The Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited National Park in the United States and for good reason. The beauty of its ancient mountains, its diversity of plant and animal life, and the history of its Southern Appalachian mountain culture resonate here. So, over a decade later, my husband and I decided to venture back to explore this beautiful park. This time, however, our adventure was without young children. And that is important to note. This is a place for EVERYONE — families, couples, seniors, and singles. But before I share my five perfect days in the Great Smoky Mountains, here are some important tips before you pack up.
- Entry to the park is free and is open 24 hours a day. Unlike many other National Parks, a National Park pass is not required. However, as of March 2023, daily parking passes are required to park anywhere in the park for more than 15 minutes. Order them online at the GSM website or purchase them at the park.
- There is no lodging in the park except for campgrounds. There are, however, many options in the towns that surround the park. Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville are the top three choices. We chose the first one. Since our last visit, the area has built up quite a bit and could definitely be considered touristy.
- Do not expect any food establishments within the park. A very limited selection of snacks and water is sold at visitor centers and at campground stores. Plan accordingly. Pack snacks and plenty of water before you head out to hike and explore. Picnic areas are scattered throughout this huge park and a great way to savor its beauty while eating. But like a park ranger told us, you can set up a picnic blanket wherever you’d like to.
- There are three main entrances into the park: Gatlinburg Tennessee, Townsend Tennessee, and Cherokee North Carolina. The main gateways to the Great Smoky Mountains, however, are the Sugarlands Visitor Center, near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, North Carolina.
- Prepare to lose your WIFI. It is limited, to say the least to nonexistent.
- Research the trails and sites you want to see before you go. Confirm your choices with Rangers if you can and check online for possible closures or weather warnings.
- Pack to hike. Bring the proper gear and clothing and again, plenty of water and snacks.
- You need a car, bike, or some sort of personal transportation. GSM does not offer in-park shuttles like some other national parks. This park is HUGE. Expect to drive for half an hour or more to get from point to point and expect WINDY roads. If you get carsick, come prepared with some sort of motion sickness prevention.
And last but not least, before you venture out, check their website for possible road closures and other important information.
Now, we’re ready to start exploring and hiking. Here’s my itinerary.
Day 1- Arrival at Pigeon Forge
After an overnight stop in Virginia to visit Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home (that story is for another post), we arrived at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee at around 1:30. Of course, we were hungry so we first headed to have lunch. Our choice was at The Old Mill Pottery House. Shrimp and grits were in order.
It was too early to check in so we headed over to the Sugarlands Visitor Center to start our adventure. Here, you can pick up a free park map and newspaper, watch the free 20-minute park film, and explore its small museum.
A hike on its nearby nature trail and the Cataract Falls trail.
Time to check in, clean up and rest a bit. A late lunch filled us up so we chose some take-out pizza to eat on the balcony of our hotel. An early night because our next day was to explore…
Day 2- Cades Cove
No visit to the Smokies is complete without exploring the famous Cades Cove loop. It is important to note again that this park is HUGE and distances between sites can be pretty extensive. From Pigeon Forge to Cades Cove, our drive took about 40 minutes.
Before we headed out, we picked up some picnic supplies. Picnic tables are available at the beginning and end of the 11-mile loop road, but again you can picnic anywhere. At the start of the loop, we stopped at what I would call a ‘ranger kiosk.” An inexpensive self-guiding tour booklet is available which provides a map and information about the cove. Cades Cove’s official visitor center is on the far end of the loop. There are also restrooms at the nearby campground.
The 11-mile one-way loop road is a road to be savored. This should be a slow drive, stopping often to view the sites, including Appalachian homes and other buildings along the way, and, hopefully, spot some wildlife. Don’t expect to rush and expect cars to stop when they spot an animal.
Please keep your distance! Black bears, wild turkeys, elk, and more can be found here. Early morning and dusk are the best times for viewing. We were lucky to see a mama black bear and her babies in a tree, far in the distance, as it should be.
There are multiple hikes that originate in the cove, including the five-mile roundtrip trail to Abrams Falls and the short Cades Cove Nature Trail. Longer hikes to Thunderhead Mountain and Rocky Top (made famous by the popular song) also begin in the cove. We chose the beautiful Abrams Falls trail and got this view at the end. Breathtaking!
After a full day, dinner, and early night because our next day was spent at…
Day 3- Dollywood
What can this Dolly Parton fan say about this park? As a couple without kids, we enjoyed this park the second time around perhaps more than the first time.
It offers more than 50 world-class rides, country music shows, and other high-energy entertainment, dining, and, perhaps, the friendliest park atmosphere in the world!
After a beautiful day at the park, we were hungry. Trout done anyway at the Smoky Mountain Trout House in Gatlinburg was on the menu.
Note about visiting Gatlinburg. Our visit was a couple of weeks after Easter and a week after a car show so we had no trouble parking in town. But in high season or anytime for that matter, you can take the Gatlinburg Trolley which can also be used as an easy way to get downtown without having to drive into the City and find a parking spot. You can use the Park-n-Ride Lot at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center, located at 1011 Banner Road in Gatlinburg, just off of the Spur just before entering the town, board a trolley, and be in downtown Gatlinburg in a matter of minutes. Didn’t do but an option!
Day 4- Cherokee, North Carolina
After breakfast, we headed out with the plan of visiting Clingman’s Dome, the highest spot in the GSM. However, the weather was overcast and a bit rainy. We passed on visiting it since we figured the views would most likely be nonexistent. So, we flipped our plans for the next day and headed to Cherokee. Like I say. Always be flexible when traveling.
After stopping at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, we hiked the well-paved local nature trail. Along the way, we met some elk who happened to be lounging near the trail.
It was now time to explore Cherokee, the capital of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, one of three Cherokee tribes in the U.S., and the only one in North Carolina. It’s right at the southern entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is a great place to learn about the Cherokee tribes.
The first stop was the Oconaluftee Indian Village, a living history village that portrays 18th-century Cherokee life on the mountainside above the town. At the village, you can work alongside the villagers as they make pottery, weave baskets, and hull canoes. You can even participate in a dance with them. The Village is open from late April through early November. Highly recommended.
We bought the “bear pass” which gave us a discounted visit to the village and the must-see Museum of the Cherokee. The museum is really worth the visit. Its goal is to repatriate all the artifacts taken from the graves of dead relatives.
Those looking for more excitement can always do a little gambling at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.
Dinner reservations at Local Goat New American restaurant topped off our day.
Day 5- Laurel Falls and Clingman’s Dome
This was our last full day at the park and it was packed full of hiking.
In the morning, we hiked to 85-foot Laurel Falls, a very popular hike. Although only 2.6 miles roundtrip. it is rather steep. But in the end, hikers are greeted with these amazing falls. Note that while the trail is paved, it’s not a great path for wheelchairs or strollers because it is uneven.
Interested in viewing other waterfalls? Other popular hikes include the Ramsey Cascades and Rainbow Falls.
After the trail, we drove the Newfound Gap Road to visit Clingman’s Dome. The 33-mile long (U.S. 441) road bisects the park, stretching from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to Cherokee, North Carolina with incredible views. Take a selfie with a foot in two states when you reach the Tennessee-North Carolina sign.
Clingmans Dome is just past the “gap,” commonly referred to as “pass” in other parts of the country. It is the highest point in Tennessee. On a clear day, you can see up to 100 miles in every direction from this free-to-visit site. To get to Clingmans Dome you’ll drive along Clingmans Dome Road where there are several scenic vistas on which to pull off for photographs.
Once you get to the end of the road, you’ll come to a parking area at a trailhead. Park and take the short, steep paved trail to the observation tower. Be sure to bring a jacket along, even in the summer. The temperatures here are much cooler due to the 6,643-foot elevation. Also, make sure to use the restroom before visiting.
Clingmans Dome is free to visit. It is open from April 1 through November 30 but may be closed during these times depending on the weather. Check their website for closures before visiting.
Mexican dinner and drinks topped off our day.
Day 6- A Toast to the Great Smoky Mountains, until next time!
After breakfast at the hotel, we started our drive home.
If you have an extra day or two, a really beautiful drive in the Smokies is on the Blue Ridge Parkway and should be on everyone’s bucket list! It runs from Cherokee, North Carolina all the way up into Virginia and the scenery is absolutely stunning!! If you’re in a hurry, though, don’t do this until you have plenty of time to enjoy each and every overlook and stop along the way. We passed this time but we will be back!
Interested in more about our adventures in National Park visits? Click here.