Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary

Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited National Park – and for good reason! It’s close to Knoxville and Asheville which makes it a great weekend trip. It also sits in the mountains bordering Tennessee and North Carolina which makes it the perfect summer destination when the rest of the southeast is hot and humid.

As a North Carolina native, I love being close enough to explore the park during every season. I’ve put together my favorite Great Smoky Mountains itinerary suggestions in this post, as well as all the best things to do during your visit.

In this article:

  • Great Smoky Mountains itinerary & best time to visit
  • Tips for planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains (and how to avoid crowds)
  • Things to do, best scenic views & the best day hikes in Smoky Mountains National Park
  • Recommended things to do and places to stay in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary Summary

Here’s a quick overview of my recommended Great Smoky Mountains itineraries. I cover these in more detail later on!

1 Day Itinerary

  • Kuwohi Observation Tower
  • Newfound Gap Overlook
  • Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
  • Rainbow Falls and Grotto Falls Trails
  • Laurel Falls (closed in 2025 – swap for Lynn Camp Falls)
  • Cades Cove
  • Abrams Falls Trail
  • Sunset at Morton Overlook

2 Day Itinerary

Day 1

  • Kuwohi Observation Tower
  • Newfound Gap Overlook
  • Alum Cave Trail
  • Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
  • Rainbow Falls and Grotto Falls Trails
  • Sunset at Morton Overlook

Day 2

  • Cades Cove
  • Abrams Falls Trail
  • Foothills Parkway
  • Look Rock
  • Cataract Falls Trail
  • Sunset at Oconaluftee Valley Overlook

Planning A Trip To The Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a massive park spanning across Tennessee and North Carolina. There is one road (Newfound Gap Road) which cuts through the center of the park, connecting the Tennessee and North Carolina entrances.

It’s possible to reach Great Smoky Mountains National Park from the Sugarlands entrance on the Tennessee side, near Gatlinburg, or from the Oconaluftee entrance on the North Carolina side, near Cherokee.

Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary Map
Sugarland & Oconaluftee Entrances, Connected by Newfound Gap Road

As a North Carolinian, the Cherokee side is easier for me to access. It’s a convenient entrance if you’re coming from Asheville or Charlotte, but there are fewer hotels and restaurants in Cherokee than on the Tennessee side.

Airport Near Great Smoky Mountains

If you’re flying, there are 4 airports near Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

  • Knoxville Airport (TYS) – 1 hour to GSMNP
  • Asheville Airport (AVL) – 1.5 hours to GSMNP
  • Charlotte International Airport (CLT) – 3 hours to GSMNP
  • Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) – 2 hours to GSMNP

Knoxville is the closest major airport, and it’s on the north (Tennessee) side so you’ll have easier access to hotels, restaurants and shops.

Asheville is the next closest airport, but it’s a regional airport with limited flights and airlines available. That also means it’s usually more expensive. However, if you’re planning to explore Asheville or Biltmore Estate it’s a great option.

While Charlotte is slightly farther away (3 hours from the south/North Carolina entrance and 4 hours to the north entrance) it’s worth comparing flight prices and rental car rates because they tend to be more affordable from Charlotte.

Greenville can also have some great deals, so it’s worth comparing prices. If you fly into Charlotte or Greenville you’ll pass right through Asheville on your way to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and it’s definitely worth spending a day exploring the historic downtown and arts center.

How Many Days For A Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary?

A weekend is the perfect amount of time for a Great Smoky Mountains itinerary – it’s enough time to explore several hiking trails, see the best views and drive the scenic roads.

If you have a full week for your Great Smoky Mountains itinerary I recommend including time in the nearby towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary

If you’re taking a day trip, I have the perfect one day itinerary for Great Smoky Mountains National Park below! It includes all of the highlights, and it will make the most efficient use of your time so you’re not driving back and forth through the park. It also aims to avoid busy areas during peak times so you don’t have to deal with crowds.

However, if you can spend two days in Great Smoky Mountains then you’ll also be able to include a few longer hikes, several additional waterfalls, and see more of the park.

One Day In Great Smoky Mountains

Even with just one day in Great Smoky Mountains you can still cover a lot of ground and see the parks highlights.

Get an early start and head to Kuwohi Observation Tower (formerly Clingmans Dome). It’s a half-mile paved trail from the parking lot to the tower.

Kuwohi Observation Tower should be the first stop on your Great Smoky Mountains itinerary
Kuwohi Observation Tower | Getty

At the top of the tower you’ll have panoramic views of the mountains. This area gets quite busy as the day progresses, so I recommended heading here first to avoid crowds and have an easier time finding parking.

Kuwohi Observation Tower is also a perfect spot for sunrise in Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

After, head down the road to Newfound Gap Overlook. This overlook sits at an elevation of 5,046 and straddles the state lines of Tennessee and North Carolina.

This is also the place where Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1940.

The Appalachian Trail passes right through here, so you may even cross paths with some thruhikers.

Next, take the one-way loop drive through Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This drive meanders through lush forests, showcases historic cabins and The Place of a Thousand Drips – a small, unique waterfall viewable from the roadside near the end of the loop.

Rainbow Falls and Grotto Falls Trails are also located in this area of the park, and are great shorter hikes to take if you have some extra time.

Grotto Falls Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Grotto Falls | Getty

Finish the morning with a short hike to Laurel Falls. A short 2.6 mile round trip trail takes you to the base of the beautiful waterfall and is a great option for all skill levels.

2025 UPDATE! Laurel Falls will be closed for reconstruction through approximately June 2026. As an alternate hike I recommend Lynn Camp Falls, which is a little shorter (1.3 miles) and also takes you to cascading waterfalls.

For lunch, you’re not that far from Gatlinburg so you have the option to pop into town to visit one of the restaurants. But, if you’d like to save some time I would recommend heading a few minutes down the road to Metcalf Bottoms for a picnic lunch.

After lunch it’s time to explore Cades Cove. It’s an 11-mile scenic loop drive through several historic structures with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife.

If you’re visiting on a Wednesday during the summer cars are not allowed on the road, and instead it’s open to bicyclists.

Along the Cades Cove drive is Abrams Falls Trail – a 5 mile out and back trail to a waterfall that takes approximately 2 hours to complete.

Head into Gatlinburg for dinner before returning to the park to watch sunset. There are a few great spots for sunset in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The best is Morton Overlook, along Newfound Gap Road – it’s popular and has limited parking so I recommend arriving 30-60 minutes ahead of sunset.

Morton Overlook For Sunset, Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary
Morton Overlook | Andrew Soundarajan

Kuwohi Observation Tower is another good spot. Or, for fewer crowds head to Look Rock Overlook along Foothills Parkway.

2 Day Itinerary Smoky Mountains

With a 2 day itinerary in Smoky Mountains National Park I would rearrange the one day itinerary slightly in order to make the most efficient use of your time.

Start your morning at Kuwohi Observation Tower, along Newfound Gap Road. This is a great place for sunrise in the Smokies.

It’s also the highest point in the park (6,643 feet of elevation) as well as all of Tennessee. On a clear day it’s possible to see 100-miles.

This area of the park gets considerably more crowded as the day progresses, so getting an earlier start will help you beat the crowds and find parking more easily.

Spend the rest of the morning driving Newfound Gap Road. Just past Kuwohi is Newfound Gap Overlook, which straddles the Tennessee-North Carolina state line. You’ll also find the Rockefeller Memorial here, which is a great spot to view the Smoky Mountain ridges.

A little farther down the scenic drive is Alum Cave Trail. There are a few options on this trail. The shortest is a 4.5 mile roundtrip hike to Alum Cave Bluffs and back, which takes about 3 hours to hike. This is one of the most popular spots in the park, and has a neat view of the “cave” (which is not actually a cave, but rather a large bluff that resembles a cave.)

Alum Cave Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Alum Cave | Kelly van Dellen

If you’re up for a longer hike then I recommend taking the trail all the way to Mount LeConte. It’s an 11 mile roundtrip trail, and is rated as hard because it has more than 3,000 feet of elevation gain.

For lunch, you can pack a picnic lunch and eat at Chimneys Picnic Area which is right along Newfound Gap Road. Or, you can take a short detour into Gatlinburg which has plenty of restaurants and cafes.

In the afternoon, drive through Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. It’s a 5.5 mile scenic loop with plenty of pull-offs and opportunities to explore. Along this route is Rainbow Falls, Baskin Falls and Grotto Falls.

If you only have time for one hike I recommend Grotto Falls. It’s 2.6 miles roundtrip and you’re able to walk behind the waterfall.

In the evening, head to Morton Overlook, just a short drive down Newfound Gap Road, for the best spot for sunset in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is a very popular spot with limited parking, so I recommend arriving at least 30 minutes early (aim for 1-hour early if you’re visiting during the busy season.)

The most convenient place to stay with this Great Smoky Mountains itinerary is in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. I’ve included some recommendations below.

On your second day, explore the western portion of the park. Get an early start driving Cades Cove. This 11 mile scenic loop road has to be driven one-way, and it can get quite congested later in the day.

The road weaves through historic structures in the park, like cabins, churches and a gristmill. It’s also likely you’ll see wildlife, including deer, black bears and turkeys.

I would plan for at least 2-3 hours to complete the loop, including stops.

Cades Cove Great Smoky Mountain Itinerary
Cades Cove | Getty

Along Cades Cove you’ll also find the trailhead for Abrams Falls. It’s a moderate 5 mile roundtrip hike to the waterfall. This will add about 2 hours to your itinerary.

There’s a great picnic spot in Cades Cove. I recommend packing your lunch for this day, as there aren’t any restaurants in the park and it’s a bit of a detour (about 1.5 hours) to get to Gatlinburg from here.

Next, head to Foothills Parkway in the afternoon. The Foothills Parkway hasn’t actually been completed yet. There are two sections (eastern and western) but they do not connect. The portion that’s most scenic is the western portion, which connects Wears Valley to Chilhowee.

There are many scenic overlooks along the drive. You’ll definitely want to stop at Look Rock for some incredible views of the mountains.

After, head back towards Sugarlands Visitor Center. Just behind the visitors center is Cataract Falls Trail – a short 1 mile walk to the falls. From there, it’s a short drive into Gatlinburg for dinner.

Finally, end your evening with sunset at Oconaluftee Valley Overlook, along Newfound Gap Road. It’s about an hour from Gatlinburg. If you’d prefer a shorter drive, Kuhowi Observation Tower is closer and also offers incredible 360° views.

Sunset in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Sunset in Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Getty

Where To Stay Near Great Smoky Mountains

Depending on which area of the park you’re exploring, it may make more sense to stay on the North side or the South side. The distance between the two entrances is just over an hour.

I recommend staying on the North side, as this is where a majority of the things to do in Great Smoky Mountains are located.

On the North side, Gatlinburg is the closest town. About 15 minutes farther away is Pigeon Forge, which is also a great option.

On the South side is Cherokee. It’s a smaller town with fewer hotels and restaurants, but it also has fewer crowds.

There is only one lodge located inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. LeConte Lodge is only accessible by foot, so you’ll have to hike it. I also recommend you make reservations a year in advance as it books out quickly.

Aside from LeConte Lodge, the only other option for staying in the park is to camp. Smokemont and Cades Cove Campgrounds are open year-round. Elkmont Campgrounds is conveniently located but is only open from mid-March through the end of November.

Where To Stay In Gatlinburg

Where To Stay In Pigeon Forge

Where To Stay In Cherokee

Things To Do In Great Smoky Mountains

With so many amazing things to do in and around the park it’s easy to plan an epic Great Smoky Mountains itinerary.

Some top things to do in Great Smoky Mountains includes:

  • Hiking
  • Camping + Backpacking
  • Whitewater rafting
  • Scenic drives
  • Leaf peeping (in the fall)
  • Watching the synchronous fireflies (in the summer)
Backpacking Smoky Mountain National Park Itinerary

10 Best Day Hikes In Smoky Mountains National Park

There are many day hikes in Smoky Mountains National Park, including several with waterfalls!

1. Alum Cave
Distance: 4.5 miles
Elevation: 1,161 feet
Rating: Moderate
Note: Arrive early, the parking lot fills by mid-morning

2. Kuwohi Observation Tower
Distance: 1.3 miles
Elevation: 337 feet
Rating: Moderate
Note: The road is closed annually from December 1 through March 31.

3. Rainbow Falls
Distance: 5.4 miles
Elevation: 1,617 feet
Rating: Moderate
Note: there is another parking area further down Cherokee Orchard Loop if the trailhead is full

4. Laurel Falls
Distance: 2.4 miles
Elevation: 4.5 feet
Rating: easy
Note: Laurel Falls trail is currently closed for reconstruction until approximately June or July of 2026

Laurel Falls on Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary
Laurel Falls | Getty

5. Deep Creek Waterfall Loop
Distance: 2.4 miles
Elevation: 426 feet
Rating: moderate
Note: Deep Creek Waterfall Loop is great for backpacking, the trail can be extended to your desired mileage and there are several backcountry campgrounds nearby

6. Chimney Tops
Distance: 3.6 miles
Elevation: 1,286 feet
Rating: hard

7. Grotto Falls Trail
Distance: 2.6 miles
Elevation: 544 feet
Rating: Moderate
Notes: a waterfall you can walk behind, with a great swimming hole in summer

8. Cataract Falls
Distance: 1.1 miles
Elevation: 29 feet
Rating: easy
Notes: located just behind the Sugarlands visitor center

9. Baskin Creek Falls
Distance: 3.1 miles
Elevation: 787 feet
Rating: Moderate
Notes: limited parking can be challenging, it’s best to arrive early in the morning

10. Abrams Falls Trail
Distance: 5 miles
Elevation: 616 feet
Rating: Moderate
Notes: only accessible from Cades Cove road

A love note about AllTrails

The trail links in this article take you to the detailed trail guides on AllTrails. I love this app and use it on every single hike I take. There’s a free and a pro version (AllTrails+).

Free version: Allows you to view trail details and save trails to curated lists. I have a list for each National Park and I save the hikes I’m planning in there so I can easily find them while traveling.

AllTrails+: $2.99 per month allows you to live share your activity with friends or family, download offline maps so you’re able to access them without cell service (great for National Parks) and will send you alerts when you deviate from the trail so you don’t get lost.

I have been using the AllTrails+ for many years. I love the added safety features, especially as a solo hiker.

Try AllTrails+ For Free

The Best View In Smoky Mountains

There are a few incredible places to soak in the vast views of the Smoky Mountains that you’ll definitely want to visit during your trip.

I recommend making time to drive Newfound Gap Road, Roaring Fork Motor Trail and Foothills Parkway. They’re all incredibly scenic drives with beautiful views and pull-offs. Many of the best views in the park are located along these routes, too.

1. Kuwohi (Previously Named Clingmans Dome)

Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) is the most famous view in the Smoky Mountains, and it’s the tallest point in GSMNP and Tennessee. On a clear day you can see up to 100 miles! To get to the observation tower, you must take a short, but steep, paved 1.3 mile path.

While it used to be called Clingmans Dome, the observation tower (which I think closely resembles Shark Valley Observation Tower in Everglades National Park) was renamed in 2024 to honor the Cherokee people for whom Kuwohi is a sacred place as the highest point within the traditional Cherokee homeland.

Note: Kuwohi Road is seasonally closed between December and March.

2. Look Rock

Look Rock Overlook & Look Rock Tower are located on the western edge of the park along Foothills Parkway. Look Rock Overlook is accessible from the road. To access Look Rock Tower you’ll take a steep 0.8 mile trail up to the viewing platform.

3. Mount LeConte Viewpoints

There are a few viewpoints on Mount LeConte with stunning views, too. Although the summit itself has a very obstructed view, Myrtle Point and Cliff Top are just half a mile from the summit and both offer unobstructed views of the mountains.

Myrtle Point faces east, making it a great sunrise spot in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, you’ll really have to work for this view. It’s just under 12 miles out-and-back with over 3,000 feet in elevation gain.

Cliff Top is about a mile from Myrtle Point and faces to the west so it’s a more ideal spot for sunset in Great Smokey Mountains National Park. There are several trails that lead up to Mount LeConte, but Alum Cave Trail is the easiest and shortest (short being a relative term… it’s still a 12 mile hike).

Scenic Drives In Great Smoky Mountains

Given how large Great Smoky Mountains is it’s no surprise that there are some fantastic scenic drives in the National Park.

1. Cades Cove

Cades Cove is an 11 mile one-way loop that winds through 18th- and 19th-century buildings. While it’s only a short drive, it can still take over an hour to complete because of how popular it is, and how slowly people drive through.

If you’re visiting Great Smoky Mountains on a Wednesday between May and September, Cades Cove is closed to vehicles. This is the perfect time to rent a bicycle and ride through Cades Cove with fewer crowds.

Pro Tip: This Great Smoky Mountains & Cades Cove Self-Guided Driving Tour is a great option for exploring the park. You simply download it to your phone ahead of time, and then even without cell signal in the park the audio plays based on your GPS location, giving you detailed information about the sites and history of the park.

2. Roaring Fork Motor Trail

Roaring Fork Motor Trail is a 5.5 mile one-way loop drive that takes you through old-growth forests and has views of several historic buildings, including several well-preserved log cabins and gristmills.

Note: Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is closed seasonally between December and early April.

3. Newfound Gap Road

Newfound Gap Road is the only road that cuts through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While it’s only 33 miles long, expect at least one hour to drive it given the many switchbacks and pull-offs along the way.

Many of the hikes and viewpoints in this Great Smoky Mountains itinerary are along Newfound Gap Road, so you’ll likely find yourself driving this route during your trip.

4. Foothills Parkway

The Foothills Parkway has an interesting history. Work on the road began in 1960, but has not yet been completed. There are two sections of the parkway, but they do not connect yet.

The first section is short and right off I-40 (exit 443). This is the less scenic of the two sections.

The second section is 33 miles and follows the West/Northwest park boarder between Chilhowee and Wears Valley. There are many scenic pull offs along this route, including Look Rock Overlook.

The best part about Foothills Parkway is that it’s generally far less crowded than other parts of the park, including Newfound Gap Road.

Best Things To Do In Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg sits just past the Sugarlands entrance to the park, about 5 miles down the road. There are tons of things to do in Gatlinburg, and it’s also a popular spot to stay when visiting the park.

Best Things To Do In Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is just past Gatlinburg, and about 15 minutes past the Sugarlands entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As far as entertainment goes, there’s a lot of things to do in Pigeon Forge:

When To Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Elevations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park range from 876 feet to 6,643 feet. This is important to know when deciding when to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park because areas in higher elevation will be impacted by winter weather.

There are several areas in the park that are closed during the winter – either for the full season, or temporarily due to snow.

In general, I think the best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the spring, between late April and early June. The weather is favorable and all areas of the park are open. Plus, I think the park is especially beautiful as leaves grow back and the wildflowers start to bloom.

The busiest months in Great Smoky Mountain National Park are June, July and October. These are still great times to visit, but be prepared for crowded hiking trails and factor in time to find parking at the more popular spots in the park.

Great Smoky Mountains itinerary

Spring In Great Smoky Mountain National Park

April, May, June

This is my favorite time to visit. My most recent trip was in spring, and it was perfect weather for backpacking Smoky Mountains National Park.

Wildflowers are prevalent, and the snow melt causes the waterfalls to be at their peak.

It’s possible for some roads to remain closed during the early spring in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Spring showers also mean hiking trails may be muddy.

  • Kuwohi Road opens around April 1st
  • Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail opens mid-April

Summer In Great Smoky Mountain National Park

July, August, September

Summer is the busiest and hottest season in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It’s also the season for synchronous fire flies!

In fact, Great Smoky Mountain National Park is famous for its annual display of synchronous fire flies. The species is only one of a few in North America, so it’s a huge draw for park visitors.

The timing of this annual event changes slightly each year, but peak timing is typically 1-2 weeks long between the end of May and the end of June. During these weeks you’ll need to win a lottery ticket in order to enter the Elkmont area of the park after 4 pm.

Fall In Great Smoky Mountain National Park

October, November, December

Fall is a magical time to visit the Smokies. As cold weather rolls in the leaves burst with colors. Higher elevations see leaves change colors earlier in the season, usually around mid-September. A few weeks later, typically around mid-October, you’ll catch peak fall foliage at lower elevations.

For this reason, October is one of the best months to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but also tends to be one of the busiest months.

  • Kuwohi Road closes end of November
  • Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail closes end of November

Winter In Great Smoky Mountain National Park

January, February, March

Snow is possible during winter in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and is fairly common at higher elevations. Unfortunately, this means that several roads in the park close for the season. Occasionally, Newfound Gap Road (the primary road through the park) is also closed due to weather.

In the winter, you can cross-country ski in the park, or find downhill skiing nearby in Gatlinburg.

A benefit of visiting Great Smoky Mountains during the winter is the significant drop in crowds. You’ll find parking is much easier during the winter, and the hiking trails are almost completely empty. Plus, at lower elevations the weather is perfect for hiking in winter.

  • Kuwohi Road is closed for the season
  • Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is closed for the season

Parking Tags At Great Smoky Mountains

While there is no entrance fee for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, they do require a paid parking tag.

The Park It Forward program started in March 2023. If you will be parked for more than 15 minutes you are required to have a parking tag displayed.

Parking tags cost $5 per day, $15 per week or $40 annually.

The parking tag cannot be replaced with the America The Beautiful National Park Pass, unfortunately.

Parking tags can be purchased in-person at visitor centers, or through automated fee machines.

Visitor Center Locations:

  • Sugarlands Visitor Center
  • Oconaluftee Visitor Center
  • Cades Cove Visitor Center
  • Kuwohi Visitor Center
  • Gatlinburg Welcome Center
  • Swain County Visitor Center
  • Townsend Visitor Center
  • GSM Institute at Tremont

Automated Fee Machine Locations:

  • Cades Cove parking area
  • Deep Creek parking area
  • Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area
  • Oconaluftee Visitor Center
  • Sugarlands Visitor Center
  • Newfound Gap overlook

More Planning Resources For Your Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary

Use these additional resources to easily plan your Great Smoky Mountains itinerary:

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