Great Smoky Mountains National Park Itinerary: 3 Days / 5 Days
Whether you have 3 days or 5 days to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to experience its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan your visit and make the most of your time in the park:
3-Day Itinerary for Great Smoky Mountains National Park
If you have 3 days, you can experience the major highlights of the park, including scenic drives, easy to moderate hikes, and iconic sites. Here’s a breakdown:
Day 1: Yosemite Valley and Waterfalls
Morning:
- Cades Cove Loop Road: Start your adventure with the Cades Cove Loop, a one-way 11-mile road that offers beautiful mountain views and opportunities to see wildlife such as bears, deer, and turkeys. You’ll also pass by historical cabins, churches, and barns.
- Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and to get the best wildlife sightings.
Late Morning:
- Laurel Falls Trail: After exploring Cades Cove, drive to Laurel Falls. It’s a 1.3-mile easy, paved hike to the most famous waterfall in the park. Perfect for a short hike, you’ll get great views of the waterfall and surrounding forest.
Afternoon:
- Clingmans Dome: After lunch, head to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park at 6,643 feet. It offers 360-degree views of the Smokies. You can take the paved half-mile trail to the observation tower for a panoramic view.
- Tip: If you're visiting during colder months, be prepared for cooler temperatures and possibly snow.
Evening:
- Sunset at Clingmans Dome or Newfound Gap: Both spots offer stunning sunset views. Newfound Gap is a lower elevation viewpoint with expansive vistas, making it a great spot for photos at dusk.
Day 2: Waterfalls, Wildlife, and Historic Sites
Morning:
- Alum Cave Trail: Begin your day with a moderate 4.4-mile round-trip hike to Alum Cave Bluffs. This hike offers unique geological formations and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Tip: This trail is a bit more challenging, so wear sturdy footwear and bring plenty of water.
Late Morning:
- Oconaluftee Visitor Center: Head to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center for cultural exhibits about the Cherokee people and the park’s history. Here, you can also enjoy a stroll on the Oconaluftee River Trail (1.5 miles) for an easy, scenic walk along the river.
- Tip: Keep an eye out for elk, as they often graze near the Visitor Center.
Afternoon:
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: After lunch, take a scenic drive on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a 5.5-mile one-way loop through a historic cove. It offers great opportunities to see old cabins, streams, and wildlife, and you can hike to Grotto Falls (a short, 2.6-mile round-trip hike).
Evening:
- Cades Cove: Return to Cades Cove for some wildlife viewing in the evening when animals are more active. This is a great time for spotting black bears and wild turkeys as they come out to feed.
Day 3: High Elevations and Scenic Views
Morning:
- Rainbow Falls: Start the day with a 5.4-mile hike to Rainbow Falls, the tallest waterfall in the park. This moderate hike offers great views of the falls, and if you're lucky, you might catch a rainbow in the mist on sunny days.
Late Morning:
- Gatlinburg: After hiking, spend some time in Gatlinburg. Explore the town's shops, restaurants, and local attractions. If you're interested, you can visit the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park for an aerial view of the town and the surrounding Smoky Mountains.
Afternoon:
- Chimney Tops Trail: For a more strenuous hike, head to Chimney Tops, a 4-mile round-trip trail that offers panoramic views of the Smokies from the summit. It’s a steep climb, but the views are well worth the effort.
Evening:
- Dinner in Gatlinburg: After your hike, relax and enjoy dinner in Gatlinburg, where you can find everything from Southern BBQ to local mountain cuisine.
5-Day Itinerary for Great Smoky Mountains National Park
With 5 days, you can explore the park in more depth, including hiking to more remote areas, taking longer drives, and visiting some of the quieter, off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Day 1: Classic Cades Cove and Waterfalls
Follow the Day 1 of the 3-day itinerary, but extend your time in Cades Cove for additional wildlife viewing or to take a longer hike (like the Cades Cove Trail). You can also explore Laurel Falls and visit additional waterfalls in the area.
Day 2: Historic Sites and Scenic Views
Follow the Day 2 of the 3-day itinerary, but after visiting the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, head to Mingus Mill, a historic working gristmill where you can watch demonstrations and purchase ground cornmeal.
After Roaring Fork, continue to Tremont, a lesser-visited area known for its wildflowers, mountain streams, and great hikes like the Middle Prong Trail or Indian Flats Falls.
Day 3: High Elevation Hikes
- Follow Day 3 of the 3-day itinerary, but extend your time in Newfound Gap and Clingmans Dome, hiking around Forney Ridge Trail or even the Appalachian Trail if you're up for a longer adventure.
Day 4: Explore the North and West
Morning: Head to Holly Springs or Big Creek, known for its remote, quiet beauty. You can hike Mouse Creek Falls or explore the Glen Falls Trail in the Big Creek Area.
Afternoon: Drive to Halls Ridge and visit Fontana Dam, the highest dam east of the Mississippi. You can take a short hike to explore the area and enjoy a panoramic view of the mountains and Fontana Lake.
Evening: Enjoy a picnic at Fontana Village, an ideal place for a relaxing evening.
Day 5: More Remote Trails and Scenic Drives
Morning: Spend your final day exploring more remote spots such as Hatcher Mountain or Gregory Bald, where you can enjoy spectacular views and wildflower meadows.
Afternoon: If you have the energy, try the Deep Creek trail near the North Carolina border. Here, you’ll find waterfalls and wildlife in a less-crowded area.
Evening: Conclude your visit by driving through Newfound Gap or enjoying a quiet evening at one of the picnic areas.
Conclusion:
- 3-Day Itinerary: Perfect for visitors who want to explore the major attractions such as Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome, and Laurel Falls, with a mix of scenic drives and moderate hikes.
- 5-Day Itinerary: Ideal for visitors looking to explore the park more deeply, with time for more challenging hikes, remote areas, and the park's quieter, less visited spots like Big Creek and Holly Springs.
No matter how long you stay, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers something for everyone, whether you're an avid hiker, wildlife watcher, or simply looking to relax and enjoy stunning views.
