

Along the main parkway, stop at the popular Local Goat to satisfy your hungry with their selection of craft beer, and locally-sourced and sustainable menu items such a their highly-touted burgers, ribs, pastas, salad, and more. You’ll need to build up your energy reserves for what’s coming next!

How does being inside a giant-sized 11 foot beach ball filled with 10 gallons of water to get you wet while rolling down a 1000 feet hill sound? Absolutely ludicrous right?

Well, that’s exactly what you’ll find at Outdoor Gravity Park .

EXCLUSIVE DEAL WITH OUTDOOR GRAVITY PARK

We’ve secured a special deal with OGP where 1 roll and 1 video is $25 (discount of $14), and 3 rolls and 3 videos is $62 ($20 savings). This is the best offer you’ll find on the market right now.

The link below will take you straight to the booking platform Outdoor Gravity Park uses. The initial page shows the standard information about how the rolls and videos work. Once you’ve selected a date and time, you’ll see the discounted rates on the next page.

You may have heard of something called zorbing in New Zealand. It’s one of those bucket-list items that you’d do when there along with skydiving in Abel Tasman , or bungee jumping in Queenstown . One of the engineers of ZORB in Rotorua, came to Pigeon Forge to build his dream course.

Featuring 3 different tracks, you can fill up the zorb with up to 3 people on some or go solo on the most daring “Extreme Zig Zag” course.

There are a lot of fun and crazy things you can do in this region of Tennessee but this is easily the most extreme, wild, and fun.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW – OUTDOOR GRAVITY PARK

Made popular in New Zealand, this is the only place in the United States where you can go zorbing. Don’t miss this! It’s ridiculously fun.

Website: Outdoor Gravity Park

Address: 203 Sugar Hollow Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States

Hours: Monday – Sunday 11AM – 4PM

• 1 roll is $24
• 3 rolls is $7 ($19 each)
• 5 rolls is $90 ($18 each)
• 10 rolls is $170 ($17 each)
• 20 rolls is $340 ($17 each)
• Video for one roll – $15 ($5 for additional rolls)
• Unlimited video for all of your rolls – $50
• Each track is slightly different but on average it takes about 30-45 seconds to get downhill.
• The park’s GoPros are free to use but the video needs to be purchased.
• They come with a selfie stick ( GoPro 3-Way ) and are already protected from fog. The cameras are not mounted and require you to hold the selfie stick.
• You are allowed to bring your own GoPro as well! Before you come, make sure to coat the lens with Rainx Anti Fog Repellent otherwise it will fog up.
• Your best bet is to have the stick fully extended and the camera pointed back at you in either wide or super wide mode.

How does it work?:

• You’ll get a wristband that indicates the number of rolls you get.
• After changing and getting ready, there’s a line you get into behind the main building for the mini bus.
• Once you get on the bus, it’ll take you uphill to the start of the course.
• Indicate to the staff which course you’re doing as they get the zorb ready.
• When it’s your turn, the staff will place a small pad over the entrance of the zorb to prevent your clothes or skin catching on the zipper.
• Holding the zorb in place, you’ll jump in head first. You’ll immediately get wet because of the water that’s inside.
• The staff will zip up the zorb (it’s double sealed).
• When the track is cleared and ready, they’ll open the gate and give you a gentle (ish) push.
• Cue the screaming.
• The common misconception is that your body will be rolling around as the zorb goes downhill. On the contrary, you actually stay relatively planted at the bottom with the water as the zorb rolls around you.
• At the end of the track, you’ll come to a complete stop. The staff will open up the zippers and you’ll come out feet first onto the grass.
• There are 3 available tracks. For the most bouncing and change of catching some air inside the zorb, do the “Extreme Zig Zag” track (you have to have done another track first in order to do this one). For the fastest speeds, choose the middle “Fast Tracks”. For the best of both, “FUNnel” is a great one to start with.
• Zorbs can fit up to 3 people (depending on the track). Each person rolling will cost 1 roll.
• The main building has change rooms and restrooms. There are no showers.
• You’re guaranteed to get wet so come prepared with a swim suit, your own towel (unless you’d like to buy one of theirs), and change of clothes.
• Outside of summer, you’ll get cold once you’re out of the zorb, so it’s a good idea to have a large towel to wrap around you to dry and warm up.
• When booking, you’ll have to pick a time slot. You have to arrive during that slot but you can go over time. Wait times are generally shorter at the beginning of your time slot and gets slower at the end.
• If you’re traveling in a large group, it makes one sense to purchase all the rolls so you can save money with the bundle prices.
• While you have to select the number of rolls when booking online, you can always add more when you’re there.
• They have discount packages so make sure to see if those suit you. You’ll find these on the checkout page.
• If you are military, first responder, or educator, use THANKYOU for a 10% discount.
• You must be 5+ to roll. Maximum weight is 275 pounds per person.
• We found that with two people, the water seemed to fling up and around the zorb quite a bit more which meant we were rubbing water out of our eyes. Going solo, there was much less water splashing on your face.

End off your night at the illustrious RT Lodge in Maryville, Tennessee. This rustic retreat and continues the line of unique stays you can find in the Smoky Mountains. Leaping off the pages of wedding magazines, Southern charm oozes throughout the classic revival property.

Sure, it’s a bit out of the way but you’ll love the nightly s’mores firepit, outdoor fire place accompanied by lounging rocking chairs, wooded grounds, free bike rentals, and lounge salons.

For dinner, you’ll eat at The Restaurant at RT Lodge which is an upscale dining experience to match the atmosphere and ambiance of the lodge. Executive chef, Chef Stockton, sources from local farmers and homegrown ingredients to prepare the most delectable dishes.

Day 4 Summary

• Deep Creek – Hike the waterfall loop for Juney Whank, Tom Branch, and Indian Creek waterfalls
• Luftee Overlook
• Newfound Gap
• Morton Overlook
• Carlos Campbell
• Outdoor Gravity Park – The only place in the United States you can go zorbing. Ridiculously fun!
• Museum of the Cherokee – Skip the line with this admission ticket to the museum to learn the history and culture of the Cherokee people.
• North Carolina Steams and History Tour – A 5 hour guided nature walk through the Smokies by A Walk In The Woods that starts at Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
• Audio Driving Tour – GyPSy Guide is a well-known self-driving guide that we also recommend for our 5 day Maui itinerary .
• Breakfast – The High Test Deli and Sweet Shop – They’re a take-out only restaurant which is perfect because you’ll be able to eat it along your drive through the Smoky Mountains National Park.
• Lunch – Local Goat – A highly rated restaurant that has a great selection on their menu. Don’t miss their ahi tuna burger, fall-off-the-bone ribs, steaks, and craft beer.
• Dinner – The Restaurant at RT Lodge – Pairing with the picture-perfect lodge is a gourmet dining experience that will impress with their upscale ambiance, creative dishes, and some of the best service you’ll find in a restaurant. Remember to make reservations (closed on Monday).
• RT Lodge – While a bit out of the way, is a spectacular luxury lodge that’s tucked in the forest for cozy rooms, high-class restaurant, plenty of lounging areas, and firepit. S’mores are free for all and breakfast is included as well.
• Blue Mountain Mist Country Inn -Located not far from Dollywood and Pigeon Forge, this is a rustic and intimate inn with exceptional service and includes breakfast.
• Twin Mountain Inn & Suites – A more traditional hotel located in Pigeon Forge that’s next to Dolly Parton’s Stampede and at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Pets are allowed, there’s a swimming pool, and breakfast is included.

The Tennessee side of the Smoky Mountains has a lot to offer and what you’ll find is that while the view of its peaks might be similar, they have a different take to it.

There’s no time to lose so enjoy a cup of coffee on the grounds of RT Lodge before setting off for brunch at the famed Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant .

The original farmhouse for the 65-acre apple orchard property was transformed into a family eatery and ever since then it’s become a staple of traditional southern dining in the town of Sevierville.

Your experience starts off with a complimentary basket of apple fritters and apple cinnamon muffins, side of apple butter, and cup of their Applewood julep. This is before you get your southern favourites including their must-order Savannah pecan pancakes, Smoky Mountain biscuit Benedict, and country omelets that you see above.

You may not have had a grandma living in the south but after your brunch here, you’ll get a really good taste of what it’s like if you did.

TIP: Ask for the table with swinging chairs. There are only two at the moment in the restaurant but they’re definitely one of the exclusive tables to dine in if they’re available.

Next up is the iconic Pink Jeep Tours made famous in Sedona, Arizona but now has their own set of tours in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Since you have already done Newfound Gap on your own, one of the tours that we recommend is the Roaring Fork Smoky Mountains Tour which takes you through the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail .

On this tour, you’ll travel in a custom open-air Pink Jeep Wrangler where the advantage of doing this versus on your own is having an expert interpretive guide provide great commentary about the area you’re driving through, make stops at the best locations, and help with group photos.

Being in an open-air jeep means that you’ll get awesome elevated views of the bridges, waterfalls, steams, and maybe even a bear. One surprise is that you will get an opportunity to get off the jeep as well and walk around the Ephraim Bales Cabin along with the lesser-known scenic streams that’s just behind.

At the end of the tour, you’ll be taken to a private-property 4×4 off-roading course and turn the adventure knob to a 10. The true power of the jeep will be on display, thundering up and down rocky hills like its nobody’s business.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW – PINK ADVENTURE TOURS

Pink Adventure Tours (also known as Pink Jeep Tours) got its award-winning start in Sedona and specializes in off-road and road-based tours in the US. They now have locations also in Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Branson, and the Smoky Mountains.

In the Smoky Mountains, they have several tours but we’ll be focusing on their Roaring Fork Smoky Mountains Tour.

Website: Pink Adventure Tours

• Adult – $74
• Child (2-12) – $67
• Private (up to 7 people) – $518
• Once you’ve picked your seat on the jeep, there’s not much moving around. That said, there are things to see on both sides of the jeep and since it’s open air, you can get up and peek over to the other side if you need to.
• Try to keep your gear minimal as there isn’t really extra space for luggage. There’s also quite a bit of bouncing around in the 4×4 adventure at the end.
• You need to arrive 30 minutes before departure.
• Use the bathrooms before heading out because there aren’t really any bathroom breaks along the way.
• Tighten your seatbelts real good during the 4×4 adventure because if you don’t, you’ll be flung around pretty hard.

Next, head to Five Oaks Farm Kitchen for an early dinner.

The restaurant pays homage to the legacy of Dr. John and Blanche Ogle who were important figures to the growth of the agricultural and breeding of Tennessee Walking Horses in the area.

In what feels like a giant two-story barn, you’ll be able to have a true Southern-style supper.

With choices like chicken and dumplings, cornbread, smoked beef brisket, chicken pot pie, meatloaf, and fried chicken leaping off the menu, you’ll eat just as well as the weary travellers that passed through these exact parts in the early 1900s.

TIP: Grab a jar of fresh raw mountain honey before you leave the restaurant.

Wind down in the comforts of RT Lodge for the night, taking full advantage of its grounds, and of course as many s’mores as you can eat.

Day 5 Summary

• Roaring Fork Interpretive Marker Overlook
• Ephraim Bales Cabin
• The Place of a Thousand Drips
• Pink Adventure Tours – Roaring Fork Smoky Mountains Tour
• Explore a Simpler Time Smoky Mountain Tour – 3 hour tour where you’ll hear stories of the Cherokee people and a glimpse of settlers’ daily lives.
• Old Growth Forest Cascade – This hike takes you to a towering waterfall deep in the old-growth forest.
• Hidden Cascades Hiking Tour – Starting from NOC Gatlinburg, your local guide will take you on a quiet rail down to see a beautiful cascade in the Smokies.
• Clingmans Dome Hike – If you happened to miss this earlier, you can join a guided tour up to Clingmans Dome.
• Ghost and Haunt Tour of Gatlinburg – Learn about the ghost and ghouls that haunt Gatlinburg in this 2-hour night walking tour.
• Thunder Streams and Falls – 3 hour hiking tour that takes you off the beaten path in the Smoky Mountains.
• Brunch – Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant – The oldest restaurant in Sevierville that’s the perfect spot to have Southern breakfast classics. Their apple fritters can’t be missed (because they’re complimentary)!
• Dinner – Five Oaks Farm Kitchen – An inviting Southern restaurant that carries the tradition of the Ogle family that’s filled with farmhouse ambiance and amazing service.

The fun doesn’t stop because you’ll be going wire to wire (literally and figuratively) on your last day of this Smoky Mountains itinerary.

Wake up bright and early for Day 6 because you’ll need to make the drive from Maryville to Gatlinburg . Gatlinburg is a mountainside town at the footsteps of the Smokies that’s filled with outdoor adventure.

One of the unmissable attractions you’ll find in town is the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park . On select days, they offer sunrise access which allows you to get up to their SkyBridge right at dawn.

From this side of the mountain, you’ll be able to watch the city below transition from night to day as the sun climbs up from behind the mountains in the distance. The view from up here is spectacular, especially when you’re on the suspension bridge.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW – GATLINBURG SKYLIFT PARK

The main attraction here is the SkyBridge which features 5 panels of glass and incredibly views of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. You’ll also find their SkyTrail with The Tulip Tower, SkyDeck viewpoint, and of course the SkyLift 3-seat chairlift that takes you up from the town below.

Website: Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

Address: 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, United States

Hours: Their hours of operation vary throughout the year. They are closed Jan 31 – Feb 3 for winter maintenance but are otherwise open all year round.

• Adult – $31.95
• Child (4-11) – $18.95
• Seniors (65+) – $24.95
• 3 and under – Free

Driving tips: There are two primary parking lots that are supposed to be $10. These are marked on the interactive map in the beginning of the article. Both are short walk to the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park chairlifts.

• They offer special sunrise access on specific days where you’ll be able to load the SkyLift 45 minutes prior to sunrise time. These tickets are slightly more expensive.
• Drones are not allowed here (we had special permissions to fly).
• If you purchase and redeem your ticket after 8PM, you’ll be able to access the SkyLift Park the next day as well.
• Re-entry is allowed throughout the day.
• Once you reach the other end of the bridge, there’s a small deck with gift shop. You can then connect this with the SkyTrail that follows the side of the mountain and goes back to the main SkyCenter.
• Being a suspension bridge, the SkyBridge does sway and is more noticeable when there are more people on the bridge.

GATLINBURG SKYLIFT PARK REVIEWS

Your last chance for true Southern food on your trip will be at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp . You won’t be able to make reservations here so come here immediately after the SkyLift Park.

Based on the story of the frontiersman, David C. “Crockett” Maples, you’ll be transported to the Old West with artifacts and decor matching a time of westward expansion and exploration.

With their menu printed on a traditional newspaper, have a hearty breakfast of all the southern favorites. Don’t miss their giant cinnamon roll while you’re here.

There are many attractions to choose from while in Gatlinburg but many of them will feel a little kitschy and from a different time. In seeking out an activity to truly round out your road trip in the Smoky Mountains, it only felt appropriate to find something that embraces the outdoors and magic of the mountains.

Touting the highest point in downtown Gatlinburg is Anakeesta . More than just another theme park, this is a whimsical and immersive outdoor experience that combines thrilling elements with a place to chill amongst sculptures, flowers, lights, and breathtaking viewpoints.

Great for all ages, you can spend as much time as you’d like here. Recommended activities are the Rail Runner mountain coaster which features the only single-rail coaster in the United States and the Dueling Zipline Adventure .

They also have some of the best dining experiences in Gatlinburg. We recommend having dinner at Cliff Top Grill & Bar which serves modern American cuisine with the Smoky Mountains serving as its backdrop.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW – ANAKEESTA

More than just a theme park, Anakeesta is an immersive outdoor experience which combines its whimsical mountain atmosphere with thrilling rides, botanical gardens, lookout tower, meandering trails, shopping, dining, and play areas.

Website: Anakeesta

Address: 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, United States

Hours: Changes throughout the year. Check their calendar for the day-by-day schedule.

General admission:

• Adult – $32.99
• Child (4-12) – $19.99
• Seniors (60+) – $25.99

Dueling Zipline Tour is $59.99 for all ages

Rail Runner is $14.99 for single rider and $18.88 for tandem rides.

Gem mining is $8 per “Paydirt” bag.

Duration: You can easily spend a full day or a few hours here. It depends on how many of the activities you want to do.

Driving tips: There are two primary parking lots that are supposed to be $10. These are marked on the interactive map in the beginning of the article. Both are short walk to Anakeesta.

• You cannot mount a GoPro on the Rail Runner vehicle itself but head and chest mounts are fine.
• For the Dueling Zipline tour, they have helmets with GoPro mounts on them so just request them. You are also allowed to use your phone or other device but you are responsible for its safety.
• Photos are taken before you take the chairlift and rides such as Rail Runner. You can purchase physical prints similar to other amusement parks or you can buy digital-only copies.
• Bears are known to be on the mountain slopes nearby so be on the lookout!
• If you love sunsets, plan to stay around and watch it from the top of AnaVista Tower.
• If you start your visit at night, your next day is free.
• General admission effectively includes everything in the park except for Dueling Zipline, Rail Runner, and Gem Mining activities.
• The ride up is called the Chondola. These are mostly regular 4-person chairlifts but you can also wait for a closed gondola (fits 6 people) which we’d recommend if you’re carrying a lot of gear or not comfortable with heights. These are much less frequent so you’ll have to wait 10-15 minutes for the gondola to come around. They come by 2 at a time.
• You can also go up the mountain by taking the Ridge Rambler which is an open air passenger truck.
• It is recommended to book the Dueling Zipline Tour beforehand as there are limited spots. You have to call to reserve.
• Save time on your check-in process for Rail Runner and Dueling Zipline by completing your waiver online.
• They recommend getting to the Anakeesta base 2 hours before your Dueling Zipline reservation to account for parking, lift and the 30 minutes you need to be there before your reserved zipline time.
• Bears are nearby but the park staff do a good job at making sure they don’t come into the park itself so you don’t need to worry.

Perhaps the most unique stay of the whole trip is on the last day or if you’re a big fan, you could arrange it so you’re here the entire time in Tennessee.

Luxury treehouses are real and bookable just outside of Gatlinburg in a place called Treehouse Grove .

If anyone’s watched Treehouse Masters on Animal Planet, you might’ve heard of Pete Nelson. As the host of the show, he’s built some of the coolest treehouses around America.

One of his team’s special projects was this community of treehouses nestled in the forest. With not a single tree cut down, these are modern cabins built around the trees, using them as foundation and support.

Each treehouse in the grove are unique but these are all equipped with modern furnishings, a kitchen, multiple bedrooms, screened porch and deck.

This may be one of the Great Smoky Mountains best kept secrets.

And that’s a wrap for your 6 day Smoky Mountains itinerary. The next day, you’ll be either flying out of the nearest airport which in this case is the McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, Tennessee. Otherwise, you’ll be continuing your road trip to the next exciting place!

Day 6 Summary

• Gatlinburg Skylift Park and SkyBridge
• Dueling Zipline
• Rail Runner
• Wine and Shine Walking Tour – The ultimate moonshine distillery tour where you’ll learn how moonshine is traditionally distilled. The tour includes plenty of samples!
• Impossibilities Magic Show – Family-friendly admission to the show ‘Impossibilities: An Evening of Magic, Mindreading, and Mayhem’ at the Iris Theater in Gatlinburg.
• Brunch – Crocketts Breakfast Camp – Southern breakfast favorites served in a space that takes you back to the days of the Western Frontier.
• Dinner – Cliff Top Grill & Bar at Anakeesta – Gourmet dining within the park that will surprise you with dishes such as their charcuterie board, bison burger, and ribeye.
• Treehouse Grove (The Maple) – These are luxury treehouses come to life. Built by Pete Nelson of Treehouse Masters fame, this is a tiny community of modern treehouses not far from Gatlinburg.
• Greystone Lodge on the River – Conveniently located right in the heart of Gatlinburg, this hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, fitness centre, and free breakfast. This means you don’t have to worry about parking when you’re in town.
• Bearskin Lodge on the River – This hotel isn’t quite as central but the nice thing is that all rooms are fitted with a balcony, microwave, fridge, free parking, and complimentary continental breakfast. Room layouts are spacious and the large outdoor pool is great for the kids.

The key to any successful road trip is to be prepared with all of the right gear. If you’ve followed the itinerary above, you’ll know that it is packed with a bunch of outdoor activities and each one is quite different from one another.

This list doesn’t cover everything but we’ve identified a bunch of key items to get you started with your packing list.

• Car USB adapters – As a road trip, you’ll want to make sure you bring your own charging gear. This’ll allow you to keep your devices and batteries topped up. Most cars have two cigarette adapters so bring two chargers if you have them. Photographers will likely want to make use of this so you can charge your camera and drone batteries on the fly.
• USB charging cables – Along those lines, remember all the variations of cables you’ll need (USB-A, USB-C, Micro USB, and Lightning) depending on what you’ll need to charge.
• Car phone mount – This one is easy to forget. Pack your own car mount so you’ll be able to navigate with ease.
• Binoculars – There’s a lot of wildlife in the national park so a good pair of binoculars is a good idea. Think birds but also the bigger animals like bears if they’re in the distance.
• Layers – Pack accordingly depending on the season that you’re in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It can swing from cold to hot quickly so have a sweater/fleece/hoody handy. One we recommend is the Arc’teryx Delta LT Hoody .
• Waterproof jacket – A jacket is handy for the cooler temperatures at sunrise, sunset, and at mountain peaks. Depending on the time of year, rain can also come and go. For this we recommend Arc’teryx Beta jacket for men and women.
• Buff Headwear – Along the lines of layers, something I swear by for all of our packing guides , are the same buffs that you see on Survivor which I use either as a headband, scarf, or wristband to wipe off sweat.
• Wifi hotspot – If you live outside of the US, you’ll need a hotspot for data. I recommend using something like Pokefi (use code GAP23200 to get $20 off) or Solis (rebranded from Skyroam).
• Sunscreen – Protect your skin. Yes, there’s a lot of cover from trees but the UV is strong so apply that 50 SPF Sun Bum before you head out.
• Headlamp – Especially for sunsets, this is going to be mandatory equipment. Check out our review of the Fenix headlamp which is the best one we’ve owned.
• Hiking shoes – A quality waterproof hiking shoe such as the Keen Targhee II for Men and Women is highly recommended. While there isn’t any big hikes in this itinerary, you might want to add them to yours so these will be very useful.
• Waterproof sandals – We usually pack the Keen Newport H2s with us for those hot days where we don’t want to wear shoes or when you need them for whitewater rafting.
• Water bottle – With your own bottle, you’ll be able to fill it with water. This will allow you to buy large 5L jugs of water if you don’t want to drink tap although it’s entirely safe to do so. For the coffee drinks, having a Hydroflask with a coffee sip lid will come in handy because you’ll be able to either pour or brew your own coffee in the morning in any of the cabins or lodges we stayed at.
• Dry bag for your phone – If you’re planning on going rafting in the Nantahala River, make sure to pack this to be able to have your phone with you.

Before starting to plan this 6 day Smoky Mountains itinerary, we certainly didn’t know much about the region but as we learned more about North Carolina and Tennessee, it was clear that we needed to do a lot more homework to figure out how to build a road trip that would do both states justice.

I’m not going to lie, this trip is one of our more ambitious out of all of our itineraries but we’re happy with how it turned out.

For us, we were seeking a trip that would allow us to be outdoors, to try new things, stay in cool accommodations, eat hearty Southern food, and of course capture the amazing scenery around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

We did just that and more!

Two resources that really helped us with our planning were the two tourism boards below so make sure to check them out as they are chock full of information.

You are not allowed to fly your drone anywhere in the national park.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park are one of 15 free national parks to visit. This means that you don’t need reservations, and you won’t be crossing through any entrance gates to get into the park.

6 days is as tight as you’d want to make a Smoky Mountains road trip. If you have more time, 8-10 days would be a comfortable amount of time to see not only the national park but explore both the North Carolina and Tennessee side of the mountains.

The simple answer is in the fall. Between mid September to late October, the changing of the leaves attracts many visitors to see the rainbow of colours in the Smokies.

Each side of the Smoky Mountains has their own access to the national park which means completely different scenery and wildlife. For instance, Deep Creek in North Carolina is a wonderful place to see 3 waterfalls in close proximity to one another. Cataloochee Valley is another in North Carolina with elk viewing opportunities. Then you have places like the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Foothills Parkway which you can only access from Tennessee.

Straddling both Tennessee and North Carolina, both sides and the park itself are in the Eastern time zone.

The highest point of the national park is at Clingmans Dome which you can visit and is part of this 6 day Smoky Mountains itinerary.

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• Hotels – Use corporate codes or get Genius 2 tier with Booking.
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If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100% .

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card . Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature . Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

Data: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices like PokeFi because their rates are so good and you can use it globally but recently, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. The best one is Airalo . Save money by getting region-specific eSIMs and use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase. Ubigi is another one that we’ve had success with where they uniquely offer 5G coverage. Use code AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts . The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. TripAdvisor is also useful for reviews and bookings.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental.

Tours: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

• Insured Nomads – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks.
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• InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

This article was brought to you as a result of a campaign with Travel South USA but all opinions are our own.

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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The top 6 road trips in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Jan 27, 2023 • 6 min read

These are the best road trips to and around Great Smoky Mountains National Park © Daniel Korzeniewski / Shutterstock

A drive through and to Great Smoky Mountains National Park has many breathtaking advantages.

Whereas hiking gets you up close and personal with waterfalls, wildlife and often rock-draped hikes, a drive provides a fuller scope of this multi-faceted, 520,000-plus acre wonder. Plus – as you will see – there are plenty of labeled “Quiet Walks” to pit-stop at, should you need to stretch your legs in the wild itself.

Most routes in the park include swirling fog, rigid peaks and towering hardwoods. And, via one loop, there’s even a centuries-old European settlement to explore. Getting to the park can be half the fun, too, with diverse routes including small-town charm, sprawling destinations with family-friendly establishments and additional parks to hit.

When you pull out your map for your Great Smoky Mountains National Park visit, factor in these scenic road trips.

1. Cades Cove Loop

Best inner-park road trip loop Cades Cove–Cades Cove; 11 miles

Among the loops and build-your-own adventure possibilities within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this oval route is perhaps the most popular. This is largely due to its wildlife, which includes white-tailed deer, the periodic turkeys and groundhogs and, yes, black bears. There are plenty of historic structures to gawk at within Cades Cove , too, including barns, churches and even a working gristmill dating back to the early 1800s that were all once part of a European-settled community.

If the traffic crawls too much for your liking or if you need a solid stretch, there is a visitor center mid-loop as well as several trails stemming from the loop, including the 5-mile Abrams Falls trek. For campers, Cades Cove Campground is open year-round and has nearly 160 sites.

Planning tip: Cades Cove Loop is open from 8am to sunset daily, with crowds typically steady post-10am.

2. Newfound Gap Road from Gatlinburg to Cherokee

Best road trip for first timers Sugarlands Visitor Center–Oconaluftee Visitor Center; 29 miles

Look at any map of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and there’s a north–south route that beautifully cuts right through the middle of the park – that would be the  Newfound Gap Route . Considered the lowest-elevation pass through the park, this is where the hardwoods and spruce firs particularly tower over the oft-foggy landscape.

There is so much beauty to take in and fortunately, there are plenty of viewpoints to do so, notably the Carlos C. Campbell Overlook . At approximately mile 15 of the drive at the Tennessee – North Carolina state line, note the Rockefeller Memorial – this is where the park was officially dedicated by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1940.

3. The Foothills Parkway

Best road trip for fall foliage Wears Valley–Route 129; 32 miles

It’s an impossible task to pinpoint the absolute best spot for fall foliage in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, the western portion of The Foothills Parkway is tough to beat with winding tree-clad vistas and plenty of viewpoints for stopping and taking it all in. There are 19 scenic overlooks in total. Prioritize Overlook #8 in Emerine Gap, where you can take in prime park and city views – with the quaint town of Maryville and towering Smokys visible.

There is an eastern portion of The Foothills Parkway , too, which runs between Interstate 40 and the town of Cosby. This stretch runs less than 6 miles and includes four overlooks, with vistas of Inadu Knob and Mt Cammerer .

Planning tip: The Eastern and Western portions of The Foothills Parkway do not connect. Should you want to experience both stretches, Route 321 is currently the best straight shot between the two.

4. Knoxville to Gatlinburg via Sevierville and Pigeon Forge

Best kid-friendly road trip Downtown Knoxville–Sugarlands Visitor Center; 45 miles

For folks flying in to experience the Smoky Mountains, many journeys begin at Knoxville ’s McGhee Tyson Airport. After snagging a rental car, head north and make a pitstop in Knoxville for some barbecue at Sweet P’s BBQ and Soul House and then Cruze Farm for some fresh-churned ice cream. From there, take Interstate 40 to Tennessee Road 66, where you’ll eventually run through the tourist- and kid-friendly towns of Sevierville , Pigeon Forge and eventually Gatlinburg .

Stop in Sevierville to experience its revitalized downtown with a statue of local icon Dolly Parton in front of the town’s courthouse. In Pigeon Forge, in addition to Dollywood , pop by The Historic Old Mill to see grits and grains ground before your eyes. The Island area of Pigeon Forge is loaded with attractions like a 200ft-tall Ferris wheel . In Gatlinburg, before reaching the park’s entrance, there are numerous mini-golf courses, waterparks and ziplining opportunities. The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a nice spot for vistas, towering 400ft above the town.

5. Asheville to Gatlinburg via Cherokee

Best road trip to visit breweries Downtown Asheville–Sugarlands Visitor Center; 86 miles

If you’re not flying into Knoxville, odds are you’re landing on the North Carolina side, perhaps in Asheville . “The Land of the Sky” has deservingly earned its reputation as a craft beer hot spot. So, if you’re the lucky one who isn’t driving, prioritize some sips at the likes of Hillman Beer and heavyweights such as Sierra Nevada and New Belgium . 

After you’ve stocked up on some beverages in Asheville, cruise through Maggie Valley , which is home to the double cascading Soco Falls. Cherokee is the last town before entering the park, where you can keep the party going at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort . For history lovers, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian is open year-round and sheds light on the tribe’s 11,000-year history.

Detour: The entrance to Pisgah National Forest is 30 minutes north of Downtown Asheville, home to Mt Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River.

6. Atlanta to Cherokee via Blue Ridge, Georgia

Best road trip for a multi-day adventure Downtown Atlanta–Oconaluftee Visitor Center; 178 miles

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the US. Odds are if you want a nice deal in flying into the Southeast USA , you may find it flying into Atlanta . From Georgia’s capital city, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center on the North Carolina side of Smoky Mountains National Park is within a four-hour drive.

Don’t take the quicker Interstate 85 to Route 23 journey. Instead opt for the Interstate 75 to US Route 74 option that takes you through the charming southern towns of Canton and Blue Ridge, Georgia as well as the Nantahala National Forest . In the national forest there are more than 600 miles of trails for biking, hiking and horseback riding. So, plan a night or two to camp in the forest for sure, with the Jackrabbit Mountain grounds having 100-plus sites.

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A Smoky Mountains Road Trip: 10 Tips for Creating the Perfect Itinerary

A road trip through the Smoky Mountains is like stepping into a world where the air is fresher, the landscapes are grander, and every turn reveals a new vista waiting to be discovered. This region, straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich history, and endless adventure. Crafting the perfect itinerary for such a journey requires a blend of careful planning and an openness to the spontaneous moments that make road trips unforgettable. This guide aims to provide essential tips to ensure your journey through this iconic American landscape is as enriching as it is exhilarating.

Planning Your Route

The foundation of a memorable road trip lies in plotting your course with intention. Start by identifying key attractions and natural wonders you wish to explore. The Smoky Mountains are vast, and each area offers its unique allure, from the ethereal mists of Clingmans Dome to the historic cabins of Cades Cove. Consider your starting point, desired destinations, and the scenic routes that connect them. While spontaneity is one of the joys of road-tripping, a rough itinerary can help you make the most of your time in the Smokies, ensuring you don’t miss any must-see spots.

Booking Your Stay

When planning your road trip, choosing the right accommodations is crucial. Smoky Mountain rentals , particularly cabin rentals, offer a unique and immersive lodging experience. These cabins provide a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comforts, set against the backdrop of the stunning Smokies. Whether you’re looking for a secluded hideaway for a romantic getaway or a spacious cabin for a family gathering, there’s a rental to fit every preference. To ensure you get the cabin of your dreams, book early, especially if your trip coincides with peak seasons or holidays. A well-selected rental cabin will be your home base for adventure and relaxation throughout your journey.

Packing Essentials

Packing for a road trip through the Smoky Mountains means preparing for adventure. The region’s weather can be unpredictable, so layering is key — bring everything from T-shirts to a warm jacket. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the park’s trails, and don’t forget essentials like water bottles, sunscreen, and a first aid kit. Packing thoughtfully ensures you’re ready for whatever the road (or trail) throws your way, from impromptu hikes to leisurely picnics by a mountain stream.

Must-Visit Natural Attractions

The heart of the Smoky Mountains is its breathtaking natural attractions. Prioritize visits to iconic sites like Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park, offering 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. Cades Cove, a verdant valley ringed by mountains, provides a glimpse into the area’s pioneer past, while the many waterfalls within the park, such as Laurel Falls and Abrams Falls, offer serene spots to marvel at nature’s beauty. Incorporating these natural wonders into your itinerary promises a road trip filled with awe-inspiring moments.

Exploring the Towns

While the natural beauty of the Smokies is undeniable, the towns that dot the region add their own flavor to your road trip. Gatlinburg , with its alpine charm and array of attractions, acts as a gateway to the national park. Pigeon Forge offers family-friendly entertainment, including amusement parks and dinner shows. Each town has its unique attractions, from local eateries to artisan shops, making them worthwhile stops on your journey.

Adventure Activities

The Smoky Mountains are a haven for those seeking adventure. With options ranging from zip-lining through the canopy to challenging white-water rafting on the Pigeon River, the region caters to thrill-seekers of all levels. Hiking enthusiasts will find a paradise of trails, ranging from the easy walk to Grotto Falls to the strenuous hike to the summit of Mount LeConte. Incorporating these activities into your trip allows you to engage with the Smokies’ wild side, offering memories that are as exhilarating as the landscapes are vast.

Cultural and Historical Sites

Beyond its natural wonders, the Smoky Mountains region is steeped in rich cultural and historical significance. Visiting sites like the Mountain Farm Museum and Mingus Mill in Cherokee or exploring the heritage of the area through the many preserved log cabins and structures offers a glimpse into the lives of the early settlers. These sites tell the stories of resilience and tradition that shaped the region, providing a profound context to the breathtaking scenery.

Family-Friendly Attractions

For those traveling with family, the Smokies offer an abundance of attractions that delight visitors of all ages. From the whimsical world of Dollywood, with its blend of thrilling rides and cultural exhibits, to the educational and interactive experiences at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, there’s no shortage of family-friendly fun. Including these attractions in your itinerary ensures that every member of the family, from the youngest to the oldest, finds joy and wonder in the journey.

Enjoying Local Cuisine

No road trip through the Smokies would be complete without indulging in the local cuisine. While the region boasts a variety of dining options, a visit to a traditional pancake house stands out as a quintessential Smoky Mountain experience. These establishments serve up hearty, comforting meals that provide the perfect start to a day of exploration. Sampling the local flavors satisfies the palate and also offers a taste of the region’s culinary heritage.

Scenic Drives and Overlooks

Part of the magic of a Smoky Mountains road trip lies in the journey itself. The park’s scenic drives, such as Newfound Gap Road and the Foothills Parkway, offer stunning vistas and access to remote areas of the park. Stopping at overlooks to take in the panoramic views or to catch a sunset can be moments of profound beauty and reflection. These drives are a reminder of the natural splendor that draws millions to the Smokies each year.

A road trip through the Smoky Mountains is an invitation to explore, to discover, and to connect — with nature, with history, and with each other. By embracing the diversity of experiences the Smokies offer, from staying in Smoky Mountain rentals to indulging in local cuisine, your trip becomes more than just a vacation — it becomes a voyage of discovery. As you chart your course through this extraordinary landscape, remember that the true beauty of the Smokies lies not just in its scenic vistas but in the stories, the laughter, and the memories you create along the way.

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Plan, Ready, Go

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Itinerary for a Perfect Trip

If you’re looking for an epic adventure, look no further than the Smokies. This Great Smoky Mountains National Park itinerary and travel guide will help you make the most of your trip.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, and it’s home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. There are plenty of things to do in this park, so it’s the perfect destination for everything from a fun day trip to a romantic weekend getaway to a big vacation with the whole family.

In this article, I’ll cover important topics like the best time to visit, where to stay, what to see and do, and more.

Plan the perfect trip to the Smokies with this FREE printable travel planner.

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See disclaimer.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park facts

Here are some interesting facts about Great Smoky Mountains National Park to help you get to know the Park a little better before your trip.

• Entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free , and it’s open 24 hours a day all year round. (Effective March 1, 2023, parking tags are required to park in GSMNP for more than 15 minutes.)
• The Park covers more than 520,000 acres.
• The land area that the Park covers is split almost evenly between Tennessee and North Carolina.
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited of all 63 U.S. National Parks …by quite a lot. More than 14 million guests visited GSMNP in 2021.
• The Park includes 10 campgrounds , not including backcountry camping options.
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park includes 384 miles of road .
• Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Park at 6,643 feet . It’s also the highest point in Tennessee and the third-highest point east of the Mississippi River.
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park was designated a World Heritage Site in 1983 .

Great Smoky Mountains National Park itinerary

Now for the good stuff. There are so many things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that building an itinerary is a challenge.

My recommendation is that you plan to spend at least two full days in the Park , but more is certainly good as well.

Shake things up and make this itinerary your own. How you put these pieces together may largely depend upon where you are staying on your trip to the Smokies (and what entrance you’re using).

Be advised: drive times inside the Park can be quite long. There are essentially only a few major driving routes within the park.

Get a park map and get familiar with it and use it. Do not rely on GPS to get you around the park. It may steer you wrong. You can pick up a map at any visitor center.

TIP:  Keep track of all the amazing sites you’re seeing in the park with  this printable Great Smoky Mountains National Park bucket list . On a quest to visit all 63 U.S. National Parks?  Grab your own copy of the  printable national parks tracker  to check off your progress as you visit each park.

Visitor Center

Make your first stop at the Oconaluftee or Sugarlands Visitor Center to pick up a park map and any other information you need for your visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

If you’re staying in Townsend, Tennessee, the closest Visitor Center to you will be in Cades Cove. I would recommend you start your itinerary with Cades Cove anyway if you’re staying in Townsend, so there you go.

If you don’t want to go to the Visitor Center you can download a park map from the National Park Service website.

I recommend everyone start their trip to Great Smoky Mountain National Park with a drive through Cades Cove. It’s on the western side of the Park and it’s hugely popular. Plan to arrive at the entrance to the loop at the time it’s opening or even a few minutes before.

For a very nominal fee (it was $1 when we bought it) you can purchase a small booklet that will give you more information about Cades Cove and all of the stops on the scenic drive.

The Cades Cove Loop Road is a great place to see wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for deer, bears, and other animals.

Let me stop here to say one thing. PLEASE DO NOT block the roadway so that you can get a better look at the black bears. It is unkind to back up traffic for 20 minutes so you can get your perfect photo. If there is not a safe place to pull over, keep moving .

Okay, rant over.

Plan to spend at least two hours driving through Cades Cove, longer if you’re there during peak travel times or a busy part of the day. I’d say it’s safest to plan to spend your entire morning there exploring.

Pack your patience. There may be times when the traffic is stopped or very slow because of road congestion.

There are so many things to see in Cades Cove and there are hikes in that area as well as one of the three Park Visitor Centers. Plenty to fill up at least your morning if not your full day.

Laurel Falls Trail

The popular Laurel Fall Trail hike is a must-do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This trail can also get quite busy, so you might want to save this for first thing in the morning on your second day in the Park rather than right after Cades Cove.

Use your best judgment, and keep in mind that parking at the trailhead is quite limited .

Plan for this 2.6-mile roundtrip hike to take you about 2 hours . It’s considered moderate in difficulty.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

The other scenic drive in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is not to be missed. If you’re not much of a hiker, you can definitely do both Cades Cove and the Roaring Fork on the same day. Or do one scenic drive each of your two days in the Park.

The Roaring Fork Nature Motor Trail is on the east side of the Park near the Orchard Park entrance. In our experience, it wasn’t nearly as busy as Cades Cove.

The entire drive is about 5.5 miles on a one-way road. It does get a bit narrow at times so drive with care. This trail is a great way to see the park’s beautiful scenery. Please give it a try.

Newfound Gap

For beautiful views head to Newfound Gap…in fact, the entire drive along Newfound Gap Road from Cherokee to Gatlinburg (or the reverse) is just stunning.

There are several places to pull over and enjoy the amazing views along Newfound Gap Road. Take advantage, please. You won’t be sorry.

You’ll climb (in your car) about 3,000 feet. Please note that the temperatures at Newfound Gap will likely be quite a bit cooler than the surrounding lowlands.

The Appalachian Trail crosses Newfound Gap Road, so if you feel like stretching your legs and giving it a try go ahead. Then you can tell everyone you hiked the Appalachian Trail.

Clingmans Dome

Just south of Newfound Gap, you’ll find the turnoff from Newfound Gap Road to Clingmans Dome Road.

This 7-mile road will take you up to the parking area just about half a mile from the top of Clingmans Dome (6,643 feet), which is the highest point in the Park. The road is closed to vehicles generally from Dec. 1 through March 31.

There’s plenty of parking up there, vault toilets, and a gift shop/visitor information center.

The half-mile hike up to the top of Clingmans Dome is paved and quite steep. Please wear appropriate footwear.

There’s also an observation tower at the top of Clingmans Dome that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. It is said that on a clear day, you can see 100 miles.

Even if you aren’t sure you want to do the hike, the view from the parking lot is still quite wonderful and worth the drive.

Please note that it can get COLD up there. SIGNIFICANTLY colder than the surrounding lower elevations.

Other things to add to your Great Smoky Mountains National Park itinerary

Cataloochee valley.

The isolated Cataloochee Valley offers guests the opportunity to see the historic valley as it was. It preserves several historic buildings. There are also opportunities for wildlife viewing. Use caution when driving on the narrow roads.

More hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to more than 150 official hiking trails from short, easy, kid-friendly hikes to quite long hikes requiring significant hiking experience.

Here are a few of the most popular hikes in the Park that I haven’t already touched on.

• Rainbow Falls, 5.4 miles, moderate
• Alum Cave Bluffs, 2.5 miles one way
• Abrams Falls, 5 miles roundtrip, moderate to difficult
• Grotto Falls, 3 miles roundtrip, moderate

If you’re traveling with children you might enjoy the short, easy Cataract Falls Trail. The falls are about 0.7 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center.

Best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The best time of year to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park varies depending on what you want to do.

The park is busiest from May through October , and the fall colors are at their peak in October. On average, over the last decade or so, June, July, and October have been the busiest months.

If you’re interested in hiking, the spring and autumn months are the best time to visit, as the summer months are hot and humid. Again, expect to encounter many people if you’re there in October.

If you’re looking for an amazing natural phenomenon to witness, look no further than the synchronous fireflies at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Every year, around the end of May or the beginning of June, this park hosts a special event in the Elkmont area where visitors have a chance to see large numbers of these fireflies light up at once.

Vehicle passes are awarded by a lottery system, so there’s, unfortunately, no guarantee that you’ll be able to see them.

Where to stay on your trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

For a complete discussion of where to stay on your trip, see my article all about where to stay in the Smokies.

Campgrounds in Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Camping is a great way to experience Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

There are 10 developed frontcountry campgrounds in the park , and they offer a variety of amenities including restrooms (with cold running water and flush toilets), fire grate, and picnic tables. Most of the campgrounds are available seasonally, with a couple open all year round.

Backcountry camping, group camping, and horse camps are also available. Most of the campgrounds are also located near popular attractions, so you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of the park while you’re camping.

Hotels near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

There are no motels or inns in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. LeConte Lodge is only accessible on foot after hiking at least 5 miles.

If you prefer to stay in hotels, your only option will be to stay in one of the gateway towns at the major entrances to the Park.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

You’ll have the most hotel options if you stay in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It’s located just outside the park, and it also offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and other attractions.

Here are a few highly rated hotel options in Gatlinburg:

The Park Vista offers beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains, and every room comes with a balcony.

Margaritaville Resort is cram-packed with amenities and just a short drive to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Fairfield Inn and Suites is a favorite affordable hotel brand for me and Hubby. Their downtown Gatlinburg location is very close to the start of the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (see below).

Cherokee, North Carolina

Cherokee is another great option as it’s very near the Park and the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

Major attractions in Cherokee, aside from the Park, are Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, the Museum of the Cherokee People, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Cherokee is the southern terminus of that famous scenic route.

Cherokee lodging options include:

• Stonebrook Lodge : We enjoyed our stay here, just minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Offers free parking and comfortable rooms but a subpar continental breakfast. We opted to grab a wonderful breakfast at Peter’s Pancakes and Waffles in town.
• Great Smokies Inn : Just minutes from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Townsend, Tennessee

Townsend, Tennessee, is located on the “quiet side” of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It also has the benefit of being the closest town to the popular Cades Cove scenic drive (more on that below).

Highland Manor Inn is just four minutes from the west entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Guests love how close the property is to the Park.

Other hotel options for staying near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Further from the park, but also popular are Pigeon Forge and Sevierville , Tennessee. Pigeon Forge includes a lot of tourist attractions.

Guests love the Residence Inn Pigeon Forge for its location and spacious rooms.

Those who prefer to avoid major hotel chains may like The Inn on the River . Guests enjoy the service and location. It’s about 13 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center and about a 10-minute drive from Dollywood.

Sevierville is located about 17 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center (inside the Gatlinburg entrance). You would need to plan on a 35 – 40 minute drive to be inside the park from Sevierville…potentially longer if the Gatlinburg traffic is really congested.

When is it not, right?

To really save money during peak fall colors time, when hotel rates were higher than we wanted to spend, we chose to stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Knoxville Airport Alcoa .

We had a fine stay. And while it was nice to save $100/night on the hotel room, we ended up doing A LOT more driving than I think I would want to do on a return visit to the Park.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrances

There are several entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and each offers its own unique experience.

The most popular entrance is located in Gatlinburg . The entrance is the closest to popular Gatlinburg attractions, and it’s also where you’ll find the greatest concentration of hotels and restaurants.

One downside is that this entrance is also quite popular and can get VERY congested during peak travel times . Those staying in Gatlinburg always seem to want to enter and leave the Park at about the same time.

We live in Upstate South Carolina and use the Cherokee, North Carolina, entrance . From there you can follow the beautiful scenic drive along Newfound Gap Road through the Park. It’s also a great option if you’re looking to avoid the crowds at the Gatlinburg entrance.

Finally, for an even less crowded entrance into the park Townsend, Tennessee , is the entrance you’re looking for. It also has the benefit of being the entrance closest to the popular Cades Cove scenic loop.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitor Centers

There are three visitor centers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well as a small “contact station” at Clingmans Dome.

We always make it a point to stop at a Visitor Center for any National Park trip. You’ll want a park map at least. Plus there are restrooms, gift shops, and you can talk to a park ranger if you have any questions.

The Sugarlands Visitor Center is the most popular in the park . It’s located near the Gatlinburg, Tennessee, entrance.

The Sugarlands Visitor Center also offers a variety of ranger-led programs, so it’s a great place to learn about the park. The Backcountry Permit Office is also at the Sugarlands Visitor Center.

The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is closest to the Cherokee, North Carolina , entrance. Like the Sugarlands Visitor Center, here you can find a gift shop, helpful National Park Service staff, maps, restrooms, and more.

The third Visitor Center is on the Cades Cove Scenic Loop . This center is much smaller than the other two, but you’ll still find a gift shop, restrooms, etc. There are also several historic buildings nearby that you can explore including a grist mill.

Picnic areas in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great place to enjoy a meal outdoors, and it offers a variety of great picnic areas to choose from.

The picnic areas are:

• Collins Creek
• Metcalf Bottoms
• Twin Creeks

Some picnic areas are open seasonally and some offer pavilions that can be reserved for groups.

If you’re having a hard time choosing where to enjoy your picnic, I’d suggest you check out Chimneys . It’s located on the West Prong Little Pigeon River and several of the picnic sites are right on the river. Guests are welcome to enjoy the cool water of the river on hot days.

Cades Cove is also a popular picnic spot. You’ll find it near the entrance/exit to the scenic loop.

What to take with you on your Smoky Mountains hike

Hiking is a lot more fun when you’re prepared with the right shoes and clothing. The correct outfit can increase your comfort and make the whole hike much better.

It’s best to dress in layers while hiking so you can peel off or put on clothes as the temperature changes. Make sure you pack weather-appropriate outerwear and plenty of snacks and water.

My hiking favorites

Hiking shoes —I prefer to wear waterproof hiking shoes over hiking boots. Trail running shoes can also be a good option depending on the hike if that’s your preference.

I love my waterproof Keen hiking shoes. You can check the price on Amazon here.

Waterproof shell —The weather can change rapidly, so it’s important to make sure you carry with you some protection from the elements…even if the forecast is for a lovely and dry day.

I love my Columbia Arcadia II jacket. You can check out the price on Amazon here.

Trail pants —I love my Columbia Saturday Trail Pants. They’re really lightweight and comfortable. You can check them out on Amazon here.

Tips for visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park

When visiting any national park, it’s important to be aware of the rules and regulations in place. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is no exception.

Some important things to keep in mind when visiting the Smokies:

1. Pets are prohibited on nearly all trails in the park.

2. Be sure to leave no trace. If there are no garbage cans around, pack out whatever you bring in with you.

4. Stay on the trails while hiking and don’t take any shortcuts. This helps protect the natural resources in the park and protects your safety.

5. Obey all speed limits and traffic laws while driving in the park. This helps keep everyone safe and ensures that visitors have a pleasant experience.

6. Come prepared for all types of weather, as conditions can change rapidly in the Smoky Mountains.

Final thoughts on your Smoky Mountains itinerary

If you’re looking for a great hiking destination with some beautiful scenery, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is definitely worth checking out.

With plenty of trails to choose from, there’s something for everyone – whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker.

And if you’re looking for some beautiful scenery, be sure to visit Cades Cove, Roaring Fork Motor Trail, Newfound Gap, and Clingmans Dome.

More articles about National Parks

• Inspiring books about U.S. National Parks
• The best National Parks in the Southern United States
• The top National Parks on the East Coast
• The best national parks gifts (for any budget)
• Hiking Congaree National Park

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Darcy Vierow is a busy professional and travel planning expert with years of experience maximizing travel with limited time and on a less-than-average salary. Her tips have been published by Forbes, MSN.com, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Finance, Aol, Newsbreak and GOBankingRates. Read more about Darcy Vierow .

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10 Day Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains Road Trip Itinerary

Blue ridge parkway and great smoky mountains fall road trip itinerary: charlotte north carolina to knoxville tennessee.

This epic Fall Colors road trip travels through the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains in 10 days. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic drive through the Appalachian Mountains from Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The parkway passes through North Carolina and Virginia and is America’s longest scenic highway. On the drive, you will find 200+ scenic overlooks, 26 tunnels, waterfalls, swimming holes, hollows, gorges, forests, hiking trails, Spring flowers, Fall colors, Bluegrass music, swinging bridges, scenic train rides, historic farms, country stores, farmer’s markets, the famous Biltmore Estate, Andy Griffith’s Mayberry, Cherokee history, wineries, apple picking, trout fishing, elk, black bears, and wild turkeys. The Great Smoky Mountains have equally gorgeous scenic drives, mountain overlooks, and waterfalls plus black bears, alpine coasters, bluegrass music, moonshine, and attractions galore.

You are excited to begin your road trip through the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains and want to know the best time of year to visit, where to stay, must-see attractions, and where to eat while there. Researching the best things to do on a road trip through the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains while working full time is overwhelming and you don’t have hours to spend on the internet. Save time and plan an unforgettable trip full of top activities with this ultimate Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains road trip itinerary.

The Ultimate Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains Road Trip Planner

When is the best time to visit the blue ridge parkway and great smoky mountains.

Summer and Fall are high seasons on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Summer temperatures average high 60s at high elevations and mid-80s at low elevations. Rain is common in August. Fall is cold at higher elevations and a winter coat is needed. Leaves begin to change as early as mid-September and the changing colors can often be seen at higher elevations in early October. The best time to visit the Blue Ridge Parkway to experience the gorgeous Fall colors is in mid to late October. Many businesses close for the tourist season in November. Others decorate for the Christmas season, consider Boone, Ashville, the Biltmore Estate, or Gatlinburg. Snowshoeing, sledding, and cross-country skiing are popular winter activities. Severe winter weather including ice and snow often closes roads in the winter. Spring temperature is cold in high-elevation mountains and trails are muddy. Wildflowers begin to bloom in April. Many businesses do not reopen until May.

What is the Best Way to Travel the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains?

The Blue Ridge Parkway is located in North Carolina; the Great Smoky Mountains begin at the southern end of the Blueridge Parkway. You will need your own transportation to follow this 10-day Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountain road trip itinerary.  The itinerary begins in Charlotte North Carolina, travels over the state line into Virginia, returns to North Carolina, and travels down the western edge of the state before crossing into the Great Smoky Mountains in eastern Tennessee. Save precious PTO by flying from your home to Charlotte North Carolina and renting a car to continue the journey. Return the rental car and book your return flight from Knoxville Tennessee.

How Long Do You Need to See the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains?

7 days: Begin and end in Charlotte North Carolina. Travel the Blue Ridge Parkway, visit the Biltmore Estate, and explore the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway.

10 days: Begin in Charlotte North Carolina. Travel the Blue Ridge Parkway, visit the Biltmore Estate, and explore the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. Head into the Great Smoky Mountains. Visit Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, and spend a day at Dollywood. End in Knoxville Tennessee. Follow the day-by-day itinerary below.

14 days: Begin in Charlotte North Carolina, and add a day exploring the city. Travel the Blue Ridge Parkway and add a day in the Blowing Rock area. Visit the Biltmore Estate and explore the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. Add a day in Cherokee. Head into the Great Smoky Mountains. Spend one day in Gatlinburg, one day in Pigeon Forge, and one day at Dollywood. End in Knoxville Tennessee.

How Expensive is a Road Trip Through the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains?

According to Budget Your Trip , the average daily cost for a trip to, Charlotte North Carolina is $153, Boone North Carolina is $138, and Gatlinburg Tennessee is $152. Using these figures, budget $1400 for a typical 10-day vacation on the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains.

What do you pack for a Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains road trip?

Three weather appropriate outfits for hiking, including a day pack, hiking boots, sunscreen, bug spray, and a water bottle. Four semi-casual outfits to explore Charlotte, Gatlinburg, and Knoxville. One nice outfit for the day spent at the Biltmore Estate. One casual outfit for air travel. Rain is common, bring a rain jacket and umbrella.

Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains Road Trip Highlights

Charlotte North Carolina | Mount Airy | Blue Ridge Parkway | Blue Ridge Music Center | Blowing Rock | Lincove Viaduct | Chimney Rock | Biltmore Estate | Mountain Waters Scenic Byway | Great Smoky Mountains | Clingman’s Dome | Gatlinburg Tennessee | Pigeon Forge Tennessee| Dollywood | Knoxville Tennessee

Day by Day Guide for a Road Trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains

ROUTE AT A GLANCE: Charlotte North Carolina – Blue Ridge Parkway – Great Smoky Mountains – Gatlinburg Tennessee – Knoxville Tennessee

MILES: 750 approximate miles

HOW MANY DAYS: 10

Day One Arrive in Charlotte North Carolina

Pick up a rental car, stop for water and snacks, and check into the hotel. Spend the remainder of the day checking out Charlotte North Carolina. Charlotte, the Queen City, is the 15th largest city in the United States. It is best known for the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Billy Graham Library, and Southern hospitality. Charlotte also has old plantations, civil rights history, wall poems, murals, kayaking, paddle boarding, zip-lining, whitewater rafting, bike trails, hiking paths, craft breweries, and Carolina BBQ. If you love adventure, don’t miss the U.S. National Whitewater Center. I had an amazing dinner at Mert’s Heart and Soul and have no hesitation in recommending it.

Overnight Charlotte North Carolina.

Read Top Things to Do in Charlotte North Carolina 

Day Two Charlotte to Mount Airy

8 am Grab a coffee and explore Charlotte’s street art and wall poems

10:30 Tour the Historic Latta Plantation

Noon Grab lunch 7th Street Public Market

1:30 pm Drive 1.5 hours to Mount Airy and explore Andy Griffith’s Mayberry

Have dinner on Main Street before checking into your hotel for the night

Overnight in Mount Airy North Carolina

Day Three Blue Ridge Parkway and Blowing Rock

7:30 am Drive 45 minutes to Mabry Mill for breakfast pancakes and photograph the mill

10 am Begin driving the Blue Ridge Parkway. Stop by to browse the Poor Farmer’s Market and Mayberry Trading Post. Climb the lookout at Groundhog Mountain for panoramic views and check out Puckett Cabin

Noon Arrive at the Blue Ridge Music Center. Have a picnic lunch and listen to the Mid-Day Mountain Music jam

1 pm Continue exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway stopping at the many overlooks, do not miss Brinegar Cabin

4 pm Hike the 1-mile loop trail The Cascades Trail at E.B. Jeffress Park, or continue on to Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock has many attractions. Check out the Green Mountain Waterfall, watch the Horn in the West Outdoor Drama, or take a ride on the Tweetsie Railroad.

Overnight in Blowing Rock North Carolina.

Read Top Things to Do on the Blue Ridge Parkway (including mile marker guide)

Day Four Blue Ridge Parkway and Chimney Rock State Park

7:30 am Continue exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway stopping at the many overlooks. Stop at the Yonahlossee Overlook to view the famous S Curve. Stop at the Linn Cove Visitor Center and walk under the bridge for a better view of the Lin Cove Viaduct. Choose to walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge or hike to Linville Falls and Duggers Creek Falls. Purchase fresh produce from the Orchard at Alta Pass.

Noon Drive into Little Switzerland for lunch and browse the shops

1:30 pm Return to the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy the remaining overlooks on the way to Chimney Rock

4 pm Arrive at Chimney Rock State Park. Ride the elevator to the top and enjoy the view, do not miss the waterfall before leaving.

Overnight in Asheville North Carolina

Day Five the Biltmore Estate & Gardens

9 am Arrive at the Biltmore Estate and Gardens. Explore the gardens while waiting for your timed entry for the house tour. Have lunch in the Village and stop at the Antler Hill Village & Winery and enjoy a tasting. Purchase ticket here 

1 pm Drive 45 minutes to Dupont State Park and take the waterfall hike to three falls

5 pm Drive to Brevard and wander downtown Broad Street stopping for dinner.

Overnight Brevard North Carolina

Day Six Chasing Waterfalls to Gatlinburg Tennessee

7 am Begin the day early and see as many waterfalls as possible. Map your route to include: Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, Whitewater Falls, Silver Run Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Dry Falls. The Mountain Waters Scenic Byway is gorgeous with many amazing stops to enjoy the mountain views along the way. Plan your time well and do not miss Dry Falls.

5 pm Head into the Great Smoky Mountains and stop at Clingman’s Dome to enjoy the view. Drive another hour to Gatlinburg Tennessee. Check into your hotel and walk to Blake Shelton’s Ole Red for dinner and music.

Overnight Gatlinburg Tennessee

Read Chasing Waterfalls in North Carolina

Have an extra day? Consider spending the night in Cherokee and watching the Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama. The next day ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, visit the Oconaluftee Indian Village, or hike to Soco Falls or Mingo Falls before continuing to Clingman’s Dome and Gatlinburg Tennessee.

Day Seven the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Dollywood

7:30 am Get up early and beat the crowd to the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail scenic drive. This is a one-way drive with several historic stops that ends with a Place of a Thousand Drips waterfall. Be on the lookout for bears. I was lucky enough to stop and watch a cub searching for berries for a very long time!

10 am Spend the day at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. Do not miss seeing Dolly’s Costumes at the Chasing Rainbows Museum. Or, spend the day exploring all the attractions in Pigeon Forge

6 pm Spend the evening at Dolly’s Stampede dinner show.

Day Eight Waterfalls and Gatlinburg Tennessee

8 am Hike to Cataract Falls (1.1 mile RT, allow 1.5 hours) and/or Laurel Falls (2.4 mile RT, 2.5 allow hours)

Noon Spend the day in Gatlinburg. Check out the view from the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook, play a game of Hillbilly Golf, ride the SkyLift, visit the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, and sample lots of moonshine.

5 pm Head back to Pigeon Forge for the Hatfield and McCoy dinner show

Read Top Things to Do in the Great Smoky Mountains 

Day Nine Knoxville Tennessee

8 am Begin the day with sweet potato pancakes at the Pancake Pantry

9:30 am Drive 1.5 hours to Knoxville Tennessee. Knoxville is located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains next to the Tennessee River. It is referred to as the City of Artists and is the birthplace of Mountain Dew. Knoxville is full of brick buildings, street art, country music, Civil War history, outdoor adventures, scenic drives, barbecues, craft beer, and sweet tea. Spend the day exploring the city or just relax and people-watch in Market Square.

Overnight Knoxville Tennessee

Read Top Things to Do in Knoxville Tennessee 

Day Ten Depart Knoxville Tennessee

If you have more time to extend your Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains road trip, add a few days in Chattanooga or Nashville Tennessee.

Be sure to check the Blue Ridge Parkway and Tennessee Office of Tourism for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.

Bookmark and Pin Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains Travel Guide

Plan Your Road Trip to Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains

Blue ridge parkway travel guide.

Pick up a Tennessee Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.

Book Your Accommodation in Blue Ridge Parkway Now

Spending the night? Search Booking.com and VRBO in one place to find the perfect property!

Great Smoky Mountains Attractions and Day Tours

The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.

Travel Essentials

Need a universal travel adaptor, power bank charger, or packing cubes? Save time at my Amazon shop and have travel essentials delivered to your home.

Have a great vacation!

I live in VA and explore that end of the Blue Ridge Parkway a bunch. It’s so lovely! I need to delve more into the parts in NC, and I also need to go to The Biltmore. I haven’t been yet!

Yes you do! I think you will love it.

Such beautiful colours. It certainly looks like you picked the right time of year to visit. The Biltmore Estate and Gardens look stunning also.

This is a great itinerary with so many scenic places already listed down. Totally enjoyed reading it. If I am heading there, I would go for the 14-day one for sure.

Great choice!

A road trip that I want to do, but we will start from Knoxville since we will drive from Texas. So far we’ve seen Blueridge Parkway from the highway only and it was in the beginning of January. My husband will be thrilled with Andy Griffith’s Mayberry while my son will say, “Are we going to chase waterfalls and covered bridges again?” lol.

I love that, kids are so funny

A lovely itinerary that I would blindly follow just in case we happen to be there sometime. The scenic drives, the waterfalls and the abundant nature is fascinating. Biltmore Estate is truly grand and a great location to visit.

I agree, I want to return to Biltmore at Christmas and see the decorations. They were beginning to decorate the beginning of October!

That looks like a really scenic region. The waterfalls are esepcially enticing. It seems like an amazing holiday. I like that covered bridge also, so quaint. Maybe, one day, I shall visit this part of the world too.

It is an amazing Fall destination, I hope you are able to visit soon

Perfect content for our upcoming trip to Gatlinburg. I’ve pinned this because I want to remember everything you’ve mentioned, especially the scenic drives and scenic overlooks (and waterfalls!).

I love this itinerary. The nature is so wild and the colors in autumn must be a bliss. I am in love with old palaces, so I am wondering whether staying at Biltmore Estate Asheville North Carolina is possible for visitors or not?

Not in the estate but there is accommodations on the grounds that look beautiful. I stayed in town.

I have family all over eastern TN and we’re looking to do a big road trip there this summer! this guide is a big help…though now maybe we should do it in fall. this foliage is gorgeous!

Gorgeous indeed!!

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Join the Adventure: Start Your National Park Bucket List

National Park Bucket List

Best Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary for 4 Days in the National Park

Mountain peaks, gushing waterfalls, and historic coves are all a part of this Great Smoky Mountains itinerary in the popular national park on the North Carolina and Tennessee border.

With over 800 miles of trails, 2,000 miles of streams and waterways, dozens of waterfalls, and mountain peaks topping 6,000 feet, there’s a lot to take in at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The most visited national park in the country straddles the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, covering over 500,000 acres.

Over 14 million vacationers flock here each year to drive scenic routes like Cades Cove, hike in the mountains, and chase waterfalls like Laurel Falls and Rainbow Falls. Whether you come for the family fun of Gatlinburg or to trek part of the Appalachian Trail (about 70 miles crosses through here), there’s a Great Smoky Mountains National Park itinerary to fit your travel style.

The 4-day Smoky Mountain itinerary below is perfect for first-timers, covering the most popular places to hike, drive, and sightsee. Adventurers will find ideas for some of the top hikes in the hills, including a summit or two. More low-key visitors can stick to the scenic routes, historic landmarks, and bucket-list waterfalls. There are enough options to pick from to easily fill 3 to 5 days or more in the park.

Keep reading for an action-packed Great Smoky Mountains itinerary and check out these other East Coast national parks for your bucket list.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Map

This map has pins showing all of the locations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park itinerary below. Click on the square in the top right corner to open a Google Map that you can save to your own account.

4-Day Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary

The 4-day Great Smoky Mountains National Park itinerary below has all of our favorite hikes, drives, historic sites, and more!

Day 1 — Little River Gorge Road and Cades Cove

Start your 4-day Smoky Mountain itinerary with a couple of classic drives through the park in the Cades Cove valley and along Little River Gorge Road. If you’re arriving from Knoxville or the west, you can start with Cades Cove before heading towards Gatlinburg on Little River Gorge Road. If you’re already in Gatlinburg, hike to Laurel Falls first before heading towards Cades Cove on Little River Gorge Road. You can either return on the same route or make a loop by driving through Townsend and Wears Valley.

The order of activities below assumes you’re staying in Gatlinburg. If you aren’t, check the map above for locations to craft a route that fits best.

Sugarlands Visitor Center

If you’re staying in Gatlinburg, pop by the Sugarlands Visitor Center before taking off for the day. It’s about 4 miles from the town and has a gift shop, natural history exhibits, park maps, trail information, and rangers on hand to answer questions. 

Fighting Creek Nature Trail

Departing from the Sugarlands Visitor Center, the 1.4-mile Fighting Creek Nature Trail makes a loop through the woods and past a historic cabin. Anyone planning to hike to Laurel Falls or Abram Falls on this day should skip it to get an earlier start, but the nature trail is great for families with little kids or anyone who isn’t up for the more challenging paths.

Laurel Falls

Laurel Falls is one of the most popular destinations on a Great Smoky Mountains itinerary, with a paved trail to an 80-foot-tall waterfall. The moderately difficult path is 2.6-miles, roundtrip. The waterfall is extremely busy throughout the day, and parking is limited, so it’s best to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Little River Gorge Road 

As its name implies, Little River Gorge Road follows the bends of the Little River, spanning about 17 miles between the Sugarlands Visitor Center and Townsend, Tennessee. Driving the route without any traffic would take a little over 30 minutes, but you’ll want to make a few stops along the way.

The trailhead for Laurel Falls is near the start of the drive on the Sugarlands end, so after hiking here, continue west on the road. Several pullouts offer views of the Little River, but be sure to park at the Sinks for a gushing short waterfall under a bridge and Meigs Falls for a delicate cascade in the distance.

There are a few trailheads along this road as well, including the Metcalf Bottoms Trail , an easy, 1.5-mile roundtrip walk to an old schoolhouse, and the Meigs Creek Trail , a moderate, 6.5-mile roundtrip trek from the Sinks that follows a creek. If you’re squeezing Little River Gorge Road and Cades Cove into one day, I would advise skipping these hikes. On longer trips, you can stretch out the drive and try out some of these less-crowded trails.

The Metcalf Bottoms picnic area about midway along the road makes a great spot to stop along the river for lunch or a bathroom break. It has the only flush toilets and running water on this route past the visitor center.

Cades Cove Scenic Loop 

One of the most-visited sections of the park, Cades Cove sits in a green valley at the foot of the mountains and holds the remains of settlements from the early to mid-1800s. A one-way, 11-mile loop road circles the area, with pull-offs for scenic views and historic sites. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours to half a day or more driving the loop, depending on stops, hiking plans, and traffic.

Be sure to download a map or grab one at the entrance before starting the driving tour, because you won’t be able to backtrack if you miss a stop. Along the way are three white clapboard churches with cemeteries, several log cabins, barns, a gristmill, and other structures. John Oliver Place, Cades Cove Primitive Baptist Church, Cades Cove Methodist Church, and Cades Cove Missionary Baptist Church are all on the first half of the drive. The second half has more homesteads like the Tipton Place and Dan Lawson Cabin.

The trailhead to Abram Falls (trail details in the next section) is about midway through the drive, before the Cades Cove Visitor Center , where you’ll find a restroom, information center, and a few more historic buildings. 

In addition to the old-timey attractions, Cades Cove is a great place to look for wildlife. So much so that traffic often gets backed up when black bears are sighted. Park at spots like the Valley View for safe wildlife watching from your vehicle, and never approach, feed, or disturb any animals you see. Sunrise and sunset are the most active times, so plan your trip around then for the best chance to spot bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and more.

The Cades Cove Campground area at the start and end of the loop has a ranger station, a small store and deli (think ice cream, hot dogs, and nachos), and a bike rental shop. The loop road closes to vehicles on Wednesdays from May through September so that cyclists and pedestrians can sightsee. 

Abram Falls

With a gushing drop 20 feet high and a picturesque pool at the base, Abram Falls is a favorite hiking destination in Cades Cove. The trailhead parking is about midway along the loop road, down a short, unpaved street. 

The moderately-difficult hike is 5 miles round-trip, along a creek and through a pine and oak forest. This hike will add an extra 3 hours or so to your Cades Cove tour.

Day 2 — Newfound Gap Road 

Every Great Smoky Mountains itinerary should include a scenic drive on Newfound Gap Road, which spans about 35 miles between Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Cherokee, North Carolina, through the middle of the park. The highway climbs some 3,000 feet through forests of pine, oak and spruce. Along the way are lookouts with sweeping views of the mountains and trailheads for popular hikes like Alum Cave Bluffs and Chimney Tops.

Plan to pull over at the Chimney Tops Overlook, Ben Morton Overlook, and the Newfound Gap view on the state border where the Appalachian National Scenic Trail passes through. Continuing over to the North Carolina side, you’ll pass the road to Clingmans Dome before winding down to the verdant banks of the Oconaluftee River.

Just before Cherokee, look for the 1880s Mingus Mill , an operational grist mill, and the Mountain Farm Museum at the national park’s Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Keep reading for a few trail descriptions and notable stops on this route.

Chimney Tops Trail 

While it’s only 3.5 miles roundtrip, the Chimney Tops Trail is considered strenuous for its 1,400-foot elevation gain in less than 2 miles. The payoff, though, is sweeping views of Mount Le Conte and the Chimney Tops pinnacles.

The trailhead is along Newfound Gap Road about 7 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Previously, hikers could follow a ridge to the top of the pinnacles, but wildfire damage has shut down access to the last quarter-mile climb. Now, the final destination is an observation deck below the summit.

Alum Cave Bluffs Trail

Mountain views, rock tunnels and steep cliffs are featured on the popular Alum Cave Bluffs Trail. Crossing log bridges and winding through old-growth woods, the strenuous trail climbs some 1,200 feet to the eponymous bluffs before continuing on to the summit of Mount Le Conte.

On the way, you’ll pass through a tunnel formed by Arch Rock and see valley views from Inspiration Point before standing beneath the shade of the massive bluffs. Turning around at the Alum Cave Bluffs makes for a 5-mile, round-trip hike while climbing the exposed cliffs to Mount Le Conte turns it into a 10-mile trek. 

While there are a couple of large parking lots at the trailhead, they often overflow, with cars stretching down the sides of the highway on especially busy days. To avoid adding extra mileage walking to and from your vehicle, plan to start this hike early in the morning.

Appalachian Trail to Charlies Bunion

Just over 70 miles of the 2,190-mile-long Appalachian Trail pass through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The highest peak on the trail is here as well — Clingmans Dome at 6,643 feet. Hikers who want a little taste of the bucket-list footpath can hop on at spots where it crosses through like Clingmans Dome or Newfound Gap.

One popular excursion on the trail from the park is the hike to Charlies Bunion, a rocky outcrop with views of peaks and valleys. Starting from the Newfound Gap parking lot, the round-trip hike is 8 miles and moderately difficult, with an elevation gain of 1,600 feet. 

Andrews Bald Trail 

The hike on the Forney Ridge Trail to Andrews Bald departs from the Clingmans Dome parking lot and leads through old-growth forests to an open field of grass and seasonal wildflowers on the bald. Round trip, it’s a moderate, 3.6-mile hike and a great option for visitors who are short on time but want to hike in the mountains. 

Unlike the other paths on this list, this one starts with a 1,200-foot descent, with an uphill climb to return. The trail keeps going past Andrews Bald for another few miles.

Clingmans Dome

The tallest peak in the park and the whole state of Tennessee, Clingmans Dome is 6,643 feet high. An observation tower at the top with a rounded deck has panoramic views for over 100 miles on a clear day.

The 7-mile road to the peak branches off from Newfound Gap Road and closes seasonally due to weather conditions at the higher elevation. A very steep 0.5-mile paved trail leads to the tower from the parking area. There’s a small visitor center and store near the start of the walk.

Sunset and sunrise from the viewing deck at Clingmans Dome are simply spectacular, so plan your day to fit one in if you can. If you’re driving Newfound Gap Road round trip from Gatlinburg, you can skip Clingmans Dome on the way out to Cherokee and head up before sunset on the return trip.

Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Mountain Farm Museum

Just a couple of miles from Cherokee, North Carolina, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center marks the southern entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here you’ll find a gift shop, restrooms, park maps and information, and water fill-ups.

Inside the center, exhibits tell the story of the Smokies, from native residents to the early settlers to the formation of the national park in the 1920s and 30s. Outside, the Mountain Farm Museum preserves a village of old log buildings, including a barn, farmhouse, corn crib, smokehouse, and more, with seasonal historic demonstrations.

Mingo Falls

Though it’s not within the national park bounds, Mingo Falls is absolutely worth a brief excursion while you’re on the North Carolina side of the Smokies. The cascade of 120 feet is one of the tallest waterfalls in the state, made more spectacular by how close you can get to the gushing drop.

The short and steep hike up steps and a rocky dirt path is only about a quarter mile each way and leads to a wooden bridge with a straight-on view of the waterfall. Located on Cherokee Nation land, the trailhead is just 6 miles from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

The town of Cherokee, North Carolina, is just a couple of miles from the southern entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and from the southern entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s also the closest gateway town to the national park on the North Carolina side for overnight guests and is generally a bit cheaper and less crowded than Gatlinburg in Tennessee.

If you have enough time, consider visiting one of the cultural attractions here. The Museum of the Cherokee Indian has art, culture and history exhibits and the Oconaluftee Indian Village is a replica 18th-century Cherokee community with craft demonstrations, living history reenactments, and special performances, including a seasonal evening play that tells the story of the Trail of Tears. Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort has restaurants, nightlife, events and a hoard of amenities.

For a short stop before heading back to Gatlinburg, you can browse the shops along Tsalagi Road or picnic in Oconaluftee Island Park on the river.

Day 3 — Roaring Fork Drive and Waterfalls

Day 3 of this Great Smoky Mountains National Park itinerary takes you to a couple of the most loved waterfalls in the park. Active travelers can hike to both on the same day on either two shorter individual trails of around 8 miles total or connect them on a longer route that goes up Mount Le Conte. 

If you only have time for one hike, Grotto Falls is the easier of the pair, but still moderately challenging with some uphill walking. 

Rainbow Falls

On bright afternoons, the sun hits the mist of Rainbow Falls, creating a hazy blur of colors off the 80-foot drop. With a trailhead less than 5 miles from Gatlinburg on the Tennessee side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the cascade is a popular hiking destination on a Great Smoky Mountains itinerary.

The 5.4-mile, round-trip trek follows Le Conte Creek, crossing water a few times on bridges and rocks. It’s considered a moderate to difficult hike, with about 1,700 feet of elevation change and takes a good three to five hours to complete. Adventurous travelers can stretch it out into a longer day hike by continuing on to the summit of Mount Le Conte, a 13.4-mile, round-trip journey.

Parking at the trailhead fills up fast, so plan to arrive early in the morning for this hike. 

Grotto Falls

Just a couple of miles past the Rainbow Falls trailhead on the one-way Roaring Fork Road, the hike to Grotto Falls is 2.6 miles round trip. While the waterfall is only 25 feet high, the cave-like setting and the ability to walk behind the cascade make this a crowd-pleaser. 

The trail is moderately difficult with less than 600 feet of elevation change and only takes a couple of hours, so you’ll see plenty of families along the way. For a more adventurous take, you can continue on the Trillium Gap Trail through hemlock forests to the peak of Mount Le Conte. Hiking a loop back down the Rainbow Falls Trail makes for about a 15-mile route.

There are only a few parking spots at this trailhead, and roadside shoulder space is sparse, so plan to either start very early in the morning or be prepared to add another mile or so onto the walk if you have to park further down the road. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a 5.5-mile one-way drive, so you’d have to loop all the way back around for another chance to park.

LeConte Lodge

Near the top of Mount Le Conte, the LeConte Lodge offers overnight accommodations in log cabins. You have to book months in advance to get a spot, but the sunrise views from 6,400 feet up are hard to beat. The only way to get there is hiking one of a handful of paths up the mountain, including the Trillium Gap Trail, Rainbow Falls Trail and Alum Cave Trail.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail 

Driving the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is the perfect end to a day of waterfall hiking. A one-way road, the 5.5-mile route passes through verdant forests with rushing streams, log cabins and an old gristmill along the way.

Plan to pull over at a few historic buildings like the Noah Bud Ogle Cabin (just before Roaring Fork Road begins), Alex Cole Cabin, Ephraim Bales Cabin, and Alfred Regan House and Tub Mill. It’s the perfect little historic road trip and a more compact substitute for Caves Cove if you’re short on time.

Towards the end, look for a spot called the Place of a Thousand Drips to see a network of mini falls combining into a larger display. The 1920s Ely’s Mill at the end of the drive has a family-run crafts shop, cabin rentals and a wedding venue.

Day 4 — Foothills Parkway, Gatlinburg or Dollywood

On your final day in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can hike a trail you haven’t had time for yet from day 2 or 3, explore Gatlinburg attractions, or drive the Foothills Parkway for scenic views. The Dollywood theme park is also just 10 miles north of Gatlinburg in Pigeon Forge for a change of pace.

Foothills Parkway 

The Foothills Parkway corridor traces the top of the national park a few miles north, with views of the Great Smoky Mountains from overlooks along the way. Commissioned in 1944 as a 72-mile route connecting Interstate 40 and U.S. Route 129, the roadway has less than 40 completed miles to date in a couple of different sections.

The longest part you can drive is the west end, between Wears Valley and Chilhowee Lake on the Little Tennessee River. A short section on the northeast side between Crosby and I-40 is only about 5 miles long. 

While I recommend spending as much time as possible in the national park, Gatlinburg does have some fun activities for family vacations, as long as you don’t mind dealing with crowds for much of the year.

The downtown strip offers kitschy museums, arcades, souvenir shops and chain restaurants. Parking is tight but a trolley shuttles visitors from a park and ride lot at the welcome center. Some of the top things to do in Gatlinburg are the Space Needle , a 407-foot-high observation platform with 360-degree views, Gatlinburg Skylift Park , with a chairlift and 700-foot-long elevated pedestrian cable bridge, and Ober Gatlinburg , with an aerial tram to the top of Mount Harrison for an amusement park in summer and skiing and tubing in winter.

For a change of pace from all the outdoorsy activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can spend a day at Dollywood. Dolly Parton’s Appalachian-style theme park in Pigeon Forge has dozens of roller coasters and rides, toe-tapping shows, and tons of Southern food.

Dollywood is less than 15 miles from the northern end of the national park.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Guide and Tips

Use these Great Smoky Mountains National Park tips to help plan your trip!

Where to stay near Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

On the Tennessee side of the park, Gatlinburg is the top place to stay, with an amenity-filled and touristy downtown district just outside the park. There are plenty of hotels and cabins to choose from here. About 10 miles north, Pigeon Forge has cheaper options when Gatlinburg fills up and is home to the Dollywood theme park. The communities of Wears Valley and Townsend to the west of Gatlinburg are much quieter with cabins and RV parks but fewer amenities. Townsend is convenient to the Cades Cove area, about 10 miles from the entrance.

On the North Carolina side of the park, Cherokee is less than 5 miles from the park entrance and has a large casino resort plus some cheaper hotels and campgrounds. Bryson City on the Tuckasegee River is 10 miles west of Cherokee and has a railroad with train rides through the park.

Airport Near Smoky Mountains National Park

The closest airport to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is McGhee Tyson Airport in Alcoa, Tennessee, near Knoxville. It’s about 25 miles from the Townsend entrance and 40 miles from Gatlinburg and the Sugarlands Visitor Center on the north end of the park. The last time I did this Great Smoky Mountains itinerary, I flew into Knoxville and drove through the park, to Asheville, and back.

On the North Carolina side, Asheville Regional Airport is about 60 miles from Cherokee, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, and the southern entrance to the park.

Read Next: U.S. National Parks Bucket List by State

How many days do you need in the Smoky Mountains?

You could spend anywhere from a day in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park passing through on a road trip, to a week or more for a relaxed stay at a cabin or an extended hiking adventure.

I recommend a minimum of a 2-day itinerary in the Smoky Mountains to drive Newfound Gap Road through the park and visit Cades Cove. With 3 days in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you should have time for a couple of hikes to spots like Grotto Falls, Rainbow Falls or Alum Cave Bluffs. With a 4 day Smoky Mountain itinerary , you can spend a full day on a longer hike or explore the attractions around Gatlinburg or Cherokee. A 5-day itinerary in Great Smoky Mountains should be enough time to hike all the trails on the list above or spend some time relaxing in a cabin outside the park.

What should you not miss in the Great Smoky Mountains?

There are so many things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains, with over 800 miles of trails in the national park and some 40 waterfalls you can see along the streams and rivers. On your first visit, you should not miss the Cades Cove scenic drive, a waterfall hike (Laurel Falls, Grotto Falls, Rainbow Falls and Abram Falls are the most popular), a drive along Newfound Gap Road to see the mountain lookouts, and a walk up to the Clingmans Dome observation tower. This Great Smoky Mountains itinerary includes the most popular things to do on your first trip.

What is the best month to visit the Smoky Mountains?

The best month to visit the Smoky Mountains will depend on your goals and activities for the trip. Do you want to visit in spring for the gushing waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Autumn for the colorful leaves? Summer for warm temps on mountain hikes?

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, summer when schools are out and October for fall foliage tends to be the busiest times in the park, plus weekends and holidays throughout spring, summer and fall. Great Smoky Mountains National Park has over 14 million visitors per year, though, so it’s hard to completely avoid people unless you visit in a chilly month like January or February .

This Great Smoky Mountains itinerary is perfect for spring, summer and fall.

Spring in the Smoky Mountains

In spring, the weather changes from snowy and grey in March to daytime temps in the 70s and 80s later in the season. The trees are usually still bare throughout April, but the park won’t be as crowded yet if you avoid the weekend.

Summer in the Great Smoky Mountain

In summer, the lower elevations can hit the 90s and humidity is high, though up in the mountains, it’s much cooler. Mount Le Conte rarely reaches temperatures in the 80s. Rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon are also common is the summer, and visitation peaks from June through August.

Fall in the Smoky Mountains

Fall drops from average highs in the 80s at lower elevations in September to the 60s in November. The leaves can start changing at higher elevations in mid-September, but the lower spots don’t typically peak until sometime between mid-October and early November.

Winter in the Great Smoky Mountains

Winter conditions can vary from tepid in the Gatlinburg area to subzero and snowy in the mountains. The average highs in the lower elevations through winter are in the low 50s, with lows below freezing. In the high elevations, average highs are just above freezing and lows are around 20. January and February see an average monthly snowfall of around 20 inches. Icy conditions will cause some park amenities and roads to close, including the route up to Clingmans Dome, which typically closes for the season by late November. Nevertheless, winter can be a great time to visit to avoid crowds!

Tickets and Passes for Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains is one of just a few national parks with no entrance fee. You do have to pay for things like camping reservations and backcountry permits, but there is no charge to enter the park. A proposed parking fee is being considered for 2023 and beyond.

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Smoky Mountain Trip Planner: One Week Itinerary

Many visitors are puzzled by what to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Most of the park is wild, and hiking trails rather than roads lead into every holler, corner, and cove. You can get the ultimate Smoky Mountain Trip Planner by ordering a copy of my travel guide: Moon Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

In the meantime, here’s an idea on how to spend a week here, and to spend it well.

Newfound Gap Road

Base yourself in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where you’ll have all manner of accommodation options and tempting entertainments easily at hand. Begin your exploration of Smoky at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, a mere two miles from Gatlinburg at the northern end of Newfound Gap Road.

Drive Newfound Gap Road south through the park. Hit the trail to Alum Cave Bluffs , a steep and strenuous five-mile hike that rewards you with a view many visitors never see.

As you come to the crest of the mountains on Newfound Gap Road, take the time to visit Clingmans Dome, the highest peak in the park. From the viewing platform at the top (an easy walk), you’ll have an unparalleled view of the surrounding country. There’s a lovely hike to Andrews Bald nearby, a moderate 3.5-hour trek to a high mountain meadow that’s often ablaze with wildflowers.

Newfound Gap Road ends at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee, North Carolina. Stop here to peruse the historic structures at the Mountain Farm Museum before returning to Gatlinburg for dinner with a show at the Dixie Stampede, a sort of Southern feast combined with a live-action play with horses, gunfire, and all sorts of excitement. Afterward, hit Sugarlands Distilling for a little moonshine to calm your nerves.

Roaring Fork

In the morning, have breakfast at the Pancake Pantry, and then head for the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail for today’s hike. Depending on how adventurous you feel, this can be a half-day exploration of a waterfall or two, or a strenuous 14-mile trek to Mount LeConte and back.

Either way, start off by hiking to Rainbow Falls, an 80-foot waterfall on LeConte Creek. For a short hike, turn around and hoof it back to the trailhead. To reach the summit of Mount LeConte, continue on the trail but be ready for a long, hard day of it. Baskins Falls is a smaller waterfall—only 30 feet—but few people make the tough hike in to see it, so it’s a bit of a hidden gem.

Since you’ve earned your supper, go for some traditional, stick-to-your-ribs country cooking at Mama’s Farmhouse in Pigeon Forge.

Head east to Cosby for a night of camping at Cosby Campground, where you’ll have your choice of beautiful day hikes. Hen Wallow Falls and Albright Grove offer easy, wildflower-filled hikes. The trip to the stone fire tower at the top of Mount Cammerer is a long, tough day on the trail, but well worth it. If you’ve brought your fishing gear (and license), catch dinner in Cosby Creek.

Cataloochee

In the morning, break camp and head north on Highway 32 for breakfast in Cosby at Janice’s Diner. From Cosby, follow Foothills Parkway east to I-40 and take the scenic route south to Mount Sterling Road, a drive of about an hour. Along Mount Sterling Road, roll down the windows, relax, and breathe deep—you’re almost at one of the most secluded areas of the park.

In Cataloochee, register at the campground (reserve a site in advance), set up your tent, and enjoy a picnic lunch before lacing up your boots and heading into the valley. Look for elk in the field across from Caldwell Place, or hike to Palmer Chapel, Little Cataloochee Church, or the Woody House. Anglers can wet a line in one of the nearby creeks and try to catch dinner.

Sunset signals time for chow and stargazing—there’s so little light pollution that the celestial show is breathtaking. Sit back and enjoy.

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Today, we head west to Cades Cove, a mountain community that was one of the first places settled on the western side of the Smokies. The 11-mile Cades Cove Loop leads through the former settlement and a collection of homes and structures. Take a moderate hike to Abrams Falls, a 20-foot waterfall or follow the Rich Mountain Loop (it’s a big day hike). A scenic drive north along Rich Mountain Road winds over the mountains to Townsend, where you can easily circle your way back to Cades Cove. Pitch a tent in Cades Cove Campground (reserve in advance) for the night. Be sure to take a walk and admire the stars.

Fontana Lake and Deep Creek

The next day, follow Parsons Branch Road south out of Cades Cove to its junction with Highway 129. You’ll skirt the southern edge of the park heading east, crossing the border into North Carolina at Deals Gap.

After Deals Gap, follow Highway 28 east along Cheoah Lake and past Twentymile to Fontana Village. To stretch your legs, turn north toward Fontana Dam, at the western end of Fontana Lake, and the trailhead for Shuckstack Mountain, a strenuous hike along the Appalachian Trail.

Or stay on Highway 28 east all the way to Bryson City. Stop for lunch at the Cork & Bean Bistro before turning north for your overnight at the Deep Creek Campground. For a short hike, follow the trail to Juney Whank Falls, or head to The Road to Nowhere, an abandoned highway project that terminates with a tunnel through the mountain and hike alongside Fontana Lake.

After a long day, relax at the campground in Deep Creek, which offers a relaxing treat: tubing. Wash away the sweat and trail dust with a float trip and some splashing in the creek.

Cherokee, NC

For your final day, head to Cherokee, the ancestral heart of the Cherokee Indians and home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The drive from Deep Creek is a short one, so you’ll have a full day to explore. Start by visiting the Museum of the Cherokee Indian where you’ll learn the Cherokee creation story, hear songs and legends, and discover the heartache of the Trail of Tears. Across the street at the Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual browse the traditional arts and crafts made by Cherokee artisans and craftspeople, then head up the hill to the Oconaluftee Indian Village to see how the tribe lived in the 1700 and 1800s.

Grab a belly-busting country buffet lunch at Granny’s Kitchen, then drive to Soco Falls for a short hike to stunning twin waterfalls. In the evening, head to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino where you can entertain yourself by dropping $20 on table games or slots before dining at one of the on-site restaurants. The casino has overnight accommodations or you can spend a quiet night at Panther Creek Cabins.

In the morning, it’s a 1.5-hour drive to the airport in Asheville and the flight home.

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Moon Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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How to Spend Three Days in the Great Smoky Mountains

Nestled in a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains, one of only three major mountain ranges in the United States, lies Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

The Cherokee Nation, the original inhabitants of the land, referred to it as the, “Place of blue smoke” and for good reason! The park actually gets its blue haze from the moisture of its waterfalls and rivers interacting with the dense vegetation.

While you may think of parks like Yosemite , Yellowstone , or Zion when you think of national parks, Great Smoky Mountains is actually the most visited national park in the US! This may be due to the park’s lack of entrance fee. Head into the Great Smokies without paying a dime!

Unlike parks such as Yosemite, Great Smoky Mountains has a split “peak season.” Highest visitation rates for the park are mid-June to mid-August as well as the entire month of October. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, you may have a larger offseason in which to do so than many other parks.

If you’re looking to find solitude while visiting the Great Smokies, the same rules apply as with all other popular parks. Assuming you’re able to, planning a trip during the off-season is your best bet. With the split peak season in this park, September could be a great time to plan a visit! If you only have time during the summer, don’t fret! You can still start your days early and plan ahead to avoid headaches of long lines and short staffs.

Before Entering the Park

Great Smoky Mountains is open year-round, 24 hours a day (weather permitting). Major roads stay open year-round, however secondary roads close seasonally once fall hits and open back up in the spring. Make sure you check the park’s website for the most up to date information if visiting during the winter!

Major roads close intermittently as, even though the park straddles Tennessee and North Carolina, the higher elevations do get snow throughout the winter months. While lower elevations get a few dustings a year, higher elevations may see as much as five feet annually. 

Be especially aware if travelling via US-441, also known as Newfound Gap Road, as that tends to close a double-digit number of times throughout the colder months. During the peak of the summer, there is no daytime lane closures, so you can trade crowds for lack of road delays if you’re an extrovert who hates traffic. Closures are ever-changing, so always check with the park’s website for new announcements.

Day One in the Park

Usually, your first day is going to be the most flexible depending on what time you enter the park. If you enter later in the day, you can cut out some of the hikes and just pick the ones that sounds most interesting. Of course, starting in the morning will allow you to experience the full itinerary and take your time while doing it!

Day one is based around the Cades Cove area of Great Smoky Mountains, an idyllic section of the park with interesting historical finds and fun, approachable hikes! This is most convenient if you’re entering from the Townsend, TN entrance . You can also go through the Sugarland entrance, near Gatlinburg , which is the most popular (and crowded) option into the park.

You can of course mix and match the days to your liking, especially if you don’t plan to enter from the north side of the park.

Stop 1: Pine Oak Nature Trail

Length: 0.8 miles Elevation Gain: 203 feet Type: Loop Difficulty: Easy Estimated Time to Complete: 30 minutes

If you’re coming in from the Townsend entrance, this will be easy to find. Follow State Route 73 will take you into the park and become the Townsend Entrance Road. Follow that until the road forks and turn right onto the Laurel Creek Road. From there, just follow the road until you see the Cades Cove Campground area (a conveniently located place to spend the night if you plan to bring out the tents). You’ll find a number of parking lots in the area and will be located near a number of great hikes!

Turn left onto the Cades Cove Campground Entrance Road and take that towards the trail head. You should see a couple of parking areas near the ranger station. Once you’re situated, the Pine Oak Nature Trail is a great way to stretch your legs and start seeing the park!

Stop 2: John Oliver Cabin

Length: 0.5 miles Elevation Gain: 39 feet Type: Loop Difficulty: Easy Estimated Time to Complete: 15 minutes

If you’re thinking the late-night TV host from across the pond lived in this cabin, I have some bad news for you. This historical cabin dates back to the 1820s and is an easy half mile loop trail. Parking is conveniently located at the trailhead and there are informational signs by the cabin if you’re interested in learning about a part of the park’s history!

Stop 3: Elijah Oliver Place Trail

Length: 1.2 miles Elevation Gain: 98 feet Type: Out and Back Difficulty: Easy Estimated Time to Complete: 30 minutes

The great thing about Cades Cove is if you follow the Cades Cove Loop Road, you can find some great hikes all in a row and end up back where you started! Convenient whether you’re camping at Cades Cove or heading out of the park to stay in one of the surrounding cities.

Third up is the Elijah Oliver Place Trail. A quick jaunt to some more cabins with a small river crossing, this is an approachable hike for all skill levels. While it isn’t incredibly likely you’ll see bears on this hike, Elijah Oliver Place does get reports of bear activity, so just be aware and you’ll be set! There’s a bit of a decline just over half a mile into the trail as you start your return trip, but other than that it’s flat and easy.

Parking is right next to the trailhead in a pull-off, with the trailhead at the far end of the parking area.

Stop 4: Abrams Falls Trail

Length: 5.5 miles Elevation Gain: 629 feet Type: Out and Back Difficulty: Moderate Estimated Time to Complete: 2.5 hours

Possibly the best hike in Cades Cove, Abrams Falls Trail is an out and back that greets you with a waterfall and an opportunity for a swim! Bring a towel and some flip flops if you want to get into the water (and you definitely do)! While you can hike the trail in around two and a half hours, you’ll definitely want to budget some time to enjoy the waterfalls!

The tenth of a mile or so leading to the falls is a fairly steep downhill and the trek back out, therefore is a decently steep uphill. There are a couple of steep spots early in the trail (and those, of course, become steep descents on the way back), but all of the ups and downs are entirely manageable and shouldn’t put you off! 

While this is definitely the most strenuous trail you’ll see on day 1, it is by far the most rewarding as well! Luckily, parking is right by the trailhead after turning onto Abrams Falls Road.

Day Two in the Great Smoky Mountains

Day 2 starts with a drive from Cades Cove to Elkmont. If you decided to camp (and Great Smoky Mountains is a great place to camp), it’ll take you about 45 minutes to get there. If you opted to stay in town, plan accordingly as you’ll need to re-enter the park, most likely through the popular Sugarland entrance. 

Elkmont is a former logging community and, you guessed it, former home to many elk. Elkmont is one of the most popular parts of the park and for good reason! It holds the busiest and largest campground area in the entire park with 200 sites available for tents and RVs.

Stop 1: Walker Sisters Home via Little Brier Gap Trail

Length: 4 miles Elevation Gain: 465 feet Type: Out and Back  Difficulty: Easy Estimated Time to Complete: 1.5 hours

If coming from Cades Cove, you’ll take Laurel Creek Road back the way you come until it becomes Little River Gorge Road after you pass the fork for the Townsend Entrance Road. Your first stop on day 2 isn’t actually in Elkmont itself, but about halfway between Cades Cove and your destination. 

The Walker Sisters Home hike is an easy and pleasant one and will break up the drive if you’ve got impatient passengers! If you start early, you may only have a few other hikers with you. This trail is semi-popular but going early will avoid most other hikers. As may be suggested by the name, you’ll get to experience more of the park’s history with the home and schoolhouse buildings on this trail.

Make sure you look for the Wear Cove Gap Road to turn onto, then turn onto the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area Road S. You’ll park in the picnic area and then cross the bridge to get to the trailhead.

Stop 2: Elkmont Nature Trail

Length: 0.8 miles Elevation Gain: 95 feet Type: Loop Difficulty: Easy Estimated Time to Complete: 30 minutes

If you’re looking for a convenient trail to explore the Elkmont area (or didn’t feel like stopping along the way) then the Elkmont Nature Trail is for you. A simple trail, accessible for all levels of hiking prowess, it’s a great way to start your time at Elkmont.

Since you’re in the campground area, you’ll have plenty of parking options, although there is parking right by the trailhead for the Elkmont Nature Trail.

Stop 3: Huskey Branch Falls Trail (or Cucumber Gap and Little River Loop Trail)

Length: 4.7 miles Elevation Gain: 383 feet Type: Out and Back Difficulty: Moderate Estimated Time to Complete: 2 hours and 15 minutes

Just down the Little River Road is Huskey Branch Falls. While not the largest falls by any means, this trek is a relaxing one that is definitely worth your time. 

If you get to the turnaround point and feel that you could go a bit further, you can take a sharp turn to your right and follow the Cucumber Gap Trail , adding on roughly three quarters of a mile, but taking about the same amount of time that doing the out and back would, turning the trail into a loop and making it the Cucumber Gap Trail and Little River Loop Trail .

Stop 4: Jakes Creek Trail to Avent Cabin

Length: 2.7 miles Elevation Gain: 482 feet Type: Out and Back Difficulty: Easy Estimated Time to Complete: 1.5 hours

If you have some extra time and energy to spare, the Jakes Creek Trail is a great way to cap off day 2. While it takes an hour and a half or so, being that it’s an out and back, you can always cut it a bit short. However, if you make it to the Avent Cabin, you get an opportunity to put your name in the guest book located in the kitchen! You’ll also be rewarded with some of the Great Smokies’ best forest to walk through!

Day Three in the Great Smoky Mountains

If you only have three days to spend in the Great Smokies, the best way to end your trip is by going to Smokemont . With lots of amenities, Smokemont is a great place to use as a base for your last day. 

If you’re leaving from Elkmont, take Elkmont Road out of the campground area and make a right onto Fighting Creek Gap Road to head towards Smokemont. Follow this road until you pas the Sugarland Visitors Center and come to a T intersection. Turn right onto US-441 (Newfound Gap Road) and follow that until you reach Smokemont.

Stop 1: Laurel Falls Trail

Length: 2.4 miles Elevation Gain: 396 feet Type: Out and Back Difficulty: Easy Estimated Time to Complete: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Like yesterday, the first stop is actually before you get to the focus of the day. This one isn’t too far beyond the Elkmont campground, but conveniently located on the way to Smokemont. At just under two and a half miles, it’s a great way to stretch your legs early in the morning. If you don’t have a full day to spend, you can omit this trail and head straight for Smokemont. 

If you have the time, this out and back is a gradual uphill and gradual downhill, which should be doable for all hikers. With parking on both sides of the road near the trailhead, you shouldn’t have problems finding a spot, especially if you leave early.

Stop 2: Kephart Shelter via Kephart Prong Trail

Length: 3.9 miles Elevation Gain: 833 feet Type: Out and Back Difficulty: Easy Estimated Time to Complete: 2 hours

Just outside of Smokemont itself is the Kephart Shelter hike. At just under four miles, this hike is good for most all hikers, even those with kids. With a creek beside you throughout, this trail is a lot of fun to explore and promises some great early morning hiking. It is a quite popular trail, so you may want to pick this or the Laurel Falls Trail if you’re short on time. As with many other Great Smoky Mountains trails, this one has parking on both sides of the trailhead.

Stop 3: Smokemont Self-Guided Nature Trail

Length: 0.6 miles Elevation Gain: 157 feet Type: Loop Difficulty: Easy Estimated Time to Complete: 20 minutes

A fun way to start out your Smokemont area hikes, especially if you have kids in tow, this short loop is easy and starts and ends by the Bradley Fork River. Expect to have shade and lots of greenery throughout.

Stop 4: Smokemont Loop Trail

Length: 5.9 miles Elevation Gain: 1,407 feet Type: Loop Difficulty: Moderate Estimated Time to Complete: 3.5 hours

If the Self-Guided Nature Trail got you excited about Smokemont, this is just the trail for you! The first two miles are a fairly gradual uphill, however the next two are a gradual downhill and the last two are flat. If you take your time (and bring some snacks), this is the perfect way to cap your time in the Great Smokies.

Follow US-441 until you see a left turn for Smokemont Road to cross the Oconaluftee River. Make your first left and head up Smokemont Road until you come to the fork. Follow it to the right and head towards the Smokemont Camping Area for parking. You’ll pass a ranger station on your left heading into the camping area if you have any questions.

If you have a short day, you can edit this itinerary to suit your needs, but you can’t go wrong with any of these hikes.

Hopefully this itinerary has helped inspire your next trip to the US’s most visited national park! We can’t wait to hear all about it!

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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A Gorgeous 3-Day Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary

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Welcome to the number one most visited national park in America, the Great Smoky Mountains! And for good reason too. This national park is one of the best parks on the East Coast and is home to incredible waterfalls, scenic mountain views, diverse wildlife, stellar hiking trails, and Native American and pioneer history.

With this Great Smoky Mountains itinerary, you’ll not only hit the highlights, but also visit some hidden gems. Plus, I’ll be covering where to stay, how long you need to visit, and tips to make your Smoky Mountain trip the best!

Great Smokies Overview

🛎️ Accommodation:

• Knoxville — The Graduate ($150+ per night)
• Pigeon Forge — Music Road Resort ($115+ per night)
• Gatlinburg — Howard Johnson ($45+ per night)

🥾 Must do hike: Clingman’s Dome for 360-degree views

🐻 Don’t forget to pack: Bear Spray (only if driving)

The Best Time to Visit the Smokies

Fall is hands down the best time to visit the Smoky Mountains for the most scenic views. The leaves change colors spectacularly and the temperatures are nice and cool for optimal hiking conditions. It’s truly one of the best places to visit in fall in the US !

However, autumn brings the most crowds and naturally, accommodation is more expensive and can book up quickly.

That said, if you’d rather opt for a less crowded time, spring is lovely . Plus, flowers start to bloom creating a beautiful scene.

Summer can get crowded as well, since kids are off school. Winter can be an adventurous time to visit, especially if the mountains get fresh snow. But, check for road closures, as some areas are not accessible in the winter.

Overall, fall is best for views, spring is best for fewer crowds.

How long do you need to visit the Smoky Mountains?

You’ll want 3 days in the Smoky Mountains to see the most. I recommend maximizing your PTO to extend a weekend by one day or visiting on a holiday weekend if you don’t mind battling the crowds.

You can still do a lot in just 2 days, especially for my non-hikers ( hi, it’s me…I’m the problem it’s me ).

Where should you stay when visiting the Great Smoky Mountains?

The closest big city is Knoxville, Tennessee . If you’re flying, you’ll likely fly into Knoxville into McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS).

The city is about an hour and a half from Great Smoky Mountain National Park, but accommodation may be cheaper there because it’s farther out. We’ve enjoyed the Graduate in Knoxville with a small town, college vibe with adorable rooms!

On that same note, Pigeon Forge is another bigger city (although smaller than Knoxville) just 25 minutes from the park so check for accommodation there as well. We’ve loved The Wayback Hotel in Pigeon Forge , a retro themed hotel best for adults. For families, Music Road Resort is in a great location to attractions nearby and has great reviews for only $115 a night.

To be closest to the park, check out Gatlinburg . This is a tourist mountain town with whacky attractions, shops, and plenty to do for adults (not just families) that will keep you entertained anytime you’re not in the park. However, it can get crowded since it is closest to the Smokies.

Depending on the season, you’ll find hotels like the Howard Johnson for only $45 a night.

I also highly recommend camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are several campgrounds that you can reserve up to 6 months in advance. Note that they are not all open year round because of winter closures, so check Recreation.gov for the most up-to-date calendars.

We absolutely loved the Elkmont Campground because of it’s proximity to a river (who doesn’t love the sound of water?).

Note that there are very specific rules regarding firewood and you’ll likely need to bring cash to purchase their pre-treated wood.

Related read → Camping tips for beginners

New in 2023: Parking Tags

One of the reasons Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park is because it has no entrance fee. Yepp, the $30 national park entrance fee is not in effect here. Huzzah!

However, new in 2023, you now need a parking tag for your car if parking longer than 15 minutes.

For all vehicle types and sizes, the available parking permits are as follows:

• $5 – daily tag
• $15 – weekly tag
• $40 – annual tag

You can purchase your tag at any Welcome Center or Visitor Center, plus there are a couple automated machines found in the park. Given those can be trickier to find, I’d definitely stop by the first Visitor/Welcome Center you see. On this itinerary it will be the Sugarlands Visitor Center, or if you’re traveling from South to North, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

One final note, the parking tags are license plate specific so have yours handy when you go to pay. If you have a rental car, I like to take a quick picture on my phone of the license plate so I have it whenever I need it.

Map of this Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary

To start your itinerary, today you’ll be enjoying the northwest end of the park.

Sugarlands Visitor Center

Visit Sugarlands Visitor Center to pick up a free park map. Cell service is dodgy in the park, so a map is very helpful!

They’re printed on the back of seasonal newspapers so if you can’t find them, just look for stacks of newspapers. If you still can’t spot them, just ask them at the counter.

You’ll also see some specialized maps for specific things to see in the park like waterfalls, hikes, birdwatching, or historic structures. For a dollar or two, you can purchase one. These are helpful if you want to focus on one aspect in particular, but they’re not necessary.

Inside the visitor center, learn about local plant and wildlife with their indoor exhibits. Be sure to stop by the restrooms before you go farther on this itinerary.

Laurel Falls

To start exploring the park, I recommend visiting Laurel Falls first thing in the morning after you grab a map and make a bathroom stop. Laurel Falls is located west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center.

Parking is limited and since it can get quite crowded as the day goes on, it’s best to hit this spot first.

The trail itself is paved and is a 2.5-mile out-and-back trail with a 400-ft elevation gain. It’s an easy enough trail ( if this girl with asthma can do it, I promise it’s okay ). It takes about an hour and 15 minutes to complete.

The waterfall itself is gorgeous and multi-tiered. There is a bridge so you can walk over it and stairs to descend closer to its base. Be careful if climbing the rocks off the path as they can be slippery and muddy.

You’ll also be able to see the surrounding mountains from the trail once you get a bit higher, out of the forest area.

Meigs Falls

Once you have your waterfall fill ( impossible, I know ), make your way toward Cades Cove via Little River Road. Along this road, you’ll want to pull over at Meigs Falls. You can see this one from the road so it’s a great spot for low effort, high reward.

Continue on Laurel Creed Road to Cades Cove Loop Road, which must be driven in a counter-clockwise direction. There will be signs directing you, so don’t sweat it!

Cades Cove is a picturesque valley with lots of places to stop, specifically for historic structures and wildlife. You can walk to John Oliver Cabin, Elijah Oliver Place, Cable Mill, and the Primitive Baptist Church, among other spots along the loop.

There are also horses, turkey, and occasionally bears that roam this area. Be safe and stay a safe distance away no matter what.

Cades Cove takes around 2-3 hours to drive, even though it’s only an 11-mile loop road. That is because the traffic is extremely slow, especially in the fall and summer. It’s a single lane road so be prepared to stop and be in the car (with no escape) for a couple hours.

What we did and what I recommend, is to pack a lunch (like my favorite, cold cut sandwich makings). Then when you find a good pull-off spot, you can take a break for lunch surrounded by the beauty of Cades Cove.

Elkmont Ghost Town

The last thing on the itinerary for today is to check out Elkmont Ghost Town.

The area was originally settled in the 1840s and gained popularity in the early 1900s when a lumber company was formed. However, the national park was established in 1934 and by 1992 the residents’ leases expired and the town was abandoned.

Now the historic structures sit there for travelers to visit.

Elkmont Ghost Town is located near Elkmont Campground so follow the signs for the campground at first. When you see a sign for the Elkmont Nature Trail turn left and you’ll find the parking lot for the ghost town.

Get out and walk around the town to get a feel for these historic buildings. You can walk inside some of them to see the size of rooms and feel the old wood floors creak under you. In the fall, it makes for an especially spooky time!

Dinner in Gatlinburg

For dinner, I recommend exiting the park and picking a spot in Gatlinburg. Big Daddy’s Pizzeria has great wood-fired pizza or try Delauder’s BBQ for a budget-friendly barbeque spot!

Good morning! Start your day with coffee at Gatlinburg Grind or if you’re like me and prefer a full breakfast, Crockett’s Breakfast Camp is a yummy option in Gatlinburg.

Alum Cave Bluffs

Make your way into the park to Alum Cave Bluffs trail. This is another one of the most popular things to do in the Smokies so by visiting first thing in the morning, you’ll get prime parking and avoid the crowds.

The trail itself can be hiked in different lengths depending on what you want to see. The most popular (and my recommended hike) is the 2.3-miles to Alum Cave Bluffs. However, you can continue on for 8.7-miles to Mount Le Conte for incredible views.

On the Alum Cave Bluffs trail (the shorter one), you’ll see log bridges, a narrow tunnel, and a “cave” with mountains surrounding you. I put cave in quotes because it’s not really a cave, but more like a rocky overhang that makes you feel like you’re in a cave.

After this hike, if you’re hungry for lunch, I vote lunch break! Again, it’s easiest to pack a lunch so you don’t have to drive in and out of the park a bunch of times.

Clingman’s Dome

Next on the itinerary is Clingman’s Dome. This is the highest point in the Great Smokies and features a manmade observation tower with 360° mountain views. Depending on air quality, you can see up to 100 miles in all directions.

The trail to Clingman’s Dome is paved and only 0.5-miles, however, it is extremely steep. No, seriously…this is the trail that made me think that I had asthma. So even though it’s short in length, bring ample water and take breaks as you need them.

A fun part of this trail is that the Appalachian Trail (AT) crosses the trail to Clingman’s Dome, so if you’ve never hiked the AT, you can step foot on it during this hike.

Chimney Tops Trail

The final to-do for today is the Chimney Tops Trail. It’s one of the most popular hikes. It gains 1400-feet in elevation in 2-miles so it’s not for the faint of heart. But, you will be rewarded with some amazing views of not only the mountains but the “chimney tops” rock pinnacles themselves!

For dinner, if you aren’t camping, again I recommend picking a spot in Gatlinburg. Alternatively, drive a little farther to Pigeon Forge, which has endless options and entertainment.

More Things to Do in the Park

For your final day at the Smokies, there are a few things you can do:

• Hike to Charles Bunion via the Appalachian Trail (4 miles one way) – Charles Bunion is a stone outcrop with sweeping mountain views
• Visit Rainbow Falls (5.4-miles roundtrip) – On sunny afternoons, a rainbow is formed in the mist of this 80-foot waterfall
• Take a driving tour – Drive the length of the park and back to be sure you see it from all angles.
• Make use of the specialty maps to do something tailored to you ! Looking for waterfalls, hikes, history? Those maps will guide you best!

Explore Gatlinburg to the fullest

Alternatively, Gatlinburg has plenty to do so you can easily spend a day or at least an afternoon exploring the town.

One popular spot is Skylift Park, which has the longest pedestrian cable bridge called SkyBridge and a ski lift (called the SkyLift) that you can ride for more scenic views!

Prices for Skylift Park vary seasonally ranging from $35-$50 per person with no student tickets, unfortunately.

Gatlinburg also has some really cute shops to explore. I loved Byrd’s Cookie Company, who makes mini (crunchy) cookies of lots of interesting flavors like toasted pumpkin, rocky road, and cupcake. You can taste before you buy so check them out!

There are also a few museums like Ripley’s Odditorium Museum, Hollywood Star Cars Museum, and even a Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum.

Tips for Visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Here are some tips that will make your trip the Great Smoky Mountains safe, comfy, and just better!

Get gas before entering the park

There are no gas stations inside the park so don’t drive in even close to empty. It’s best (and safest) to start your day with a full tank of gas.

Bring sufficient water and snacks

As with any outdoor adventure, you want to come prepared in the food and water department. Since you’ll have a car, invest in a cooler to hold cold drinks and food. The nearest grocery store is in Pigeon Forge (called Kroger), where you can purchase everything including the cooler and ice.

For hiking snacks, salty foods are helpful in replenishing the salt your body loses when sweating!

And don’t forget drinks with electrolytes like Gatorade.

Be prepared with bear spray

Wildlife is beautiful, but can also be scary so come prepared for the worst. If you are driving in, you can purchase some on Amazon ahead of time.

Unfortunately, you cannot bring bear spray in your checked or carry-on luggage as it typically exceeds the volume limits. If you’re flying in, I recommend stopping at Nantahala Outdoor Center to check for bear spray there. If they don’t have it, hopefully they can recommend where to get it locally.

What to pack for the Smokies

Here are some essentials that you don’t want to forget for your trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

• Bear spray (see above for the best way to go about this if flying in)
• Camelbak or a similar backpack with water bladder . Carrying your water on your back can make hiking easier.
• Cooler for cold drinks and food
• Small first aid kit ( this one can clip onto your backpack)
• Hiking boots
• Biodegradable soap (helpful for washing hands, dishes, hair, etc.)

Check out these related reads:

• A music and BBQ filled Memphis, TN itinerary
• Tips for planning a hiking itinerary
• How to spend a weekend in Asheville, NC
• Fun and inexpensive things to do in Chattanooga, TN
• Travel guide to Johnson City, Tennessee
• Travel guide to Helen, GA
• How to plan a last minute trip
• Ways to spend the fall season in Georgia
• Adventures, history, and food activities in Knoxville, Tennessee
• Enjoy classic Tennessee in Clarksville

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My Travel Essentials

• Travel Insurance  – Going on an international trip? Don’t forget travel and medical insurance with SafetyWing .
• Travel Card  – If you’re new to travel hacking, fear not! My favorite card for beginners gives you $750 in rewards when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months, plus lounge access, 10x points on hotel bookings, and free TSA pre-check!
• Get Your Guide  – Check out Get Your Guide for a one-stop-shop for booking travel activities.
• Booking.com  – This is my favorite hotel search aggregator, specifically for reading reviews. On Booking.com , the reviews can be searched for keywords like WiFi, breakfast, pool, amenities, etc.! So helpful!
• Anti-pickpocket bag – Worried about having your valuables swiped? PacSafe makes the best travel bags with zippers and straps that lock and with mesh steel enforced fabric.
• Give the Gift of Travel  – This is the perfect gift for travelers in your life! Tinggly allows you to gift experiences around the world, perfect for birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries.
• Staycation Idea  – Check out Resort Pass , which gives you day passes to resorts so you can use their pool, spa, and fitness center, a great staycation idea!

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Alanna Koritzke

Recent PhD graduate and hyper-planner of Periodic Adventures, my goal is to share travel inspiration, budget tips, detailed guides, and fun travel stories!

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Pingback: the best waterfalls in tennesse: a magical tennesse waterfall road trip itinerary - the homebody tourist.

Excellent guide Alanna! I’ve visited the Smoky Mountains but didn’t get to everything on your list; I’d love to go back. Great photos!

Thanks Nikki! There’s really so much to explore in the Smokies!

And they are right in my “backyard”!! It’s funny how little time we’ve spent here based on proximity, living in NC. Thanks for the reminder and suggested itinerary!

It’s definitely so easy to forget about local destinations, but I’m happy to be your reminder 😉

I was so bummed out that you are not allowed to bring your dog to hike at Great Smokey NP. I know we could drive through BUT …

That is a bummer! Luckily it can be driven in a day if you did just want to see it!

I love the Smokies! ANd 3 days is a perfect amount of time. The Alum Cave hike is so fun, definitely recommend!

Glad you agree Maggie! Thanks for reading!

Oooh I KNOW I would love to camp and go hiking in the Smoky Mountains. This looks right up my street. I quite like the idea of visiting in the autumn, but I would also be keen to see it in the sprigtime when the trees are bright green and those waterfalls would be gushing! Great post <3

Autumn and spring really are the best times, so you can’t go wrong!

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Hi, I am interested in doing your Smokey Mountain 3 day itinerary. Is there a way to print it out?

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Ultimate Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary Ideas

Looking for an awesome Great Smoky Mountains itinerary to make the most of this beautiful park?

Find great recommendations to plan your Smoky Mountains road trip and plan your vacation using this article.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina is one of America’s most popular national parks.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to some of the most breath-taking views in America . 

The stunning natural beauty of these mountains are enough reason for anyone to visit them at least once in their lifetime. 

From hikes to horseback riding to ziplining through the trees, there’s so much to see and do in this stunning place.

Here is an ultimate guide to planning a trip to one of the country’s most visited national parks.

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How to reach the Smokies

So exactly where is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

The Great Smoky Mountains can be found in the American states of North Carolina and Tennessee. 

The Great Smoky Mountains actually form a border between the two states, so it’s easy to access from either direction.

The park has two main entrances which are used by over 90% of visitors.

The southern national park entrance – Oconaluftee entrance –  is on Newfound Gap Road, which you can reach via Bryson City or Cherokee, North Carolina.

If you are traveling from either Atlanta or Asheville or anywhere else from the east coast, you will use this entrance.

The northern entrance is the Sugarlands entrance.

This entrance is close to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Knoxville.

If you are planning a road trip from the Midwest or Southwest USA, then the Sugarlands entrance is the most convenient one.

Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary

Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or just looking to spend time outdoors with friends and family, this park has it all!

Here is an amazing Great Smoky Mountains National Park itinerary to make the most of your visit.

In this itinerary, we consider Gatlinburg as the base to exploring the park and the Sugarlands entrance as the main entrance.

Below, you will also find ideas to customize the Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary for those coming via North Carolina entrance.

You can also find ideas to extend your trip and explore the area’s hidden gems such as Tail of the Dragon and Shadow of the Bear.

Here’s how to plan a Smoky Mountains itinerary using our travel guide to the park.

Day 1 of Smoky Mountains Itinerary – Sugarland Visitor Center and Cades Cove

Start your day in the Smokies by visiting the Sugarlands Visitor Center.

Sugarlands Visitor Center is located about 15 mins and 4 miles away from downtown Gatlinburg.

Then enjoy the historic buildings and attractions in Cades Cove.

Hike the famous waterfalls in the Smokies such as Laurel Falls or Abrams Falls and spot the iconic black bears.

Sugarlands Visitor Center

Stop at the visitor center to pick up park maps, talk with rangers about trail conditions, wildlife sightings, and fill up on water.

The visitor center also has great exhibits about the park and is an excellent place to begin your trip.

After seeing the Visitor Center, drive along Fighting Creek Gap Road and Little River Gorge Road to Cades Cove.

Along the way, you will see many trailheads and overlooks.

Laurel Falls Trail

Laurel Falls is a breathtaking waterfall that plunges 80 feet into a large pool.

The trail descends, crosses the Laurel creek, and meanders through a forest before reaching the falls. 

This hike is located along Little River Road in the southern section of Cades Cove.

The roundtrip trail is 2.6 miles, of moderate difficulty, and takes about 2 hours to complete.

Most kids can complete this hike with help, making it great for families.

The Sinks Waterfall

The Sinks Waterfall is a pretty waterfall with multiple drops located right along the Little River Road. 

A small parking area is located near the waterfall.

For beginners and kids, this waterfall is an excellent place to start because of its easy accessibility.

Picnic on Little River Gorge Road

Stop on Little River Gorge Road for a picnic lunch.

There are several grassy areas along the river banks where you can park the car and enjoy nature.

After eating your meal, take a stroll along the riverbank and explore this beautiful place with family or friends. 

Meigs Fall is located right along the road and can be enjoyed from a small pullout.

You can see a small glimpse of this beautiful waterfall from the road.

This waterfall is not as wide as Laurel Falls but definitely still worth seeing during spring and summer.

It also looks beautiful when frozen in the winter.

We definitely recommend adding it to your Smoky Mountains itinerary because of easy accessibility.

On the Little River road, you can also see other waterfalls such as Cane Creek Twin Falls and White Oak flats Falls.

You can see the lesser known Townsend entrance before reaching Cades Cove.

Cades Cove Loop

The scenic Cades Cove Loop is a must on any Great Smoky Mountains itinerary.

Cades Cove is the most popular part of the park and the best place to see wildlife such as black bear, red foxes, deer, raccoon and many more.

Cades Cove Loop is located only 8 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center.

It passes through open fields, with a beautiful view of Mount Cammerer and the Balsam Mountains.

This 11 mile scenic route will allow you to see many historical sites and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Stop by several historical sites such as John Oliver Cabin and Cades Cove Baptist Church to learn more about early pioneer life in the area.

The loop road is open all year round and driving through it is absolutely free!

It does get crowded during peak season, so come early to avoid crowds.

The 11 mile scenic loop easily takes 2 to 3 hours to drive at an easy pace and stop to see the attractions.  

Keep aside the entire day if you are planning to hike the trails.

Abrams Fall

Head over to Abrams Falls from Cades Cove Loop to cool off on a hot summer day.

Abrams Falls is a beautiful 20 feet waterfall and one of the most popular in the park.

The falls cascade down into Abrams Creek and can be accessed via the 5 mile round trip Abrams Falls Trail.

If you can hike just one trail in the park, consider this.

Abrams Falls Trail is perfect to spot bears, wildflowers, and cascading waterfalls!

John P Cable Grist Mill

The John P cable Grist Mill and Visitor Center is a highlight of driving the Cades Cove Loop Road.

It is one of the few water-powered grist mills still in operation today.

The mill was built by John P Cable, one of the early pioneers to the area.

Visitors can see the working mill grind corn flour and also take a bag of freshly milled cornmeal home as a souvenir.

Day 2 – Clingman’s Dome and Newfound Gap Road

On this day in the Great Smoky Mountains, take US 441 or Newfound Gap Road to Clingmans Dome.

Hike a section of the Appalachian Trail near Newfound Gap.

Then take the steep trail to Clingmans Dome and admire sweeping views from the observation deck – a must on any Smoky Mountains itinerary.

See the elk at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

You can also see several wildlife species by driving US 441 including deer, bear, turkeys and elk.

Here are the attractions you can visit along the way on US 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains.

Chimneys Picnic Area

The Chimneys Picnic Area is an excellent place to let the kids run free and have a picnic lunch within the park.

It offers picnic tables, a playground and restrooms.

There are several hiking trails from here that lead you to adjacent mountain peaks or along adjacent streams.  

In spring, it’s also a great place for wildflowers.

Alum Cave Bluffs Trail

Alum Cave is a 4.4 mile hike (round trip) that takes visitors to a bluff which has stunning views of Mount Leconte and Anakeesta Ridge.

We love this hike for several reasons.

Along the way, you will be walking through old growth forest and a natural rock tunnel – Arch Rock.

At the end is the bluff known as Inspiration Point.

True to its name, it has awe inspiring views of the Smoky mountains year round.

Morton Overlook

It’s a short drive from the Chimneys Picnic Area to Morton Overlook.

From the overlook, you can enjoy one of the most iconic views of the Smoky Mountains.

The natural diversity at this spot makes it a favorite for photographers for fall foliage or for the stunning smoky blue photos at dawn and dusk.

This is also a popular place for spring pictures because of the beautiful mountain laurel in bloom.

From here, you can also see an abundance of wildlife such as black bear, wild turkey, and coyotes.

Newfound Gap and Appalachian Trail

Newfound Gap is where the Appalachian Trail intersects the park road.

The Appalachian Trail is a long distance hiking trail that passes through about 14 states from Georgia to Maine.

Many visitors enjoy exploring the section of the Appalachian Trail in the park by bike or on foot. 

This section is located at an elevation of 5605 feet above sea level and is fun to see.

Visitors can take the Appalachian Trail to see the Mount Cammerer lookout tower via the Low Gap Trail.

After Newfound Gap, take Clingmans Dome Road to the parking area and trailhead.

Clingmans Dome

Clingmans Dome is the highest peak in the park.

From the Clingmans Dome parking area, you can hike about 1 mile round-trip to Clingmans Dome observation tower.

The trail is short but steep and has elevation gain of over 330 feet.

The views from the top are stunning, especially during the fall.

After Clingmans Dome, you can continue along US 441 to the southern entrance or head back to Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Oconaluftee Visitor Center

Oconaluftee Visitor Center is the southern entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

Hike the nearby trails, look at exhibits in the Visitor Center, and see wildlife including the famous elk.

You will find many elk near the Oconaluftee River as well as in the Cataloochee area.

Among other species of animals, you can spot a wild turkey here.

Day 3 – Roaring Fork Nature Trail and Gatlinburg

On this day, spend time in downtown Gatlinburg. Take a stroll and enjoy boutique shopping in the mountain town.

Then go for a scenic drive along the Roaring Fork Nature Trail. This is a great attraction to avoid the crowds inside America’s most visited national park.

See wildlife, enjoy hiking trails, and have a picnic by a waterfall on the drive.

At night, enjoy an amazing dinner in the pretty restaurants and wineries on the Parkway, which is the Main Street of Gatlinburg.

Downtown Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a beautiful place to visit.

It has lush green mountains and creeks, as well as easy trails perfect for walking or jogging with the family.

Gatlinburg’s historic buildings provide an extra layer of culture and history that you won’t find in any other Tennessee city. 

Gatlinburg is home to some great attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium, The Guinness World Records Museum, and Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park.

Take a walk through downtown Gatlinburg, see the Gatlinburg Space Needle, buy souvenirs, and step inside one of the distilleries or wineries in the city.

The charming city also has excellent barbecue restaurants and looks pretty in the fall.

Roaring Fork Nature Trail

Roaring Fork Nature Trail has some of Gatlinburg’s best views, nature, and hiking trails.

There are also waterfalls, picnic areas, and a visitor center along the drive.

You can see historic log cabins built by pioneers, non working grist mills, and charming bridges on the road.

The scenic road, which meanders from Gatlinburg, Tennessee through the Great Smoky Mountains, is a great way to spend time outdoors.

The Roaring Fork Nature Trail offers something for everyone in your family–from an easy stroll along the river to challenging hike up into the mountains and waterfalls.

We definitely recommend adding the drive to your Great Smoky Mountains itinerary to enjoy the spectacular nature views.

Grotto Falls

One of the major attractions along the Roaring Fork Nature Trail is the Grotto Falls.

These stunning 25 feet tall falls are one of the top attractions in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The waterfall can be accessed via the 3 miles round trip Trillium Gap Trail along Roaring Fork Nature Trail near downtown Gatlinburg.

Day 4 of Smoky Itinerary – Cherokee / Fontana Lake

If you have more than 3 days in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, then you can explore much more than the average visitor.

Use this day to either explore Cherokee and Bryson City or explore the hidden attractions of the Smokies near Fontana Lake.

Cherokee, North Carolina is a beautiful small town nestled in the Appalachian Mountains within the Cherokee Nation.

The Cherokee region of North Carolina is an area rich in history and culture. 

Located near the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, this mountainous landscape offers outdoor enthusiasts a wide range of activities including biking, hiking, fishing and horseback riding. 

The Cherokee Indians inhabited this land before Europeans settled here in 1775 to create a town called Salisbury. 

Today you can visit the museum located on the site of their former village or take a guided walking tour through one of America’s oldest townships. 

For those looking for more adventurous pursuits, there are plenty of opportunities to explore caves and waterfalls nearby as well as kayaking.

Bryson City

Bryson City is a beautiful mountain town in North Carolina, situated close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

It’s also home to some of the most stunning waterfalls in the state. Nature lovers will love exploring and hiking with their family or friends!

The Bryson City Museum offers visitors an opportunity to experience life as it was lived by the Cherokee people for centuries. 

Bryson city’s rich heritage includes more than 300 log cabins and other structures from the late 1800s and early 1900s. 

Fontana Lake

Fontana Lake is one of the most scenic views in Western North Carolina.

It’s located about 30 minutes outside of Asheville and 10 miles north of Foothills Parkway.

The lake offers fishing, boating, hiking trails, picnic areas with grills, horseback riding, and camping.

Fontana Dam’s breathtaking views make for a great photo opportunity especially as the sun rises over nearby 12,000 foot tall peaks of Clingman’s Dome and Mount Mitchell. 

Visitors can also find boat tours on the water or take a guided tour around the scenic vistas of the area to get some breathtaking views from above!

Tail of the Dragon

Tail of the Dragon in North Carolina is a must-visit attraction for motorbike lovers.  

It is known as one of the top motorcycle roads in America!  

The Tail of the Dragon is a stretch of highway in North Carolina near Deals Gap that winds through 318 curves over 11 miles.

The road has been featured on many driving shows and channels, including Top Gear, MotorWeek and Road & Track. 

It’s one of America’s most famous roads for driving enthusiasts looking to test their skills against challenging turns and elevation changes. 

If you’re visiting this area, make sure to stop by the Tail of the Dragon for an adventure ride!

Smoky Mountains Railroad

A scenic train ride is a fun thing to do in the Great Smoky Mountains. 

The Smoky Mountains Railroad takes you along the beautiful landscape of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Cherokee Indian Reservation. 

The train will stop at several locations where visitors can get off the train and explore the area. 

Each of these stops offers a unique sightseeing experience with some having hiking trails, waterfalls or mountain views.

Cherohala Skyway

The Cherohala Skyway is a scenic drive through the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina. This drive takes you from Tellico Plains to Robbinsville.

This road winds through the Great Smoky Mountains, Cherokee National Forest and Nantahala National Forest – offering stunning views of mountain ridges, valleys and gorges along the way.

As you drive along the Cherohala Skyway, you will have opportunities to stop at historic sites and waterfalls as well as enjoy hiking trails.

This scenic road is definitely a must-do for anyone visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

Shadow of the Bear, Highlands

For a unique adventure in the Smokies, see the Shadow of the Bear in Highlands, North Carolina.

During autumn evenings the mountain side makes a unique bear shaped shadow that is a favorite with visitors and locals alike.

Day 5 – Attractions near the Great Smoky Mountains

Of all attractions near the Smoky Mountains, Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the most famous one.

But did you know the mountain ranges extend far beyond the national park area?

If you have more time to spend in the Great Smoky Mountains or are planning a long road trip through the area, then we have several recommendations for nearby tourist attractions from where you can enjoy equally stunning views of the mountains.

Families can enjoy a weekend in Pigeon Forge or Knoxville while couples can spend a romantic getaway in Asheville or Chattanooga.

Road trippers can explore fall colors and attractions such as Mile High Swinging Bridge along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Or city lovers can enjoy dining and nightlife in Nashville or Atlanta!

Definitely add a few of these area attractions to extend your Great Smoky Mountains itinerary to a week or 10 days.

Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is a town in Sevier County, Tennessee near the Great Smoky Mountains.

It’s just five miles from Gatlinburg and it offers attractions like Dollywood, Wonderworks and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.

This small tourist town makes a great stop while visiting the Smoky Mountains.

The city of Knoxville, Tennessee is an interesting place to visit with a lot of history.

It’s also a great get-away destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of their everyday life.

You’ll find plenty to do in this town, from hiking at one of its many nature preserves or spending some time at the amazing aquarium.

Plus, there are tons of great restaurants and shops that make it easy for you to enjoy your stay even more!

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic drive that leads you through the Appalachian Mountains.  

The Blue Ridge Parkway spans 469 miles, passing through Virginia and North Carolina from Shenandoah National Park to Cherokee in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

Along the route, there are many stops to enjoy breathtaking views of nature as well as historic houses and buildings.

The diverse landscape of the Blue Ridge Parkway ranges from forests to farmlands to mountainside cliffs, providing something for everyone who visits!

There’s even a few spots where you can stop by waterfalls or go fishing on a riverbank.

In the fall, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic road trips in America and a great way to extend your Smoky Mountains itinerary.

Asheville is a picturesque mountain town.

It’s easy to see why Asheville has been named one of the best places to visit in America by National Geographic and Thrillist.

As you travel through the city, you’ll notice that it feels like something out of a fairy tale.

The forest-lined streets, rustic buildings and amazing views are what make this place so special.

The mountains provide an ever-changing backdrop for your adventures, whether you’re looking for outdoor activities or just want some time indoors with friends.

The city is also great for foodies. You will find several restaurants, cafes, wineries, and breweries in the city.

Chattanooga

The city of Chattanooga is known for its beautiful downtown, rich history, and excellent food.

It’s also a great spot to live or visit!

There are amazing things to see and do down there – from enjoying a beautiful view from the Walnut Street Bridge to visiting the excellent aquarium in Downtown Chattanooga.

The city is built on a series of hills and levels overlooking the Tennessee river.  

There are several pedestrian walkways in place for people to enjoy stunning views from the hilltops.

The scenic Cherohala Skyway can easily take you from the Great Smoky Mountains to Chattanooga.

Atlanta is a city of Southern charm and culture. It’s a diverse city with something for everyone.

The charming Atlanta Botanical Garden has over 50 acres of beautiful gardens, trails, and greenhouses to explore. 

Families will love a trip to Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

The museum features various exhibits on wildlife and natural sciences as well as IMAX films in the planetarium.

For something fun, head to the World of Coca Cola.

From its interactive museums and parks to the foodie spot, you’ll be sure to have an amazing time in Atlanta!

Also Read: Atlanta to Smoky Mountains Road Trip

If you are planning a Tennessee road trip to see the Smokies, then don’t miss Nashville!

Nashville is a city of music, food and culture.

There are several things to do in the city from live music to a visit to the legendary “Honky Tonks” where country legends such as Willie Nelson used to perform.  

There are also several places around Nashville that serve delicious food like hot chicken and barbecue.

Helen, located in Northwest Georgia, is a small mountain town.

It has beautiful Bavarian architecture and is charming to visit.

Helen Main Street is home to many shops and restaurants.

There are many attractions including river tubing, hikes, Oktoberfest, craft shopping, and festivals in Helen.

Helen offers many outdoor activities such as camping.

There are also many waterfalls to visit within the area.

Best Time to Visit Smoky Mountains

Smoky Mountain road trip itineraries are always fun.

Visitors can get outdoors and explore nature here throughout the year.

So what is the best time to plan your Smoky Mountain trip?

Fall and summer are the peak seasons in the park.

In summer, the mountainside is blooming with wildflowers and rhododendrons and the waterfalls are running full.

In fall, you can see fiery colors all over the hillside. There are splashes of red, orange, and yellow wherever you go.

In fact, Smokies in Tennessee is one of our favorite national parks to visit in the fall.

Be sure to visit early in the morning to avoid the traffic jams that you can get in the high season.

In winter, the peaceful tranquility of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great place for skiing or snowshoeing.

It’s also a nice time to see it without all the crowds.

Some roads such as the Clingmans Dome Road and parts of Newfound Gap Road may be closed due to snow.

Spring is another great time to visit for low crowds, moderate temperatures, and wildlife.

Where to stay near the Smoky Mountains

There are several scenic cabins, vacation rentals, romantic hotels, and lodges near the Great Smoky Mountains.

Most major sites offer vacation rentals throughout the Smokies, including cabins in Gatlinburg.

You can also stay at a quaint bed and breakfast with gorgeous views of the Smoky Mountains for a romantic weekend.  

Some hotels even have indoor pools and waterslides for kids!

Things to know before visiting the Smoky Mountains

No matter your age, you will find something to love about the Great Smoky Mountains. 

Here are some things to remember before you visit the Great Smoky Mountains park.

Wear long pants and sleeves if you go hiking in the summer.

Carry enough water as the summer days can be hot.

If you go hiking, pay attention to the signs. Some trails may have been closed due to bear activity (especially in spring).

Bring a raincoat or umbrella even if it’s sunny. The weather is unpredictable here and it could rain at any time.  

Arrive early during peak season and for popular events like the summer music festivals.

If you have a dog, keep it on a leash at all times as there are several instances of coyotes attacking the pets.

Do not feed the wildlife including the bears! It’s illegal and they can become aggressive.

Keep a clean campground by packing out all your trash and keeping food in bear-proof containers.

If you are backpacking in the backcountry, remember to practice ‘leave no trace’ by packing out all of your trash.

With its rich history and beautiful scenery, there is always a new adventure waiting for you in the Smokies. 

From scenic drives through the mountains to relaxing hikes on nature’s trails, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience in one of America’s best national parks! 

We hope you liked our Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary ideas for spending anywhere from a weekend to a week in the Smokies.

Other Smokies and Tennessee Travel Guides

Smoky Mountains in the Fall Travel Guide

Best Things to do on Cades Cove Loop Road

Tennessee Road Trip Itinerary

3 Days in Nashville

• Lodging Discounts
• Pigeon Forge

Ultimate Itinerary for Your Week-Long Vacation in the Smoky Mountains

We all need an escape from the busyness of everyday life sometimes, and there’s no better place to escape to than the Smoky Mountains! Why not take a whole week off and spend it enjoying everything that the Smoky Mountain area has to offer? To help you plan the perfect trip, we’ve created the ultimate itinerary for your week-long vacation in the Smoky Mountains.

Eat Breakfast at the Pancake Pantry: Start your first day in the Smoky Mountains off on the right foot with a delicious breakfast! We recommend visiting the Pancake Pantry in Gatlinburg. As the oldest pancake house in Tennessee, this restaurant’s made-from-scratch pancakes are a breakfast staple.

Head to the Top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle: While you’re in downtown Gatlinburg, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to visit the Gatlinburg Space Needle . Ride to the top of the 407-foot observation tower and admire panoramic views of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. After you’re finished taking in the sights, ride the elevator back down and play in the arcade! If you start to get hungry, enjoy lunch at Slice Pizza Bakery at the base of the Space Needle.

Enjoy Breakfast at The Old Mill Restaurant: After spending your first day exploring Gatlinburg, we recommend spending your second day in Pigeon Forge. You have to try breakfast at The Old Mill Restaurant . Their award-winning Southern breakfast includes biscuits and gravy, grits, omelets, pancakes, and more.

Ride a Mountain Coaster: For your next adventure, ride a mountain coaster! Pigeon Forge is home to a few coasters that let you be in the driver’s seat and control your own speed. You can race down the mountain at speeds up to 35 mph, or go slower to enjoy the view. Popular mountain coasters in the area are the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster, Rocky Top Mountain Coaster, and the Coaster at Goats on the Roof.

Tour a Museum: Pigeon Forge is home to some interesting and fun museums! It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon in this town. Meet the celebrities at the Hollywood Wax Museum , or experience what it was like to be a passenger on the RMS Titanic at the Titanic Museum . Both museums are interactive and informative!

Eat Breakfast in Your Cabin: One of the best ways to save money on vacation is to purchase groceries so you don’t have to pay restaurant bills for 3 meals every day of your trip. When you stay in a Smoky Mountain cabin, you’ll have a fully equipped kitchen! Once you’ve tried the top breakfast spots in the area, spend your morning sleeping in and cooking breakfast in your cabin.

Relax in Your Cabin: After a full day at Dollywood, what you need is a relaxing evening spent at your cabin. Soak in the hot tub on the deck, curl up on the couch and watch a movie, or just take in the spectacular scenery all around!

Eat Breakfast in Your Cabin: Enjoy another quick breakfast in your cabin before heading out to Gatlinburg to spend the day exploring more popular attractions!

Browse The Village Shops: When you want to do some shopping on your vacation, head to The Village Shops in downtown Gatlinburg. The Village is home to more than 25 shops and eateries. Stop by the Donut Friar to grab one of their famous sweet treats and a cup of coffee before walking around this Old World-themed shopping area and looking at the artwork, apparel, home decor, and more.

Grab a Quick Lunch: If you’re feeling hungry, there are plenty of places to eat along the Gatlinburg Parkway. Some of our top lunch recommendations are Parton’s Deli and Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que.

Play Mini Golf: After your adventure at the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, play a round of mini golf with your family or friends! Gatlinburg is home to a few fun mini golf courses, including Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini Golf and Gatlin’s Mini Golf.

Dinner: For dinner, you have so many great options. If you like live music and good food, make a reservation at Blake Shelton’s Ole Red . We recommend trying the Champagne of Chicken or the Ober Gatlin-Burger! While you dine, you can listen to the live music. For something a little more upscale, visit The Peddler . This popular steakhouse has a fresh salad bar, tender steaks cut tableside, and views of the Little Pigeon River while you dine.

After dinner you can spend more time exploring Gatlinburg or head back to your cabin!

Go for a Scenic Drive: One of the best ways to explore the Smoky Mountains is from the comfort of your vehicle! And of course you don’t want to miss the opportunity to drive the popular Cades Cove Loop Road . This 11-mile one-way loop includes historic sites, gorgeous views, and the opportunity to see wildlife!

Have a Picnic Lunch: After your scenic drive, head to one of the restaurants in Gatlinburg to pick up a boxed lunch you can enjoy in the park! Calhoun’s will prepare some BBQ to go for you, or you can head to Parton’s Deli and grab some sandwiches. If you want to bring your own hot dogs or hamburgers to cook on one of the grills in the picnic areas, you can do that too!

Dinner: For your last night in the Smoky Mountains, you should make your dinner special. If you want to stick to the Gatlinburg area, we recommend dining at The Park Grill or Smoky Mountain Brewery. Both restaurants have a casual atmosphere, so you won’t have to worry about changing into anything fancy after your day in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you want to dine in Pigeon Forge, visit Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, the Pottery House Cafe and Grill, or Huck Finn’s Catfish. Or, you can visit the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant in Sevierville for some homemade apple fritters and the best fried chicken you’ll ever taste!

Where to Stay

This ultimate itinerary is your best guide to an exciting week-long vacation in the Smoky Mountains. Check out other things to do in the Smoky Mountains while you’re here to add more fun in your trip, then get ready for the best Smoky Mountain vacation!

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Ultimate 2 Day Itinerary Great Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is famous for its rolling mountains, lush waterfalls, and that classic “smoky” mountain haze. There are hundreds of miles of epic hiking trails, dozens of waterfalls, and miles of scenic drives. With so much to do, planning the perfect 2 days in the Smoky Mountains can feel pretty overwhelming!

While I usually prefer the dramatic western National Parks, after visiting the Smoky Mountains 3 times, I have to say the deep forests and endless rolling mountains of this park have definitely grown on me!

To help plan your ultimate trip, I put together this 2 day Great Smoky Mountains trip itinerary. This guide is perfect for first time visitors, and ensures that you don’t miss out on the highlights of the most visited National Park, even if you only have 1 weekend.

From the iconic views of Clingmans Dome , exploring the history of Cades Cove, to hiking iconic trails like Mount LeConte or Laurel Falls , your two days in the Great Smoky Mountains will be nothing short of epic.

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links, which means if you buy something, my blog will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  I will never recommend products or links on this blog that I have not personally used or fully endorse.

Table of Contents

A Quick Look at Your 2 Day Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary

On Day 1 of your Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary, you’ll see:

• Alum Cave Trail

Drive Newfound Gap Road

• Oconaluftee Visitor’s Center and Mountain Farm Museum
• Optional: Andrews Bald
• Clingmans Dome

On Day 2 of your Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary, you’ll see:

• Cades Cove Loop Road
• Laurel Falls

Important Things to Know About Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Before planning your 2 day itinerary to the Smoky Mountains, there are a few important things you need to know.

Where is Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in both states of Tennessee and North Carolina, in the Southeastern area of the United States. The nearest towns to Great Smoky Mountains are Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and Cherokee, North Carolina.

The Great Smoky Mountains, or “the Smokies” are part of the Blue Ridge mountains, which is a subsection of the greater Appalachian Mountain chain. The Appalachians are thought to be one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world.

How to Get to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

There are no shuttles around Great Smoky Mountains, so you’ll want to fly into one of the closest airports to the Great Smoky Mountains , rent a car, and drive to the Park.

The nearest airport to Gatlinburg, Tennessee (Sugarlands Entrance) is Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport. The nearest airport to Cherokee, North Carolina (Oconaluftee Entrance) is Asheville Regional Airport, in Asheville, North Carolina.

>> Click here to book your flight to Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport

>> Click here to book your flight to Asheville Regional Airport

The nearest international airport to Great Smoky Mountains is Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in Greenville, South Carolina.

>> Click here to book your flight to Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport

This map shows the major highways, towns, and interstates near Great Smoky Mountains.

Does Great Smoky Mountains charge an Entrance Fee?

There is no entrance fee to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The park was chartered in 1934 and dedicated by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1940. Before the Park’s creation, much of the Smokies was privately owned. When the states of Tennessee and North Carolina transferred the land to federal control, Tennessee mandated that the main roadway through the park, Newfound Gap Road (US 441), must stay toll-free. As a result, there is no charge to enter Great Smoky Mountains.

But, you DO have to pay for parking, starting in 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023 Great Smoky Mountains National Park will require all visitors to purchase and display a “Parking Tag” while parking inside the National Park.

All visitors who park for more than 15 minutes in Great Smoky Mountains, including at trailheads, scenic points, Visitor Centers, ect. must purchase and display a paid Parking Tag. One Parking Tag is required per vehicle.

Parking Tag fees are $5 per day, $15 per week, and $40 annually.

Parking Tag sales are not limited or capped, meaning you do not need advanced reservations to enter the Park. Parking tags do NOT guarantee a parking spot, so be sure to arrive early to trailheads and popular spots!

Learn more about the Great Smoky Mountains Parking Fee program, where to buy Paring Tags and Parking Tag exceptions here.

Is Great Smoky Mountains Dog Friendly?

Great Smoky Mountains is only semi pet friendly. Pets are allowed in campgrounds and picnic areas, and along 2 short walking paths – the Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail. Pets are also allowed anywhere your vehicle can go, such as roadside pull-offs and sidewalks.

Pets are not allowed on other trails and must be leashed at all times.

How Many Days Should I Spend in Great Smoky Mountains?

Wondering how many days to spend on your Great Smoky Mountains itinerary?

If you are short on time, 2 to 3 days is enough to explore the highlights of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, if you have more time, there are virtually endless opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives in this beautiful park.

Thanks to its convenient location and tons of things to do, the Smokies are one of those Parks people return to again and again.

Want to learn more about planning an epic National Parks trip? Grab my free Ultimate National Parks Planning Guide , including 70+ pages of National Park packing checklists, planning tips, and everything you need to know to start planning a trip to all 63 National Parks!

What is the Best Times to Visit The Smokies?

The best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains is in the Spring or Fall , when there are fewer crowds than summer.

Summer in the Smokies brings heat, humidity, and lots of crowds. Trailhead parking lots and often fill by early morning, and scenic drives like Cades Cove can be bumper to bumper in the afternoon.

To avoid the worst of the crowds, avoid visiting during weekdays and holidays. For popular trails, like Clingmans Dome, Alum Cave, or Laurel Falls start hiking before 8AM (or earlier) or after 6PM, when most visitors have left the park.

In winter, most facilities in the park remain open year-round, except for some campgrounds and historic structures. The primary roads through the park – Newfound Gap Road, Cades Cove Loop, and Little River Road are open year-round. Clingman’s Dome Road and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail close in the winter. Check current conditions for park roads here .

Be sure to check park conditions before heading out in winter, and bring proper winter gear if you plan on hiking in snowy conditions.

The Great Smoky Mountains are Indigenous Land

The Smokies are ancestral lands of the Cherokee people, who called the place Shaconage or “place of blue smoke.” Most Cherokee Indians peoples were forcibly removed from the area in the 1800s during the march known as the “Trail of Tears.” Learn more about the Cherokee history in the Smokies here .

The Perfect Great Smoky Mountains 2 Day Itinerary

Are you ready to plan an unforgettable great smoky mountains weekend? Because of its easy accessibility, you’ll be surprised how much of this park you can see with 2 days in the Great Smoky Mountains.

This itinerary assumes you have 2 full days to spend inside the Park, and are staying on the Tennessee side.

Staying in North Carolina? If you are visiting from or staying in North Carolina, you will want to do the Day 1 itinerary in reverse, visiting the Oconaluftee Visitor’s Center first, before driving Newfound Gap Road west towards the Sugarlands Visitor’s Center.

2 Day Itinerary Great Smoky Mountains Map

This map shows all your stops on your 2 day Great Smoky Mountains itinerary.

How to Use This Map:  Click the Icons on the map to see more information about each location. Click the star at the top of the map to add the map to your Google Maps account.

Want to take this itinerary to go? The 3 Day and 2 Day Great Smoky Mountains Itineraries include over 20 pages of daily itineraries, an in-depth Cades Cove guide, a detailed guide to the best hikes in Great Smoky Mountains, plus lodging and dining information, and tips for how to beat the crowds! Get your guide and learn more, here.

Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary Day 1

Your first day of your Great Smoky Mountains weekend is all about those iconic Smokies views. To maximize your time and avoid crowds, start as early as possible, ideally before 8am. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic on the go, or visit the many restaurants in Gatlinburg to relax before returning to the Park for must-see sunset.

If you only have one day in Great Smoky Mountains, this is also the perfect itinerary to visit the must-see areas of the park on limited time.

Hike Alum Cave Trail

5 miles round trip to Alum Cave Bluffs / Moderate / All Trails

10.9 miles round trip to Mt LeConte / Strenuous

Start your first day early in the Great Smoky Mountains with one of the most iconic hikes in the Park. The Alum Cave Trail ascends through forest and rocky cliffs to the summit of Mt LeConte.

The Trailhead is located on Newfound Gap Road, about 9 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Parking is really limited here and the spots fill up quickly, so try and get here as early as possible (before 8am).

The trail begins by following the Alum Cave creek through hardwood forest. Next, at 1.5 miles, hikers traverse through “Arch Rock” tunnel before ascending to Inspiration Point at 2 miles.

Most hikers turn around at Alum Cave Bluffs, about 2.3 miles from the trailhead.

Looking for more of a challenge? Continue on Alum Cave Bluffs to ascend 6,575′ Mt LeConte. LeConte Lodge is located at the peak, the only hotel-style lodging located inside the Park. The Park uses llama trains to pack up supplies (and pack out trash) from the Lodge. If you’re lucky you might spot them on their weekly trek!

We weren’t lucky enough to see llamas on our trip, but fingers crossed we catch them next time!

Optional: Stop by the Sugarlands Visitor’s Center

After your hike, you can backtrack slightly to stop at the Sugarlands Visitor Center.

I’ll admit, this stop is never optional in my book, mostly because I’m a huge museum geek, and need to get my Passport stamp.

The Visitor Center is also an important stop to collect maps and ask advice from Park Rangers about trail conditions, parking availability, weather, and any other important information you’ll need before heading out.

If you’re driving from the Tennessee towns of Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, your first stop is at the Sugarlands Visitor’s Center. If entering from Cherkoee, North Carolina, you will start at the Oconaluftee Visitor’s Center.

Both Visitor’s Centers have a small gift shop to stock up on your stickers, mugs, magnets and of course  National Park Passport Stamps .

Stamps, stickers and journals are the perfect way to document your National Park Travels. I collect all my stamps and memories in my official Passport stamp collection book.

Once you have your maps, stickers, and stamps from the Visitor’s Center, return to US 441 South, known as Newfound Gap Road. This highway runs through the heart of Park from Tennessee to the town of Cherokee, North Carolina.

Take your time on this 33 mile scenic road, and savor those incredible views at every turn. The road ascends nearly 3,000 feet in elevation to Newfound Gap (5,046′), the lowest driveable pass through the Smoky Mountains. Don’t forget to bring a jacket! Temperatures are often 10 degrees cooler at the high elevation passes compared to nearby Gatlinburg.

Must See Stops on Newfound Gap Road

Campbell Overlook : Scenic vistas of the Smokies, approximately 2 miles south of the Sugarlands Visitor Center.

Chimneys Picnic Area : If you’re traveling around lunchtime, the Chimneys Picnic Area, about 5 miles south of Sugarlands is the perfect spot to relax and refuel.

Chimney Tops Overlook : Just past the Picnic Area, this turnoff has views of the iconic “Chimney Tops” formations soaring 2,000 feet overhead.

Morton Overlook : Beautiful at any time of day, Morton Overlook is a popular spot for sunset.

Newfound Gap : At 5,046 feet in elevation, Newfound Gap straddles the state line between Tennessee and North Carolina. The Appalachian Trail runs right through the overlook as hikers descend from Clingmans Dome.

Note the turnoff for Clingmans Dome Road here. You’ll be coming back this way for the hike to Andrews Bald and Clingmans Dome for sunset. If you don’t have time to drive all the way to Oconaluftee, Newfound Gap makes a good spot to turn around, or head straight for Clingmans Dome parking.

If you have time, continue south on Newfound Gap Road towards Mingus Mill and the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

Mingus Mill : This historic grist mill, built in 1886, is located about 2 miles north of the Oconaluftee Visitor’s Center. Rangers operate the mill and give demonstrations to visitors March through November. If you plan on driving Cades Cove tomorrow, you can skip the Mill. Otherwise, the Mill is a great introduction to the historic buildings preserved throughout the Park.

Oconaluftee Visitor Center & Mountain Farm Museum

At the southern end of Newfound Gap Road lies the Oconaluftee Visitor’s Center and the town of Cherokee, North Carolina. The Oconaluftee Center includes exhibits about the Cherokee and later European settlers who have made the region home for hundreds of years.

The Mountain Farm Museum next to the visitor center is a huge interactive museum of preserved pioneer farm structures, including farmhouse, barn, and working blacksmith shop. Look closely and you can see the chickens that still call this farm home.

Keep your eye’s open for the herds of Elk that make this area home, especially in Fall.

Optional: Hike to Andrew’s Bald

3.6 Miles / Moderate / 875 feet elevation gain / AllTrails

After stretching your legs inside the Center, return to your car and head north on Newfound Gap Road, retracing your route to Clingmans Dome Road, across the highway from the Newfound Gap Overlook you visited earlier.

The road climbs and ends at the Clingmans Dome parking lot. Warning, parking here can be a bit of nightmare during the summer. Be patient, and try and visit later in the afternoon, after 4pm, when many visitors start to leave the Park for the day.

If you have the time, Andrews Bald is the perfect companion to a sunset on Clingmans Dome. The 3.6 moderately difficult hike leads to one of the many “balds” in the Smokies, so called because these mountaintops are not covered by trees, but grass, rhododendron, and laurel.

From the Clingmans Dome parking lot, set out on the paved road towards Clingmans Dome. Shortly after the Park’s large interpretive signs, less than 0.1 miles from the parking lot, you will see a small trail and sign and on your left for “Forney Ridge Trail” to Andrews Bald.

Follow the Forney Ridge Trail as it descends for the first 1.1 miles through forest. Continue to follow signs for Andrews Bald at all trail junctions. The trail then heads uphill to Andrews Bald, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The trail continues past the Bald, but turn around after you’ve soaked in the view and return the way you came, following signs for Clingmans Dome parking.

Sunset at Clingmans Dome

If you skipped hiking Andrew’s Bald, you’ll return to Newfound Gap Road and retrace your drive back towards Gatlinburg. At the crest of the highway, follow signs for Clingmans Dome Road. Clingmans Dome Road is across from the Newfound Gap Overlook you visited earlier.

The road climbs and ends at the Clingmans Dome parking lot. From here you can hike the steep 1 mile round-trip trail to the Observation Tower.

Observation Tower Trail

1 Mile / Easy / Not Wheelchair Accessible Due to Steep Grade / All Trails

At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Smoky Mountains. The Appalachian Trail crosses at the base of the observation tower, and is the highest point on the AT. At the summit of the Dome, the 45 foot high Clingman’s Dome Observation Tower provides 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains.

The area is subject to clouds and stormy conditions, even in the summer. Make sure to check weather conditions at the Dome before committing to your hike. Arrive early and expect big crowds at the Observation Tower.

From the Clingmans Dome parking lot, follow the paved trail to the Observation Tower. The trail is paved, steep, and usually crowded. If you aren’t used to hiking at higher elevations, take you time and rest on the many benches on the side of the trail.

At 0.5 miles, the path intersects with the Appalachian Trail before reaching the base of the Observation Tower. Use the 375 foot circular ramp to access the observation deck at the top of the Tower for 360 degree views of the Park.

Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary Day 2: Cades Cove & Laurel Falls

Day 2 of your ​​2 day itinerary in the Smoky Mountains is the perfect opportunity to explore more of the Park’s scenic drives and historic structures.

Cades Cove Loop Road Scenic Drive

Cades Cove is a broad valley surrounded by Smoky Mountains on all sides. The Cades Cove Loop Road is an 11 mile scenic tour of the many historic structures and sights of the Cove, and one of the most popular spots in Great Smoky Mountains Park.

Cades Cove Loop Road is vehicle free, every Wednesday, May 5 through September 1. During these times, the loop is only open to hikers and bicycles to enjoy.

The Cades Cove Loop road is an 11 mile scenic drive through the broad Cades Cove valley. The area was first settled by Europeans in the early 1800s, and many historic structures have been preserved here from this era.

While driving the Loop Road theoretically can take less than an hour, its really an all-day event. Plan to get out of your car and explore the historic buildings and enjoy a short hike or two.

Some of the must-see stops in Cades Cove are:

• John Oliver Cabin
• Primitive Baptist Church, Methodist Church, and Missionary Baptist Church
• Elijah Oliver Place
• Cades Cove Visitor Center and Historic Grist Mill
• Abrams Falls
• Whitehead Cabin
• Dan Lawson Place
• Tipton Oliver House
• Carter Shields Cabin

The Visitor Center, located about halfway around the loop is a good spot to stretch your legs and enjoy a picnic.

The Historic Grist Mill next door is a working water-powered mill that still operates to this day! You can learn all about farming history in this super remote valley, and take home a bag of mill-ground cornmeal from the giftshop!

There are plenty of homesteads and cabins around the loop, but our favorite was the Whitehead Cabin, located off the main road on Forge Creek Road, just past the visitor center. Since this spot isn’t on the main Cades Cove Loop road, its not as crowded and you might actually get a moment to yourself!

For a complete guide to visiting Cades Cove, including how to get there, what to see, and tips for beating the crowds, check out my new guide, 17 Best Things to Do in Cades Cove .

Hike to Laurel Falls

2.4 Miles / Easy / Not wheelchair or stroller accessible / AllTrails

Once you’ve had your fill of grist mills and historic log homes, exit Cades Cove via Laurel Creek Road and drive back towards the Sugarlands Visitor’s Center. Laurel Creek Road becomes Fighting Creek Gap Road at the intersection of Elkmont Road, about 40 minutes from Cades Cove.

Just past Elkmont Road, park at the designated parking lot for Laurel Falls. This is one of the most popular things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The parking lot is frequently full during summers and weekends. Overflow parking lots are located further down Fighting Creek road. Park and walk to the trailhead, following the signs.

The 80 foot high Laurel Falls are named for the mountain laurel that blooms here in Spring. The trail is well marked and mostly paved. However, strollers and wheelchairs are not recommended, as the old pavement is cracked and crumbling in many places.

From the Laurel Falls trailhead, the trail climbs gently through verdant forest. Keep your eyes open for black bears, especially early in the morning, as there have been sightings on the trail. The Falls are divided into an upper and lower section divided by a wooden bridge. Take care on slippery rocks and watch small children around steep drop offs.

Bring plenty of water, especially on humid summer days. This hike can be done with a sturdy pair of sneakers or hiking boots.

Return to your car and head back to your lodging.

Grab dinner in Gatlinburg after a busy 2 days in Great Smoky Mountains. Our favorite restaurant was The Park Grill in Gatlinburg . For a more upscale option, check out The Appalachian in nearby Sevierville. For pizza and brews, check out Gatlinburg Brewing Company.

More Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Have more than 2 Days in the Park? Want to try something different? Check out these other things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Located a short distance from Gatlinburg, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature trail is a 5.5 winding, scenic drive through hardwood forests and historic cabins and grist mills.

The Motor Nature Trail is a great alternative if you don’t want to commit to the longer and more crowded Cades Cove Loop.

There are tons of great hikes that leave from the Roaring Fork Motor trail (or nearby) including Rainbow Falls (5 Miles / Moderate) and Grotto Falls via Trillium Gap Trail (2.6 Miles / Moderate).

Learn more about the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail here .

Hike Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail

8 Miles / Difficult / 1,600′ Gain / AllTrails

Take a day hike on the world-famous Appalachian Trail, which runs 2,190 milesand through the Smokies on its way from Georgia to Maine.

This moderate hike traverses multiple peaks on its way to Charlie’s Bunion, a large outcropping with classic smoky mountain views. The Trail leaves from Newfound Gap where the Appalachian Trail crosses with Newfound Gap Road.

This hike takes about 4 hours round trip. Make sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate hiking gear.

Hike or Backpack Gregory Bald

11.6 Miles / Strenuous / 3,350′ Gain / AllTrails

A strenuous day hike that is also popular for backpacking. To get to this hike, you’ll need to drive on the unpaved Forge Creek Road (most passenger cars can make it, just drive carefully). Forge Creek road closes in winter, so plan to do this hike March – November.

After a steady climb for 5.5 miles, the summit has stunning views of the surrounding Smokies and Cades Cove.

Where to Stay Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Lodging inside great smoky mountains..

Lodging options inside Great Smoky Mountains are limited. There is only one hotel inside the park, Le Conte Lodge, which is accessible only by foot via a 5.5mile hike. Reservations for Le Conte fill many months in advance, but cancellations do occur if your plans are flexible.

There are 10 frontcountry campgrounds that are accessible by car inside the park. Campgrounds have cold running water and flush toilets, and campsites have fire rings and picnic tables.

Backcountry camping for backpackers and Appalachian Trail hikers is available at designated primitive campsites and shelters. All backcountry campers must have a permit before setting out. Backcountry permit information is available on the Park’s website .

Lodging Outside the Park

If you only have two days or less to visit Great Smoky Mountains, I recommend staying in the towns of Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg on the Tennessee side of the Park. These towns are located just outside the Sugarlands entrance and Visitor Center, and most hotels are within 20 minutes of the park.

There are a variety of chain hotels like Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott and family-friendly mountain resorts like the Greystone Lodge on the River. Personally, we love to book a vacation home rental with a kitchen – and there are tons of cabins and mountain homes to book nearby.

>> Click here to book hotels in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Between the neon lights, go-carts, and endless fast food options, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg can feel a lot like Las Vegas in the woods (or “Appalachian Disneyland” as my husband said). However, the direct access to the park, plenty of lodging and food options, and easy access to the highway make it the easy choice for a short visit.

What to Pack for Your 2 Days in Great Smoky Mountains

Don’t forget to grab your free National Parks packing list, inside my printable resources guide – here!

Hiking Backpack:  Your backpack should be lightweight with enough support to carry a full day’s worth of supplies without hurting your back and shoulders.I use the  Osprey Sirrus 24 daypack  which has plenty of storage and space for a  2L hydration reservoir .

Rain Jacket : Rain is common in the Smokies in all seasons. The North Face Venture 2 jacket is waterproof, windproof, and packable.

Hiking Shoes and Socks: Most trails on this Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary can be done with a good pair of sneakers, but I always recommend using hiking boots or hiking shoes for the best comfort and safety. I swear by the Merrell Moab 2, available both as a  hiking shoe  and  hiking boot . If you’re looking to upgrade to a more hardcore option, I love my  Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid boot .

Remember, the best hiking shoes are only as good as the socks you wear. Darn Tough socks come in a variety of fun colors and have never let me down! Trust me, these bad boys are worth it to avoid blisters and comfortably break in any boot.

Bug spray:  As someone who has some kind of invisible “All You Can Eat Buffet” sign above my head that only mosquitos can see, I use repellant sprays with DEET or Picaridin .Many other hikers prefer a DEET-free spray made with essential oils such as lemon and eucalyptus.

Hiking Tops:  Look for tops that are moisture wicking and quick drying.Try the Patagonia Capilene Cool tanks and shirts , or check out more women’s performance tops on Backcountry.com .

Hiking Pants:  For long pants, check out the  Columbia Saturday Trail Pant . If you’re more a leggings gal, I wore my trusty  Girlfriend Collective High-Rise Pocket Legging .

Water: Plan to bring 1/2 liter of water for every hour of hiking.

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TWO WORLDS TREASURES

Explore Texas & beyond from Dallas/Ft. Worth

The Best Dallas to Smoky Mountains Road Trip Itinerary

A few years ago, we did a Dallas to the Smoky Mountains road trip at the beginning of June. It was our first trip to the Smoky Mountains National Park , one of the most popular national parks in the United States.

If you follow our road trips around the country , you will remember that we liked to make stops along the way. Sometimes we stay for an hour or half a day, and other times we spend a night or two. So it was on our road trip from Dallas to the Smoky Mountains.

Our Dallas to the Smoky Mountains road trip lasted seven days. I knew we should go on a ten-day trip, but our son had a summer camp a week later. We wanted him to rest before another one-week summer camp with the Boy Scouts.

Therefore, I added two more days to spend at the Smokies to this itinerary. Three to four days are the ideal minimum days to spend at the park and nearby Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. In my opinion.

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What to Prepare Before Dallas to Smoky Mountains Road Trip

– Get your America the Beautiful National Park Pass . While the Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee, there are places of interest on this trip where you will need the passes.

– Book hotels , campgrounds, or Airbnbs early because the Smokies is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the southern Appalachians.

– Watch for groceries discounts before your departure if you plan to cook meals during the trip. It is also perfect for buying snacks and treats. Usually, we do it in April. Look for the expiration dates.

Dallas to Smoky Mountains Road Trip Itinerary

If we google the driving directions from Dallas to the Smokeys, it will show 12 hours and 45 minutes of driving time. That’s without the stop. For road-tripper veterans like us, it is doable with leaving early in the morning, several pit-stops, and lunch on the road.

But on this trip, we wanted to do other things and see new places.

When searching for things to do between Dallas and the Smokys, we found several stops we wanted to see. Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and Chattanooga in Tennessee were some of them.

So, the 12 hours and 45 minutes Dallas to the Smoky Mountains drive stretched to a few days.  

Here’s my suggested itinerary for Dallas to Smokey Mountains road trip. Of course, you can adjust it to your preference for things to do or places to see.

Day 1 – Dallas to Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Approximately non-stop driving time: 5 hr. 15 min. You will go on I-20 E through Shreveport and Monroe in Louisiana.

Once you cross the Mississippi River from  Louisiana to Mississippi, stop at the Mississippi Welcome Center on the left. It’s the best place to get information on Vicksburg tourism and other parts of Mississippi. The view of the Mississippi River and Vicksburg Bridge from here is gorgeous.

After check-in at the hotel , go to Vicksburg Military National Park. Vicksburg is one of the most pivotal grounds during the Civil War. It’s a large park, and two days’ visits are not enough.

Your first stop is the Visitor Center to pay your entrance fee. Or, use your America the Beautiful National Park passes.

Watch the exhibition and the movie in the Visitor Center before leaving for a self-guided tour in your vehicle.

If you travel with children, take their Junior Ranger Program book. When your dog is with you, grab the B.A.R.K. ranger program . We had these two books for our son and our dog.

You will drive and stop at monuments and memorials that attract you. The park has more than 1,400 monuments, tablets, and markers.

From the park, go to the historic district of downtown Vicksburg. Have a stroll around town before dinner at one of the restaurants here.

Historic downtown Vicksburg reminded me a little of the Old Town Alexandria in Virginia.

Accommodation: hotels in the historic district (Mulberry Vicksburg) or along I-20 E . Dogs are always staying for free in Red Roof Inn .

Day 2 – Vicksburg to Huntsville, Alabama.

Approximately non-stop driving time: 5 hr. 30 min. You will continue on I-20 E through Jackson, Mississippi, to Tuscaloosa and Birmingham in Alabama, where you turn to I-65 N.         

But first, go back to the National Military Park to visit USS Cairo & Museum.

Tuscaloosa is home to the Alabama Crimson Tide. If you are a fan of theirs, you might want to make a quick detour to the University of Alabama.

You will need a different visit to explore Birmingham. Or, add one more day to this Dallas to the Smoky Mountains road trip itinerary.

Arrive at Huntsville, check in at the hotel, and find a place to eat dinner.

Accommodation: Hotels near the Space & Rocket Center .

DALLAS TO SMOKY MOUNTAINS ROAD TRIP

Day 3 – huntsville, alabama..

Today you will visit the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. If you bring a dog like us, arrive before they open to secure a space for your dog at their kennel service.

You will need more than half a day here because you want to see and do everything they offer.

If you or your children are into space science, you will love this place. Otherwise, it’s a fun experience.

Then drive to downtown Huntsville. Enjoy your late afternoon visit and have dinner at one of the restaurants there.

You may want to get this Huntsville Rocket City Smart Phone Self Guided Audio (GPS/APP) Walking Tour when in town. It’s like having your personal tour guide, only it’s on your phone.

Day 4 – Huntsville to Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Approximately non-stop driving time: 1 hr. 50 min. It is the fastest way to get to Chattanooga in a fun driving direction. You will get to Tennessee and go to Georgia before arriving at Chattanooga in Tennessee. Your destination is in a different time zone. 

I had planned three places to visit during this trip, and they were all outdoor, nature, and history related. When we entered Tennessee for the second time, there was a Visitor Center not too far from the state line. After talking with the attendant at the Visitor Center, we flipped our itinerary in the city.

The first stop in town is Point Park Battlefield at Lookout Mountain . It is the site of a Civil War battle signified as “The Battle Above The Clouds.” You will need your America the Beautiful National Park passes here.

Then drive to Oglethorpe, Georgia, to visit the Chickamauga National Military Park. Take the Car Caravan Tours to learn about the battle here. Admission to the park is free.

To end your visit to Chattanooga, go to Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge. 

With this time frame, we could drive around downtown Chattanooga and visit the Chattanooga Choo Choo . It is a historical terminal that has welcomed passengers for decades. The train cars now turned into bars, hotel rooms, and an escape experience. You might want to spend a night here.

You can always check downtown Chattanooga by helicopter , segway , or trolley .

There are so many things to do in Chattanooga that it can be a final destination for a road trip in Tennessee. You can find the famous Ruby Falls and Rock City Gardens on your way to Point Park Battlefield. But these places are always packed with tourists during the high season. That’s why we opted for Point Park Battlefield, and the views from the top of Lookout Mountain are amazing.

Accommodation: Lots of hotels to choose from that fit your budget .

Day 5 – Chattanooga to the Smokys.

Approximately non-stop driving time: 3 hr. Google Maps showed three different driving directions with six to nine minutes longer from one direction to another. You can choose the first two, but don’t choose the one through Knoxville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. There will be traffic. We chose the first exit because we didn’t want to stick in the traffic if any. Both directions will take you through Townsend Entrance to the Smokys.

You will drive through small towns and once you get to Townsend, stop at Townsend Visitors Center for some info and a restroom break.

On the way to the park, you will start to see the smoke above the park. Fog rose from the mountains’ vegetation and made an incredible view!

Today you will explore the Cades Cove area.

It is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. You will drive your vehicle, driving an 11-mile, one-way loop road that circles the cove. Expect traffic when you visit during the high season (summer and fall) and on weekends year-round.      

You will see churches, gristmills, barns, log houses, and other restored eighteen and nineteenth centuries structures. White-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, turkeys, and other wildlife are frequent in the open field of Cades Cove.

We had three black bears spotting during our visit, and it meant very long traffic. 

If able, I suggest you hike the 5-mile round-trip trail to Abram Falls.

Be aware that every Wednesday from early May to late September is a vehicle-free day in Cades Cove. It is open only to pedestrians and cyclists.

We went to Townsend for a late lunch at the Burger Master Drive-In. 

After meals, check-in at your accommodation and have a rest.

Accommodation: Hotels in Townsend , Gatlinburg , or Pigeon Forge areas. I think staying in Townsend will be cheaper. You can also stay at Cades Cove campground. Wherever you will stay, you must book the accommodation early. This area is a favorite place for vacation.

Day 6 – The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Spend all day in the Smokys. Lots of waterfalls and hiking trails for you to explore. Start early in the morning to beat the crowds at the first place you want to visit.

You may want to go to Clingmans Dome first. It is where you will see the spectacular 360 degrees views of the Smokies. If you are a morning person, go catch the sunrise here.

Then continue to Laurel Falls and Roaring Fork. If time permits, go to Deep Creek, too.

Day 7 – Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge

Enjoy tourist attractions in both cities. I heard Dolly Parton’s Dollywood  is one of the best water parks.  

Check out other activities or attractions in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge that suit you.

Day 8 – The Smokys to Oak Ridge, west of Knoxville

Approximately non-stop driving time: 1 hr. 30 min. Start your way home to Dallas. You will go through Knoxville. 

You will visit The Manhattan Project in Oak Ridge , west of Knoxville. It was the first and biggest of the three Manhattan Project sites built to produce the world’s first atomic weapons. Join the 3-hour behind-the-fence guided tour by the Department of Energy starting from the American Museum of Science & Energy.

After the guided tour, drive around to visit other historical places. Historic Jackson Square, Alexander Inn/Guest House, Chapel on the Hill, and Oak Ridge History Museum are some of them.

Don’t miss the International Friendship Bell. It is an 8,000-pound bronze bell cast in Japan, a testament to the hope for everlasting peace and goodwill in the world.

Accommodation: One of the hotels that fit your budget in Oak Ridge .

Day 9 – Oak Ridge to Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Approximately non-stop driving time: 8 hr. 15 min. The destination is in a different time zone. You will go on I-40 W through Memphis in Tennessee and Little Rock in Arkansas.

We didn’t stop in Memphis or Little Rock because we’d been to these two cities before.

You can spend a night in Memphis or Little Rock on this last night of this Dallas to the Smoky Mountains road trip. Our family prefers to stay closer to home. That way, we don’t have to drive long the next day.

Accommodation: Lots of hotels in Hot Springs . Choose one that fits your budget. Traveling with your dog? Dogs stay for free at Red Roof Inn Hot Springs .

Day 10 – Hot Springs to Dallas.

Approximately non-stop driving time: 4 hr. 20 min. You will drive via I-30 W to Dallas.

Spend some time around downtown Hot Springs, and don’t forget to drive to Hot Springs Mountain Tower. Then visit Anthony Chapel.

Don’t forget to fill your water jugs with the hot springs water at the Hot Springs Jug Fountain. You can find it at the Hot Springs Visitor Center parking lot. It’s better to do it early in the morning to beat the crowd.

Once in Texas, you can make a quick detour to downtown Sulphur Springs to use the see-through restroom at the square.

I hope this Dallas to the Smoky Mountains road trip travel guide will help you make your trips to the Smoky Mountains unforgettable. A road trip from Dallas to the Smoky Mountains is worth it.    

Thank you for sharing this:

Umiko Buhl is a travel blogger and the founder of Two Worlds Treasures. She travels around Texas to neighboring states and around the country with her family and dog from their family home in the south of Dallas/Fort Worth. Originally from Indonesia, she tries to go home every 2-3 years to spend time with her families and friends while exploring Indonesia. Her mission is to share her honest reviews of places she visited.

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24 Comments

Excellent itinerary – every day looks so filled with unique activities. I would never miss a visit to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Thanks for sharing!

A visit to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center is a must when you are in Huntsville, Alabama.

The “America the Beautiful” annual National Parks pass is a really great investment so I’m glad that you mentioned it. You can use it at every national park and I’ve even used it at some state parks as well!

Smokey Mountains National Park is on my list for this year. I’ll keep your post in my bookmarks for when it’s time for a visit.

We have the pass for years, but I didn’t know you can use it at state parks as well. Where did you use it?

I hope you will have fun at the Smokeys.

That is quite the road trip! We have enjoyed both Dallas and GSM but never in the sme trip.. Gatlinburg is a great spot to stop and enjoy the museums and dining options.

I hope to spend more time at Gatlinburg next time we go to the GSM.

Wow, nice itinerary! Especially loved the space and rocket center

This sounds like an excellent trip for a family! I love hiking and waterfalls, so this would be a perfect trip for me. Love the picture of the bear. How often can one expect to see bears on this trip?

From what I read, you can expect to see bears every day around Cades Cove areas. Isn’t it cool?

This Dallas to Smoky mountains road trip is filled with gems to The view of the Mississippi river from the Vicksburg bridge is awesome. The Space and Rocket center in Huntsville Alabama is a great place to explore for kids. I have been to the Great Smokies and visited a theme park in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg is a beautiful downtown similar to Switzerland .I also enjoyed the nature trails in Cades Cove but I would also love to see the Rock City Gardens and famous Ruby Falls.And nothing compares to finish your trip with a visit to the Hot springs in Arkansas and soak in the benefits of mineral rich waters.

Great itinerary idea. We’d love to stop at Vicksburg and the Arkansas hot springs. I love them on any trip but especially when staying in a car for multiple days. It’s the perfect way to unwind along the way. Our plans for a road trip to the smoky mountains has just added two new stops.

This Dallas to Smoky Mountains guide is going to be extremely useful for a first timer like me. Starting off at Mississippi with view of the Mississippi River and Vicksburg Bridge sounds so appealing. I can feel the excitement.Your 10 day plans is dreamlike with so many interesting stops to recharge. Huntsville should be nice and would love to visit the Space & Rocket Center.

This detailed post is super helpful. We also love making stops when having a road trip. Will definitely make a stop in Huntsville. We have always wanted to visit the US Space and Rocket Center. I am pretty sure that my boys would be thrilled. Thank you for sharing this.

So fun to read your post, as we did a road trip last year to Gatlinburg and the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. We actually started in Savannah, GA and made our way through central Georgia, the corners of SC and NC, into TN through Great Smokey Mtns NP. I loved every bit of it, except maybe not Gatlinburg. It was a bit too touristy for me — same with Pigeon Forge. But, oh, the hiking in the National Park was amazing!

I found Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge were too touristy for me, too. I chose to spend more time in the Smokys.

Although I’ve read a few Dallas to Smoky Mountains road trip itineraries, this one is certainly the best. You get to travel to various amazing locations every day on your 10-day trip, which is a wonderful experience. I would adore traveling to Chattanooga. The US Space & Rocket Center seems intriguing and entertaining. I must say that the vacation as a whole was awesome!

We like to make stops on our way to the final destination. I think it’s one of the advantages of doing a road trip.

This sounds like a great road trip. I like that you didn’t drive more than 5 hours each day, and that was just in the first couple of days. You had plenty of time to explore. I agree with you, I would give the Smokey Mountains more time, especially if you want to explore more and do some hiking. It’s great that you told us about the traffic as well, and when different places have restrictions for cars. That is very helpful.

Your trip from Dallas to the Smoky Mountains is very inspirational. I love this idea and your itinerary, with exciting stops. Vicksburg Bridge and Vicksburg Military National Park seem exciting spots. I also want o take a photo of Chattanooga from Lookout Mountain. Also, Hot Springs, Arkansas, is on my bucket list.

Judging from your pictures, for me, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park would be the highlight of this roadtrip. And I do not know much about the civil war, apart from some basic knowledge, but I think a road trip like this would be a very good opportunity to learn more about it.

You are right, Natascha. I wasn’t born and studied in the U.S., so this trip was a learning opportunity for me.

While the entire trip sounds fun and so….American, I think I’d like the part from Cades Cove onwards best. Already the fact that there is a vehicle-free day in Cades Cove amazes me. Also, I’m deeply impressed by the wildlife – the bear seems to stand so close to you! The whole part in the Smokys sound absolutely amazing.

Yes! The Smokys is amazing! I want to revisit the park.

We sadly have not yet visited the Smoky Mountains National Park. It looks like the road trip from Dallas to the Smoky Mountains was great even before you hit the park. I love that you always find interesting stops to keep the family engaged on your road trips. Great to find active places for the kids to run off some energy when sitting all day. I may have to plan to visit the Cades Cove area when we finally get this planned. Love the tip about filling your water jug at the hot springs.

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• Itineraries

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Road Trip

New york to great smoky mountain national park.

Over 12 million people flock to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year, making it the most visited national park in the United States. Spanning across both Tennessee and North Carolina, it’s not hard to see why so many people travel far and wide to explore this Southeastern gem. This expansive park rewards travelers with sweeping views of breathtaking mountain ranges, verdant forests engulfed by blooming wildflowers, and ample opportunities to hike along the iconic Appalachian Trail.

The journey from New York to the Great Smoky Mountains is equally as impressive as the park itself. From Escape Camper Vans’ Jersey City location , explore Shenandoah National Park, take the scenic route along the stunning Blue Ridge Parkway , and spend a day in the vibrant city of Asheville . To help get you started, we’ve put together the ultimate, 7-day Great Smoky Mountains itinerary.

Travel Time from Jersey City, NJ to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

This itinerary follows a roundtrip loop to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, starting and ending at the Escape Camper Vans location in Jersey City, NJ . In total, this drive covers a minimum of 1,399 miles, though if you focus solely on scenic routes, the journey will be even longer. 

You’ll be driving for a total of 21 hours at a minimum, and we recommend spreading your Great Smoky Mountain National Park road trip over at least 7 days. There’s an immense amount to explore on the way to the Smokies, so this Great Smoky National Park road trip is definitely one trip you won’t want to rush!

TOTAL MILES: 1,399 miles

TOTAL TRAVEL TIME: 7 days, driving 21 hours

Best Time of Year for a Great Smoky Mountains Road Trip

In our opinion, the fall and spring are the best times to visit the Smoky Mountains. The fall is a particularly breathtaking season to tour the park , with vibrant foliage blanketing the entire landscape. Both crowds and temperatures are far more mild than the summer months, and there’s very little rain. Keep in mind, October does get busy when the fall colors are at their peak, though the crowds are still much more manageable than in July and August. 

For lush, green hills and optimal chances for wildlife sightings, the spring is a great time to visit. Newborn cubs frolic through fields of wildflowers, and crowds are relatively minimal. The one drawback is that the weather during this season is unpredictable and often quite rainy, so pack accordingly.

The summer is definitely the most popular time of year to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park, especially throughout the month of July. However, summer temperatures and humidity can be extreme, and with crowds at their peak, popular trails and campsites fill up very quickly. This is also the season where you’ll see the most bugs, mosquitos, and ticks. 

Winter is the least ideal time of year to visit. Most campgrounds will be closed, the temperature is quite cold, and the roads can be very icy and dangerous to drive on. If you have your heart set on a snow-free, East Coast winter road trip, consider a drive down to the Everglades in Florida instead.

Preparation for a Great Smoky Mountains Camper Van Road Trip

A Great Smoky Mountains camping trip is guaranteed to be an unforgettable adventure. To ensure a stress-free journey, these are some of our best tips to consider when you’re planning your trip:

Campsites and Park Fees

Campsites: Many campgrounds on this route do not require advanced reservations, but it’s still a good idea to book sites ahead of time if you’re traveling during the busy summer season. In the Smokies, it’s notoriously difficult to find availability in the park during the summer, so try to reserve your site as far in advance as possible. The park contains 10 campgrounds, so if you plan ahead you should be able to find availability!

Fees: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free to enter, however you will need to purchase a parking tag for your camper van. They offer daily, weekly, or annual passes, and can be purchased when you arrive. On the other hand, Shenandoah National Park charges a $30 entrance fee . If you’re planning any other national park trips this year, it may be worth adding in an annual parks pass with your camper van rental . 

GPS: Your Smartphone will work well as a GPS during this trip, just remember to download offline maps, since service will be spotty throughout the route. You’ll also need to pack portable chargers that can be used when your campervan is off. 

Paper maps: Grabbing a Great Smoky Mountains National Park map when you arrive is also a good idea. Having a paper map will come in handy when you’re looking for more remote trailheads.

Food and Supplies

Supplies: Because you’ll be traveling through bear country, you’ll want to take some extra safety precautions into consideration. Check that your chosen campsites have food lockers, and rent a can of bear spray when you arrive. If you’re traveling during the summer, add in a BugSoc to keep yourself protected , and pack extra bug spray!

Food: Before hitting the road, stop by a local grocery store to stock up on easy to make meals and road trip snacks. Additionally, add a kitchen kit to your reservation so that you have everything you need to meal prep at your campsite!

Choosing the Right Camper Van 

From Escape Camper Vans’ Jersey City location , you have two camper van rentals to choose from- the Mavericks and Mesa . Both offer queen sized beds, can sleep up to 5 people, and come already equipped with a convenient kitchenette. The Mesa is a slightly larger camper van, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling with a bigger group.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Itinerary

Day 1: drive from jersey city, nj to shenandoah national park, virginia.

Your adventure begins bright and early at the Escape Camper Vans in Jersey City , which is conveniently located just outside of New York City! Make sure your road trip snacks are handy, as your journey starts off with a pretty long drive down to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Depending on traffic, the drive to your first stop will take about 4 hours and 45 minutes.

However, all that time behind the wheel will be well worth it once you’re immersed in the vast, scenic beauty of Shenandoah. Over 200,000 acres of gorgeous landscapes, impressive waterfalls, and captivating wildlife make this one of Virginia’s most popular national parks.

Things to do in Shenandoah National Park

Skyline Drive: This incredibly scenic road weaves through the entire length of the park, leading drivers to several breathtaking viewpoints, trailheads, and overlooks. While it would take about 3 hours to complete the entire drive, even just exploring a small portion of the jaw-dropping pathway is worth it!

Go on a Hike: The number of trails within Shenandoah is seemingly endless, and options range from short, one-mile hikes to day-long treks that span over 7 miles. If you’re searching for majestic waterfalls during your adventure, White Oak Canyon is a very popular and rewarding 4.6 mile trail.

Places to Eat near Shenandoah National Park

Spottswood Dining Room $$ – Mile 52, Skyline Dr. Stanley, VA 2285: One of several dining options inside the park, this scenic restaurant offers delicious, seasonal dishes along with breathtaking views from their patio. There’s also an attached taproom, which is perfect for unwinding with a cold drink after a long day of hiking.

Vibrissa Brewery $$ – 122 E Main St, Front Royal, VA 22630: This lively brewery is located just outside of Shenandoah’s northern entrance, and features a wide list of their own craft beers, as well as a mouthwatering food menu. Live music and other events are scheduled each month, so it’s a great place to check out if you’re looking for a bit of nightlife.

Chop House Bistro $$ – 132 E Main St, Luray, VA 22835: Elevated, farm-to-table cuisine is served in an inviting setting at this town-favorite eatery. Their produce is all sourced locally, and their list of signature craft cocktails shouldn’t be missed!

Camping in Shenandoah National Park

Mathews Arm Campground – Skyline Dr, Rileyville, VA 22650 : Situated inside the park near the Front Royal entrance, this scenic campground contains 165 sites, and operates from May through October. The campground features a mix of both first come, firsted served spots and reservable campsites.

Big Meadows Campground – Skyline Dr, Stanley, VA 22851:   This large campground inside the park boasts 221 sites, is usually open from mid-March through November, and all sites must be reserved in advance (they can often be booked up to 6 months before your visit). The campground’s convenient location to many top attractions within Shenandoah makes it one of the most popular options within the park.

Day 2: Drive Down Blue Ridge Parkway

Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains are connected by the Blue Ridge Parkway , a picturesque road that spans 469 miles. All along the way, drivers are rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the Appalachian Mountains, mesmerizing landscapes, and plenty of outdoor adventures.

Aptly nicknamed “America’s Favorite Drive,” this scenic route allows visitors to stop and go as they please, choosing between numerous hikes, small towns, and vista points along the way. Spend the second day of your road trip immersing yourself in some of this iconic road’s most notable sites. There are mile markers all along the way to help you navigate, as well as several campgrounds to choose from!

What to See on the Blue Ridge Parkway:

Humpback Rocks: Take in expansive views of the surrounding area’s lush landscape, visit an outdoor farm museum, or choose from 3 hiking trails in this highly frequented area, located at the north end of Blue Ridge Parkway. A portion of the Appalachian trail is also accessible from this stop.

Mabry Mill: This sawmill and blacksmith shop has been standing since before 1920, and is a must visit for history buffs. Stop for photos before pausing for a picnic at this idyllic setting, or set off on an easy, 0.5 mile hike from the Mabry Mill Trail.

Blue Ridge Music Center: Learn about the significance of folk music within Appalachian culture as you walk through the center’s fascinating museum. There are also daily live performances that are enjoyed from an outdoor amphitheater.

Places to Eat along Blue Ridge Parkway

The Bluffs $$ – 45338 Blue Rdg Pkwy, Laurel Springs, NC 28644: Founded in 1949, this was the first restaurant to ever open on Blue Ridge Parkway. After briefly closing in 2010, the historic establishment was eventually reopened, and is a must-visit when traveling down this legendary scenic road.

Chalet Restaurant $$ – 86 High Ridge Rd, Little Switzerland, NC 28749: Further south on the parkway, this cozy restaurant rewards patrons with sweeping views of jaw-dropping mountains as they dine. Grab a table beside one of their expansive windows, or enjoy your meal from their beautiful terrace in the summertime.

Camper Van Friendly Campsites Along Blue Ridge Parkway

Parkway Campgrounds: There are 8 campsites to choose from along Blue Ridge Parkway, all of which are open from May through October. All of the sites can be reserved up to 6 months in advance, although booking ahead is not required. Julian Price and Mount Pisgah both feature showers, while all campgrounds contain flush toilets, dump stations, and potable water. We recommend selecting your campground based on which areas of the parkway you’re most intrigued by.

Day 3: Asheville, North Carolina

After fueling up with a hearty breakfast at your campsite, hit the road again. If you’re not in a rush, spend the morning continuing down the Blue Ridge Parkway, which will take you directly to the vibrant city of Asheville, North Carolina . If you’re eager to get to the city sooner, feel free to take a faster, parallel road instead!

The thriving city of Asheville serves as a haven for artists, history lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Flanked by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the urban city offers countless nearby hikes, including several on the Appalachian Trail . If your hiking boots need a break, check out the local galleries or pop into the Asheville Art Museum . Otherwise, simply walking through the charming downtown area will lead you to dozens of historic buildings with fascinating stories to tell!

Where to Eat in Asheville, NC

This southern city is praised for its diverse and delicious gastronomy! For your night in Asheville, we recommend skipping your campsite dinner for one evening to try some of the city’s amazing eateries,

Chestnut $$ – 48 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801: This delicious restaurant is an Asheville-staple, and offers a mouthwatering dinner menu that changes each month. All food is made in house (including their ice cream) and their produce is exclusively sourced from local ranchers, farmers, and cheesemakers. 

Chai Pani $$ – 22 Battery Park Ave, Asheville, NC 28801: To savor delicious Indian street-food and home-cooked meals, look no further! Chai Pani is a beloved restaurant that offers mouthwatering cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere, and is a must-visit in Asheville.

Camper Van Friendly Campgrounds near Asheville, NC

Lake Powhatan Campground – 75 Wesley Branch Rd, Asheville, NC 28806: Just 10 minutes from downtown Asheville, this lakeside campground offers hot showers, picnic tables, and some full hookups. This scenic campground operates all year, and sites can be booked up to 6 months before your trip.

North Mills River Campground – 5289 N. Mills River Road, Mills River, NC 28742: About 30 minutes south of Asheville, this year round campground features a mix of walk up sites and reservation-only options. Aside from the winter when facilities are limited, this site features showers, potable water, and flush toilets.

Days 4-5: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

After an early breakfast in Asheville, it’s finally time to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park! The drive should only take about one hour, so you’ll have plenty of time to roam through this scenic paradise.

Situated across both Tennessee and North Carolina, the park’s expansive landscape is truly mesmerizing. As you gaze out at the layers of mountains that surround you, it won’t be hard to see why this is the most visited national park in the country. There are countless sites to explore, hikes to enjoy (including on the iconic Appalachian Trail), and black bears to possibly spot! 

We recommend a minimum of 2 to 3 days to fully immerse yourself in the great outdoors and explore all that this spectacular park has to offer.

Things to do in the Smoky Mountains

Clingmans Dome: For an unforgettable view, head to the highest point in the whole park, which stands at 6,643 feet. From the observation tower, gaze out at a panoramic view of looming mountains and crystal blue lakes.

The Chimney Tops Trail: There are endless hikes to choose from in the park and you really can’t go wrong, though this 3.5 mile loop is one of the most popular. While the hike is strenuous, it’s well worth the magnificent, panoramic views of verdant hills and mountains in the distance.

Wildlife Spotting: One of the biggest draws of the Smokies is its abundance of wildlife. The park offers ample opportunities to see black bears, elk, white-tailed deer, and plenty of other majestic creatures up close! For your best shot at spotting wild animals, scope out Cades Cove, Cataloochee, and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

Places to Eat in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Park Grill $$ – 1110 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738: Situated just outside of the park’s entrance, this convenient restaurant serves delicious comfort food in a rustic, mountain lodge setting. Because of their popularity, it’s a good idea to make reservations if you’re planning on coming in for dinner during the summer.

Delauder BBQ $ – 1875 East Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN 37738: This no-frills eatery boasts some of the best, authentic barbecue in Tennessee! Choose from your favorite meat and sides, or opt for the sampler platter for a bit of everything.

Camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Smokemont Campground – Smokemont Campground Rd A, Cherokee, NC 28719 : Located inside the park, this year round campground is perfect if you’re exploring the southern end of the Smokies. The site features food storage lockers, a dump station, and potable water. Reservations must be made ahead of time, and can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 

Cades Cove Campground – 10042 Campground Dr, Townsend, TN 37882 : Also inside the park, this popular campsite sits at an elevation of 1,807 feet and is celebrated for its stunning location. This campground is open year round, and sites need to be booked ahead of time.

Day 6-7: Drive Back to Jersey City, NJ

Sadly, it’s time to pack up your camper van and begin making the trek back towards New York. The fastest route to Jersey City is to cut through Shenandoah National Park once again. Since the drive to our Escape Camper Vans location is 11 hours, break the trip up by camping in Shenandoah or along Blue Ridge Parkway once more. 

Since there was undoubtedly plenty you didn’t get a chance to see on your way down to the Smokies, this is a perfect opportunity to check another sight off your list!

Pro Tip: Luray Caverns is a great halfway point, just outside of Shenandoah. This massive cave was discovered in 1878, and features fascinating stalagmites, stalactites, and mirrored pools!

Why Rent a Camper Van for a Great Smoky Mountains Road Trip?

Between ease of use and added mobility, renting an Escape Campervan rather than a traditional RV is the way to go for your Smoky Mountains adventure. Below, we’ve listed just a few of the reasons why a camper van is the right choice for your Southeast road trip:

Compact: In comparison to a large RV, Escape Camper Vans are much more compact and easier to maneuver on narrow mountain roads, off-the-beaten path trails, and tight parking spaces. This added agility will give you the freedom to travel to areas of the parks that wouldn’t be possible with a traditional RV. 

Easy to Drive: If you’re not used to being behind the wheel of a big RV, it can be quite intimidating. However, our camper vans are much smaller and therefore easier to drive, even if this is your first taste of van life! This road trip covers over 1,300 miles, so your comfort while you’re behind the wheel is paramount.

No Sewer or Electric Hookups: Since Escape Camper Vans are self contained, sewer or electric hook ups aren’t necessary. However, traditional RV’s would require these, which would greatly limit suitable campsites along this route. With our camper vans, you can decide where to camp as you go, and you’ll even have the option to look for dispersed camping sites along the way. 

All said, our camper vans are easier to drive and allow for way more freedom than a traditional RV. Plus, our adventure-ready vans are already equipped with bedding, kitchenettes, and everything you need for an unforgettable road trip! 

Reserve with Escape Camper Vans for your Great Smoky Mountains National Park Road Trip

Ready to spend your week immersed in the mountains, chasing waterfalls, and (safely) looking out for black bears? Take a break from the city and discover the ultimate nature lover’s paradise, as you cruise down from NYC to the country’s most visited national park. Click the link below to reserve your dream Escape Campervan , and prepare for an unforgettable Great Smoky Mountains road trip!

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Chicago to Nashville and Great Smoky Mountains Road Trip

Stop at a shiny bean, an underground corridor, a racetrack and a music mecca on your way to the national park..

Get ready for an incredible journey into the South’s top attractions and best-kept secrets in this road trip that begins in Chicago and leads you to the nation’s most visited national park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Start: Chicago, Illinois

Rent an RV with Outdoorsy Do this road trip in an RV to stay close to nature. Or check out Destination Delivery: Have an RV delivered directly to a campground or parking site to camp in style without having to get behind the wheel. www.outdoorsy.com

What makes Chicago one of the best cities to visit is that it has a cosmopolitan feel with none of the attitude of similar-sized cities on the coasts. Its bustling energy is countered by the friendliness of the people, which can catch you off-guard if you are not from the Midwest.

Where’s the best place to start exploring this city that sits on the turquoise shores of Lake Michigan? Take an architectural boat tour to get a strong sense of the city’s past and present. The docents are super entertaining and informative. There’s few better ways to enjoy a hot summer day than to be on the water. Having said that, if the humidity is predicted to be really high, plan your boat trip for the morning before the sun gets too high in the sky.

Then head to the city’s celebrated Millennium Park downtown. A showcase of who’s who in architecture, this interactive park is an adult playground. As you wander around, be sure to see these three architectural attractions.

You’ll spot Cloud Gate, a kidney-bean-shaped sculpture that’s 66 feet long and 33 feet high, from a distance as its metal gleams in the sunlight. If you’ve ever seen a Tiffany’s bean necklace, this sculpture bears a striking resemblance. Made with polished stainless steel, the sculpture features an arch that enables you to walk under it and see your contorted reflection in the steel walls. It’s the first public outdoor work of British artist Anish Kapoor to appear in the United States.

If you are a music lover, head to a show at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, this outdoor concert venue has 4,000 fixed seats and room for an additional 7,000 people on the Great Lawn. Bring a blanket to sit on and enjoy the tunes (and the excellent people watching).

Next, stop by the mesmerizing Crown Fountain, which features the faces of 1,000 Chicago residents on two 250-foot glass towers, each one at the opposite end of a shallow reflecting pool. Designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, the towers feature water flowing out of an outlet, which gives the illusion that water is pouring out of the mouths of the faces appearing on each tower.

Louisville, Kentucky

Head south 4 hours and 45 minutes to Louisville, Ky. Long known for its legendary Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby and the longest continually running sporting event in the country. Churchill Downs officially opened in 1875, but the sport of horse racing can be traced back to 1789 in Kentucky.

An important thing to know is the city’s name is actually pronounced “Luhlville” by the locals and everyone else in Kentucky. To avoid being snickered at by locals, resist the natural impulse to pronounce the name as it appears [Loueyville]. It’s Luhville to you.

There are certain things you must do like experience the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, if you happen to be in town April 29-May 5, 2017. You can also catch up on equestrian history at the the Kentucky Derby Museum.

But to truly experience Louisville, you need to go underground. Really. At Louisville Mega Cavern, you’ll have an adventure like none other, exploring some of the 17 miles of corridors beneath the city. Entertaining guides bring you deep into the cave for an up to 2.5-hour tour, explaining the geology and history of the cavern. There’s also six underground zip lines that make up the world’s only fully underground zip line course. The cavern is actually man-made and offers experiences for the whole family.

Nashville, Tennessee

After coming up for air, hit the road and point your wheels toward Nashville. Just two and a half hours southwest of Louisville lies Nashville, the country western capital of the country. A trip to Nashville is not complete without immersing yourself in its vibrant music scene. After all, the city boasts “free music all the time.”

See if you can catch a show at the legendary Grand Ole Opry where pop artists and country singers perform or head to a smaller venue like The Bluebird Cafe to see incredible live music in a really intimate space. Then, stretch your legs, head to the Music City Walk of Fame on Nashville’s Music Mile to see the names of accomplished artists with a Nashville connection of all musical genres.

It turns out you don’t have to head to Athens, Greece, to see the Parthenon, which was completed in 432 B.C. to honor the goddess of Athena. Nashville has its own replica of the Parthenon at the 132-acre Centennial Park and Gardens, which is located within walking distance from Vanderbilt University. If you saw the 1975 movie Nashville, you’ll recognize this iconic structure.

While in the park, see videos of different Nashville music artists talking about trees, how to take care of them and why they are important. The series is called “If Trees Could Sing,” and it’s the result of a Metro Parks and The Nature Conservancy partnership. Look for the tree signs around the park with QR codes and web addresses. Then use your smartphone to view the Nashville artists sharing tree stories.

Other attractions include The Johnny Cash Museum, National Corvette Museum and the Nashville Flea Market (held the fourth weekend of every month).

Knoxville, Tennessee

Three hours east of Nashville, clocking in at 180 miles, make a pit stop in Knoxville. The city’s Market Square is a fantastic place to spend some time as the restaurants and shops lining the area are great.

Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, are the busiest gateways to Great Smoky Mountains National Park with no shortage of things to do. Chock-full of shops, craft stores, restaurants, and over-the-top attractions (think Ripley’s Believe it or Not! and Dollywood ), the bustling towns feel something between a family friendly Las Vegas and another planet. Here you’ll find plenty of hotels, grocery stores, and gear shops, plus quick, easy access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Want to get the most out of your national park experience? In Pigeon Forge, pick up a tour with Pink Adventure Tours . When you board one of their signature pink Jeep Wranglers, you’ll soak up more information than you thought possible about the history, wildlife and ecosystem of the Smoky Mountains.

You can also get away from it all at a unique lodging option with Under Canvas. Glamping, short for “glamorous camping,” is a luxury experience in tents equipped with the creature comforts of home. And you can now go glamping near Gatlinburg, Tenn. Here are five reasons why you should .

Great Smoky Mountains Sugarlands Entrance

The Gatlinburg entrance to the national park takes you down Newfound Gap Road which bisects the park north to south.

Start by cruising the Roaring Forks Motor Nature Trail past remnants of old homesteads, picnic areas and trailheads. Then head south to Newfound Gap Overlook and Clingmans Dome . If time permits, continue south to Mingus Mill and the Mountain Farm Museum before turning back to Pigeon Forge for the night.

Blount County, Tennessee

From Pigeon Forge, head southwest to the the towns of Townsend, Maryville, Alcoa, Friendsville, Louisville and Rockford in Blount County. Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, these towns offer travelers a ton of things to do from regional dance and theater performances at the Clayton Center for the Arts in Maryville to in-depth history of the Smoky Mountains at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend. And history buffs will feel right at home with these historic treasures .

For an incredible scenic drive just outside of the national park, take the two-lane Foothills Parkway located off Hwy. 321 just west of Townsend 18 miles up Chilhowee Mountain. Started in the 1960s, this parkway is still a work in progress with only sections of the 72 miles stretch completed.

Nonetheless, it offers a panoramic view of the park and is less visited than other roads in the area. Follow signs along the parkway for a picnic area, campground and Look Rock . Stretch your legs on the .5-mile observation trail that is 9.6 miles from the start of the parkway. It’s rated easy and offers visitors great scenery without having to exert themselves too much.

End: Great Smoky Mountains Townsend Entrance

The park entrance at Townsend is closer to Cades Cove , a preserved pioneer community, than the Gatlinburg entrance (7.3 vs. 27 miles). Cades Cove is the most popular destination in the national park due to its plentiful wildlife and many historic buildings you can explore.

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Road Trips: How to Plan an Accessible Getaway

By Syren Nagakyrie

Planning an accessible road trip is getting a little easier for people with disabilities. There are more resources created by and for the disability community, and the tourism industry is starting to recognize the value of accessible travel. As a disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent person, I take road trips every year and have learned some tips and tricks along the way.

Renting a vehicle

Most major car companies offer adaptive driving devices for their vehicles at no additional cost. Enterprise , for example, offers hand controls, left foot accelerators, pedal extenders and spinner knobs to facilitate steering. Budget can provide hand controls, spinner knobs, a panoramic mirror, swivel seats and transfer boards. Be prepared to request adaptive devices at least three business days in advance.

For a wheelchair-accessible van with a ramp or a lift, rent from a mobility company like BraunAbility , one of the largest builders of wheelchair-accessible vans in the country, with rentals at many locations. MobilityWorks , an accessible-vehicle and adaptive-equipment dealer, has rental locations in 34 states. AccessibleGO , which offers a one-stop shop for adapted rental cars and wheelchair-accessible vans, has agreements with 100 wheelchair van rental locations nationwide; request a quote on their website. For accessibleGO’s rental cars, you can request hand controls and a spinner knob at checkout.

Route planning

You can use Google Maps, Waze and MapQuest for initial accessibility research using photos and street view. Google Maps provides directions for some wheelchair-accessible pedestrian and transit routes.

Sites such as Roadtrippers and Furkot can plot an entire itinerary. While these websites are not disability specific, they are invaluable tools. (Roadtrippers does have a wheelchair-accessible check box in the search function.) You can filter by types of destinations such as national parks or museums, and search for hotels and campgrounds. Furkot allows you to input how long you want to drive each day, whether you want to travel on Interstate highways or take more scenic roads. The app will determine the best route and length of time between stops, and suggest where to stay overnight.

Finding lodging

While hotels and other accommodations are required to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act, many hotels do not meet all accessibility needs. Most of the booking sites list hotels with accessible rooms for those with mobility, hearing and vision needs, but this information is not always verified. Do additional research on review sites and look for photos. Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton and Fairmont hotels offer allergy-friendly and scent-free rooms in some locations. Call the hotel to verify accessibility and to make sure a specific room is reserved for you.

Vacation rentals are typically not required to be A.D.A. compliant, but some do provide accessibility information. Airbnb recently rolled out an adapted category with accessibility search features and homes that have been scanned for accessibility. Review photos and contact the host for more information. Some hosts will make accommodations, such as changing the cleaning supplies or shifting furniture, but document your request using the in-app messaging system so that customer service can help if you run into issues.

Wheel the World is an accessible travel agency offering bookings at over 3,000 verified accessible hotels in the United States. The hotels have been reviewed in person by trained assessors; only those that meet the criteria are listed. Sign up as a disabled traveler or a companion and complete a personal profile that includes options for a variety of disabilities and accessibility needs. The site will provide listings that match your profile with partial, adequate and outstanding match options.

Food and medication

There are a variety of options to keep food or medication cold while traveling. Electric coolers can plug into your vehicle’s 12-volt outlet, but pay attention to the type of cooling mechanism — the less expensive versions are usually thermoelectric and will cool only to about 30 degrees below ambient temperature (if it is 70 degrees in the car, it will cool to 40 degrees). Compressor coolers are more expensive but maintain normal refrigerated temperatures.

Many hotels provide mini-refrigerators. When you know you will be stopping somewhere with a fridge almost every night, layer large ice packs and supplies in a cooler, then top them with another insulating layer like a cooling bag. This keeps everything cold for a couple of days at a time.

It’s also a good idea to travel with a single-burner cooktop — electric to use inside, or propane to use at rest areas and campgrounds — and a camp mess kit so that you can safely cook meals.

Some of the best apps to find food, restaurants and grocery stores that accommodate dietary needs are Fig for allergy-specific options, Happy Cow for vegan-friendly options and Find Me Gluten Free for celiac-safe spots. Add your favorite options to the route-planning app so that you know where to stop.

Finding activities

In addition to the apps mentioned in the route-planning section, state and local tourism organizations are good sources for accessible destinations.

National parks and monuments, which are required to meet federal accessibility guidelines, typically have visitor centers and recreation sites with accessible features. Each park website has information, as well as programs and services within the park. While accessibility varies, you can usually find information on wheelchair-accessible trails and campsites, tactile and audio features, assistive listening devices, and American Sign Language interpreters.

At state parks, accessibility features may not be consistent, but you can usually find some information on each park’s website.

Apps like AllTrails list wheelchair-friendly trails across the country, but the information may not be verified, so contact the park or land manager for verification. Among the parks with notable accessible trails are Redwood National and State Parks, North Cascades National Park, Badlands National Park, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park .

Syren Nagakyrie, the founder of the nonprofit Disabled Hikers and the author of “The Disabled Hiker’s Guide to Western Washington and Oregon” and “The Disabled Hiker’s Guide to Northern California,” among other guidebooks, leads group hikes and conducts assessments throughout the United States.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .