On any given rainy or misty day, no matter where in the world I find myself, I think of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Ronnie Milsap's "Smoky Mountain Rain" echoes in the back of my mind while the ever changing colors of the haze on the horizon seem to always tease my curiosity, beckoning me to explore the mountain's secrets. Even the air smells cleaner in the Smokies (ironically) with hints of pine and rhododendron. Some may venture to call it paradise.
Growing up, my family visited this area of Appalachia multiple times a year, discovering something new to enjoy during each and every trip. Countless memories full of hiking, picnics, and scenic drives on the winding mountain roads. Wading in picturesque creeks strewn with river rocks and boulders used as makeshift slides, the cold mountain water a welcome retreat during humid southern summers. Oh! Have I mentioned the wildlife?! Try to be the first one of your crew to point out a black bear, elk, turkey, hog, salamander, bird, deer, donkey, or even a llama! This diverse ecosystem is home to so many amazing species all dependent on each other to thrive.
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With the bustling towns of Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge as your hub, there is literally something for everyone and the entertainment options are endless. However, if a quieter retreat away from the crowds is more your speed, then stay in Townsend where you'll find great restaurants and a lively craft community. Whether you qualify as a nature lover, craft seeker, southern cuisine foodie, history buff, shopper extraordinaire, avid putt-putt enthusiast, roller coaster fan, or the fireside mountain viewing kinda person, you will find happiness in the Smokies. After a lifetime of visits, here's my carefully curated Smoky Mountain guide to help plan your next trip!
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HOTELS/CHALETS
Accommodations in the Smokies are unique and plentiful, over the years I've certainly been fortunate to sojourn in a few! I think the definition of bliss might be relaxing in a hot tub while watching the sun set over the mountains after a long day of hiking. Appealing to all wallet capabilities, the choices are virtually limitless. From honeymoon cabins, luxurious chalets that can sleep 20, a ton of familiar chain hotels, to modest rooms by the Little Pigeon River, there is something for everyone. You simply cannot go wrong with a Smoky Mountain escape.
Established in 1937, the Historic Gatlinburg Inn continues to offer a feeling of nostalgia while staying true to its roots. Centrally located and walkable to everything in the heart of downtown, the landmark hotel reflects the rich history of the area with a rustic endurance by continuing to stay relevant even as its surroundings grow and change.
One of the most recognizable hotels in the skyline is Park Vista with its cylindrical shape and spectacular views. There is a great indoor pool area and the trolley will take you downtown without the added worry of parking.
Margaritaville Resort is a good time for those seeking a Jimmy Buffett vibe during your mountain escape. With 3 swimming pools and spa amenities everyone in the fam can find their chill here!
The Black Bear Inn & Suites is a favorite of mine, mostly because of the balconies facing the parkway which makes for excellent people watching. It's one of the closest accommodations to the park entrance.
There's plenty of Marriott, Hilton and Holiday Inns to choose from if you are brand loyal too!
Cabins of the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg TN Cabins have great selections of cabin/chalet rentals for all group sizes on their sites along with numerous choices on Airbnb or Vrbo.
DINING
I'd wager there is no better area in the south with such a plethora of dining options capable of satisfying any palate. Of course there are the familiar chain restaurants we can't seem to escape but don't fret because if you look beyond the TGI Friday's and McDonalds signs, you will discover mouth watering happiness.
My favorite all time restaurant in all the world is The Peddler Steakhouse in Gatlinburg. Creekside dining at its best with Little Pigeon River views, delicious menu options and I have two words for you, salad bar. The best salad bar ever, like, I could just make that my meal type of good. Even their website boasts about tradition and that it is, I hope it always will be there for us all to enjoy.
The Park Grill is a sister restaurant to The Peddler and it's generally a little easier/quicker to be seated there. Offering the infamous salad bar and a few different menu items in an expansive dining room makes for a very fulfilling evening.
Smoky Mountain Brewery is our preferred sports viewing venue with a great beer selection, pizzas, and more!
The Greenbrier Restaurant has become a new obsession for a little more upscale experience. Tucked away off 321, an intimate indulgence awaits.
The ambiance of Crockett's Breakfast Camp can't be beat. With an Appalachian inspired menu and theme throughout, you'll leave with a full belly and new appreciation of home cooking, not to mention their luscious cinnamon rolls.
Pancake houses galore, oh my! On every corner it seems, there is a pancake house of some sort, so you’ll always have that option to satisfy savory breakfast cravings.
Howard’s Restaurant claims to be Gatlinburg's oldest eatery. Since 1946, they have provided consistent hospitality by the creek complete with an in-house saloon serving the best Bloody Mary's, according to my Momma!
Spend the whole afternoon at The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge. Built in 1830, it's one of the oldest continually operating gristmills in the country. Marvel at the history, dine on scrumptious southern cuisine, and visit the area shops. My favorite being The Old Mill Pigeon River Pottery.
For those with a sweet tooth, find your preferred dessert at the Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen where you can see traditional taffy being made the original way. It's mesmerizing to watch the colorful glob of sugar being stretched and spun on the vintage machinery then twisted into paper wrappers. They're the Willy Wonkas' of the south, creating tasty sweets in uniforms that harken back to the good ole days.
HIKING
Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's playground with over 848 miles of footpaths (150 trails), including 74 miles of the Appalachian Trail running through the park. Here are just a few of my favs... 🥾
Laurel Falls Trail in Elkmont takes you to an 80-foot waterfall. Moderate in difficulty, the roundtrip distance to the waterfall and back is 2.3 miles making it a very busy, popular hike.
Sugarland Valley Nature Trail is a .5 mile loop providing a short and easy connection from downtown Gatlinburg to Sugarlands Visitor Center at the entrance to the park. The trail is paved and accessible, making it friendly to all ages and abilities. Once at Sugarlands, you can learn about the flora and fauna of the National Park, along with animal displays, plus a neat gift shop to peruse.
Rainbow Falls is one of the routes leading to Mt LeConte. The easy-moderate hike to the falls and back is 5.4 miles round trip. The parking area can be found along the scenic Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
Baskins Creek Falls can also be accessed from Roaring Fork Nature Trail. Considered easy at 3 miles round trip, there are some steep areas with rough terrain here and there but you will be rewarded with mountain views and beautiful waterfalls.
Grotto Falls boasts a waterfall you can actually walk behind! But be careful, it's slick! An easy 2.6 miles round trip, it begins at the Trillium Gap Trailhead.
The highest point in Tennessee can be found at Clingmans Dome (6,643 feet). The observation tower offers panoramic views at the end of a steep half mile trail. Located near Newfound Gap, keep in mind Clingmans Dome Road is closed seasonally from December through March.
Porters Creek Trail meanders along a stream in the Greenbrier area of the park. At 4 miles roundtrip, the beginning of the trail is actually an access road with varying degrees of difficulty and involves a couple of foot bridges to cross the creek. You'll find a cemetery along the way and a spur leading to the John Messer farmstead featuring a barn and a cabin built by the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club in the 1930's. Continuing on, the path narrows as you climb the hillside up to Fern Branch Falls which checks all the boxes for a truly magical, unique and quiet trail experience.
*Please note: Effective March 1st, 2023 there is now a required parking tag if you plan to park for longer than 15 minutes. For more information, visit the National Park Service website here. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fees.htm
ENTERTAINMENT
One of the most appealing attributes of the Smokies is the fact that there are so many free entertainment options to explore from hiking, to scenic drives, picnicking, swimming in creeks, or simply strolling down the parkway people watching. A family favorite of mine was when we would pick up sandwiches and drive to Chimney Tops Picnic area. After securing a parking space, we would grab a table and hang by the creek, entranced by the sound of rushing water and an ever present appreciation of nature as time seemed to stand still.
If the weather is not cooperating or you are more of an indoor entertainment seeker, there are plenty of opportunities as well. From Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies (which is one of the best aquariums I've ever visited), Ripley's Believe It or Not, dinner shows, museums, to shopping and dining, the possibilities are virtually endless.
For local arts and crafts, drive around and/or stay at the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. An 8-mile loop full of treasures where you can support local artists.
The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a recognizable skyline venue in the middle of town where you can ride glass elevators to the top and enjoy panoramic views along with a full arcade on the ground floor.
Anakeesta is a mountaintop adventure park accessible by chondola (a chair/gondola hybrid) from downtown Gatlinburg. Enjoy 360 degree views, a variety of dining options, a botanical garden, zipline, coaster, and more for the whole family!
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park provides the best view of Gatlinburg and the surrounding mountains. After riding the chairlift from downtown, create Instagram worthy photos at the top while relaxing on the SkyDeck, then be brave and walk across the Skybridge.
Ober Mountain is year-round fun with ski slopes, tubing, an indoor skating rink, an alpine slide, wildlife habitat, restaurants, shopping, and more! You can drive up the mountain or take the Aerial Tramway from the parkway in Gatlinburg.
When you've had your fill of fishing, white water rafting, and hiking, make an evening of it at Margaritaville, Paula Deen's Family Kitchen, Sugarland's Distilling Company, or Ole Smoky Distillery for live music.
Pretty sure one could spend an entire vacation just experiencing all Dollywood has to offer. Constantly expanding, you'll find a grand resort with an award winning theme park providing thrilling roller coasters, state of the art shows/music, animal displays encouraging conservation, not to mention the southern comfort food which is what dreams are made of. The Christmas lights and displays alone could turn any Scrooge into a believer in just one visit. Dollywood is all heart just like its namesake 🦋 and a beautiful testament to Appalachian culture.
DAY TRIP TO CHEROKEE, NORTH CAROLINA
Beyond Newfound Gap as you cross into North Carolina, you will find some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the USA, so go slow and pull off at the overlooks to get the perfect picture. Continue on the 441 mountain pass a few miles and be captivated by the town of Cherokee in western, North Carolina.
Visit the Museum of the Cherokee People and Oconaluftee Indian Village to experience actual village life as it was in 1760 with authentic demonstrations, crafts, historical sites, and events.
During summer months, everyone should see “Unto These Hills” at the Mountainside Theatre. Watch the drama unfold while learning the heartbreaking Cherokee story of triumph and tragedy in an outdoor amphitheater under the stars. A truly magical and moving event for the whole family.
It is also worth noting that you are likely to encounter elk roaming around this area of the park thanks to their reintroduction in 2001. The best chance to catch a glimpse at a distance is usually early morning or late evening.
Stay over at the impressive Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort for a relaxing spa day and luxury accommodations while trying your luck in the casino!
Cherokee offers many camping and fishing options too!
"Cherokee culture is based on seeking balance in the world and embracing harmony. Being in balance means being responsible for one's actions and remembering the good of the whole- the family, the tribe, and the earth." - Barbara R. Duncan
CADES COVE
About an hour’s ride from Gatlinburg, the scenic valley of Cades Cove will enchant you with its preserved, picturesque landscape filled with various wildlife roaming the expanse. A bird watcher's delight, you are very likely to have sightings of bear, deer, ground hogs, turkeys and many other species. The 11-mile loop will provide extensive views much unchanged since the first settlers farmed and built their homesteads. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Cades Cove Historic District will transport you back in time with primitive homes, barns, churches, cemeteries and a working grist mill. The whole family will find enrichment and education here, allow a few hours or more to explore. Whether hiking, biking, trail riding, camping, picnicking or taking a leisurely drive, you will not regret spending time in Cades Cove.
VIEWS
Last but certainly not least, perhaps the biggest draw to the Smokies is the stunningly breathtaking vistas. Simply treating the family to a scenic drive will provide jaw dropping, Instagram worthy, photo options. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses 522,427 acres of beauty worthy of exploration.
With an elevation of 5,046 feet, Newfound Gap, on the state line of Tennessee and North Carolina is a photographer's dream. Over the years, my family has marked time and growth by taking group photos around the state border sign, you should start your own tradition too! At around a mile high there is a significant 20 degree difference in temperature from downtown Gatlinburg making the drive a nice respite from balmy summer days or conversely causing road/trail closures due to winter weather so be aware.
The Blue Ridge Parkway, dubbed "America's Favorite Drive," is certainly one of the most beautiful scenic routes in the country. Offering many locations for hiking, camping, and simply enjoying the view.
Now the only con I must warn you about is the fact that so many other people have discovered how magical the Smokies are and the crowds can be overwhelming on weekends and holidays. Just pack your patience and remind yourself that it's a vacation. Time need not exist when exploring the Appalachian beauty of East Tennessee and North Carolina. Thank goodness for preservation and conservation efforts to keep our National Parks safe and thriving, we must all respect and appreciate this treasure.
In addition to the charming shops, amusement parks, and outdoor adventures, there are festivals and many events throughout the year making The Smoky Mountains National Park a dynamic destination for all seasons. This unique blend of natural beauty, activities, and attractions keep drawing visitors back and you will no doubt fall in love too. So, when "The Mountains are Calling" now you know where to go.
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