Want some relief from your everyday life but don’t know where to go? What better place than the serenity of nature and the world famous Smokey Mountains? Bustling cities and noises can be exhausting so having a week off to relax and find peace, so you can get back to your routine with a fresh mind, is well deserved.
In this article, we have planned the perfect week for you to get away from the hustle of everyday life, relax and enjoy yourself in the mountains, be it alone or with someone!
Day 1
Exploring Downtown
Once you are all settled, the next thing you want to do is explore downtown Gatlinburg. You can visit various stores to look around, get ideas, and return at the end of your trip to buy all the souvenirs you need. You can also stroll down the parkway to take in the scenery and list all the locations that catch your attention to visit later.
The next thing you would want to do is get settled in the area as soon as possible, preferably at a place near to all the entertainment areas. So you don’t have to go through the hassle of going back and forth from place to place. You can check out Gatlinburg cabins before you take off for your journey. They provide the ultimate comfort for your Smokey Mountains trip with amazing views all around.
Anakeesta
Anakeesta should be a must-visit place on your trip. From downtown, you can enjoy a spectacular ride in the gondola to the top of the Anakeesta mountains. You will want to clear an entire afternoon to get the Anakeesta experience – no matter how old you are it is for everyone. You have the choice of tree canopy walks, dueling zip lines, and much more. By the end of all the fun activities you may be famished but don’t worry as they have their famous clifftop grill and bar, where you can watch the sunset and enjoy great food at the same time.
Day 2
Pancake Pantry
Since it opened its doors as Tennessee’s first pancake restaurant in 1960, The Pancake Pantry has become a must-visit location in Gatlinburg. Because they utilize the finest ingredients, real butter, and fresh whipped cream, this well-liked eatery has endured the test of time. Flapjack flavors available at The Pantry include Sweet Potato Pancakes, Orange-Walnut Pancakes, and Corn Meal Pancakes. Before going to the Pancake Pantry, use an ATM because they do not accept credit cards.
Roaring Fork
Roaring Fork nature trail is the perfect place for a morning hike. You can choose to go along the trail and explore the pretty waterfalls according to your plans for the day ahead. Or, if you’re feeling energetic, you can follow the entire trail to Mount Le-Conte; be aware that it is a 14-mile trek.
Rainbow Falls
While on the trek, you will see an 80-foot waterfall on Le-Conte creek. You also have Baskin-Falls, smaller than rainbow falls but worth it as few people hike enough to reach it. Hence, it is a serene place away from tourists if you want to push yourself and make the trip.
Gatlinburg Space Needle
By the time you get back from your hike, it will get dark. You may want to head downtown to get some food. While making the trip, you can visit the Gatlinburg space needle to see the astonishing view at nighttime from the 407-foot tower. You can have dinner at the bottom of the Tower from Slice Pizza Bakery.
Day 3
Pigeon Forge
For day Three, you can try going a bit farther to Pigeon Forge. While in Pigeon Forge, you can go to the old mill restaurant for their award-winning breakfast.
The Island
While in Pigeon Forge, you must visit The Island. This commercial complex includes everything from shopping, fun, and dining. The good thing is all of it is easy on the pocket!
You can ride along the Great Smokey Mountain Wheel, get a full view of the astounding Pigeon Forge, and watch the island show fountains. Or you can ride a mountain coaster that lets you be in the driver’s seat and regulate your speed. You can go at full speed along the mountains or slowly take in the scenery of the mountains.
Day 4
Cosby
While in the Smokey Mountains, you need to go camping for the night at the Cosby camping grounds. There you have the choice to hike along hen wallow falls and Albert grove. You can also make a tough trip to the stone fire tower on top of Mount Cammerer. You can find dinner at Cosby Creek’s restaurants.
Day 5
Dollywood
This first-rate theme park is something you can’t miss out on, especially if you’re visiting with kids, from thrill-seeking rides for adults to play areas for kids and coasters. Your entire family will have a great time here. We recommend coming early and spending the whole day there enjoying all Dollywood has to offer. You will find both lunch and dinner at the Dollywood theme park. Check out the spotlight bakery to see the 25-pound apple pie.
Day 6
Cades Cove
Cades Coves are a community that was one of the first settlements on the west side of the Smokies. You can hike to the Abrams Falls or follow the Rich Mountain Loop, have a drive watching scenes along the Rich Mountain Road, and then camp at the Cades Cove campsite at night (make sure to reserve this in advance).
Day 7
Fontana Lake
On your last day, you can travel along Parsons Branch Road to Fontana Dam at Fontana Lake by going south of Cades Cove. And locate the Shuckstack Mountain hike on the Appalachian Trail.
Deep Creek
Lastly, there should be one final overnight camping at the Deep Creek Campground. You can follow the trails to Juney Whank Falls for a short hike. You can also visit the Road to Nowhere, an abandoned highway project alongside Fontana Lake. After a long day of hiking, you can relax at the deep creek. They offer tubing services if you want to do some water activity, wash away the hike dirt, and have fun splashing around in cold creek water.
Conclusion
There are numerous other sites and activities in Gatlinburg for you to opt for according to your budget, the number of people with you, your budget, and how adventurous you are. We would advise you to try and have breakfast and dinner inside your cabin to save on food costs. Plan and try to get as much out of your trip as possible by following the daily plan.
