Have you ever planned a trip and it seemed like the odds were stacked against you from the beginning? My trip list this year has changed a million times. First, I planned on doing a 2-week west roadtrip. However, my pet sitter wasn’t available. Then I was supposed to go to Glacier National Park. That didn’t work out either. Now I am going to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in September and I can’t wait!
Before starting my research, yes, I research so much before we go anywhere, I had no idea that Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited National Park in the United States. I assumed that distinction would go to Yellowstone or Yosemite. The more I research the more I realize that Great Smoky Mountains is most likely going to be unlike any other national park we have been to.
It has taken many trips together to realize that I like an “unplanned” approach. Generally, I research the hell out of all of the areas I’m thinking of going to and make lists of restaurants and things to do. This includes addresses and hours of operations (learned from mistakes and virtually no cell phone signal – thanks for that life lesson England!) I create a list for each area and we do what we want or feel like from those lists.
Waterfall Hikes: Hopefully we can (I would love to) fit in at least a few waterfall hikes within the park; I say a few because there are so many to choose from! Great Smoky Mountains touts an impressive 100 plus waterfalls so no matter where you are within the parks 510,000 miles there is a waterfall option for you. The most popular seem to be Grotto, Laurel, Abrams, and Rainbow falls. Gatlinburg Overlook
Other Hiking: We love to hike and Great Smoky Mountains has so many great hikes to choose from. There is a trail for every experience level but it seems like the most popular is Mount Leconte, which is a strenuous 11 miles, and I’m not sure if we will have time for a hike like that on this particular trip. Clingman’s Dome is supposed to have the best views in the park. Hopefully, we can hit a few trails!
Fly fishing: According to the National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains has nearly 2,900 miles of streams within its boundaries and protects one of the last wild trout habitats in the eastern United States. The Mr is excited to fish in Tennessee for the first time and hopefully, he can catch some of those impressive fish!
John Oliver Place, Cades Cove
History: Being a history nerd I am really looking forward to checking out historical Cades Cove, the Bud Ogle Cabin, Old Settlers Trail, and the Elkmont Historic District.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is surrounded by very tourist friendly areas. We need to at least check those out and take advantage of some of the great food options that they offer. Usually, we are not into super touristy places or activities but when there are so many options we just have to.
Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg: We miss southern BBQ so much and eat it anytime we get the chance so we are going to check out Bennett’s Pitt BBQ. Crockett’s Breakfast Camp sounds amazing for grub before hitting the trails. I’ve read a million blog posts saying you are not to miss Dolly’s Dixieland Stampede dinner show or the Titanic Museum. Pigeon Forge also offers the Hatfield and McCoy dinner show and the Goats on a Mountains coaster. I’ve been instructed by a friend to do the mountain coaster at night.
Booze: This area of Tennessee offers an impressive 9 breweries and distilleries and we plan on visiting as many as we can! We will let you know which had the best moonshine and beer!
For more specifics on things to do around Great Smoky Mountains National Park keep reading!
Trip Unplanner: Great Smoky Mountains, Part 1: Tennessee
Staying: This AIRBNB in Sevierville, TN
Inside the Park:
Waterfall Hikes–
Abrams Falls – Abrams Falls Trail – Cades Cove, Gatlinburg. Trailhead is Located past stop #10 on Cades Cove Loop Rd. Rated moderate at 6.8 miles. No dogs so only Thor (service dog).
Grotto Falls – Trillium Gap Trail, Roaring Forks Motor Nature Trail, Gatlinburg. Trailhead parking is located at stop #5 on Roaring Forks Motor Nature Trail. Rated moderate at 2.6 miles. No dogs so only Thor (service dog).
Rainbow Falls – Rainbow Falls Trail, Roaring Forks, Gatlinburg. From Gatlinburg Parkway follow Historic Nature Trail into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Continue past Bud Ogle home site to clearly marked Rainbow Falls parking area. Rated moderate at 5.5 miles. No dogs so only Thor (service dog).
Spruce Flat Falls – Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Across from the Tremont Visitor Center shortly the paved road ends. The trail begins to the left and uphill. Rated moderate at 1.9 miles. No dogs so only Thor (service dog).
Laurel Falls – Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near Norton Creek Ranch. Suggested to take this hike early to beat the crowds. Rated easy at 2.3 miles. No dogs so only Thor (service dog).
Hen Wallow Falls – Gabes Mountain Trail, Cocke County, TN. Trailhead/Parking is located Cosby Picnic Area. Backtrack 100 yards on the road to Gabes Mountain Trail. Rated moderate at 4.3 miles. No dogs so only Thor (service dog).
Hikes–
Alum Cave Trail to Mount Leconte – Gatlinburg. Rated hard at 11 miles round trip. No dogs.
Rich Mountain Loop Trail – Gatlinburg. Rated moderate at 8.3 miles. Horses are allowed on this trail but no dogs.
Porters Creek Trail – Gatlinburg. Rated easy/moderate at 7 miles. Features historic landmarks, waterfall, good for all skill levels. Horses are allowed on trail but no dogs.
Hike for the best views – Clingmans Dome – Gatlinburg. Rated easy at 1.2 miles. No dogs so only Thor (service dog).
Fishing–
According to the National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains National Park has about 2,900 miles of streams and protects one of the last wild trout habitats in the eastern United States. Fishing is permitted year-round in the park, from 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset. The park allows fishing in all streams. You must have a valid fishing license for Tennessee or North Carolina. For a 3 day, all species, TN fishing license it costs about $40.50.
History–
Bud Ogle Cabin – Noah ‘Bud’ Ogle Place Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
The cabin has been restored to look as it did in the late 19th century.
Cades Cove – expect crowds because it is one of the top attractions within Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Cades Cove Loop Road give the opportunity to explore old homesites and buildings. Also known for being the home of the most playful wildlife in the Smokies. Bears are usually most active at dawn (6-10 am) and dusk (5-7pm). Stay at least 150 feet away from bears.
- Historical sites on Cades Cove Loop Road include, Oliver Cabin, old churches, Cooper Road Trail (10.9 miles) but easy hike, Elijah Oliver Cabin, Abrams Falls, Cable Mill Historical Area, Henry Whitehead Place, Cades Cove Nature Trail, Dan Lawson Place, Tipton Place, Carter Shields Cabin, Hyatt Lane and Sparks Lane.
Old Settlers Trail – Sevierville. Rated as moderate at 16.2 miles. 2 miles pass what is left of the Greenbriers community.
Little Greenbriers – Metcalf Bottoms Trail rated at easy as 1.5 miles. Features Little Greenbriers school house and one mile further to Walker Sisters Farmstead.
Elkmont Historic District – No cell service and referred to as the “ghost town.” Located behind the campground we are staying at. Little River Trail rated as easy at 4.9 miles round trip. About 2.2 miles from the trailhead Husky Branch Falls rated easy at 4.7 miles. From here head to Daisy Town, take the road from the first parking lot around a big curve and suddenly you’re looking down a narrow avenue surrounded on both sides by old homes. There is a large parking lot to the left.
Pigeon Forge:
Eats-
Calhoun’s – Located in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. BBQ. – 2532 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. 11 am – 9:30 pm.
Huck Fin’s Catfish Shack – 3330 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. 11:30 – 9:15.
The Old Mill – 164 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. 8 am – 9:30 pm. Built in 1830, The Old Mill is still running today and visitors can dine one classic southern favorites.
Bennett’s Pit BBQ – 2910 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 8 am – 10 pm.
Old Mill Creamery – 3515, 171 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 10 am – 9 pm (except Sun at 8 pm).
Smoky Mountain Brewery – 2530 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 11 am – 12 am.
Things To Do-
Old Forge Distillery – 170 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 10 – 9
- Moonshine, Bourbon, Rum, and Vodka
Smoky Mountain Knife Works – 2320 Winfield Dunn Pkwy, Sevierville, TN 37876. 10 am – 9 pm
Old Mill Pottery House – Café and Grill, Pottery, Milled Products, Pantry Items – 3341 Old Mill St, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. 11 am – 9 pm
The Old Mill and General Store – 175, 3515, Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. 8 am – 9 pm
Titanic Museum – 2134 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. 9 am – 8 pm.
Dolly’s Stampede – Dinner Show – 3849 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. Southern 4 course meal.
Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show – 119 Music Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Goats on a Mountain Coaster (do it at night) – 1341 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 10 am – 10 pm.
Gatlinburg:
Eats –
Smoky Mountain Brewery – 1004 Parkway #501, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. 11 am – 11 pm
Log Cabin Pancake House – 327 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. 7 am – 2 pm
Crockett’s Breakfast Camp – 1103 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. – cinnamon rolls are giant, pancakes get rave reviews, and so do the skillets, which are apparently huge! 7 am – 1 pm.
The Donut Friar – 634 Parkway #15, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. 5 am – 10 pm
The Peddlers Steakhouse – 820 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. 5 pm – 9 pm
Crawdaddy’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar – 762 Parkway #5, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. 11 am – 10 pm
Cherokee Grill and Steakhouse – steaks are supposed to be fantastic. 4 pm – 10:30 pm
Things To Do –
Brewery & Distillery –
Old Smoky Moonshine – 903 Parkway #128, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. 10 am – 11 pm
Sugarlands Shine – 805 Parkway, Gatlinburg, Tn 37738. 10 am – 10:30 pm
Doc Collier Moonshine – 519 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. 10 am – 10 pm
Sevierville:
Eats –
Courthouse Donuts – 160 Court Ave, Sevierville, TN 37862. 8 am – 3 pm
The Apple Barn at Pigeon Forge – 230 Apple Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862. 9 am – 7 pm
Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant – 240 Apple Valley Road, Sevierville, TN 37862. 8 am – 9 pm
Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin – 1016 Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862. 7 am – 1 pm
*English Mountain Trout Farm and Grill – they cook what you catch! 291 Blowing Cave Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876. 11 am – 7 pm.
The Apple Valley Creamery – 50 flavors of home-churned ice cream – 230 Apple Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862. 10 am – 8 pm
Things to do –
Tennessee Legend Distillery – 870 Winfield Dunn Pkwy, Sevierville, TN 37876 9 – 10 Moonshine, Whiskey (flavored including Cinnamon, Salted Caramel, and Apple Pie), Vodka.
Forbidden Caverns – 455 Blowing Cave Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876. 10 am – 5 pm.
Ghost Walk Gatlinburg – 1380 Dolly Parton Pkwy, Sevierville, TN 37862.
This is generally how I “unplan” our trips. Nothing is actually planned out but I list the options that we have in each area. We have tried several trips just winging it and we ended up getting cranky when we couldn’t find a place to stay or anywhere that was open to eat. These “unplanning guides” ensure that those kinds of things don’t happen while still giving us the flexibility that we love!
To see Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Trip Unplanner Part 2 North Carolina click here.
Disclaimer – I strive to provide the most up to date information but always check for seasonal closings and winter hours. I have no affiliation with any of these places.
