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When I was a kid my family lived only 2 hours from the Great Smoky Mountains. This proximity allowed for us to make a lot of great trips and memories in the mountains. I've outlined a few of our favorite places to love. I hope you will find your own places to love while visitng East Tennessee, too!
Cades Cove Loop - Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Cades Cove Loop - Great Smoky Mountains National Park
"Cades Cove is a scenic valley surrounded on all sides by mountains south of Townsend, Tennessee. A popular 11-mile one-way loop road encircling the valley provides access to hiking trails, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and chances to explore the many historic homesites, cemeteries, and churches. The area also holds a visitor center, campground, picnic area, and riding stable."
Growing up this was a must for a lot of our trips to the mountains. A favorite activity for us is to arrive around mid-morning to the picnic area and grill a burger or have a sandwich in the picnic area then drive through the cove. Arrive early to get a spot for lunch! Be sure to stop at the campground store on the way out and enjoy an ice cream cone (Chocolate, Vanilla, or Twist).
Please see the website for days of the week that the loop is closed to motor traffic, parking fees, trail closures, etc.
Several hiking trails are accessible in Cades Cove, including Abrams Falls. Many of the cabins along the loop are very short walks and add to the experience of life with these mountain pioneers.
You should allow for at least a 1/2 day to explore the Cades Cove area.
Sugarlands Visitor Center is also a great visit for a museum style viewing or the area's plants and wildlife.
Clingmans Dome - Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Clingmans Dome - Great Smoky Mountains National Park
"Walk one mile (1.6 km) roundtrip from the Clingmans Dome parking area along a steep paved path to an iconic and popular observation tower with panoramic views from the highest peak in the Smokies."
This path is VERY steep but is nicely paved. There are several benches along the path up to rest but tourists with mobility issues. You should allow at least 1/2 day to drive up to Clingmans Dome, hike and drive back.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail - Gatlinburg
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail - Gatlinburg
A nice little motor drive just off of Gatlinburg. A cabin to explore, road through the woods, and also a mountain stream!
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
A fun aquarium to explore (it's been 20 years since I've been)!
https://www.ripleys.com/attractions/ripleys-aquarium-of-the-smokies
Sky Bridge/Sky Lift - Gatlinburg
Sky Bridge/Sky Lift - Gatlinburg
When we went up to the swinging bridge via the Sky Lift it was in November and therefore it was dark that evening. All of Gatlinburg was decorated for Christmas and so was the sky bridge. I'm sure it would have been a little more scary in the daylight!
If heights are not your thing, this is not for you. A chairlift ride to the top up the side of the mountain is a lot of fun. VERY BRISK in fall/winter, be sure to wear your heavy coats! The wind on top of the mountain can be very frigid, but the views are also breathtaking!
Anakeesta -Gatlinburg
Anakeesta -Gatlinburg
Note: I have not been here!
Mentioning this because it is a new popular thing, we just have not done it yet!
Ober Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg
Ober Mountain Adventure Park and Ski Area provide a lot of different things for the family! The aerial tramway provides a fun way to get to the top of the mountain. This enclosed tram takes visitors up to the top where an ice skating rink, scenic chairlift, mountain coaster, and much more.
Dollywood - Pigeon Forge
Dollywood - Pigeon Forge
Always a fun time, but less crowded the better obviously! If it's supposed to be a rainy day, still go! Lots to see and do and the rides still run as long as the lightening isn't around. Crowds are less. There are many shows throughout the park and places to get in out of the rain.
Tips:
We have found it's cheaper to buy an adult season pass and use the "Bring a friend" ticket for another adult instead of buying two adult one day tickets! Be sure to check the blackout dates prior to purchasing, but most are during the Christmas lights festival.
Each year Dollywood gives season tickets to Pre-K/Kindergarten kids. For the year of 2024, this applies to kids born in 2019 or 2020. Apply for a season pass online and bring a copy of the birth certificate to receive their free admission for the year!
Plan your route! You don't want to be traversing the park back and forth, it's pretty hilly! Coasters are always popular, so plan accordingly. The train is also on a schedule, usually at the top of the hour. It's a good mid-day way to relax while still enjoying the beauty of the park and mountains.
As with any theme park - weekends and "peak" times are going to be very busy.
If you are a nursing mother, Dollywood has you taken care of! Many restrooms have a room connected to the women's restrooms to allow you to nurse or pump in a rocking chair. Just be sure to bring batteries for your pump and a nursing cover, as these rooms do not lock. There are ones located next to Lighting Rod that are not listed on the map.
Clara's favorite rides (age 4): Rocking' Roadway, Carousel, and many of the rides in Country Fair and Wildwood Ridge.
Rides we are too old for now: Barn Swing! Holy moly, we wanted back off! We are not thrill seekers. I loved this ride when I was in my young twenties, which I am not anymore!
The Island at Pigeon Forge
The Island at Pigeon Forge
The Wheel, lots of shopping and eateries! Paula Deen's is one restaurant located here in the Island. The wheel offers an enclosed ferris wheel experience to see up and down the strip in Pigeon Forge, a good afternoon of fun.
The Christmas Place - Pigeon Forge
The Christmas Place - Pigeon Forge
If Christmas is your thing, this store is for you! It's located in Pigeon Forge and has almost every ornament and tree you can imagine! Speciality ornamets can be personalized to remember your trip to the Smokies. We got an ornament here from our honey moon and started our own travel wreath :)
Where to Eat!
Pancake Pantry
Pancake Pantry
The peach delights - I can taste them now! My family has been coming to pancake pantry all my life. Our favorite, obviously, is the peach delight crepes. They have many other very delicious items.
Open daily from 7am-3pm
Breakfast menu served all day. Lunch menu served after 11:30am
For Takeout Call 865.436.4724
Accepting Credit Cards, Apple Pay & Google Pay
Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Applewood Farmhouse Grill & Farmhouse Restaurant
Applewood Farmhouse Grill & Farmhouse Restaurant
Another place we've been coming to for years is the Apple Farmhouse Grill and Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant. Both are on the same property, we usually end up at the Grill just because it is larger with less wait times. This is a cute place that serves apple fritters and julep to every table. The food is delicious and usually you can split a meal and still have plenty!
Paula Deen's
Paula Deen's
If Southern Paula cooking is your thing, you can check out Paula Deen's at the Island in Pigeon Forge or in Gatlinburg!
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