Are you planning a Smoky Mountains Itinerary? The Great Smoky Mountains, straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, are a breathtaking blend of rich biodiversity, stunning vistas, and deep-rooted cultural history. A visit to this national treasure offers an immersive experience of nature, adventure, and tranquility.
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Smoky Mountains Itinerary – Smoky Mountains Road Trip Itinerary
Here’s a detailed Smoky Mountains road trip itinerary for 3 days to help you make the most of your trip to the Smokies, along with suggestions for a comfortable mid-budget hotel stay.
Why Visit the Smoky Mountains?
The Smoky Mountains are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The park is home to diverse wildlife, historic buildings, and over 800 miles of trails. Its misty mountain views, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant wildflower displays make it a picturesque destination year-round.
Hotel Stay – Smoky Mountains 3 day itinerary
Greystone Lodge on the River is an excellent mid-budget hotel option. It is located in vibrant and colorful Gatlinburg Downtown, which provides easy access to the park and downtown attractions.
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Day 1 Of Smoky Mountains Itinerary
Explore Gatlinburg, a mountain town in Smoky Mountains, on day one of your Smokies road trip tour.
After a scenic drive to Gatlinburg in Smokies, check into the Greystone Lodge on the River. And then take a light lunch at The Park Grill, known for its Appalachian-inspired cuisine.
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After lunch, start your adventure with the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a 5.5-mile one-way loop that takes you through lush forests, past rushing streams, and past historic log cabins. Then, take short hikes to Grotto Falls and Rainbow Falls.
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Enjoy the serene beauty and possibly spot some wildlife like white-tailed deer and black bears.
After doing this nature trail, return to Gatlinburg and spend your evening in the vibrant downtown, where you can visit colorful escape rooms and game parlors. You can also stop by a moonshine distillery for a tasting.
Head back to Gatlinburg for dinner at Calhoun’s, a local favorite known for its barbecue and Southern hospitality.
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Day 2 Of Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary For 3 Days: Hiking and Scenic Drives
Day 2 of the Smoky Mountains itinerary includes nature hikes and scenic drives.
Clingmans Dome – Begin your day with a beautiful drive to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Smokies. A steep half-mile hike from the parking area leads to an observation tower offering 360-degree views of the mountains.
Tip: This spot is perfect for sunrise photos, so bring your camera!
Cades Cove – Head to Cades Cove, a broad valley surrounded by mountains. This 11-mile one-way loop road offers numerous opportunities to stop and explore.
Why is Cades Cove worth visiting?
- Historic Buildings: Visit the preserved historic buildings, including churches, a working grist mill, and pioneer cabins.
- Wildlife Watching: Watch for black bears, turkeys, and white-tailed deer.
After a scenic drive on the Cades Cove route, drive to the nearby mountain town – Pigeon Forge, adjoining Gatlinburg.
Pigeon Forge – Pigeon Forge is heaven for entertainment, escape room, and theme park lovers. You will find various adventurous and exciting activities for all ages.
Drive to nearby Pigeon Forge for dinner at The Old Mill Restaurant, which offers hearty Southern fare. Afterward, catch a live show at The Smoky Mountain Opry for evening entertainment.
Day 3 – Itinerary for Great Smoky Mountains: Waterfalls and Relaxation
Your day 3 of the Smoky Mountains itinerary covers waterfall and nature trails.
Laurel Falls—Start your final day of Smoky Mountain road trip by hiking to Laurel Falls, one of the park’s most famous waterfalls. The 2.6-mile round-trip hike is relatively easy and offers a beautiful payoff at the end. Enjoy the serene nature around the falls, and you will take plenty of photos as it is a very photogenic trail.
Greenbrier and Ramsey Cascades – Head to the Greenbrier area for a more secluded experience. If you’re up for a challenge, hike to Ramsey Cascades, the tallest waterfall in the park (8 miles round trip).
If you prefer a more relaxed afternoon and don’t want a strenuous hike, take a scenic drive along the Little River Road, stopping at overlooks and picnic spots.
Return to Gatlinburg and dine at the famous Cherokee Grill, which offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu featuring local food.
You can also visit Anakeesta for panoramic views and a final glimpse of the mountains.
Useful Tips – Smoky Mountains Itinerary
Check some helpful tips and information before planning your 3 day Smoky Mountains itinerary.
Must-Do Hikes Near Gatlinburg in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
If you love nature hikes and trails, you are at the right place. The Great Smokies are heaven for nature lovers. Check out some famous hikes or trails with different difficulty levels.
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- Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte
- Distance: 11 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Chimney Tops Trail
- Distance: 3.8 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Laurel Falls Trail
- Distance: 2.6 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Grotto Falls Trail
- Distance: 3 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Andrews Bald
- Distance: 3.6 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Ramsey Cascades Trail
- Distance: 8 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Charlies Bunion via the Appalachian Trail
- Distance: 8 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Trillium Gap Trail to Grotto Falls
- Distance: Varies (Grotto Falls is 3 miles round trip)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best Sunrise and Sunset Spots Near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge – Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Sunrises or sunsets in the Smoky Mountains are heavenly, and one should not miss them. The Smokies have plenty of spots to view beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
Sunrise Spots
- Clingmans Dome
- Newfound Gap
- Charlies Bunion
- Andrews Bald
- Morton Overlook
Sunset Spots
- Clingmans Dome
- Morton Overlook
- Newfound Gap
- Foothills Parkway
- The Sinks
Best Times to Visit Smokies—Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a year-round destination with unique beauty and activities each season.
- Late Spring (April to May): Ideal for wildflowers, waterfalls, and mild weather.
- Early Fall (September to mid-October): Perfect for cooler temperatures and the beginning of fall colors.
- Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season, especially in July and August. Popular trails and attractions can be crowded, and lodging may be more expensive.
Campgrounds and RV Areas in Great Smoky Mountains National Park Itinerary For 3 Days
If you want to stay in Smoky Mountains National Park, then check some campground options near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
Near Gatlinburg
- Elkmont Campground
- Cosby Campground
- Smokemont Campground
- Greenbrier Campground (just outside the park)
- Twin Creek RV Resort (just outside the park)
Near Pigeon Forge
- Cades Cove Campground
- Abrams Creek Campground
- Look Rock Campground
- Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg KOA Holiday (just outside the park)
- Riveredge RV Park and Cabin Rentals (just outside the park)
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Cities, Towns, and Villages to Stay Nearby – Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary For 3 Days
Great Smoky Mountains National Park lies on the Tennessee and North Carolina border. It covers over 522,000 acres (approximately 816 square miles), and this region has many villages and towns. So check which city or town you must book your overnight stay in.
- Gatlinburg, TN
- Pigeon Forge, TN
- Sevierville, TN
- Townsend, TN
- Cherokee, NC
- Bryson City, NC
- Maggie Valley, NC
- Cosby, TN
- Wears Valley, TN
- Sylva, NC
The Great Smoky Mountains offer an unforgettable escape with their natural beauty, rich history, and myriad activities. This 3 day Smoky Mountains itinerary is perfect blend of hiking, sightseeing, and relaxation. Whether driving through scenic routes, exploring historic sites, or simply soaking in the serene mountain air, the Smokies promise a rejuvenating and serene getaway away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
I hope you loved this itinerary for the Smoky Mountains and will soon plan your visit to Smoky Mountains National Park.
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