I’m kinda boring when it comes to doing “fun stuff,” but I’ve noticed a few things that most people like to do when they come to the Smoky Mountains….
“Cades Cove” driving trail https://www.cadescove.net/cades-cove-map-loop-road-guide/
This is a narrow one-way road that makes a big 11-mile driving loop…. There’s lots of wildlife and, of course, gorgeous scenery of the mountains. There are 2 or 3 historic old church buildings where you can get out of your car and explore the old buildings and cemeteries. There’s also a short trail that is great to stretch your legs. There are restrooms about half-way through the loop. Everybody who comes to the Smokies goes to Cades Cove, so there are always lots of people and traffic. It’s best not to be in a hurry… allow 2-4 hours for driving the loop (not including getting there). They also close the loop to motor traffic on Wednesdays during the summer (only hiking & biking). It’s a great day trip, and you can always have fried catfish at Pawpaw’s Catfish Kitchen on the way home (in Wears Valley)!
“Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community” https://greatsmokyartsandcrafts.com/
This is an 8-mile “driving loop” or triangle consisting of Glades Road, Hwy 454, and Hwy 321 that is in Gatlinburg proper. Many of my guests have mentioned visits to the many local artisans along this triangle. You can get there through downtown Gatlinburg, or you can dodge the traffic by going the “back way” via Hwy 454. As one of my guests commented, it’s “a little bit of everything.”
“Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail” https://smokymountains.com/park/things-to-do/roaring-fork-motor-nature-trail/
This is a nearby 6-mile nature drive that is quick and easy! This loop takes you out of Gatlinburg, and then back into Gatlinburg. Just ride in your car and roll the windows down! There is a lot of nature to see, hear, and soak in along this loop!
“Foothills Parkway” driving trail https://foothillsparkwaytn.com/
This is a 33-mile scenic drive that is so beautiful…. no stores, no stop lights, no trash. The “entrance” is in Wears Valley, and you end up just west of Townsend, so there’s an hour or so drive to get back to the cabin. Here’s how to get to the entrance: in Pigeon Forge, turn east on Wears Valley Road toward Wears Valley. Go around 12 miles until you see the Foothills Parkway sign. This is another day trip where you can always have fried catfish at Pawpaw’s Catfish Kitchen on the way home (in Wears Valley)!
“Anakeesta” mountaintop park https://anakeesta.com/
This is so convenient, because you can “board” the gondola car right in the middle of downtown Gatlinburg (from the main strip) and it takes you to the top of a mountain, where there are restaurants, shops, gardens and all sorts of fun things to do. This is obviously a touristy thing to do, but that doesn’t make it all bad! It’s interesting when you get up there to look down and see everything below… the restaurants have the most awesome views! I haven’t tried it myself, but I’ve heard (through the grapevine) that the “Smokehouse” restaurant has some really good BBQ and chicken wings….
“Ober Mountain Aerial Tramway” https://obergatlinburg.com/
Similar to Anakeesta, because you get on the cable car right in the middle of downtown Gatlinburg (from the main strip). The cable car takes you up to the top of Ober Mountain and there are fantastic views on the way up there. Once you get up there you can find food, gardens, and plenty of shops, of course. There’s lots of stuff for kids, but a few interesting things for adults too, like a mini zoo. They actually have snow skiing in the winter (they can “make” their own snow….).
Moonshine distilleries https://olesmoky.com/
You can’t go to the Smoky Mountains and not visit the moonshine distilleries! The Smokies are the birthplace of moonshine, and there is a lot of fun history. There are so many distilleries, so have at it! They all have “tasting tours”… just make sure you have a designated driver to get back to the cabin, lol…. I’ve been to the one in Wears Valley (you could stop at this one on the way to Cades Cove or the Foothills Parkway…) and it’s really fun: https://tnshineco.com/
Walking/Hiking trails
There are countless hiking & walking trails in the Smokies that will take you to see waterfalls, caves, and all sorts of incredible vistas—these are some of my favorite quiet places in all the noisy world. There are so many that you can just google “waterfall trails” (or something similar) and pick the one that works for you. Some are easy and short—some are more challenging. I’ve included links to some of the ones that are most popular:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/laurel-falls–2 (easy)
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/cataract-falls–2 (easy)
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/gatlinburg-trail (easy)
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/rainbow-falls-trail (moderate)
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/grotto-falls-trail (moderate)
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/alum-cave-trail-to-mount-leconte (difficult)
Ray