With some of the most incredible views in all of the national park, it's important to note that reservations are difficult to come by and must be made in October of the previous year. Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary: Best 2 Days in the Park Other popular access points are the Cataloochee Valley on the east side of the park, and Cades Cove in the west. Make note that most of these areas within the park require reservations in advance. Clingmans Dome (1 mile round-trip) is the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, at 6,643 feet, with truly unbeatable views. Heres Our Top 7, 12 Amazing Large Group Cabins in Pigeon Forge With Tips From a Local, What Its Really Like To Ride the Jurassic Jungle Boat Ride, 11 Best Places To Stay Near Dollywood From a Local, Pigeon Forge (The Island, a show or a museum). Location: Tennessee and North Carolina. TN You could easily visit Cades Cove and get into any restaurant anytime. This destination offers everything from zip lines and scenic gondola rides to a treehouse village adventure and mountainside coaster. Read Also: These Are the 4 Worst Times to Visit Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg. Usually, your first day is going to be the most flexible depending on what time you enter the park. Parking is conveniently located at the trailhead and there are informational signs by the cabin if youre interested in learning about a part of the parks history! If the Self-Guided Nature Trail got you excited about Smokemont, this is just the trail for you! kid-friendly hikes highlighted on its website, the National Park Service's official website, mountainside family-friendly adventure park called Anakeesta, 10 family-friendly activities in Gatlinburg, our essential guide to renting a cabin in the Smoky Mountains, check its website in advance to help plan your trip, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Schedule a game of mountainside mini-golf. Great Smoky Mountains is open year-round, 24 hours a day (weather permitting). 1 Day Heres How To Make The Most Of Your Limited The park provides an economic hub generating over $734 million in 2013 and supports 10,734 jobs in surrounding communities. - We may visit the Smoky Mts in August, how many days are needed to get a good feel for the park? A three-day weekend is ideal for exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 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. Our average visit is 5 to 7 days but would love to stay longer. Like yesterday, the first stop is actually before you get to the focus of the day. Primary roads such as US-441 (Newfound Gap Road), Little River Road, and the Cades Cove Loop Road are open year round, weather permitting. Your email address will not be published. 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 Americas most remarkable budget-friendly getaways. Here's how to get a tag, Ready for a challenge? While I may be a little biased as a Tennessee native, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is somewhere everyone should experience at least once. Day 1: Eat Breakfast at the Pancake Pantry: Start your first day in the Smoky Mountains off on the right foot with a delicious breakfast! Great Smoky Mountains National Park However, you'll see higher rates for crisp fall October weekends. Statista. With over 800 miles of hiking trails, from half-mile easy walks to multi-day tests of your endurance, there is something here for everyone. If you have some extra time and energy to spare, the Jakes Creek Trail is a great way to cap off day 2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park We are not endorsed by, authorized by, or affiliated with any mentioned attractions. At just under four miles, this hike is good for most all hikers, even those with kids. While it isnt incredibly likely youll see bears on this hike, Elijah Oliver Place does get reports of bear activity, so just be aware and youll be set! There is truly something for everyone in the Great Smoky Mountains. In this shoulder season, travelers can score lower rates on accommodations on weekdays, but rates are higher for spring weekends, which attract quite a few in-state visitors. There's never a shortage of entertainment opportunities in Gatlinburg. Prepare in advance for an enjoyable, safe visit. River Rat. Horseback riding stables are located in Cades Cove, Sugarlands and Smokemont. Here's what you need to know. You'll inevitably find your own favorite off-the-grid trail, scenic overlook, moonshine distiller or pancake eatery that we haven't covered, and when you do, come back here and share it with us so we can add it to our list! Cabins: For the most authentic experience, I highly recommend a log cabin in the Smokies. You should see a couple of parking areas near the ranger station. It is true that the scenery was blah but the mountains were quiet and serene. This airport is my #1 choice for flying into the Great Smoky Mountains area. Backcountry Trails Gatlinburg, Camping one of the best ways to experience the Smokies runs less than $25 a night per site and as little as $14. Explore festivities ideal for maximizing the sweater weather season. As this is bear country, you must store all your food and any trash that smells like food appropriately. You can still start your days early and plan ahead to avoid headaches of long lines and short staffs. I have memories of visiting here with my mom and grandmother when I was much younger, eating mouth-watering apple fritters and stocking up on its delicious jams and kinds of butter. Day Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary From Atlanta Fall is almost as popular as summer because of the colors from the fall foliage in the mountains. griddle cakes), which are over 1 inch thick. Great Smoky Mountains is one only a few national parks that does not charge an entrance fee. July is the busiest month of the summer season while October While you have a chance of seeing wildlife throughout the park, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is an excellent route if youre hoping to peep the parks animal residents, especially in winter time, at dawn, and in the evenings. How to Spend 3 Amazing Days in the Great Smoky Mountains It can also be pretty chilly at the top, often 20 degrees cooler than the rest of the park, so bring a jacket. to Great Smoky Mountains National Park Here are my favorites: This area is known for having a multitude of pancake houses, and it will seem like there's one on every block, but the most iconic is the Pancake Pantry located on the strip in Gatlinburg. 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. This trail is semi-popular but going early will avoid most other hikers. If you only have time during the summer, dont fret! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers tons of recreational activities and attractions that are perfect for the whole family. Great Smoky Mountains National Park holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Best Places to Visit in the USA for 2023-2024. Folks have mentioned a lot of great ideas here from hikes to driving tours and other activities. Everything you need to know to plan a trip to Great Smoky Length: 4.7 milesElevation Gain: 383 feetType: Out and BackDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time to Complete: 2 hours and 15 minutes. Summer is hot with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s in the higher elevations to the high 80s in lower elevations. Great Smoky Mountains By November, temperatures can reach near freezing and snow is a possibility in the higher elevations, which may result in some road closures. Mountain Farm Museum the Foothills Parkway provides unique views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Get your cameras ready and expect to see lots of wildlife. ), the service more than makes up for it. In addition to exploring Cades Cove, youll have more Stop by Ole Smoky Moonshine or Sugarlands Distilling Company for moonshine tastings. Hiking aside, there are many ways to experience the Great Smoky Mountains. Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. I'm embarrassed to admit that I've never been able to snag tickets to this extraordinary display of some of nature's most unusual creatures, but that doesn't stop me from attempting each year. There's also a chairlift at the same location since the 1950s -- a true staple in Gatlinburg! Bears in the Smokies. Web800 miles of perfect. Instead, all but one of the parks nine frontcountry campgrounds can be reserved online. With a creek beside you throughout, this trail is a lot of fun to explore and promises some great early morning hiking. Anyone can enjoy the relaxation of floating down a river, and there's nowhere better to go tubing in Townsend than at Smoky Mountain River Rat. Visit During Non-Peak Months There's no better place in the U.S. to find authentic Southern cuisine than at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. United States ; Tennessee (TN) For a first time visit I would do about 5 days if you have the time. The aptly named LeConte Lodge sits atop Mount LeConte, the third tallest peak in the park, and is one of the most distinctive lodging experiences in the Smokies. If you're looking to get a little closer to mother nature, the Smokies offer several different options for camping. I'm Lauren and I've been travelling the world on a permanent basis since 2011. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit, Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Length: 2.4 milesElevation Gain: 396 feetType: Out and BackDifficulty: EasyEstimated Time to Complete: 1 hour and 15 minutes. Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738. Check here before booking an award fare. Make sure you check the parks website for the most up to date information if visiting during the winter! 7 Steakhouses, Ranked, Who Has the Best Pancakes in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg? Whether it's shrimp and grits, fried chicken or biscuits and gravy, Southern comfort food fills the senses and just hits differently. The best way to experience the Smoky Mountains is to do what the original settlers and explorers did: hit the trails. If there are beer connoisseurs in your group, head over the North Carolina border to Asheville. So my best advice for seeing it before Visitor Experience Stewardship - Great Smoky Mountains National It's a must-visit spot for any out-of-towners. Its too large and too cheesy lookin to miss. The park features more than 100 species of trees, many of which put on a tremendous display of reds, oranges, and yellows in the fall, A walking stick also comes in handy. In October, however, as the days get cooler and the foliage reaches peak color, throngs of visitors flock to the park on weekends, meaning crowds and peak pricing return. The park also has some matchless scenic drives, including ridgeline roads where you can gaze out at the seemingly endless expanse of undulating peaks. 107 Park Headquarters Road Sunrise at Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. My United States - Great Smoky Mountains in August, How many days needed? October is much the same most schools offer a fall break for a quick getaway but you do run the risk of cooler temperatures invading. You'll be hard-pressed to find a more impeccable combination of hospitality, amenities, cuisine, craft brews and wines from around the world. The Smokies are very car-friendly and fairly easy to navigate by automobile. on a Great Smoky Mountains With the split peak season in this park, September could be a great time to plan a visit! Its also a good time to see some hiking trails, waterfalls and more. Volunteer I'm Lauren, the founder of Never Ending Footsteps. A map showing all the park's trails is available to download on the website or to purchase at the park's visitors centers (Sugarlands, Oconaluftee, Cades Cove or Clingmans Dome). 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. Length: 1.2 milesElevation Gain: 98 feetType: Out and BackDifficulty: EasyEstimated Time to Complete: 30 minutes. Highest visitation of any of the 59 national parks. Tubing is one of the best ways to take in the scenery, especially in late summer/early fall when the leaves begin to change. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Since 1995 this family owned whitewater rafting and tubing business has been the top rated outpost in the Smokies. Originally from the U.K., I've now spent over a decade travelling the world with my Kiwi partner. While we do our best to bring you the most up-to-date information, TheSmokies.com LLC makes no warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of any content contained within. Speaking of bears, theyre generally quite shy and avoid human contact, though if you do come across one, keep your distance and dont disturb the bear. I find that typically, rain showers come and go and do not always interfere with your day as much as you might expect. Youll pass a ranger station on your left heading into the camping area if you have any questions. Start Your Day at Crocketts Breakfast Camp. I like seeing a bit of fall color in the park. Both centers are staffed by volunteers who can answer any questions you may have. With plenty of car rental options at the airports and around town, renting a car is probably your best bet. There is no shortage of dining options in Gatlinburg, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge with everything from delicious donut shops, Mexican cantinas, family-owned eateries and lots more! Turn right onto US-441 (Newfound Gap Road) and follow that until you reach Smokemont. More than 100 sites, including shelters. Courtesy of Henryk Sadura/Getty Images/Tetra images RF. Fees & Passes Head into the Great Smokies without paying a dime! The roads were not crowded except for weekends. What is your favorite time to visit the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee or North Carolina? Be especially aware if travelling via US-441, also known as Newfound Gap Road, as that tends to close a double-digit number of times throughout the colder months. In addition, there are over 100 backcountry campsites and shelters, the park offers exceptional possibilities for multi-day treks. From black bears to salamanders, old-growth forests to spring wildflowers, log cabins to gristmills the park offers myriad opportunities for exploring and discovering both the natural and cultural history of these ancient mountains. Length: 2.7 milesElevation Gain: 482 feetType: Out and BackDifficulty: EasyEstimated Time to Complete: 1.5 hours. Lines frequently stretch out the door here, so I suggest arriving early and coming hungry. Subscribeto ournewsletterand we will instantly deliver the best area discounts to your inbox. McGhee Tyson is about 30 minutes to an hour's drive away from the park, depending on where you want to enter. We cant wait to hear all about it! , Dollywood's DreamMore Resort may be more expensive, but it does come with some impressive amenities (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com), So youre planning an East Tennessee vacation. As with many other Great Smoky Mountains trails, this one has parking on both sides of the trailhead. If you have 3 days to spend in the Great Smoky Mountains, this itinerary will fill your time with all of the best things to do in the park. Still, some visitors enjoy visiting the Smokies in January. If you only have three days to spend in the Great Smokies, the best way to end your trip is by going to Smokemont. Tubing (aka floating down the river in a raft) is a perfect and easy way to beat the summer heat in the Smokies, and there are two recommended areas on the Tennessee side of the park to do so: the Little Pigeon River in the Pigeon Forge area of town and the Little River in Townsend. For updated road information please call (865) 436-1200. The observation tower at the summit offers sweeping views of both the Tennessee and North Carolina sides of the national park. Hike Mt LeConte, explore Cataloochee, and raft on Pigeon river; all with your trusted travel companion. A 10 mile Ramsey Cascades hiking trail leads to these stunning falls and passes through magnificent old growth forests filled with gigantic yellow poplars, birch trees, and hemlocks. Pack up from Moonshine Creek Campground and drive the 30 minutes to the Great Smoky Mountains Train Depot in There are also seasonal road closures within the national park. the Great Smoky Mountains National Park It is the highest point in Tennessee, and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. My name is Ash, and I'm a former park ranger. From the original Appalachian Trail to breathtaking wildflower walks, there are 150 Smoky Mountain trails covering 800 miles of pristine backcountry. April 14, 2023. Youll find a number of parking lots in the area and will be located near a number of great hikes! Day 2 starts with a drive from Cades Cove to Elkmont. Come On In. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. If youre looking for a convenient trail to explore the Elkmont area (or didnt feel like stopping along the way) then the Elkmont Nature Trail is for you. If you enter later in the day, you can cut out some of the hikes and just pick the ones that sounds most interesting. Read Also: Cades Cove History: The Last Family To Have Lived in Cades Cove. According to the National Park Service, here is the monthly visitation in 2021: As you can see, July is the busiest month and October is the second busiest. Camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy warm days in the 70s and 80s in September and cool nights dipping into the 50s, perfect for hiking and biking. However, if you make it to the Avent Cabin, you get an opportunity to put your name in the guest book located in the kitchen! Size: 522,419 acres. WebGreat Smoky Mountains National Park has hundreds of miles of horse trails and five drive-in horse camps. Crocketts Breakfast Camp is Gatlinburgs most-buzzed-about breakfast spot! With lots of amenities, Smokemont is a great place to use as a base for your last day. Most of the annual snowfall occurs from January to March. There are no motels or rental cabins within the park. WebSix days should give you a good taste of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Of course, starting in the morning will allow you to experience the full itinerary and take your time while doing it! As you can imagine, the popularity of this event means availability to attend in person is limited. But the only reason Id consider it is if we got a great off-season deal on a cabin with a hot tub. Make your first left and head up Smokemont Road until you come to the fork. Approximately 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail run through the park. 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. Economic Impact If youre looking to find solitude while visiting the Great Smokies, the same rules apply as with all other popular parks. Its landscape boasts forests, rivers, waterfalls, wildlife, wildflowers, and more. If youre looking to avoid the crowds, you may have a larger offseason in which to do so than many other parks. While lower elevations get a few dustings a year, higher elevations may see as much as five feet annually. Waterfalls, wildlife, valleys and vistas are everywhere. How many visitors are too many at Great Smoky Mountains National Park?Last year the park counted 14.1 million visitors, or more than 2 million than in 2020. Webfor Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Townsend, Tennessee. 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.

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