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12 Scenic Drives In Great Smoky Mountains (With Maps + Stopovers)

Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited National Park in the USA, and if you are planning for it, read some of the best scenic drives in Great Smoky Mountains. Most of these scenic drives are unique romantic getaways in Tennessee . 

Scenic Drives In Great Smoky Mountains (Great Smoky Mountains Road Trip)

The Great Smoky Mountains border North Carolina and Tennessee with half a million acres of nature landscape covering splendid valleys, huge forests, cool mountain streams, cascading waterfalls, and vast mountain peaks has so many scenic drives too. So read about some of the best scenic drives in Great Smoky Mountains with their highlights and scenic stopovers. 

• 7 Best Scenic Drives In Florida (With Scenic Stops + Maps) 
• 7 Best California Scenic Drives – Beautiful Road Trips In California

Newfound Gap Road (US-441)

• Total Drive/Miles  – 29.2 miles one way (58.4 miles round trip)
• Start and End Point –  Between Cherokee and Gatlinburg. This scenic drive in the Smoky Mountains starts at the Sugarlands Visitor Center and ends at the Mountain Farm Museum in North Carolina.
• Scenic Stopovers –  Chimney Tops ,  Campbell Overlook, with amazing views of Mount LeConte, Newfound Gap, Rockefeller Memorial, Morton’s Gap Overlook, Clingmans Dome Road, Oconaluftee Valley Overlook, and Mingus Mill are some of the scenic stopovers on Newfound Gap Road in the Great Smoky Mountains. 

Best Newfound Gap Road Trip Itinerary – Newfound Gap Scenic Drive, Trails, Campgrounds

About:  This scenic road runs from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to Cherokee, North Carolina, and crosses the park, offering stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. It is a popular spot for sightseeing, with several vistas/overlooks along the way, including the popular Newfound Gap Overlook. This Overlook offers panoramic views of the Smokies and the surrounding landscape. The beauty of these mountain ranges is the fog coming out from the peak of the mountains, and it looks like the mountain are smoking(pun). 

This drive tops the list of best places to visit in Great Smoky mountains.

Clingmans Dome Road

• Total Drive/Miles  – 7 Miles
• Start and End Point –  Turn off Newfound Gap Road 0.1 mile south of Newfound Gap and ends at Clingmans Dome Observation Tower. 
• Scenic Stopovers –  Indian Gap, The Fraser Fir Forest, Spruce-Fir Nature Trail, Weeping Wall, Secret Tunnel Under Clingmans Dome.

About –  This scenic drive takes you to the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the summit of Clingmans Dome. The 7-mile drive offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and if you are lucky, then can spot wildlife such as black bears and wild turkeys. You can take a short hike to the observation tower at the summit for panoramic views of the valley, mountains, and scenic landscape. 

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

• Total Drive/Miles  – 5.5 Miles
• Start and End Point –  This trail starts   at the Cherokee Orchard entrance, forms a loop, and ends at Gatlinburg, Tn.
• Scenic Stopovers –  This trail is famous for its impressive waterfalls in Gatlinburg, Tn. Look out for Rainbow Falls, Baskins Creek Falls, Grotto Falls, and Place of a Thousand Drips. Also, you will spot the historic mountainous home of Noah “Bud” Ogle Homestead. 

About – This Smoky Mountains drive is a 5.5-mile loop road that winds through the National park’s lush forests, stunning waterfalls, and rushing streams is famous for its fantastic mountainous scenery. This loop is narrow; hence, only cars are allowed on this drive. In winter, this trail is closed due to the closure of roads. 

Cades Cove Loop Road

• Total Drive/Miles  – 11 Miles 
• Start and End Point –  You can start from these three start points  –  Laurel Creek Road, Parson Branch Road, or Rich Mountain Road (the last two roads are closed in winter). It is a way loop road that starts from Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. In between, you can exit towards Townsend direction if you do not want to go back to start.
• Scenic Stopovers –  Best stopovers on this scenic drive is Oliver Cabin, Primitive Baptist Church, Methodist Church, Elijah Oliver Place, Abrams Falls, Cable Mill, Carter Shields Cabin, Becky Cable House Historical Structure, Riding Stables with Ranger Station, and many walkable trails too. 

This scenic drive gives you an experience of rural mountainous life in the broad Cades Cove Valley, surrounded by stunning mountains. You can see farm animals initially and then be followed by historic homes. You can spot deer and bears in a lush green forest deep inside. The drive is narrow, and hence drive carefully. 

TIP : On Wednesday, this drive is closed to motorists, and only bike riders and hikers can enjoy nature on foot.

The Little River Road

• Total Drive/Miles  – 22 Miles
• Start and End Point –  It starts from   Sugarlands visitor center near Gatlinburg and ends at Cades Cove. It is also known as Laurel Creek Road. 
• Scenic Stopovers –  Maloney Point, Laurel Falls trail, Elkmont, Metcalf Bottoms, The Sinks, Meigs Falls, and Townsend “Y”, historic Little Greenbrier school, and Walker sisters’ cabin.

This scenic drive takes you along the Little River, past cascading waterfalls, picnic grounds, and narrow streams passing by your side. This drive is on low elevation; hence, you will not see giant Smoky mountains, but you will pass through scenic lush green forests, cascaded streams, and campgrounds.

Heintooga Round Bottom Road

• Total Drive/Miles  – 14 Mile
• Start and End Point – It starts at the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 458.2 and ends at Big Cove Road north of Cherokee. 
• Scenic Stopovers –  Heintooga Overlook, Balsam Mountain Campground, Flat Creek hiking trail, Palmer Creek Trail, Beech Gap Trail. 

About – This scenic drive takes you through a remote mountainous region on an unpaved gravel road with beautiful views of the mountains and valleys. This drive is famous for its scenic beauty and opportunities to see wildlife such as elk, bears, and wild turkeys. You will start this curvy drive from an altitude of 5,535 feet and descends to about 2,000 feet.

This drive is one of the best places to visit in Great Smoky Mountains to experience wild rugged mountains with amazing wildlife.

Tip –  The drive is one way on an unpaved road and a purely rustic car hike. Therefore be cautious about surprises and adventures in this scenic drive.

Note:  This scenic drive in Smoky mountains is open from late May through October. 

Foothills Parkway

• Total Drive/Miles  – 33 Miles 
• Start and End Point –  Drive from US 129 to US 321 in Tennessee across the Little Tennesse river. You can start from Walland, TN, and end in Chilhowee, TN, or Sevierville, TN.
• Scenic Stopovers –  Caylor Gap Overlook ,  Look Rock Picnic Area(highest point on Chilhowee Mountain), Great Smoky Mountains Overlook, Emerine Gap Overlook, Maryville Overlook, Gregory Bald Overlook, and Happy Valley Overlook

About – This scenic Smoky Mountains drive offers panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains and the surrounding landscape, with several overlooks and picnic areas along the way. This drive is top-rated in the spring and fall when the wildflowers and foliage bloom.

Tail Of The Dragon – US 129 Drive

• Total Drive/Miles  – 11 Miles with 318 Curves
• Start and End Point –  It starts from   Foothills Parkway and US 129, Chilhowee, TN, and ends at Deals Gap, NC. 
• Scenic Stopovers –  Robbinsville and Fontana Dam when you start. As this road is known for its beautiful adventure drive, it is best to do it non-stop; therefore, when this drive begins, there are no vista points. If your vehicle needs rest, there are some rest areas, but no scenic overlooks after you start the loop. You can relax at Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort when you finish the drive. 

About  – This is the most adventurous drive for bikers in the US, with 318 curves on an 11-mile stretch within a forest backdrop. Not only bikers, cars to enjoy the curvy adventure here, and so it is one of the world-famous roads for biking and adventure driving. So the highlights of this drive are turns, twists, and tall trees. 

The Blue Ridge Parkway

• Total Drive/Miles  – The route is 469 Miles from Virginia to North Carolina, with two national parks on the road. 
• Start and End Point –  It starts from Rockfish Gap, VA, and ends at Cherokee, NC. You can also do this from Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge while staying in the Great Smoky mountains range. 
• Scenic Stopovers (Gatlinburg – Blue Ridge Parkway Drive) –  Mount Pisgah, Julian Price Memorial Park, Fox Hunter’s Paradise where, Ridge Junction Overlook, View Devil’s Courthouse, Waterrock Knob( where you can view the Appalachians and the Smokies at the same spot) and many more stopovers.
• 8 Best Hikes In Blue Ridge Parkway With Campgrounds

About – The Blue Ridge Parkway links Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with an enchanting view of the Appalachian Mountains in the United States. Technically this scenic drive does not belong to the Smoky mountains but is a beautiful drive to reach the Smoky mountains from Shenandoah. So if you are driving to the Smoky Mountains, this route will be more scenic.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most iconic drives of the US and hence must be included in your scenic drives in Great smoky mountain. It is in the list of  top 10 scenic drives in the USA.  If you cannot drive for so long, do a little to get the feel of this fantastic drive in the USA. 

Big Creek To Cataloochee Valley Drive 

• Total Drive/Miles  – 12 Miles
• Start and End Point –  Big Creek campground and ends at Cataloochee valley.
• Scenic Stopovers –  You can enjoy the attractions at Cataloochee valley, and there is not much to do in between the drive. 

About – This historic valley offers a scenic drive through rolling hills, past old homesteads, cabins, and barns, and opportunities to see native wildlife such as elk. 

Note:  The road is narrow and unpaved; you need a 4×4 drive. Many times this road is closed due to obstacles. So be careful if you are taking this scenic drive. 

Rich Mountain Road – Places To Visit In Great Smoky Mountains

• Total Drive/Miles  – 7 Miles One way
• Start and End Point –  It starts at Cades Cove and ends at Townsend, Tn, with turns and twists.
• Scenic Stopovers –  view of the Primitive Baptist Church and many sudden encounters with wildlife. 

About  – This scenic drive goes through the one-way path on the gravel road with quiet forest surroundings. This laid-back drive is perfect for a picturesque, peaceful experience and to escape the crowd of Cades Cove. If you start this drive, you can return as it is a narrow one-way drive. So fuel your car to complete and be sure to take this drive. In winter, this drive remains closed. Also, you will encounter much wildlife while driving, so do not disturb them or act wildly. 

Upper Tremont Road – Smoky Mountains Drive

• Total Drive/Miles  – 8 Miles Round Trip 
• Start and End Point –  Pigeon Forge, TN
• Scenic Stopovers – 

About –  A secret drive in the forest with an unpaved road. This drive is famous in the fall time due to fantastic foliage colors. This drive is a hidden gem in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

Where To stay in the Smoky Mountains – Things To Do In Great Smoky Mountains

• Pigeon Forge .
• Gatlinburg .
• Sevierville .
• Wear Valley .

General Guidelines – Scenic Drives In Great Smoky Mountains

• Fuel up your vehicle whenever you go for these mountainous drives, as sometimes you do not find any gas stations or help. 

• Check road closures on official websites or GPS warnings before you start, as these drives are open in the specific season due to natural obstacles. 
• For many unpaved drives, you need to drive a 4×4 vehicle; on some of them, RVs and trucks are not allowed. 
• Carry food and water with you, as often you do not find any restaurant or eating zones in between. 
• It isn’t easy to get Online GPS signals in mountain regions. So download offline maps before you start, as they help navigate when there are no signals. 
• Try to cover up your drive before sunset as in the dark, driving in mountains and forests is a little dangerous. 
• Spring, summer, and Fall are the best time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains drive.

Where To Stay In Smoky Mountains – Gatlinburg Hotel Video Tour

Now you know some of the best places to visit in Great Smoky mountains. I hope you loved reading about scenic drives in Smoky Mountains National Park or Smoky mountains drive with their highlights. 

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

Last Updated March 15, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Itineraries » 6 Day Smoky Mountains Itinerary – 2 States & 1 Grand Adventure

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.

Looking for deals on car rentals?: The secret to saving money on rental cars are these car rental coupon codes . We’re talking about hundreds of dollars of savings so don’t miss out.

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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• Hottest deals – Bookmark the travel deals page .
• Car rentals – stop getting ripped off and learn about car rental coupon codes .
• Hotels – Use corporate codes or get Genius 2 tier with Booking.
• Flights – Have you ever heard of the “Everywhere” feature ?
• Insurance – Make sure you’re covered and learn more about where to buy the best travel insurance .

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.
• RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
• SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
• Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
• 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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First-timer's guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

May 15, 2020 • 9 min read

The glorious sunrises are a great way to start the day in the Smokies © KenCanning / Getty Images

Jagged mountain peaks, verdant forests and cascading waterfalls set the stage for big adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains, one of America’s best-loved national parks. Spread across 500,000 acres in the Southern Appalachian range, the park is a four-season wonderland, famous for both its colorful spring wildflowers and the fiery blazes of autumn.

The Smokies are also home to an astonishing variety of plant and animal life – from lumbering black bears to dazzling displays of synchronous fireflies. It doesn't take long to see why Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park in the United States. Whether you’re coming for the hikes, the history, the autumn leaf peeping , the sound of silence , or the winding mountain roads, there’s a little something for everyone in the Smokies.

The history of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

There are only three National Parks that spill across state lines, and Great Smoky Mountains is one of them. It covers a section of Tennessee and North Carolina in the Southern USA that was once home to the Cherokee, and later by Scotch-Irish settlers.

Like much of Appalachia, the Smokies were targeted by logging companies seeking rich stands of timber. As early as the end of the 19th century, concerned residents of the area advocated for preservation of the land. By 1925, the federal government was ready to move forward and create one of the first national parks in the eastern United States, along with Shenandoah National Park to the north.

The land for Great Smoky Mountains National Park was acquired in large part through small-scale grassroots fundraising rather than donations from wealthy stakeholders, despite much of the area already being broken up into small family farms and parcels earmarked by loggers. Much of the work was completed by the Civilian Conservation Corps throughout the Great Depression, and the national park was officially dedicated in 1940. 

Another unique quality of the Smoky’s development was that it was one of the first parks designed with cars in mind. Unlike the first national parks out west, which were originally reached by trains and where visitors stayed in grand hotels financed by railroad companies, Great Smoky National Park came together with support and input from auto organizations like the American Automobile Associations (AAA). 

How to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The main gateways to Great Smoky Mountains are the Sugarlands Visitor Center , near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, North Carolina. Between the two is the scenic Newfound Gap Road, which winds for 29 miles, neatly bisecting the park on the only pavement traversing the Smokies. Trailheads for some of the most popular hikes and some of the park's key historic sights are found along this two-lane road. Other popular access points are the Cataloochee Valley on the east side of the park, and Cades Cove in the west.

If you’re flying in, the closest airport to the park is Knoxville ’s McGhee Tyson Airport (about a 70-minute drive to the one of the park’s main gateways near Gatlinburg). Other nearby airports include Asheville, NC (an 80-minute drive), Charlotte -Douglas International Airport (a 3-hour drive), and Chattanooga (a 2.75 hour drive). There is no train service to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Wherever you’re coming from, you’ll want a car, as there’s no scheduled bus service to the park nor any public transit available inside of it once you get there. 

If you want to spend some time exploring the Smokies without camping or renting a cabin, there are numerous RV rental companies in Knoxville, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge – the later being two towns that are unofficial gateways to the Smokies and home to attractions like Dollywood . You can also make a road trip out of picking up a rental from outfitters like Voyager Campervans in Nashville and Escape Campervans in Atlanta. 

What to see and do in the Great Smoky Mountains

One of the great draws of the Smokies is its extensive trail system crisscrossing forested valleys and misty mountain slopes. There are over 800 miles of trails , ranging from easy rambles along scenic boulder-filled streams to challenging all-day hikes. In addition, there are over 100 backcountry campsites and shelters, the park offers exceptional possibilities for multi-day treks.

The park’s hiking opportunities include a 71 mile portion of the Appalachian Trail, which runs right through the center of the park between Fontana Dam and Davenport Gap. The highest point on the entire 2,200 mile span of the AT is the park’s own Clingman’s Dome – the “top of Old Smoky” made famous by singers like the Weavers and Hank Williams. Another epic trek in the park is the Mountains to the Sea Trail , which runs from its western terminus at Clingman’s Dome all the way to the Outer Banks of North Carolina .

Hiking aside, there are many ways to experience the Great Smoky Mountains. When you need a break from walking, you can let a trusty steed do the work. Horseback riding stables are located in Cades Cove, Sugarlands and Smokemont. The park also has some matchless scenic drives , including ridgeline roads where you can gaze out at the seemingly endless expanse of undulating peaks. Last but not least, the Blue Ridge Parkway ’s southern terminus links the Smokies to Shenandoah, in case you want to get the most out of your national parks pass.

However you choose to explore the Smokies, you can visit the well-preserved log cabins, grist mills and one-room school houses built by early settlers to the area. There is also exceptional wildlife watching year round in the Smokies. 

While you have a chance of seeing wildlife throughout the park, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is an excellent route if you’re hoping to peep the park’s animal residents, especially in winter time, at dawn, and in the evenings. And while the area’s bears and fireflies get most of the publicity, the Cataloochee Valley is a prime spot to see elk, reintroduced to the Smokies back in 2001. 

How much will a trip to the Smokies cost?

For an inexpensive vacation, the Smokies are hard to beat. Unlike the Grand Canyon and most other national parks, this one won’t cost you a penny to enter. The Smokies are entirely admission-free, thanks to the many area residents who gave up their land and contributed funds to create the park.

That means that, aside from car rental, expenses are minimal. Camping – one of the best ways to experience the Smokies – runs less than $25 a night per site and as little as $14. Backcountry camping is free, although you do need a reservation and a permit. 

All of the attractions within the park are free, including the Mountain Farm Museum , Cades Cove historic buildings and the panoramic overlook at Clingmans Dome , not to mention all of the hiking trails. Add to that the many free ranger-led programs run by the park – night hikes, storytelling by the campfire, morning porch talks (free coffee provided), Appalachian culture fairs – and you have the makings of one of America’s most remarkable budget-friendly getaways.

Where to stay in the Smokies

The allure of the Great Smoky Mountains is certainly no secret, and the park gets quite crowded during the busy summer months (Jun–Aug) and in the autumn when the leaves change color (Sep–Oct). It’s wise to plan well ahead so you can get your first choice when it comes to accommodation. 

There are no motels or rental cabins within the park. Instead, all but one of the park’s nine frontcountry campgrounds can be reserved online . For backcountry sites that are accessible only via hiking trail, you can make reservations through the park’s backcountry permit office either in person or online . If you’re new to camping or spending time outdoors, read up on Leave No Trace principles before you head out, or check out these guidelines on how to RV or vancamp responsibly.  

If you prefer not to sleep in a tent, the only option inside park boundaries is the LeConte Lodge , a delightfully old-fashioned collection of wooden cottages near the top of Mount LeConte (elevation 6594ft). The lodge is not accessible by road, so to get there you’ll have to hoof it uphill on a hike ranging from 5.5 miles to 9 miles in length depending on which trail you use.

There are meals available at LeConte when you arrive – the supplies for which are brought up by llamas, which you might see along the way if you take the Trillium Gap Trail. Due to the popularity of LeConte’s hospitality, however, you’ll need to make reservations months – or even a year – in advance.

There are plenty of accommodation options outside the park, too. Gatlinburg, something of a resort village, is packed with hotels and guesthouses, and there are cabin rentals around the city and throughout the surrounding area – particularly near Cherokee, Bryson City and Pigeon Forge.

Being prepared (and staying safe) in the Smokies

Hiking trails are well-marked in the national park, though it’s wise to pick up a good map (available in the visitors centers) before setting out. Make sure you have sturdy walking shoes (preferably waterproof hiking boots), ample water and snacks, warm clothing (it gets chilly at higher elevations, even in the summer) and gear for rain (precipitation is a year-round possibility). 

A walking stick also comes in handy. Be sure to let a non-hiking partner know where you’re going and when you plan to be back. Watch out for slippery rocks, and don’t swim or wade in park waters (falls and drowning are among the leading causes of injury).

As this is bear country, you must store all your food – and any trash that smells like food – appropriately. It’s important to be mindful in order to protect wildlife from becoming dependent on humans for food or getting close to humans in ways that endanger both you and the animals who call the park home. Never feed animals by hand, dispose of trash properly in approved receptacles, and use bear canisters or bear lockers to keep your snacks from attracting critters to your campsite.

Speaking of bears, they’re generally quite shy and avoid human contact, though if you do come across one, keep your distance and don’t disturb the bear. In the unlikely event the bear approaches you, stand your ground, make yourself tall and make a lot of noise – which usually deters the bear.

You may also like:  National and state parks are reopening in the US in phases - here’s what we know 7 reasons staycations are going to be our saviour in 2020 This corner of northeastern Utah is the wilderness only locals know about

This article was first published August 2018 and updated May 2020

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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.

Download an ebook, phrasebook, map, or bundle directly from Lonely Planet , or 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 to 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

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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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Great Smoky Mountains Road Trip

Related To:

With 9 million annual visitors, the Great Smoky Mountains ranks as America 's most popular national park. Spend a few days driving amid the steep mountain passes, rolling valleys and swirling blue morning haze, which gave the mountains their name, and it's easy to understand why people flock here. In addition to ubiquitous breathtaking views, visitors will encounter more than 1,600 varieties of plants, trees and flowers, and perhaps even spy wildlife, including deer, elk and black bear throughout the park's half million acres. The park's main Tennessee and North Carolina entrances are flanked by the neon light-filled, boot stomping Gatlinburg , and the peaced-out hippie enclave of Asheville. Set up camp, or check into a luxe hotel in either town, and spend your days exploring the Great Smoky Mountains' scenic overlooks, sights and 800 miles of trails accessible via the park's 270 miles of roadways. The downside to being America's most popular national park can be the crowds on the park roadways and more popular trails. We recommend avoiding a trip during the peak months of June 15 to August 15, and the entire month of October. To further miss the hordes, start exploring the park early in the morning; most crowds arrive after 10 a.m.

Where to Stay

The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa Asheville, North Carolina Dating back to1913, Asheville's Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa has earned its reputation as one of the most esteemed places to stay in the South. The granite stone exterior is set against commanding views of the Smoky Mountains, as well as the Asheville skyline. The hotel's Great Hall will stop you in your tracks: the massive lobby is lined with multiple 14-foot-high fireplaces down the length of the 120-foot room creating an aura of drama -- indulge in a cocktail while relaxing on one of the comfy sofas. If your muscles are sore from hiking in the park, unwind with a treatment at the award-winning, 43,000-square-foot spa. As you lay your head to sleep in your luxuriously appointed room, rest easy knowing your hotel guest predecessors included the grand likes of Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson. Hotel Indigo Asheville If you love nature but aren't too keen on the arts-and-crafts style so prevalent in the Great Smoky Mountains’ surrounding towns, catch your breath at the Hotel Indigo, noted for its sleek, mod design. The contemporary furnishings are offset with brightly painted wall colors, funky area rugs, and intentionally mismatched chairs and ottomans. Amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, restaurant, bar and in-room Wi-Fi. The 116-room boutique hotel is located within walking distance of Asheville’s River Arts District, as well as many of Asheville's charming restaurants and shops. The Lodge at Buckberry Creek Gatlinburg, Tennessee In the tacky mix of roadside motels and hotels that seem to define much of Gatlinburg, the Lodge at Buckberry Creek offers welcome respite. The Adirondack architecture, rustic wood porches and furnishings, and sweeping views of the Great Smoky Mountains all lend themselves to the lodge’s many charms, and its location just outside the neon-lit Parkway make it feel like a quiet oasis. The lodge's 44 luxury suites feature fireplaces, and balconies with mountain vistas, and bathtubs. A continental breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant is also included in the room rate.

Where to Eat

Jack of the Wood Asheville Get your toes ready for tapping at Jack of the Wood, Asheville's quintessentially cozy Celtic pub, where live music is a given at the weekly jam sessions featuring fiddlers playing Irish reels or bluegrass bands strumming out with mountain music. English-style ales and pub food rule the roost here, and favorites include the shepherd's pie, rabbit ragout, and fish and chips. Wet your whistle with one of the pub's handcrafted Green Man ales, like the India pale ale, porter or stout. In addition to local musicians, Jack of the Wood has also played host to bigger name acts like Old Crow Medicine Show and Flogging Molly. The Admiral Asheville Plan well in advance if you want to eat a meal at The Admiral, easily Asheville's hottest restaurant. Since it opened in 2007, the gastropub has been dishing out inventive fare like buffalo sweetbreads with blue cheese, carrots, parsley and celery, as well as a Heritage Farms pork chop with country ham grits, black-eyed peas, queso fresco, tomatillo-avocado sauce and pickled jalapenos. But don't get too attached to any one menu item; with a nod to locally sourced and seasonal ingredients mixed with sheer instinct and a bit o' genius, the menu here changes almost daily. One thing that can be counted on? Inventive and delicious eats. Book a reservation in advance.

Pancake Pantry Gatlinburg If there is any one thing we can guarantee you about a stay in Gatlinburg, it's that you will never, ever want for breakfast pancakes. Plan an early morning visit to the Pancake Pantry, THE place to get breakfast in town, to put it plainly, and where you'll find yourself drooling with indecision over the 24 different types of pancakes. There are flapjack standards like blueberry, peach and buttermilk, but there are also decadent delights such as Austrian apple-walnut, complete with apple cider compote, melted butter, black walnuts, apples and sweet spices, then topped with powdered sugar and real whipped cream. Of course there are also waffles, eggs, and lunch items, but really, folks, it's all about the pancakes. Arrive early, and expect a bit of wait time; remember to bring cash, as credit cards are not accepted.

What to See and Do

Cades Cove Valley Half a million acres is a lot of land to cover, but armed with your car, one of the excellent park maps offered at any of the visitor's centers, and a handful of tips on park highlights, you can get an excellent sense of the Great Smoky Mountains. The first major route you'll want to drive is the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road, which takes you around the Cades Cove valley, where you'll find a smattering of interesting 19th- and early 20th-century buildings like barns and a grist mill, as well as ample sightings of wildlife such as deer.

Clingmans Dome Next, make your way to Clingman's Dome Road, a 7-mile road that takes you to the top of Clingmans Dome, the highest peak in the Smokies, at 6, 643 feet, and the third highest east of the Mississippi River. You'll reach the dome's observation after a steep but paved .5-mile walk from the parking lot. The 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys are astonishing. Newfound Gap The 33-mile Newfound Gap Road is one of the park's most popular routes, used to connect Cherokee, NC, and Gatlinburg, TN. The route rewards drivers with mountain views that can be photographed from a number of scenic pullouts. The road climbs some 3,000 feet along the edge of the mountain, and passes through a stunning number of forest types including cove hardwood, pine-oak, northern hardwood, and evergreen spruce-fir. Cataloochee Valley One of the park's lesser visited spots is Cataloochee Valley. Surrounded by mountains, and blissfully quiet, Cataloochee has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors can explore a number of historic buildings, like a church, school, barn and homes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Smoky Mountains Waterfalls Be sure to stop at some of the Smoky Mountains' waterfalls, typically accessible via short well-marked hikes. Highlights include the 80-foot-high Laurel Falls, 90-foot-high Hen Wallow Falls, Rainbow Falls, where you're almost guaranteed a rainbow sighting from the waterfall's mist on sunny days, and Indian Creek Falls, which is a short 1.6-mile hike that takes visitors past 2 waterfalls. Mountain Farm Museum To get a sense of what 19th-century life was once like in the splendid Smokies, head to the Mountain Farm Museum, located behind the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The museum is actually a cluster of original, historic 19th-century log buildings that were brought in from the Smoky Mountains region and preserved here in the park in an effort to replicate farm life from the era. Visitors can explore a working blacksmith shop, a house, barn, applehouse, springhouse and smokehouse. The museum even offers demonstrations of historic gardening and agricultural practices. Pay a visit to the John Davis house, an American chestnut log cabin, built before the chestnut blight of the 1930s and 1940s destroyed the tree entirely. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee If, for some reason, the surplus of nature's majestic wonders in the Great Smokies has left you on outdoors overload, escape to the neon-light-filled, boot-stompin' Vegas of the East, Pigeon Forge. Tucked into the mountains' foothills, the town lies just 5 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but in spirit, is a world away from the quiet respite of the park's trails. What was once a tiny mountain enclave has grown into a full-blown resort town, filled with waterparks, country music venues, an unusual number of kitschy dinner theaters, and the iconic amusement park Dollywood, the town's main attraction. In fact, there are multiple odes to the great, er, full-figured country star in Pigeon Forge: Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show (yes, you'll encounter ostrich races and wild buffalo here) and Dollywood's Splash Country . You don't come to Pigeon Forge looking for an opera or symphony as your evening entertainment, but gosh dang it, you'd be a fool to miss the dinner theater performances, like the Black Bear Jamboree Dinner & Show.

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Great Smoky Mountains Road Trip

Ultimate driving loop through the smokies.

Amy Balfour

• In this guide
• Rocky Mountain road trip
• Utah's national parks
• Grand Canyon loop
• California road trips
• Skyline & Blue Ridge Parkway
• Western North Carolina
• West Virginia To Shenandoah NP
• Great Smoky Mountains
• NC's Outer Banks
• White Mountains & Falls
• Coastal Maine's Route-1
• Fall foliage
• Lakes Michigan & Superior
• South Dakota
• Chicago to the Ozarks
• Renting an RV
• What to see

Gorgeous scenery and outdoor adventure join forces on this Great Smokies loop, which swings past urban parks, waterfall trails and wildlife playgrounds.

Great Smoky Mountains road trip

Approx. distance: 450 miles

Duration: Six days

Suggested route: Knoxville, Urban Wilderness, Gatlinburg, Cades Cove, Clingman's Dome, Ocoee Scenic Byway, Lookout Mountain, Knoxville.

Foothills Parkway in the Great Smoky Mountains

Suggested driving route

Pick up your rental car at the McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville then spend the day biking and hiking in the Urban Wilderness. From Knoxville it’s a one-hour drive to Gatlinburg. On the way you’ll pass Pigeon Forge, which is known for heavy traffic and the Dollywood theme park.

Downtown Gatlinburg is packed tight with busy hotels. To escape the crowds, consider a rental cabin in the surrounding mountains. From downtown, enter Great Smoky Mountains National Park on US 441, also known as Newfound Gap Road. There is no admission fee. You’ll reach Sugarlands Visitor Centre in two miles. From the visitor centre, follow Little River Road for one hour to Cades Cove. Camp at Cades Cove Campground or at Elkmont Campground on Little River Road.

In the morning, return to US 441. From here, it’s a 45-minute drive to Clingmans Dome. You’ll pass the trailhead for the popular Alum Cave Bluffs Trail along the way. After exploring the dome, drive 25 miles to the Oconaluftee Visitor Centre near the eastern entrance of the park. From here you can detour off the loop for the 40-mile drive to Cataloochee Valley, or continue southwest 90 miles to the Ocoee Whitewater Centre. From the whitewater centre continue west 90 minutes to Lookout Mountain on the outskirts of Chattanooga. Chattanooga is 90 minutes southwest of Knoxville.

Where to stop & what to see

Urban wilderness.

Multi-use greenways connect several outdoor adventure areas in central Knoxville. Sprawled across 1,000 acres of public land, this vast playground is known as the Urban Wilderness. Trails are well-marked and often interconnected, so it’s easy to make your way between a variety of activities and scenic locations. You’ll find mountain biking trails, a quarry with kayak and SUP rentals, a riverside boardwalk and an aerial adventure park. Stop by the Ijams Nature Centre for a park map and bike rentals. There are several good breweries located near the major wilderness areas, and you’ll find a seasonal beer shack at the quarry.

Downtown Gatlinburg is more than a kitschy collection of moonshine distilleries, pancake houses and Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museums. Nature lovers just need to hop on a chairlift to find the good stuff. The Gatlinburg Skylift whisks passengers up to a lofty observation platform and a 680ft-long suspension bridge. The Ober Gatlinburg aerial tramway glides to a high-elevation amusement park and ski resort while the “chondola” at Anakeesta drops riders at a gorgeous mountaintop playground with a zipline, roller coaster and treetop canopy walk.

A lush valley flanked by forested mountains and teeming with wildlife, Cades Cove is one of the most magical areas in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But bumper-to-bumper traffic on the 11-mile loop road can diminish the wonder. For the best experience visit on a Wednesday morning from mid-June through September, when the loop is open to pedestrians and cyclists only. The loop is also dotted with 19th-century churches, cabins and farm buildings. The family-friendly Abrams Falls Trail (5-mile roundtrip) leads to a photogenic waterfall. The strenuous Gregory Bald Trail leads to a mountaintop meadow famous for its azalea blooms in June. Horseback rides and bike rentals are available near Cades Cove Campground.

Clingmans Dome

Clingmans Dome is the highest point in Tennessee at 6643ft. A steep half-mile trail leads from the parking area to an observation tower, where you’ll have panoramic views across the park. On clear days they say you can see more than 100 miles. The dome is the highest point on the Appalachian Trail. The Forney Ridge Trail (3.6 miles roundtrip, 5.8km) leads to a high-elevation meadow known as Andrew Bald. The 7-mile road to Clingmans Dome from US 441 is closed to vehicles in winter, typically from December through March.

Ocoee Scenic Byway & Cherokee National Forest

The first scenic byway established in a national forest, this 26-mile drive follows Hwy 64/74 along the Ocoee River Gorge then detours up Forest Road 77 to the Chilhowee Recreation Area. Swimming areas and scenic viewpoints border the byway. Whitewater rafting is a popular activity on the Ocoee, and rafting outfitters can be found along US 64/74 west of the national forest. Stop by the Ocoee Whitewater Centre for regional visitor information and to enjoy the hiking and mountain biking trails. Olympic canoeists and kayakers bounced down the rapids behind the centre during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. At Chilhowee Recreation Area you can camp, swim, fish and mountain bike. An easy hiking trail leads to a pretty waterfall.

Chattanooga & Lookout Mountain

Bisected by the Tennessee River and surrounded by mountains, Chattanooga is famously outdoorsy. Numerous hiking and biking trails unfurl in and around the city. Rock climbing is also regionally popular. Located six miles west of downtown, Lookout Mountain is home to three family-friendly destinations: Rock City, Ruby Falls and the Incline Railway. A walking trail winds through a clifftop boulder garden in Rock City before ending at a scenic overlook with views into seven states. An underground waterfall takes the spotlight at Ruby Falls while the Incline Railway climbs steeply to the top of Lookout Mountain.

Detour: Cataloochee Valley

For some of the best wildlife viewing in the national park, drive to this remote valley where majestic elk graze just steps from the road and wild turkeys strut around like they own the place.

North Carolina’s Outer Banks Road Trip

About the author.

Amy has authored or co-authored 26 books on the USA for Lonely Planet. Her articles and essays have appeared in Backpacker, Every Day with Rachael Ray, Houston Chronicle, Redbook, Southern Living, Women’s Health, Vegetarian Times, the Los Angeles Times and Washington Post.

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Great Smoky Mountains Scenic Expressway

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Tennessee Splendor: Great Smoky Mountains Road Trip

Posted By: Carol Thompson January 6, 2024

Making the spur of the moment decision to hit the road turned out to be more remarkable than a well-planned extended vacation. Our road trip through some of the Great Smoky Mountains, led to spontaneous adventures weaved together with a tapestry of cultural exploration, wildlife encounters, vibrant entertainment, unique stays, and unexpected historical insights.

Stop 1: Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary

Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary in Petros, Tennessee

The Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary in Petros, Tennessee was a fascinating stop. While the subject matter may be serious, the experience of exploring a historic prison can create lasting memories and engaging lessons even for kids. This former high-security prison, once home to notorious inmates, now offers a captivating tour that delves into its storied past. As we explored the cells and learned about the facility’s history, the highlight was a special exhibit featuring the preserved cell of James Earl Ray, infamous for the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Additionally, the Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary has reinvented itself with a whiskey distillery on-site, adding a touch of Tennessee’s spirit to the experience. After the tour, we indulged in a hearty lunch at the Warden’s Table , where the ambiance paid homage to the prison’s history while providing a unique setting for a delicious meal. I’m positive that the oversized bologna sandwich was not served in the heyday of the prison, but I still highly recommend.

Stop 2: Museum of Appalachia

We next stepped back in time at The Museum of Appalachia in Clinton, Tennessee. Nestled against the picturesque backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains, this living history museum offered an immersive experience into the region’s rich heritage.

The Museum of Appalachia in Clinton, Tennessee

As we strolled through the enormous collection of exhibits, we encountered meticulously preserved log cabins, barns, and farmsteads, each telling a unique story of Appalachian life. The museum brought history to life with demonstrations of traditional crafts, including blacksmithing, weaving, and broom-making.

The Museum of Appalachia was not just a collection of artifacts but a living testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the Appalachian people. Our visit here provided a valuable opportunity to connect with the past and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural roots that shape the region, not to mention the “to-die for” coconut pie at the cafe and the beautiful free-range peacocks roaming the grounds.

Stop 3: Oconaluftee Visitor’s Center

Continuing our journey, we headed to the Oconaluftee Visitor’s Center , a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here, amidst the breathtaking beauty of the mountains, we witnessed the majesty of elk grazing in the meadows.

Elk at the Oconaluftee Visitor’s Center

The Oconaluftee area is known for its successful elk reintroduction program, and we observed these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The visitor’s center provided information about the elk population, their behavior, and the conservation efforts that made this spectacle possible. The highlight of our trip included observing a gigantic male elk bugle to prospective mates. The word majestic repeatedly came to mind as his proximity to us was both awe inspiring and just a little frightening.

Stop 4: Oconaluftee Indian Village

For an authentic and immersive encounter with Native American culture, we took a short detour to the Oconaluftee Indian Village . Located in nearby Cherokee, this living history museum transported us back in time to the 18th century, providing a captivating glimpse into the daily lives of the Cherokee people. Guided by tribal members dressed in traditional attire, we explored reconstructed dwellings, witnessed traditional craft demonstrations, and participated in interactive experiences. The village’s commitment to preserving and sharing Cherokee history made it a memorable and educational stop for the entire family, fostering a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage of the indigenous peoples in the region.

Stop 5: Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort

For a truly unforgettable experience, we decided to add a bonus stop to our itinerary at the Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort in Sevierville. Smoky Hollow Resort offered a unique accommodation experience that combined the spirit of adventure with modern amenities. We chose to stay in a covered wagon, where the sounds of the night were complemented by the soft rustling of canvas. Alternatively, we could have opted for a teepee, providing a cozy and nostalgic setting for a restful night’s sleep.

Stay in a Covered Wagon at Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort

The resort provided a perfect balance between nature and luxury, with well-appointed facilities and the convenience of being close to the attractions of Sevierville. This unique stay at Smoky Hollow Resort added an extra layer of excitement to our road trip, creating memories that went beyond the ordinary.

Stop 6: Downtown Pigeon Forge

Wrapping up our road trip adventure, we found ourselves in the heart of downtown Pigeon Forge . This part of the Smokies is no stranger to us but fortunately, there is always something new to do. This bustling town, nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is a haven for entertainment. For those in search of adrenaline, downtown Pigeon Forge boasts an array of attractions, including miniature golf courses, sling-shots, amusement-style rides, and expansive arcades. After engaging in several family-friendly competitions, we then ventured into the town’s diverse culinary scene, where options ranged from Southern comfort food to international delights. Pigeon Forge doesn’t fall short in offering theatrical experiences, and we make it a point to catch the latest dinner show. With its lively atmosphere and a plethora of entertainment choices, downtown Pigeon Forge served as a fitting conclusion to our wonderful weekend.

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Oconaluftee farmstead provides visitors a glimpse of life in the southern Appalachians in the early 20th century.

Road Trip: Great Smoky Mountains

From the May 2012 issue of National Geographic Traveler

In the early 1900s, outdoorsman Horace Kephart likened the Great Smoky Mountains to an “Eden still unpeopled and unspoiled.” A century later, the range the Cherokees once called the “land of the blue mist” stars as the showpiece of America’s most popular national park, drawing nine million annual visitors. Most enter through a jumble of go-kart tracks and outlet stores along Tennessee’s neon-bright Gatlinburg–Pigeon Forge gateway corridor. But for those who know where to look, the Smokies still offer the “wild beauty and grandeur” that entranced Kephart, who led the campaign for national park designation. Sneaking in through the back door, on the quieter North Carolina side, offers savvy travelers near-private viewings of the park’s unrivaled biodiversity, including 1,660 species of flowering plants as well as deer, elk, and black bears. Those fortunate few can also relish ethereal, blue-haze valleys in peaceful solitude.

Asheville serves as the North Carolina headquarters of the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway, with the Great Smokies as its southwestern bookend. Though the city is known best for its 250-room Biltmore Estate, a French Renaissance vision in Gilded Age opulence, its laid-back residents are more likely to be found at a drum circle or bluegrass jam—a banjo cradled in one arm, a pint of local brew in the other hand.

Art galleries and indie coffee shops and bistros line the historic downtown, attracting a congenial mix of buskers enlivening street corners, young couples pushing strollers, and active retirees lacing up hiking boots. Duck into bookstore Malaprop’s to peruse North Carolina authors and perk up with a Pigment of Your Imagination latte.

Just south of downtown, the North Carolina Arboretum beckons with 65 acres of cultivated gardens and more than ten miles of hiking and biking trails. Walkways seam the blocky Quilt Garden, a living take on the Appalachian craft (digest the whole pattern from an overlook). Over in the bonsai garden, endemic Blue Ridge trees such as American hornbeam and eastern white pine are painstakingly cultivated, some into tiny, artful replicas of the mountain landscape.

Back in Asheville, head 30 miles west toward the Smokies on I-40. This mostly rural stretch of interstate, where wildflowers sprout in medians, skirts the edge of the sprawling Pisgah National Forest, a pristine hardwoods wilderness laced with waterfalls, white-water rapids, and mile-high peaks.

Few day visitors to the national park venture to the remote Cataloochee Valley, accessed from I-40 via a serpentine, packed gravel mountain road (without guardrails). Entering the park through this secluded southeastern gateway provides spectacular views of the surrounding 6,000-foot summits as well as a glimpse into Smokies life before the creation of the park.

Once home to a thriving farming and tourism community of 1,200, the valley is now populated by native wild turkeys and deer as well as majestic elk, successfully reintroduced to the park in 2001 after an absence of more than 200 years. To admire the 600-pound behemoths huddling in mist-shrouded meadows, plan to visit by midmorning or early evening. (Bring binoculars to view them from a safe distance.)

Follow Little Cataloochee Trail to discover the isolated valley’s historic frame buildings that date to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Ring the church bell inside Little Cataloochee Baptist, a plain white chapel built in 1889, and slip inside the 1864 Hannah Cabin, with its original handmade brick chimney, to see the sleeping loft. Carefully drive back to the main road, and then hike all or part of the seven-mile Boogerman Trail loop, and reap the restorative rewards that come from walking in silence through towering old-growth woods. The trail, named for a Cataloochee pioneer, zigzags along and over the rushing water of Caldwell Fork through a quintessential Smokies forest: damp, lush, and thick with hemlocks, rhododendrons, and flowering highland dog hobble.

Pull off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 461.9 at Big Witch Overlook (elevation 4,150 feet), named for Tskil-e’gwa, a Cherokee medicine man and tribal elder. Spread a blanket on the grassy ridgetop to bask in unobstructed mountain views. In May and June, the panorama glows deep pink and red with blooming flame azalea and pinkshell rhododendron.

Reenter the national park at the end of the parkway for a crash course in Smokies heritage at the bright new Oconaluftee Visitor Center, which focuses on the people who lived and worked here, including those displaced to create the park. Exhibits such as “Voices of the Smokies” feature the personal histories of early settlers; “Corn in a Jar” offers a moonshine primer including a replica of a Tennessee white lightning still.

Behind the visitors center, join a ranger-led tour of the Mountain Farm Museum, an authentic Smokies log homestead complete with farmhouse, barn, smokehouse, apple house, blacksmithing shop, and corncribs. May through October, reenactors demonstrate early 20th-century mountain life. Elk can often be seen gathering in the surrounding meadows at dusk.

Nearby, the town of Cherokee sits close to the center of the Qualla Boundary, current home of the 12,500-member Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Skip Cherokee’s tacky shops and tepees (the native residents lived in wood cabins). Head instead to the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, a stop along the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. At the entrance stands a 20-foot statue of Chief Sequoyah, inventor of the Cherokee alphabet, here chiseled from a single California redwood. Inside, start in the Story Lodge for an overview of ancient tribal myths; then trace 10,000 years of Cherokee history on a self-guided tour.

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Across the street is Qualla Arts and Crafts, the nation’s oldest Native American cooperative. Browse the extensive collection for sale, from Darrin Bark’s glossy black vases to Lori Reed’s narrative prints.

From Cherokee, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a slow (top speed: 45 miles an hour) but rewarding route back to Asheville, forming scallops past turnoffs such as the Devil’s Courthouse overlook trail (milepost 422.4). The half-mile path climbs straight up to the rocky 5,720-foot summit. The payoff is a 360-degree view; look for peregrine falcons circling above the valley.

For a quicker return to Asheville, cut across Maggie Valley via Highway 19 and I-40. Unwind from your mountain ramble at Jack of the Wood, a Celtic-style pub that hosts live music. Sample the handcrafted English ale made at nearby Green Man Brewery, one of ten microbreweries to take advantage of the city’s soft, pH-balanced mountain water. At the packed Thursday night bluegrass jam, pickin’ starts at 6:30 p.m. In true Appalachian form, everyone’s welcome to join in.

Maryellen Duckett has lived in the eastern Tennessee foothills of the Smokies since 1984.

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A First-Timer’s Guide to Planning a Family Road Trip to the Great Smoky Mountains (with Toddlers)

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We recently experienced our very first big family road trip to the Great Smoky Mountains (with toddlers)! When choosing a destination, I thought the Smoky Mountains would be a great escape from reality (especially in the year of COVID, 2020). We were not disappointed! I’m excited to share the finer details of our trip with you today.

Because there is so much information to share, I’ve broken my “Family Road Trip to the Great Smoky Mountains” posts down so it’s easier to get to the information you’re really interested in instead of sifting through a massive amount of content.

Here are the other posts related to our Great Smoky Mountain Family trip:

• 6 Favorite Experiences from Our First Trip to the Great Smoky Mountains
• Travel Essentials for Toddlers – Build a Travel Bin!

Great Smoky Mountains Family Road Trip Preparation

Planning your route.

One of the first things I considered and planned for our trip to the Smoky Mountains was the route in which we’d take to get there. We live in Iowa, so I knew we’d obviously be heading southeast and it would be a 14-hour drive (without stops). But then it occurred to me that we have friends and family out in Illinois and in Ohio. Hmmmm…

With a quick search for directions comparing the most direct route and the one using an alternate route to stop and see people along the way, I quickly realized we weren’t giving up more than about 15 minutes. That’s it! From there, it was a no brainer to include these stops as part of our journey in getting to the Great Smoky Mountains.

I am so glad I thought to do this! It was so wonderful to see friends and family that we don’t get to see often enough. It also saved us a nice chunk of change in lodging and eating expenses because both parties treated us oh so well ! You know who you are, and we can’t thank you enough! 😘

My First Tip for Planning a Road Trip

Consider who you know along the way (or a different, but similar-length route) that you could stop to visit, and potentially stay with for a night. The journey is half the fun, people!

I’d encourage you to let the “we just have to get there” mentality go because it was seriously so great to spend a bit of time with our loved ones in their homes. They really enjoyed the visit, too (I’m pretty sure🤔)! Don’t overlook this opportunity. It will also allow you to break up the drive, which is great to do when you have littles in tow.

We left at 12:45pm on a Friday and got to our destination at about 5:30pm that evening. Saturday was our big driving day. We had six hours of driving time between Illinois and Ohio. We left around 11 am and arrived at our destination around 5:30 pm (there’s a time change in here, ps). On Sunday, we had about five hours of driving ahead of us. I think we left around 9am, and got to our campground around 3pm.

All of these were easy drives with our two small kiddos (who are 3 1/2 and 1 1/2). We stopped one time each day (maybe twice on the long day) for lunch or to gas up. The kids did surprisingly well for their first big road trip. You can read about the Travel Bins I put together to keep them entertained on the road here (coming soon!).

Building an Itinerary

I spent a significant amount of time on Pinterest leading up to our family road trip to the Great Smoky Mountains ( click here to see my board to learn more yourself!). I knew realistically we wouldn’t be able to “do it all” with two little ones in tow, so I kept my expectations low. My main goals for this trip were simply to be fully present and enjoy quality time as a family of four in nature.

Since I also knew there would be precautions being taken for COVID-19, I didn’t seek out many of the “touristy” things to do. First, those aren’t things we wanted to spend time or money on since our kiddos wouldn’t be able to participate in many things at this stage. I also wanted to avoid dealing with COVID restrictions and stress as much as possible.

Second, I knew it would be more enjoyable to be able to go at our own pace when exploring the area. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park serves as an excellent destination for this. We were rarely among crowds, which eased our minds, and anything we wanted to do was at our leisure. No time restraints, schedules, limited seating, etc.

Another key fact to note about taking a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) is that it’s one of the only FREE National Parks in the U.S. What a perk and savings for families, huh?!

Our Great Smoky Mountain Family Trip Itinerary

You’ll find a brief summary of our trip itinerary below. Please note, this is laid out in hindsight. Leading up to the trip, I only had detailed plans for the first few days. I started a bucket list for our trip as I was researching and pinning. I then created a loose itinerary for each day based on what I knew we’d want to see and do.

Due to weather and new knowledge that we learned once we got there, we made adjustments and switched things around as needed.

Side Note : I remembered about fifty miles from our house that I didn’t send myself the bucket list/itinerary I’d created! I almost had a meltdown (hello, type A).😅 But, I remembered so much and knew I could always hop on Pinterest to find things again. When we got back, I reviewed that bucket list. We’d actually done everything on it but a few things! Moral of the story, don’t over-plan because something will go awry anyway!

I’ll also note and suggest that you leave your return trip unplanned until you get further into your trip. This adds a little spontaneity and something to look forward to on the way back home!

What our Family Road Trip to the Great Smoky Mountains Looked like:

• Friday – Half-day drive to Peoria, IL, stay with friends
• Saturday – 6-hour drive to Amelia, OH, stay with family
• Sunday – Half-day drive to Campground, Cosby, TN; get settled at Campground
• Monday – Get Groceries, get acquainted with Gatlinburg area, Drive to Clingman’s Dome
• Tuesday – Explore GSMNP, Drive/Explore Newfound Gap Road, Hike Appalachian Trail, Explore Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Drive Blue Ridge Parkway
• Wednesday – Drive to Cade’s Cove, Picnic, Clingman’s Dome (again), Movie at Campground/Laundry Day/Fire and Cookout
• Thursday – Check-out of Campground, Ripley’s Aquarium, Roaring Forks Motor Tour, Pigeon Forge for Dixie Stampede; stay overnight in Pigeon Forge
• Friday – Laural Falls Hike, Cades Cove Motor Tour, begin drive home, overnight in Evansville, IN
• Saturday – Drive Home, get home at 7pm

Lodging in the Great Smoky Mountains

As already mentioned, we stayed with family and friends on the way out to the Smoky Mountains. Therefore, we only needed lodging for the time actually spent in the Smoky Mountains and for our return trip.

We did consider going home the way we came, to revisit the same people we stayed with on the way out. But, we ultimately decided to take another route home, go at our own pace, and get home in just two days instead of three.

Lodging Options in The Smoky Mountains

I did quite a bit of research to sift through the crazy amount of lodging options in preparation for our trip. There’s no shortage of lodging from a quantity standpoint. There’s also a great variety of ways you can stay in the Smoky Mountains.

You can completely rough it – doing back-country hiking and camping (you need a permit for this, I believe). There are a few actual campgrounds located in GSMNP. We drove through two of them, and they are really nice!

And, of course, there are campgrounds galore in the surrounding areas of the GSMNP, such as in Gatlinburg, Cosby, Pigeon Forge, etc. You might also consider staying on the North Carolina side.

You can even rent an RV to travel around and stay wherever you’d like on your journey (we saw quite a few of these RVs on our trip). If you need an alternate camping experience, you can camp in yurts or teepees. There is also an astonishing amount of cabin rentals and AirBnB options.

Our Trip Lodging

I definitely wanted a “camping” experience for this trip. I looked at a couple of cabin rental options, but we ended up renting a camper that is set up permanently at a campground. We stayed at Imagination Mountain Campground Resort ! It’s a really cool little campground that is surrounded by a creek; nearly every site backs up to the creek.

Our campground was technically located in Cosby, TN, which is about 12 miles NE of Gatlinburg. This property also backs up to the GSMNP, and even has a couple of access points to trails at the campground! When we were there, it wasn’t jam-packed (mid-September). We were right in between the busy summer and fall seasons, so it was fairly quiet.

There is a gift shop and ice cream parlor on-site, as well as a playground, laundry room, movie area, mini-golf, pool, and many other amenities. Imagination Mountain is definitely a family-focused campground resort.

Overall, we’d recommend staying here. There a variety of ways you can stay at Imagination Mountain – they have tent sites, yurts, cabins, and regular campsites. Our camper is the only rental available at this time.

Our camper was huge (a 38ft. fifth wheel), but was kind of a letdown for many reasons. We love the idea of renting a camper for trips in the future, but we’ll definitely know what questions to ask to make sure it’ll meet our needs better. This was definitely a great learning experience for us!

When Planning Your Lodging

I’d recommend focusing on what you know you need/want to make your trip more enjoyable. With two small kids, we knew we wanted plumbing, water, and electricity readily available to us. While we didn’t want to be in the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg and other tourist areas, we were sure we didn’t want to be roughing it either. Renting a camper was a great in-between option for us. It was $105 per night, for those curious.

Other Notes Worth Mentioning for a Trip to the Great Smoky Mountains

Be prepared to drive.

One thing I wasn’t really prepared for was just how much driving we would need to do to get to certain parts of the park, and just how much time it would take to get there. In hindsight, I probably would have chosen a campground a bit closer to Gatlinburg or on the other side of Gatlinburg, just so that we could get into the park quicker.

From our campsite, it took nearly half an hour (sometimes more) to get to the GSMNP entrance. Then it’s quite a jaunt getting to places like Clingman’s Dome, Cades Cove, Oconaluftee, etc. We couldn’t really avoid going through downtown Gatlinburg so that oftentimes held us up the most.

It took a bit for me to recognize that 12 miles in the GSMNP is not the same as 12 miles in Iowa! It takes much longer to get places because the roads are so windy and vary in elevation so much. It’s also well-traveled by other enthusiastic visitors.

We were in the car a lot during this trip. It worked well because our kids were so little, but this may not work for other families. The good news is that there are tons of opportunities to get out and do some hiking, picnicking, sight-seeing, which we took full advantage of and why we…

Always Pack a Picnic

Look, I’ll be the first to tell you that our first meal after four days of picnic meals and snacks was the most glorious meal I’d had in what felt like a lifetime. Eric and I both kept expressing to each other just how nice that meal was! haha

Anyway, always make sure you head out for the day with a cooler packed . It’s not only smart going into more deserted areas, but it will save you a ton of time and money! And, it’s actually pretty fun to scout out a great picnic spot along your drive, lay a blanket out or sit in the back of your car, and enjoy the views while you fill your belly!

Here are some ideas for easy, mess-free food to bring along:

• Turkey/Beef Sticks
• Peanut Butter and Graham Cracker sandwiches (a new favorite!)
• Cheese sticks
• Bananas/Apples/Grapes
• Fruit/Veggie Squeezies
• Sandwiches – deli meat and cheese
• Raw Veggies – Broccoli, Cauliflower, Carrots, Snap Peas (and a little container of dip/ranch)
• Granola Bars
• We always have water bottles, but we also packed bottled water/juice/gatorade for a change

Make clean-up easy by packing extra grocery sacks for the trip and keep a package of baby wipes with you at all times, as well as hand sanitizer. The park has a “Leave No Trace” rule, so you’ll need to take everything with you that you bring in.

Always Pack Extra Layers

We forgot about this on our first trip up to Clingman’s Dome, but luckily we’d thrown some sweatshirts in the car before we set out. Always make sure you have clothing layers packed in your car or on your hike for everyone in your family. The temps really dip the further up you go, so it’s nice to have another layer to put on to stay comfortable.

Side Note: We didn’t have a Baby Hiking Carrier prior to going on this trip. We don’t do a lot of serious hiking in our everyday life. I kept an eye out on Facebook Marketplace and scored this carrier for $30. They are pretty expensive for a decent one, but they come in very handy on a trip like this. We used it every time we went out and G really loved it. Keep an eye on your buy, sell, trade sites!

We really enjoyed our family road trip to the Great Smoky Mountains. I think we’ll go back again when the kids are older and we can do more challenging hikes together. We went in mid-September this time. I think I’d like to go later in the fall to see more fall foliage in the mountains. It’s breath-taking and so peaceful no matter when you go, though.

Have you been to the Great Smoky Mountains? What’s your best tip for traveling that area of the U.S.? Let me know in the comments!

To the Chaos!

Other Posts on Travel:

• 8 SMART Tips to Prepare Your Home for When You Travel
• Review of Pueblo Bonito’s Sunset Beach Resort – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
• Your Stress-Free Guide to Leaving Your Kids While You Travel

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The Great Smoky Mountains Jeep Road Trip & Off Road Adventure | Smoky Mountain Jeep Trails

Watch this video for a preview of the route!

Every year my family usually takes a vacation over the Christmas and New Year holidays. Being that 2020 was the year of COVID and social distancing, most of the activities we did this year were outside. Exploring in the Jeep, hiking, fishing, and just enjoying the outdoors in general. My daughter just turned 2 in December, so she is big enough for a front-facing car seat which makes for a much more comfortable Jeep trip experience for her.

While I was looking for vacation ideas for this year, I came across a blog post from Wander North Georgia titled Road Trip Rambles: A River, A Bald, And a Beer In Western Carolina. The post details a trip that starts in the North Georgia town of Clayton, GA, and travels to Franklin, NC along the Little Tennessee River, the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City, NC, and back to Franklin, NC to the summit of Wayah Bald . There is a lookout tower atop the 5,342-foot summit of the mountain.

Side note on the Wander North Georgia store : It is a wonderful store in downtown Clayton, GA that carries outdoor and hiking gear, curated products, and has one of the best book selections I have found in the state. The owners are local to Clayton Rabun County, and they also give back to the local community through their 1 percent for Rabun County initiative. I attended high school at the Rabun Gap Nachoochee School which is in Rabun Gap, GA just north of Clayton. This school had a huge impact on my trajectory in life, and Rabun County and its people are near and dear to me. Seeing this store succeed and thrive in Clayton is very satisfying. If you are ever in the area, make sure you stop by the store and check it out.

I started looking at the map to plan out the route and as one thing let to another I was on the way to planning a Great Smoky Mountain family vacation! We love a good mountain trip, and since the drive from Atlanta to the Smoky Mountains isn’t that far I figured we could make a 3 or 4-day excursion out of the trip detailed in the Wander North Georgia post. After all, who doesn’t mind fun, family-friendly free things to do in the Smoky Mountains!

While in GA we don’t always see snow on a regular basis during the winter, the Smoky Mountains in winter do. Given the higher elevation of these mountains, there are typically seasonal closures of roads and trails due to ice and snow. It can be both picturesque and quite dangerous at the same time.

While planning the trip I searched for things like “smoky mountain jeep trails”, “jeep smoky mountain”, “smoky mountains road trip”, “driving trails near me” and “best scenic drives near me” and put the notable results together in what I named The Great Smoky Mountains Jeep Road Trip & Off Road Adventure .

The trip starts (and returns to) at the Georgia/North Carolina state line and covers approximately 375 miles through 33 paved roads and 5 USFS Forest Service Roads. There are 30 unique points of interest or things to see or do. It travels through 11 cities and towns, the Nantahala National Forest, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We covered the distance in 3 days and 4 nights.

I hope you enjoy the trip and make memories as my family did. Be sure to tag me ( @Southeast4x4Trails ) any photos you share on Facebook or Instagram!

NOTE : Downloadable GPS or mapping application files are available in GPX and KML formats via the links below. You can import these files into your app or GPS device of choice and follow the exact route that we took.

If you are looking for a good travel guide to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas I found Lonley Planet guide to be a great resource.

These are some of the points of interest and things to see along the route:

Julep Farms While not directly on the route, Julep Farms is in Dillard, GA just a few minutes away from the GA/NC state line off of Hwy GA 246 which runs into Highlands, NC. We stayed in one of the four rental cottages the night before we started the trip and loved it (see the photo below). The property also features an upscale restaurant (Julep Kitchen), a market (Julep Market), coffee bar, garden, space for outdoor games and a few farm animals. The entire property is decorated in a modern farmhouse style and looks great. Click to learn more.

Nantahala Outdoor Center Located on the Nantahala River in Bryson City, NC, the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is a center for whitewater rafting and kayaking. It is also the largest outdoor recreation company in the US. They operate guided whitewater rafting trips on a number of rivers in NC and TN. 2 restaurants, lodging, an outfitter store and other outdoor activities are located on-site.

Wishon’s Fishing Hole Also on the Nantahala River in Aquone, NC Wishon’s fishing hole is a handicap accessible concrete fishing pier that offers access to the Upper Nantahala river off of Wayah Rd. The section of the river from White Oak Creek up to the Duke Energy Power Plant (where the pier is located) is classified as delayed harvest trout waters. This means that on this section of the river, you can only fish with artificial, single hook lures and fishing is catch-and-release only from October until June. The Nantahala is also rated as a top 100 river in North America by Trout Unlimited.

Tail Of The Dragon / Hwy 129 Hwy 129 gained its nickname the “ Tail of the Dragon ” because it has 318 sharp curves over the course of 11 miles. It is very popular with motorcycle riders and sports car drivers, and many of them drive the road at very high speeds. There are  photographers  that are stationed at various curves along the road who take photos of each vehicle throughout the day (typically on the weekends or holidays). You can buy the photos online if you would like a copy of them.

If you drive the road on the weekend please drive slow, stay in your lane and watch out for oncoming cars. Multiple accidents and even fatalities occur on this road every year.

Greenback Castle / Fortress Of Faith Located in Greenback, TN, the Greenback Castle is a brick and cinderblock castle that Floyd Banks Jr. has been building by had for the past 30 years. It is nicknamed the “Fortress Of Faith” due to the numerous spiritual messages and references on the property, but you have to visit this one in person to get the full effect and take it all in.

Look Rock Observation Tower The hike from the Look Rock parking area to the tower is only 0.5 miles. From the top of the tower, there are 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the highest mountain peaks of the Great Smoky Mountain range. The elevation atop the tower is 2,696 feet. The peak of the mountain also is home to an air quality monitoring station. Visit and read the signs that are on-site to learn more about the tower and why the air quality monitoring station is located at Look Rock.

Foothills Parkway & “Missing Link” Extension Construction of the Foothills Parkway started in 1966, but a 1.65-mile section of it between Walland and Wears Valley, TN wasn’t completed and opened to the public until November 10, 2018. That last 1.65-mile stretch is referred to as the “ missing link “. Today the Foothills Parkway spans 16 miles and the sections are connected by 9 bridges. It offers excellent panoramic views and scenic overlook areas. It is open year-round, weather (snow and ice) permitting. Look Rock is located on the Foothills Parkway.

Elkmont Historic District Located inside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Elkmont Historic District was home to a clubhouse and community of cabins from the early 20th century. Notable business leaders from the Knoxville area used it as a summer retreat. There are still some cabins dating back to this period that you can visit. Today it is home to a decent size group campground, but it was closed when we visited in December 2020 as it closes seasonally on November 1. Check the NPS Group Campgrounds status page before you visit.

Chimney Tops Mountain Also located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Chimney Tops is easily visible from US 441 / Newfound Gap Rd which is the main road that runs through the park. The peak is at 4,724 feet and it has “twin peaks” or a double-capstone knob that are bare rock. The Cherokee Indians referred to Chimney Tops as Duniskwalgunyi which means “forked antler” per its resemblance to deer antlers. Early settlers in the area referred to the knobs as a pair of stone chimneys. The 2016 wildfires that damaged much of the Smoky Mountains also swept across Chimney Tops. It is also said that the wildfires actually started at Chimney Tops. The trail to the summit is now closed due to the fires, but a new viewing platform was built about 1.75 miles into the trail and re-opened in October 2017.

Clingmans Dome Clingmans Dome is both the highest point in Tennessee and the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at an elevation of 6,643 feet. An iconic circular observation tower is located at the summit which can be accessed via a 0.5 mile paved trail. Clingmans Dome Rd is off of Hwy 441 / Newfound Gap Road (within the park) and runs 7 miles to the Clingmans Dome Visitor Center. The road is closed seasonally from December through March, but the observation tower is open year-round to those that want to hike in.

Mingus Mill Minus Mill was a turbine-powered gristmill that was built in 1886. It was used to grind corn into meal and wheat into flour for the residents of the community that was established near Mingus Creek. Water was used to turn the gristmill’s stone which was fed to a water-powered cast-iron turbine. The wooden flume line is still intact at the site today. This was the largest gristmill in the Smoky Mountains for its time.

Cataloochee Valley Located about 34 miles northeast from the park’s southern entrance in Cherokee, NC, the Cataloochee Valley settlement was the largest in the Smoky Mountains around 1910. When this area within the park is open, you can visit some of the historic buildings from the community such as the Caldwell House, Beech Grove School, Palmer Chapel and Palmer House. The hiking trails in this area are also known for their opportunities to view wildlife. Check the status to see if the area is open before you visit.

Wayah Bald & Lookout Tower Off of Forest Service Road 69 – Wayah Bald lies the first ranger station that was built in the Nantahala National Forest – Wilson Lick which was constructed in 1913. 3 miles past the ranger station is the summit of Wayah Bald at 5,342 feet. A short paved trail runs from the summit to the Wayah Bald Fire Tower . You can see Franklin, NC, and portions of the Appalachian Mountains in Georiga, Tenessee, North and South Carolina from the tower. Forest Service Road 69 is closed seasonally from January 1st to April 1st.

US Forest Service Road Status Please check the status of any Forest Service Roads that you plan to travel on prior to starting your trip. Visit the  USFS Interactive Visitor Map  and choose the search icon in the box at the top of the page and enter the name of the Forest Service Road. Click on the road name in the results and then click the map marker icon to view the details for the road.

It is also good practice to check the “Alerts & Notices” section of the USFS website for the forest that the road is in. When roads are closed they are typically updated on these pages. Click the links below to visit the page for the Nantahala National Forests. Responsible use will benefit all of us so the roads can be properly maintained and open for our enjoyment.

Forest Service Roads: ■ 422 – Winding Stairs (Open Yearlong | Gravel & Dirt |  Nantahala National Forest ) ■ 308 – Beachertown / Old River Rd (Open Yearlong | Gravel & Dirt |  Nantahala National Forest ) ■ 69 – Wayah Bald (Seasonal, Closed Jan 1st to April 1st | Gravel |  Nantahala National Forest ) ■ 711 – Winesprings Whiteoak (Open Yearlong | Paved | Nantahala National Forest )

MAP PIN LEGEND : Blue – Paved Road Green – Forest Service Road Red – Point of Interest Orange – Campground Tan – City / Town

GPS FILE DOWNLOADS : Main Route GPX | KML Optional Loop GPX | KML Both Routes With Waypoints KMZ

Google Maps Click To Open In A New Window

Gaia GPS – Main Route Click To Open In A New Window

Gaia GPS – Optional Loop Click To Open In A New Window

Needmore Road Suspension Bridge | Bryson City, NC

Old Train Tunnel on US 19 | Bryson City, NC

Chimney At Old Burnt Cabin Site | Bryson City, NC

Old Burnt Cabin Site | Bryson City, NC

Nantahala River at the Nantahala Outdoor Center | Bryson City, NC

Fishing Pier At Wishons Fishing Hole | Topton, NC

View of Calderwood Lake and Calderwood Damn From Scenic Overlook on The Tail of The Dragon / Hwy 129 | Robbinsville, NC

Look Rock Viewing Platform

Chimney Tops Mountain in the Great Smoky Mountains National State Park | Gatlinburg, TN

Mingus Mill at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Water Flume for Mingus Mill at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Bigfoot Statue | Cove Creek Rd | Cataloochee Valley

Further Reading...

Ellijay – Ocoee – Tellico Plains

Dillard, GA to Helen, GA

Forest Service Road 150 – Darnell Creek Rd

This is great! Thank you. We are traveling from FL to TN. You gave us many ideas

Thanks for the comment, I hope you enjoy the trip!

Just purchased a brand-new-to-me Jeep and want to take some trails up in the Smokey Mountains for spring break! Not anything that gets me stranded or broken down with three kids! This gave me some great ideas! Our new ride isn’t a Pavement Princess, but we would liken it to remain a trail prince for years to come! Besides, at the end of the day it has to still get the kids to school and me back and forth to work!

Thanks for the comment Billy! I’m glad that the post gave you some ideas, you are safe on any of the roads and trails in this post. I did the trip with my wife and 2-year-old daughter. I hope you and your family have a great time on spring break!

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Midland MXT400 MicroMobile GMRS Radio & Icom IC-2730A Mobile Ham Radio Install in a Jeep Wrangler – Part 4

Map updates & additions | 1/8/21.

Nashville to the Great Smoky Mountains road trip

• Post last modified: March 10, 2024

The dream of the wilderness is real on this Nashville to the Great Smoky Mountains road trip. In the Smokies , the denser forests, clearer rivers and quieter valleys take you back to a different time. As you leave civilization behind, remarkable outdoor adventures begin.

Disclosure: All listings are independently selected. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more ›

Route from Nashville to the Smokies

• Start: Nashville
• Burgess Falls
• Pigeon Forge
• Finish: Nashville
• Total distance:  459 mi / 739 km
• Total driving time:  9 h

1. Nashville, TN

The main attraction on your Nashville to the Great Smoky Mountains road trip is, of course, the Smokies. But for some contrasting fun before the drive takes off the best things to do in Nashville are there for the taking.

Sing along on Honky Tonk Highway

Nashville is often referred to as Music City. If you’re not sure why, just visit Honky Tonk Highway on Lower Broadway in Downtown Nashville.

Day or night its high-spirited bars, also known as honky-tonks, make Downtown Nashville a fun place to be. Like living notes lined up next to each other the honky-tonks pour music onto the streets.

The honky-tonks provide free top-class entertainment 365 days a year. It’s plain good old fun ahead of the drive from Nashville to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Catch the Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry started as a radio broadcast in 1925. Over the years its success has made the Grand Ole Opry recognized as the show that made country music famous.

Today the Grand Ole Opry’s unique live music experiences are world famous. Every week a mix of country music artists, from established superstars to rising stars, perform on the Grand Ole Opry scene.

It’s not only the number one show in Nashville. The Grand Ole Opry is also the most prestigous stage in country music.

2. Burgess Falls, TN

• Driving distance:  80 mi / 129 km
• Driving time:  1.5 h

The Great Smoky Mountains is far from the only natural Tennessee gem. On the way from Nashville to the Smokies, you pass by Burgess Falls, one of the most scenic waterfalls in Tennessee.

Route info: Burgess Falls is a detour that in total adds roughly 30 minutes to the itinerary, compared to if you just stick to the highway.

Have a picnic by waterfalls

Burgess Falls State Park protects the environment of the Falling Water River. It’s a natural area home to gurgling river nature, including several stunning waterfalls.

From the parking lot the River Trail elegantly traces the Falling Water River and its falls. It’s a stretch of waterfalls that gets better and better with every step.

After 0.8 miles (1.3 km) the experience culminates at the main falls. There the Falling Water River without hesitation crashes more than 130 feet (40 m) down into the pool below.

Want to make this stop even better?

Then pack your favorite picnic food before you leave Nashville. The gorgeous Burgess Falls State Park is equipped with appreciated picnic tables.

Additional stop: Tennessee is a state full of waterfalls. Another such, which is an easy addition to the itinerary, is Cummins Falls . It plunges less than 20 miles (32 km) from Burgess Falls.

3. Pigeon Forge, TN

• Driving distance:  145 mi / 233 km
• Driving time:  2.5 h

Pigeon Forge offers a unique experience at the foothills of the mighty Great Smoky Mountains. So near the untamed Great Smoky Mountains National Park you find an abundance of manmade attractions, including an American theme park favorite.

Celebrate life at Dollywood

Year after year millions of visitors enter the gates of Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. It’s the biggest ticketed attraction not only in the Smoky Mountains area but in the entire state of Tennessee.

Dollywood, surrounded by the Smoky Mountains, features everything from fun slides and thrilling rides to diverse shops and memorable shows.

As an extra dimension Dollywood is a park that treasures its past. Many of its themed areas and attractions pay attention to the history and culture of the southern Appalachian region.

Embark the Titanic

Pigeon Forge is just filled with opportunities for your Nashville to Great Smoky Mountains National Park road trip. Another highlight, but of different character, is the Titanic Museum .

In two stories and shaped like the Titanic itself the museum takes you back to the year of 1912. As you embark the ship replica, the experience lets you feel like being a maiden voyage passenger.

4. Gatlinburg, TN

• Driving distance:  8 mi / 13 km
• Driving time:  0.5 h

Well done, you made it from Nashville to America’s most visited national park. Gatlinburg serves as the eastern gateway to the endless amount of things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park .

Covering 522,419 acres the Tennessee and North Carolina park is named after the natural fog that often appears within its borders. No matter if it’s your first or tenth visit, there’s a certain mystique about the Smokies.

Drive the Roaring Fork Motor Trail

The Roaring Fork is a stream that begins high up in the mountains. Many days the watercourse might seem quiet, but it only takes mild rain for the Roaring Fork to, just like its name suggests, start roaring.

Along this volatile mountain stream the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Trail extends. It’s 6 miles (10 km) long showcasing all the ingredients that you associate with the Smokies.

Highlights along the Roaring Fork Motor Trail include jaw-dropping vistas, historic cabins and the hike to the crashing Grotto Falls.

But you in fact don’t even need to enter the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail to find points of interest. At its start the preserved Noah Ogle Place and the trailhead for the awe-inspiring Rainbow Falls lure you in.

Climb Clingmans Dome

Clingmans Dome is the spot for unobstructed views. It’s at 6,643 feet (2,025 m) the tallest point of the Great Smoky Mountains and the third most elevated mountain east of Mississippi River.

The 7 miles (11 km) long Clingmans Dome Road treats you with scenic vistas as the road climb towards the summit. From the Clingmans Dome parking lot a paved 0.5 mile (805 m) trail takes you the final stretch up.

At the summit an observation tower provides panoramic views of the Smokies. A clear day you can see more than 100 miles (160 km) in any direction. But even hazy days Clingmans Dome is spectacular.

• Where to stay in the Smokies

Deciding where to stay in Great Smoky Mountains can seem a little tricky. However, in Gatlinburg you’re in the front row for both park fun and attractions off the park.

• Margaritaville Resort – Enjoy resort amenities.
• Marshall’s Creek Motel – Cozy in the town’s heart.

Route info: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open year round, but several secondary park roads are closed from late November to early April. Therefore it’s wise to check the Great Smoky Mountains seasonal road schedule if you plan a drive during the colder months of the year.

5. Townsend, TN

• Driving distance:  25 mi / 40 km
• Driving time:  1 h

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a park with two distinctive sides. The eastern side, where you find Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, is the busier one. In contrast the western part is known as the peaceful side.

Although sleepy, Townsend is conveniently positioned for exploring the western side of the Smokies. From its park border location it’s just 20 minutes to the beginning of the timeless Cades Cove.

Take Cades Cove Loop Road

Cades Cove, the most famous valley in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is widely known for its natural beauty. The 11 miles (18 km) long Cades Cove Loop Road shows you exactly why.

As you tour Cades Cove Loop Road, the enchanting meadows and rising mountains are breathtaking. For scenery or just to disconnect it’s a remarkable spot on the itinerary.

But along the drive human history also calls for your attention.

Once a home to settlers Cades Cove presents a variety of preserved buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Its churches, cabins, barns and even a mill tell fascinating stories of its early inhabitants.

View black bears in Cades Cove

Members of the animal kingdom love Cades Cove at least as much as its human visitors. Because of that the opportunities for wildlife viewing are superb in the isolated Tennessee valley.

White-tailed deer, elk, raccoon and turkeys are some of the animals that frequent Cades Cove.

Then there of course are the iconic black bears of the Smoky Mountains. A large, irresistible population of black bears calls Cades Cove their home.

Seeing black bears in Cades Cove is exciting. It’s also a memory for life to bring with you home from your Great Smoky Mountains National Park visit.

6. Nashville, TN

• Driving distance:  201 mi / 323 km
• Driving time:  3.5 h

After a spectacular drive it’s time to head back to civlization. The final 201 miles (323 km) on the road takes you back to where the itinerary started, Nashville.

Nashville to Great Smoky Mountains road trip FAQ

This ultimate Nashville to Great Smoky Mountains road trip loop is 459 miles (739 km) long. Driving it takes roughly 9 hours, not including any stops along the way.

The main stops on the Nashville to Great Smoky Mountains road trip are Nashville, Burgess Falls, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Townsend. From the gateway towns Gatlinburg and Townsend you effortlessly day trip into the depths of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A nice additional stop is Cummins Falls, positioned less than 20 miles (32 km) from Burgess Falls.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park alone requires at least three full days. Then you need to add time for any side attractions, such as Dollywood, and the time it takes to get to and from the Smokies. Therefore, the absolute minimum for the Nashville to Great Smoky Mountains loop is 5 days. But for the best experience it’s a road trip that demands a week or more of your time.

More Southern guides

• What to do in the Smokies
• Ultimate Tennessee road trip

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Road Trip from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A road trip from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will take you to one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit, through some of the most majestic mountain scenery, taking in many interesting attractions along the way.

The 580-mile road trip from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park takes 8 hours and 50 minutes. Key stops are Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Louisville, Lexington, Knoxville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg as well as Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Continue reading to get all you need to make an exciting itinerary, exploring everything this route has to offer. See our recommendations for the best route, things to see, places to stay, and when to make this fantastic trip.

How far is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Chicago and how long will the road trip take?

The quickest route from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is 580 miles and takes 8 hours and 50 minutes without accounting for any pit stops or detours you might want to make on your way.

Your road trip will start by the shores of the calming turquoise blue waters of Lake Michigan, and then on to Indianapolis where you can then take our recommended route to Lexington or a detour to Cincinnati, which will add 20 miles and about an hour to your trip.

After making the journey to reach the Smokies, which in itself is an excellent road trip, make the most of this magical mountain wonderland by taking an excursion through the park to fully explore this magnificent landscape.

At 160 miles, this extension to the trip should take a little under 4 hours and 30 minutes, but there will be countless opportunities to stop and admire the stunning mountain vistas and the many fantastic places you will pass along the way.

Best road trip route from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The most popular road trip route from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park goes through Louisville. We have included a detour that goes through Cincinnati, converging with the main route in Lexington.

The joy of a road trip is having the freedom to take your time and explore, so plan accordingly to take in as many of the wonderful attractions en route as your schedule will allow for.

And whether you're flying into Chicago or you simply don't have a vehicle in the city, renting a car for your road trip is something you'll want to take care of ASAP.

For an easy-to-compare view of rental options for your road trip from Chicago to The Great Smoky Mountains, take a look at our partner site, RentalCars.com .

How to drive from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The map above shows our suggestions for the best road trip routes between Chicago and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Keep reading for detailed descriptions of both routes, where to stay on either, and the best things to do on the way.

The Direct Route

From Chicago, you will drive along the shores of Lake Michigan on Interstate 90 E until you reach Exit 17 and merge onto Interstate 65 S to Indianapolis. In this car lover's heaven, be sure to visit the renowned Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.

From Indianapolis, continue on I-65 and consider a detour to Bloomington city, where you can visit Indiana's oldest park, McCormick's Creek State Park, and marvel at the impressive limestone canyon.

Continuing on I-65, 300 miles into the trip, you will arrive at Louisville, home to the Kentucky Derby, one of the world's oldest and most famous horse races and an ideal place for an overnight stay.

Leaving Louisville, take the Interstate 64 E into the heart of Bluegrass Country, and after 80 miles, you will arrive at Lexington. Rich in cultural and natural history, it is well worth stopping off to explore.

The Cincinnati Detour

An alternative to our main route, on leaving Indianapolis, take Interstate 74 passing Shelbyville and Greensburg and you'll arrive at Cincinnati, situated on the banks of the Ohio River.

From here, head south and join Interstate 75 where you will arrive at Lexington, where our main route continues.

Leaving Lexington, take the I-75 S heading through the rugged landscape of the Daniel Boone National Forest, one of the biggest rock-climbing destinations in the world, before continuing on to Knoxville.

From Knoxville, head onto the US-441 S, admiring the breathtaking mountain scenery, and you'll arrive at Pigeon Forge, an excellent base from which to explore the Great Smoky Mountains.

A loop around the Great Smoky Mountains

From Pigeon Forge, head south on US-321 to Gatlinburg, where you can enjoy one of the many mountain trails before joining US-441 and heading towards the loop.

The road here takes some dramatic twists and turns and there are plenty of viewpoints to stop and savor the views. Continue onwards, passing Mingo Falls to Cherokee, with its famous Indian Museum.

You'll soon arrive at Bryson City, a peaceful mountain town, where you can ride the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad or simply enjoy the local crafts and cuisine on offer in downtown Bryson.

From Bryson City, take the NC-28 N and US-129 N, stopping off at the Tail of the Dragon, a lookout area offering spectacular lake and mountain views, before continuing along Foothills Parkway.

This part of the route is a hidden gem, as Foothills Parkway is a section of the national park that has become almost forgotten, and it's easy to see why the locals want to keep it a secret.

Continue your journey past the Gold Mine Trail, before reaching Melrose, where you will take the US-321, passing Townsend and Wears Valley before arriving back at Pigeon Forge.

Best places to stop between Chicago and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

There are many places to stop between Chicago and the Great Smoky Mountains and you'll pass many cities and be spoilt for choice with accommodation options. Here are our recommendations.

Take a break in Louisville

Louisville is an ideal place to stay, located around the halfway point between Chicago and the Great Smoky Mountains on the Direct Route. It will allow you to relax, unwind, and be fully refreshed before continuing your drive.

There are many hotels and resorts in Louisville, but none beats the elegance and beauty of Hotel Distil, Autograph Collection .

The hotel is conveniently located in Whiskey Row close to the city's main attractions. Many of its rooms offer spectacular views over the Ohio River, and of the Big Four Bridge which is a spectacular sight at night.

If you plan to see the annual Kentucky Derby, the hotel is close to Churchill Downs, home to the racecourse and also the Kentucky Derby Museum where you can learn all about the history of the world's most famous race.

Take a walk and explore the historical Whiskey Row area with its fabulous selection of restaurants, urban distilleries, and shops. In the bourbon capital of the world, enjoy a VIP experience and take the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Relax in the scenic Smoky Mountains

If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy unwind after a truly memorable road trip, the RiverStone Resort & Spa will definitely deliver , located in Pigeon Forge at the base of the Smoky Mountains.

This luxury resort offers incredible views of the Smoky Mountains making it the ideal place to stay during your time exploring this beautiful destination. It is close to all the restaurants and attractions that Pigeon Forge is known for.

After an excursion in the Smoky Mountains, you can return to the heated indoor pool or hot tub, enjoy a relaxing spa treatment, and sample the delights on offer in the resort's sophisticated restaurant.

The hotel is located close to many of the unique local attractions, and a visit to the Titanic Museum will not disappoint. Walk along sloped decks, see the grand staircase, touch an iceberg and witness hundreds of original artifacts.

A ride on the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster will appeal to thrill-seekers, dropping through lush forest landscape, and taking in the awesome mountain views as you hurtle down the track.

Visit the Island, a 23-acre entertainment destination with fun for all the family, and a trip to Pigeon Forge would not be complete without a visit to Dollywood, recognized as one of the world's best theme parks, with something for everyone.

Things to see on a road trip from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The road trip from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has so much to offer and we advise taking at least three days to make the trip, but even then, it will still be impossible to explore everything on this route.

To aid you in your planning, we have compiled our own list of some of the main places to go and the best things to see along the journey.

• Indiana Dunes National Park - This Indy Park that overlooks the shores of Lake Michigan has beautiful beaches, and historical sites, and is ideal for hiking, biking, and nature trails.
• Indianapolis Zoo - This is a travelers' favorite, and one of the most popular zoos in the country. You can even take a dive with dolphins.
• Fort Harrison State Park – Situated on over 1,700 acres, this park is home to so much history including a World War II prisoner of war camp.
• Indianapolis Motor Speedway - The world's most famous motor racing competition, dubbed the Indy 500, takes place here annually. You can visit the speedway and learn about its history.
• McCormick's Creek State Park - The oldest park in Indiana, famous for its limestone canyon, maple forest, waterfalls, numerous hiking trails, and fishing grounds.
• Monroe Lake - A picturesque 10,750-acre man-made lake, perfect for swimming, boating, fishing, and trail running.
• Morgan-Monroe State Forest - This beautiful forest boasts over 24,000 acres of deciduous forests, water bodies, hiking trees, and overall breathtaking nature awesomeness.
• Louisville Mega Cavern – Explore the 17 miles of corridors beneath the city. Here, you can take a tour and learn the history of the cavern or try the world's only fully underground zip line.
• Kentucky Derby Museum - This quaint museum is dedicated to teaching and showcasing the history of the Kentucky Derby.
• Muhammad Ali Center – Learn all about the life and history of the greatest boxer of all time in his hometown of Louisville.
• Market Square - This historical downtown attraction in Knoxville is the best place to mingle with locals, shop, wine and dine, and explore the city's vibrant nightlife.
• Pigeon Forge – This picturesque mountain town is the home of Dollywood, a theme park, and home to a museum dedicated to the country legend Dolly Parton.
• Titanic Museum Attraction - It is a half-scale replica of the original Titanic dedicated to telling the story of the RMS Titanic, including interviews of the survivors.
• Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies - With more fish than Gatlinburg's total population, it is one of the most breathtaking aquariums you will ever see.

Cincinnati Detour

• Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden – Considered one of the best in the country, renowned for its endangered species, including gorillas and white tigers.
• Cincinnati Art Museum – This prestigious museum has over 67,000 works of art and Is famous for its 19th-century European and American paintings, and an outstanding pottery gallery.

Best time to go on a road trip from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The road trip from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains will be memorable whichever time of year you decide to go, which is all dependent on your preferences for the weather and the season.

If you choose to visit during spring, the crowds will be significantly smaller and hotel prices relatively low. Do bear in mind some attractions may be closed as they transition from winter.

The period between June and August is an excellent time to go on a road trip from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains. Expect to see lush greenery as you drive down the route and hit the mountains.

Summer has temperatures reaching as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but in the mountainous environment of the Smokies, the uneven topography can see it drop to 20 degrees.

Music lovers can experience the Motown sound at the Sounds of Soul in the Smokies Festival at the end of July. Fans of all ages can take a nostalgic journey through musical history with the hits of Stevie Wonder to the Temptations, and many more.

If you appreciate the beauty of foliage in the fall season, making the trip in autumn is for you. You can also catch Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg, a festival of Bavarian food, drink, and music accompanied by the fabulous Smoky Mountains Oompah band.

Making the trip in the winter months will make for stunning viewing with the mountain peaks covered in snow. It's a popular time for winter sports lovers and skiing enthusiasts and the local Christmas markets make it extra special at this magical time of year.

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The Open Road Travel

• Jun 6, 2022

Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip (Great Smoky Mountains To Shenandoah)

Updated: Dec 9, 2022

A Blue Ridge Parkway road trip takes you on a journey across the Blue Ridge mountains.

A 469 mile Blue Ridge Parkway road trip takes you through North Carolina and Virginia, along one of Earth’s most stunning roads. You’ll pass countless scenic overlooks and natural beauty spots, as you travel between two gorgeous national parks.

For anyone planning their own Blue Ridge Parkway road trip, read on to make sure you don’t miss any of the highlights along the way.

What Is The Blue Ridge Parkway?

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469 mile (755 kilometre) national parkway that runs through the states of North Carolina and Virginia. Opened on the 30th of June 1936, it has been the most used road in the national park system in all but 4 years since 1946.

Considered one of the most stunning roads on Earth, it is a popular destination for road trippers and car enthusiasts.

Its countless scenic overlooks offer some of the most breathtaking panoramic views you will find in the eastern United States, while the route itself perfectly displays the region’s natural beauty.

A Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip: How Far Is It, How Long Will It Take To Get There & What Is The Best Route?

A Blue Ridge Parkway road trip will obviously be spent travelling along the length of the road itself, which runs for 469 miles (755 kilometres), from Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to just south of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.

Based on speed limits along the entirety of the road of 45 miles per hour (72 kilometres per hour) and below, it will take between 12 and 12 and ½ hours to complete the journey, provided you stick to them.

Best Time For A Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip

The best time for a Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip is the month of August. Not only is this one of the two warmest months along the route but it is also one of the driest. This makes it the perfect time to make the journey and enjoy all of the natural beauty spots in all their glory.

Best Place To Stop On A Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip – Roanoke, Virginia

With more than 12 hours of driving ahead of you, most people are going to want to break up their journey, to ensure they are truly appreciating what they are seeing.

While you have plenty of great options along the way, the best place to stop on a Blue Ridge Parkway road trip is Roanoke, Virginia.

The 8th most populous city in Virginia, Roanoke is a vibrant, if often overlooked city, which is located a little past the midway point of Blue Ridge Parkway.

Comprised of the two independent cities of Salem and Roanoke, and split by the Roanoke River, it is a beautiful city with a natural feel.

Roanoke is also considered the cultural and commercial hub of the southern Virginia and West Virginia region. With a fabulous collection of art galleries, historic buildings, museums, and theatres, it is a great place to add some culture to your trip.

With a wide array of hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops, Roanoke is also one of the best places to enjoy some urban comforts on your journey through a largely rural, natural part of the country.

Best Hotel To Stay At In Roanoke – Hilton Garden Inn Roanoke

The Hilton Garden Inn Roanoke is a wonderful, stylish property that is part of the legendary Hilton chain. Located on the outskirts of the city, near the Blue Ridge Parkway, it is ideal whether you are planning to explore Roanoke or just want a comfortable place to rest and relax.

Each of the spacious rooms boasts comfortable furniture and amenities like a coffee maker, desk, flat screen TV, refrigerator, and private bathroom with a bath. They are all fully air conditioned and boast high speed Wi-Fi that is available throughout the property.

Meanwhile, in the communal areas you will find facilities such as indoor and outdoor pools, business and fitness centres, and a bar and a restaurant. Free on-site parking is also available for all guests.

Top Attractions On A Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip

The main attraction on a Blue Ridge Parkway road trip is the route itself. Weaving through the forests and mountains, with their countless scenic overlooks, it is the best way to soak in the beauty of the eastern United States.

However, on a road trip lasting over 12 hours, you will eventually need more than just the views from the car to keep you entertained.

While there are an almost immeasurable number of small places to stop to see or take a photo of, there are some locations that offer a little more than others.

With that in mind, we will now take a look at the top attractions on a Blue Ridge Parkway road trip, to ensure you never run out of things to do or see on this incredible journey.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers 522,427 acres, making it the 11th largest national park in the lower 48 states and the 19th largest in the whole country. Its 12 million annual visitors also make it the most visited national park in the United States.

Founded in June 1934, Great Smoky Mountains is also the nation’s 21st oldest national park. Known for an incredible range of caves, forests, mountains, streams, rivers, and waterfalls, as well as a vibrant collection of wildlife, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a nature lovers dream.

Asheville, North Carolina

The 11th most populous city in North Carolina, Asheville is situated at the confluence of the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers.

Established as a city in 1797, it has a rich and varied history, with sites covering Native Americans, early America, the Civil War, and the Atlantic slave trade.

Historic buildings like Asheville City Hall, Basilica Of St Lawrence, Biltmore House, Grove Park Inn, and the S&W Cafeteria all display the vibrant architecture, arts, and crafts that the city is known for.

Then there are the many places of worship that demonstrate the city’s varied religious background.

You also have the Grove Arcade, which is nationally significant as one of the oldest indoor shopping malls in the United States. When you put it all together, Asheville is a must visit city for any fans of history or art making the journey.

Pisgah National Forest

Pisgah National Forest is a 512,758 acre national forest in the Appalachian Mountains. Established on October the 17th 1916 as an 86,700 acre forest, it gradually expanded over the nest 20 years to include most of the former Boone National Forest and Unaka National Forest.

Named after a biblical Hebrew word that means the summit of a mountain, Pisgah National Forest contains some of the highest peaks in the eastern United States, with elevations ranging up to 6,214 feet (1,894 metres), which can be found atop Black Balsam Knob.

Covering parts of both the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Balsam Mountains, Pisgah National Forest is filled with old growth forests, rivers, waterfalls, countless trails, and even historic locations, such as covered bridges and the Bent Creek Campus Of The Appalachian Forest Experiment Station.

A popular location for backpacking, biking, hiking, fishing, and rock climbing, it is the perfect opportunity to get out of the car and explore for a while.

Doughton Recreation Area

The Doughton Recreation Area is a protected area in the Appalachian Mountains full of campsites and hiking trails.

The area was set aside with the sole intention of giving visitors a place where they can explore and appreciate the landscape, without having to go too far off of the beaten path.

Doughton Recreation Area is also known for being the location of the Brinegar Cabin. Built in the 19th century, the cabin has been preserved and restored to give visitors an insight into the life of farmers and pioneers in the region during that period.

The adjacent Thurmond Chatham Wildlife Management Area also makes it a great place for people who want to see some of the region’s wildlife during their visit.

Stone Mountain State Park

Stone Mountain State Park is a 14,353 acre state park that centres around the 600 foot (183 metre) tall Stone Mountain. A towering granite dome, it has been listed as a National Natural Landmark since May 1974.

With its smooth, barren, distinctive grey sides, it is one of the most popular rock climbing spots in the eastern United States. Meanwhile, the streams, trails, and campsites surrounding the mountain make the park a great spot for camping, fishing, and hiking.

Stone Mountain State Park even features a fabulous visitor centre and historic churches and homesteads. Between them you can see a range of preserved buildings, as well as exhibits and artefacts, which detail the history of the region and its inhabitants.

Rocky Knob AVA

The Rocky Knob AVA is a 9,000 acre wine growing region that is home to two of the most successful wineries in Virginia. Responsible for producing around 65,000 cases of wine per year, this is truly the heart of Virginia wine country.

You can take a stroll around a vineyard, visit a winery to sample some of their vintages straight from the source, or simply explore the area to see how a wine growing region in the eastern United States compares to those out west.

However you want to enjoy it though, Rocky Knob AVA is a must visit area for any wine lovers taking this trip.

Blue Ridge Mountains

The Blue Ridge Mountains are a mountain range stretching for 550 miles (855 kilometres) from Georgia to Pennsylvania. They get their name from the native trees that release a chemical into the air which gives the mountains a bluish haze when seen from a distance.

Encompassing 8 national forests and 2 national parks, the Blue Ridge Mountains are considered one of the most scenic natural beauty spots in the eastern United States, if not the country as a whole.

With their stunning views, incredible landscape, and abundance of historical locations dotted around, the Blue Ridge Mountains are a natural wonder that has to be seen to be truly appreciated.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is the 22nd oldest national park in the United States, having been founded on the 26th of December 1936. Its 1,592,000 annual visitors also make it the 19th most visited national park in the country, while covering 200,192 acres makes it the 33rd largest.

With both the Appalachian Trail hiking route and Skyline Drive parkway running the entire length of the park, it is ideal for those who want to extend their scenic adventure, either in the car or on foot.

Among the most popular attractions in the park are its collection of historic buildings, which includes Rapidan Camp, the summer retreat of former United States President Herbert Hoover.

You also have the Hawksbill Peak, which you can hike up to take in some incredible views.

For the nature lovers, Shenandoah National Park is also home to a huge range of animals, such as beavers, black bears, bobcats, coyotes, deer, foxes, opossums, otters, racoons, skunks, woodchucks, and rabbits, as well as 32 species of fish and over 190 species of birds.

A Blue Ridge Parkway road trip is one of the greatest adventures you can take in the United States. With its natural beauty spots and stunning views, it allows you to soak in the landscape of the eastern side of the country in style.

This guide will hopefully have given you everything you need to plan the perfect Blue Ridge Parkway travel itinerary. From when to go and how long the journey will take, to all the stops and sights there are along the way, you should be fully prepared to make the journey for yourself.

That means all that you have left to do is start getting everything booked. That way, you can look forward to experiencing it all in person, as soon as possible.

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The Great Smoky Mountains | An Epic Road Trip

• North Carolina
• Poppy the Camper
• by Erin Huiatt

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This past fall our family took an epic road trip from Des Moines, Iowa to the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. After a year where the majority of our traveling plans were halted due to the pandemic, we decided to think outside of the box and invest in Poppy the Popup Camper . Poppy was probably one of the biggest highlights that came out of 2020!

We took many small road trips with our popup throughout Iowa as we got acquainted with camping and what life living out of a popup was like. After several trips we decided to plan our longest and biggest camping trip ever to the Great Smoky Mountains.

We planned a 9-day trip beginning in Des Moines, Iowa with an overnight stop in Paoli, Indiana to visit Wilstem Wildlife Park and an overnight stop on our return in Rantoul, Illinois to kiss the reindeer at Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch .

Camping in The Great Smoky Mountains

There are several options when camping in the Smoky Mountains. We traveled at the beginning of October and this is a very busy time of the year due to the foliage change. It is a beautiful time to visit, but make sure you plan ahead so you can get a spot!

We camped at Pigeon Forge Jellystone which was perfect for us. It offered tons of fun for the kids and was not far from Dollywood and other attractions in the area. Another important factor when traveling in a popup is bathrooms and showers as we do not have them in our camper. We were happy with their amenities!

One drawback with this camping location is the sites are fairly close together. Although we did not spend much time at our actual campsite during the day due to exploring and site seeing. This is something to think about before you book.

The Great Smoky Mountain Attractions

There is a ton to see and do in the Smoky Mountain area. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are two of the major cities in this area and reminded me of a lot of Branson. It is very touristy. What you decide to see and do in this area really depends on what your family enjoys. We really wanted to experience the Smoky Mountain National Park and skip the majority of touristy things, but definitely did experience some.

Anakeesta is definitely a unique and fun experience located in Gatlinburg. It is a ‘theme’ park, but not your typical theme park you may think of. When you arrive you will enjoy a scenic ride up the gondola. When you get to the top you can grab lunch or dinner at the Cliff Top restaurant or at any one of their other several dining options.

They also offer Dueling Zipline, Tree Canopy Trail, Rail Runner Coaster, shopping options, gem mining, Treehouse Village Playground, and much more.

Since the only way to enter Anakeesta is via the Gondola, make sure you plan to arrive right when they open. The line to go up fills up quickly!

Cades Cove Loop

The Cades Cove Loop is a 11-mile winding road through the Smoky Mountain National Park. This is not only a great spot to see wildlife (including bears!) it also has several historical buildings you can stop and visit along the way. When you enter the loop, you will receive a map and descriptions of the historical buildings. It is a one way loop, so when you enter you can not turn back. There are times that it is bumper to bumper and can take a long to go through, so plan accordingly. The day we visited it took us about an hour to drive through. It was not very busy.

If you are hoping to spot wildlife this is another spot to plan to arrive early! Another way to experience Cades Cove Loop is by horseback. Cades Cove Stables offers guided trail rides, carriage rides, and hayrides. This was a unique way to to get off the beaten path and see wildlife. We did see one baby bear!

Clingmans Dome

Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains and it is definitely worth the visit. It is a free attraction on top of that! It takes about an hour of lots of winding roads from downtown Gatlinburg. On a clear day, you can see over 100 miles, which is rare. It tends to get cloudy. We were very lucky the day we visited as there were few clouds and not much fog. The views were incredible. It is also located half in North Carolina, so if and a half in Tennessee. If you are a family who likes to cross states off your bucket list this is an easy one to cross off.

If you plan to visit Clingmans Dome I highly recommend visiting early. This attraction fills up quickly and it can be hard to find a parking spot. Once you park you will need to hike about 1/2 mile up a very steep hill to get to the tower. There are also lots of fun climbing opportunities which our kids enjoyed.

There are a ton of popular, favorite spots to visit within the Great Smoky National Park and because they are so beautiful they tend to get busy quickly. We discovered this fun resource, Off the Beaten Path from the National Park Service. It listed some great spots to visit that were not super crowded. We decided to check out Cosby and it was worth it!

The Cosby area included a lot of hiking options, and the kids favorite, rock climbing! There were huge rocks in the stream and we spent a good time sitting and listening and exploring. It was such a fun experience to take in the gorgeous area.

Our kids love amusement parks so we knew this was a must when we visited. On top of that, they had an amazing Halloween light display. I was very impressed by the beautiful setup. This alone made our trip to Dollywood worth it. You could definitely spend an entire day here, but we chose to go in the early afternoon since we knew we were staying late for the Halloween display.

Food + Drink

When we travel we love to experience local restaurants and breweries. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge is definitely filled with options! Here are a few of our favorites.

Gatlinburg Brewing Company

Gatlinburg Brewing Company was probably our favorite spot for local brews. They had some great one and their pizza was really, really good too. This was not far from the entrance to Anakeesta.

The Greenbrier Restaurant

The Greenbrier Restaurant is an upscale restaurant located high up in the trees with beautiful views. We made our trip to the Smoky Mountains shortly after our 10-year wedding anniversary, so we treated ourselves to a special anniversary dinner. They had amazing cocktails and food. If you are lucky enough to have someone tagging along to watch your kids, highly recommend it!

Old Forge Distillery

This was an impulse stop, but I am so glad we stopped in. We tried a couple of their fancy drinks and they were tasty! It is also a great spot to purchase gifts for family and friends who love unique liquors.

The Old Mill Restaurant

The Old Mill Restaurant is located in Pigeon Forge and was a great lunch spot. The food and atmosphere reminded me a lot of Cracker Barrel. The kids enjoyed seeing the large mill and there was also a ton of shopping in the area.

Smoky Mountain Brewery

We are big fans of trying local brews, so we could not miss the opportunity to check out THE Smoky Mountain Brewery. The beers were great and they offered yummy lunch options.

Related Posts

Erin Huiatt

Erin is a reliable resource and stepping stone for women and families to find support and make connections within our community. She wants families to feel confident to reach out and ask for help and advice to get pointed in the right direction. She enjoys traveling and exploring with her two children in tow!

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Charlotte to Asheville to Great Smoky Mountains Loop Road Trip

On this 430-mile trip from charlotte, n.c., to great smoky mountains national park, you’ll experience the best of the south from food and history to gorgeous wilderness including waterfalls and autumn colors..

Start: Charlotte, N.C.

Start your epic road trip loop to the Great Smoky Mountains in Charlotte, North Carolina. Maybe you’re a resident of the Queen City and already know the fun that’s in store. But if not, Charlotte touts an international airport, so you can fly from your home city and then rent a car or RV to start your journey.

Before you do anything else, you’ll want to get a taste of the city with a tour. There are options for every audience. If you’re interested in the city’s darker past, check out the lantern-led Carolina History and Haunts Tour. If you’re looking for a cozy experience, head to the city center where you can catch a 20-minute to one-hour horse-drawn carriage ride through Uptown. Find yourself stifling giggles on most stuffy tours? Jump on the Funny Bus Comedy City Tour and you can laugh out loud. Choose from a PG-13 or R-rated tour and BYOB.

Local tip: Look for tours, especially historical tours, that allude to hornets. This might be in the form of a hornet’s nest symbol or the word “hornet” in the company or tour name. The hornet’s nest is Charlotte’s secret symbol of American spirit. The symbology comes from a supposed statement during the Revolutionary War made by British General Cornwallis. He called Charlotte a “hornet’s nest of rebellion” and the term stuck, becoming an icon of local pride. You’ll find it in everything from the city’s NBA team name to police badges.

Potentially the most important thing to know about the Carolinas is that the people who live there are very passionate about their barbecue and that the topic is very controversial. Don’t ask if mustard belongs in Carolina Barbecue Sauce. If you’re from a place where barbecue isn’t a topic to be avoided at parties like religion and politics, you’ll be delighted by any of Charlotte’s stops for the fare. For those who speak barbecue as a second language, we won’t pick favorites.

There’s nothing controversial about classic Southern food, luckily. For the most down-to-earth meal of your trip, head to Dish (1220 Thomas Avenue) in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood. You’ll be greeted by a cozy atmosphere and the best Southern classics of your life. Think fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits and pimento cheese.

For a day jam-packed with adventure, head to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. The world’s largest man-made whitewater river, this center is where the U.S. Olympic team practices. You don’t have to be an Olympian to enjoy it, though. Encompassing 1,300 acres next to the Catawba River, you can stand-up paddleboard (also known as SUP), kayak, adventure raft or rodeo raft on everything from class II to IV water. The Whitewater Center is perfect for the whole family. Kids ages 4 and up can hop in a tandem kayak with an adult and kids 8 and up can kayak or SUP. If land is more your forte, hit up the climbing wall, ziplines, ropes courses or mountain biking trails. One-day, two-day, and single activity passes are available.

Whether you’re a NASCAR buff or you played with Hot Wheels as a kid, you’ll appreciate the NASCAR Hall of Fame. See cars from all generations that hit the track and tributes to the world’s best drivers before immersing yourself in the experience. Watch a film in the surround-sound equipped theatre to feel like you’re a part of the action, or jump in a replica stock car, equipped with the same iRacing virtual software the pros use to train. The simulators update weekly based on the real time race schedule, so you’ll be driving the same tracks as the pros, competing against other participants.

Chimney Rock State Park, N.C.

Two hours east of Charlotte lies Chimney Rock State Park . The park is named for a beautiful rock outcropping that gives visitors incredible views of up to 75 miles of Lake Lucre and Hickory Nut Gorge. Getting to the view is the real adventure, however. Take the Outcropping Trail, where you’ll ascend 491 stairs to get to the viewpoint. Your heart will be pounding at the top.

North Carolina State Parks knows that not everyone is up for this kind of climb, so a seasonal elevator offers a milder route. At the elevator’s top, only 44 stairs separate you from the viewpoint. The elevator itself is an adventure, carved into the solid rock and terminating in the Sky Lounge, a gift shop in the air.

Chimney Rock is also the perfect place to see the fall colors. Peak leaf-peeping season is mid-October. Look for hickories, poplars, white oaks and birches turning gold and yellow and red oaks, sourwoods and maples in hues of red and orange.

Asheville, N.C.

Forty-five minutes west of Chimney Rock State Park, you’ll find yourself in the city of Asheville, N.C.

If you’re a foodie, Asheville is the place for you. Start by getting hyper-local and experiencing the bounty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Then visit the largest home in America with six restaurants, a multitude of shops and three lodging options on-site. Finish the day with a visit to one of Asheville’s local breweries or browse the River Arts District to take in the arts scene. More to do in Asheville .

Cherokee, N.C.

At the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll stop in Cherokee, N.C. before heading into Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Stop by the Museum of the Cherokee Indian to learn more about the first people to inhabit the national park. You may be surprised to hear a very different perspective on the history of the Trail of Tears and the Indian Removal Act than you’ll find at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, operated by the National Park Service; a reminder to always keep an open mind and listen to all viewpoints.

Oconaluftee Islands Park gives you an opportunity to stretch your legs and relax after a long drive. Float down the river in an innertube or cross over a bridge to the grassy island the park is named for and fish from the docks or eat lunch at a picnic table. The park is easily accessible from downtown Cherokee, so you can stay until sunset before heading back to town to grab a bite to eat.

Get an early start to hike to the popular Mingo Falls – you’ll avoid crowds and the heat of the day. The 120-foot ethereal cascade is not technically in the park. It’s on the Cherokee Reservation. It’s a 0.4 mile walk to the falls, but beware, it’s steep. It’s one of the tallest waterfalls in the southern Appalachians.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The moment you’ve been waiting for – Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Check out our Top 10 Things to Do in the park to make the most of your visit. And don’t miss these top views from up high.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Chock-full of souvenir shops, craft stores, restaurants, and kitschy attractions (think Ripley’s Believe it or Not!), the bustling towns can be a sensory overload or a rollicking good time, depending on your perspective.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Find family fun under Pigeon Forge’s sparkling lights. Stay 20 minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park in this city with no shortage of things to do .

Think Pink When you board one of Pink Adventure Tours’ signature pink Jeep Wranglers, you’ll soak up more information than you thought possible on your Smoky Mountains tour. Catch a tour from Pigeon Forge .

The Best of Carter County, Tenn.

Nestled in the Smoky Mountains near Johnson City, just north of the national park, Carter County is home to incredible outdoor recreation, beautiful scenery, fascinating history and small town charm. We’ve found the best places to hike, paddle, bike and go back in time near Elizabethton, Watauga Lake, Roan Mountain and more.

Soak in Hot Springs, N.C.

Hot Springs, N.C. is home to the only hot springs in the state. For a truly unique soaking experience, book a mountain cabin at Broadwing Farms, which includes access to hot springs-fed tubs. Otherwise, head to Hot Springs Resort and Spa, which has hot tubs available by the hourly rental.

This destination is popular with Appalachian Trail through-hikers to soak their weary bones. Strike up a conversation with your fellow travelers and you may hear some interesting stories about life on the trail.

If you’re up for a hike, park downtown and do the two-mile loop to Lover’s Leap, a rocky outcropping with beautiful views of the French Broad River and surrounding area. The name refers to an old legend of a lovesick woman leaping from the rocks. It’s not a place to jump in the river, so don’t be fooled.

Cataloochee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Head south to the remote Cataloochee entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This valley surrounded by 6,000 foot peaks is filled with historic buildings preserved from when the town was one of the most prosperous settlements in what is now the park, and is home to a herd of elk. The rustic, narrow road is open seasonally.

End: Charlotte, N.C.

End your road trip with a three-hour drive back to Charlotte and get ready to start sorting through pictures of your amazing trip.

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10 Scenic Smoky Mountain Vacations To Add To Your Bucket List

• Head to Clingmans Dome for the best views of the Smoky Mountains. Be prepared for a steep half-mile hike to the observation tower at the summit.
• Take your family to Gatlinburg for a relaxing nature-filled vacation. Enjoy free attractions like Anakeesta Mountain and the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tram ride.
• Experience the beauty of the Smoky Mountains by camping in Cades Cove. Explore the one-way road, hike to stunning waterfalls, and enjoy picnics with sparkling river views.

The Smoky Mountain is one of the best mountain vacation spots in the United States . There are limitless places to visit in this area, depending on one's interest. The mountain showcases historic sites, old homesteads, communities, and parkways. There is no shortage of activities for travelers to entertain themselves, from hiking, picnicking, camping, and mountain biking, among others.

But the best thing about heading to the Smoky Mountains is that one will be surrounded by jaw-dropping views everywhere they turn. With mountain scenery and beautiful waterfalls, the only thing individuals should do is have their camera ready to capture the stunning views. Whether going for a solo trip or with family and friends, here are the 10 must-see picturesque views in the Smokies.

Take a Hiking Trip with Friends to Clingmans Dome

Clingmans Dome is the highest point of the Great Smoky Mountains, with an elevation of about 6,643 feet. No wonder Clingmans Dome Observation Tower gives the best views of the Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitors who Hike Clingmans Dome to the Observation Tower at the summit are rewarded with 360-degree views of the Smokies. However, getting here is a task. One must hike the steep half-mile walk from the parking to the tower at the summit. During this short hike, travelers gain an elevation of 332 feet. Several benches are on the way for those who want some rest.

• Location: Clingmans Dome Rd
• Charges: No entrance fee

Related: Hiking Guide: Best Trails In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Take Kids to a Fall Festival in the Mountains

There are many fall foliage festivals happening in this region of the Great Smoky Mountains, giving travelers countless options. The Fall Festival at Ober Mountain, previously called Oktoberfest, will be happening until October 28. Visitors can use this chance to enjoy delicious meals, giant pumpkin carvings, and live music. The Wears Valley Fall Fest is another event that will be happening from October 20 to 22 and features many interactive activities for people of all ages.

• Popular towns and cities near Gatlinburg, Pigeon, Cherokee, Bryson City
• Things to do: Attend the Oktoberfest celebration in Townsend, TN, or the Autumn Jubilee in Bakersville, NC. These feature live music, crafts, food, and fall activities.

Confirm the dates and the time.

Take a Road Trip to the Morton Overlook

Watching the sunset is a romantic and relaxing experience, and one of the best places to watch the sunset in the Smoky Mountains is from the Morton Overlook. This scenic roadside overlook takes one to approximately 5,048 feet above sea level and rewards them with views of North Carolina and Tennessee. One can see Pigeon Forge's and Gatlinburg's lights when nights are clear.

• Location: US 441
• Things to do/see: Chimney Picnics Area, Sugarlands Distilling Company, Ole Smoky

Have a Family Retreat at Gatlinburg

One of the best destinations for a relaxing, nature-filled vacation , Gatlinburg is a great place for spending time with kids. The town is suited for big adventures and offers many free things one can enjoy during their visit . Travelers can reach the summit of Anakeesta Mountain in a unique chondola or walk Skybridge, the longest pedestrian walk in North America. Also, visitors can enjoy the Ober Gatlinburg Aeria Tram ride and have some fun in the mountains. Families, couples, and friends flood this town for its limitless opportunities.

• Address: Tennessee 37738
• Must-see attractions: Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Gatlin's Mini Golf, Fannie Farkle's

Related: See Breathtaking Landscapes On Gatlinburg's 10 Most Scenic Drives

Enjoy a Camping Trip at Cades Cove Campgrounds

Driving through Cades Cove is one of the amazing things to do in the Great Smokies , but with abundant wild animals, historic structures, beautiful elevated valleys, and sweeping meadows, it is also a great place to camp. It has incredible surroundings where individuals can walk, ride a bike, or drive around the one-way road measuring 11 miles at a leisurely pace. Travelers are allowed to hike the stunning waterfalls and mountain peaks. Stop to check barns, old churches, and a grist mill along the way. When tired, set up a picnic and enjoy the views of the sparkling river, and when darkness strikes, head to the campgrounds and book a campsite at $25 per night.

• Location: Cades Cove Loop Rd
• Charges : The loop is free, but parking is $5 for those stopping for more than 15 minutes : Sunrise to sunset
• Things to see/do: farmhouses, corn cribs, churches

Have a Family Mountain Getaway at the Pigeon Forge

The famed Pigeon Forge is a classic tourist destination and one of the most visited places in Tennessee. It is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering an array of activities. From zip lining, horseback riding, fishing, and bird watching, guests are unlikely to run out of things to do. Guests are welcome to try all these and so much more. The picturesque area gives travelers a perfect backdrop for exploring and relaxing. There are also festivals and events that happen throughout the year. Families can indulge in these celebrations and enjoy music and good food.

• Location: Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
• Top attractions : Dollywood, Titanic Museum Attraction, The Island in Pigeon Forge

Plan a Mountain Lake Vacation

Right outside the Smoky Mountains are many lakes ready to be photographed. Exploring them is a chance to enjoy incredible mountain views, boating, swimming, and other outdoor entertainment. Douglas Lake serves visitors with stunning views of the mountains. Here, guests can engage in kayaking, fishing, and boating. Also, there are various cabins to rent for those who want to extend their trip. Other lakes nearby are Lake Junaluska, Tellico Lake, and Lake Santeetlah.

Things to do: Hiking, boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding

Advise on where to stay: cabins, lodges, campgrounds. Recommend ones on or near the lake for best access.

Look for lakes that aren't too far from the mountains.

Take a Day Trip with Kids at Anakeesta, an Aerial Adventure Park

For those who want to spend the whole day enjoying panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains, Anakeesta is the place to go. There are incredible mountain vistas and various activities to better one's sightseeing experience. One can ride a chondola (a chairlift and gondola) to Firefly Village, which has restaurants, shops, and seating at the mountaintop. Also, enjoy the Treetop Skywalk or walk through the vista gardens. Or climb to the top of AnaVista Tower to enjoy 360 degrees of the surrounding scenes and watch as the sun sets over the mountains.

• Location: 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
• Hours: 9 am to 8 pm
• Charges : $19.99 for children, $32.99 for adults

Related: Discover The Beauty Of Smoky Mountains National Park In April On These Hikes

Embark on a Camping Trip in Elkmont Ghost Town

Elkmont Ghost Town allows tourists to walk through. It was once a logging camp that quickly became a vacation spot for wealthy families from Knoxville. Tourists usually come here to check out the abandoned buildings and hike the Elkmont Nature Trail. Those who want to explore the area further prefer to camp at the Elkmont Campground, which offers several campsites and allows RV camping.

• Address: TN, TN 37160
• Top attractions: Elkmont Troll Bridge, Dollywood Rainforest
• Camping charges: $30 per night

Take an Afternoon Road Trip Along the Newfound Gap

One of the best scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains is along the Newfound Gap. It is the lowest pass travelers can drive through the park, offering plenty of space to stop, stretch, and soak in nature. The stunning views allow tourists to see this area's mountain peaks, valleys, and rivers. Take this chance to visit the Rockefeller Memorial, a stone structure built to honor the $5 million donation from John D. Rockefeller as a tribute to his wife, who helped in creating the national park.

• Distance: 31 miles
• Best stops: Campbell Overlook, Newfound Gap Overlook, Clingmans Dome Tower

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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 .

Great Smoky Mountains National Park to close a popular trail on weekdays for over 6 months

Ramsey Cascades Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be closed most weekdays beginning April 15, the National Park Service announced. The trail is temporarily closing while crews finish a full-scale rehabilitation project that started in 2022.

The popular four-mile trail will be closed Monday through Thursday each week, except federal holidays, until Nov. 14, according to an April 12 statement.

The only weekend closure planned is May 3-5 while trail crews replace a footlog bridge.

Crews will repair tread surfaces, improve drainage, construct trail structures such as staircases, turnpikes and retaining walls and remove trip hazards like exposed roots and rocks during the scheduled closures. The project will improve overall trail safety and protect the park’s natural resources, the park service said in a release.

Significant flooding and storm damage caused the NPS to close the trail completely for several months in 2022 and early 2023. Crews have already rerouted 200 feet of trail, built and installed a new footlog bridge and built four new trail structures damaged by the flood.

Ramsey Cascades Trail is located in the Greenbrier area and is the only way to access the 100-foot Ramsey Cascades, the tallest waterfall in the park.

The Ramsey Cascades Trail rehabilitation project is funded by the Trails Forever program, which was established through a partnership between Friends of the Smokie s and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The program supports a permanent trail crew that rehabilitates popular trails. Friends of the Smokies has contributed more than $2.6 million to rehabilitate Abrams Falls, Trillium Gap, Rainbow Falls, Alum Cave, Chimney Tops and Forney Ridge trails since 2012.

Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email  [email protected] . On X, formerly known as Twitter  @dturner1208 .  

Support strong local journalism by subscribing at  knoxnews.com/subscribe .

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News Release

Lakeview drive road construction project to conclude this spring.

GATLINBURG, Tenn.— Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with funding from the  Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund , will finish the approximate $15.7 million  repair and rehabilitation  of Lakeview Drive that started  last year . Work will begin April 8 and is expected to end in early July.

• Final paving of the 6.5-mile road.
• Paving and sidewalk construction in the Noland Creek trailhead parking area, including Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standard (ABAAS) accessible parking.
• Deck repair on the Noland Creek Bridge.
• Rehabilitation of road shoulders.

Last updated: April 3, 2024

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