Have you heard of the Great Smoky Mountains but yearned to learn more about them? It’s not just you. Being the most visited national park in the United States, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park should be on your bucket list for the holidays.
Perhaps when you were young, you took family vacations there. Your memory might be conjuring up images of winding paths through a waterfall-filled forest while smoke curls rise from cabin chimneys. Or maybe you remember your time in the woods spent catching slippery salamanders in the creek and climbing downed branches like balancing beams.
So, now it’s time to spend a week with your friends, family, or loved ones again. But you needn’t get caught up in the little details anymore. Don’t know where to start? Don’t worry because we’ve got you covered. Here are a few ideas to help ensure your seven-day trip to the Smokys is memorable.
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Rent A Gorgeous Smoky Mountain Cabin
Finding a place to stay is essential in any vacation planning process, and staying in a Smoky Mountain cabin is the key to the best trip. Why? Because along with all the advantages of living in the Smokys, such as breathtaking mountain vistas, you can enjoy the convenience of being in a furnished home, like a full kitchen and private bedroom quarters.
Moreover, these cabins are located minutes from the best attractions, restaurants, and other amenities. These cabins can also be rented near the less frequently visited mountain hotspots for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle and relax. Search online for “cabins for rent smoky mountains,” and you’ll have plenty of options to sift through. But, ensure you have your accommodations pre-booked to reduce the stress of finding a place to stay when you reach.
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Explore the National Park
Your trip to the Smokys won’t be complete without a visit to the National Park. In fact, there is no excuse for you not to spend some time here since admission is free. Furthermore, there are numerous hiking paths, beautiful drives, animal viewing possibilities, and more for you to enjoy in the area. Some of our preferred activities in the Smoky Mountains are listed below:
- Wildlife Photography
- Bathing under waterfalls
- Hiking the trails of Pigeon Forge
- Going for a scenic ride
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Visit the Best Restaurants the Smoky Mountains Have to Offer
The different kinds of cuisine offered around the Smokys are amazing. Try the town’s restaurants for a memorable experience. From Southern cuisine to burgers, wings, and everything in between. Some of our favorites are as follows:
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The Local Goat
You’ll see the parking lot is packed when you drive by this eatery, and there is a good reason for that. This New American restaurant offers a wide variety of cuisine, including wings and fall-off-the-bone ribs.
Craft beer and delicious cocktails are other specialties at The Local Goat! You can’t go wrong with this restaurant because everything is fresh, even the bread!
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The Peddler
Visit The Peddler in Gatlinburg for a custom-cut steak in the middle of the Smokys. The restaurant is a renowned eatery popular with families since it prides itself on its tradition. The extensive wine list, fresh salad bar, and delicious tableside-cut steaks are all highly praised by customers.
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The Old Mill Restaurant
Both locals and tourists seeking a delectable Southern dinner frequently visit The Old Mill Restaurant. Breakfast is popular, with handmade biscuits, stone-ground corn grits, and fluffy omelets. You must also try their Southern BBQ platter and fried chicken the next time you’re in town.
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Visit Local Attractions
There are several thrilling attractions outside of the national park we’re confident you’ll want to see. While it may be difficult to choose just a handful, a few must-see sights to make your trip more memorable include:
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The Apple Barn
One of the best places in the Smokys to shop and eat is The Apple Barn. The Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant and Applewood Farmhouse Grill are located here, where you may eat the most incredible apple cakes and your favorite Southern dishes. Also available are cider from The Cider Mill, seasonal decorations from the Christmas & Candle Shop, ice cream from Apple Valley Creamery, and exquisite apple wines from the Apple Barn Winery.
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SkyLift Park
Another must-see attraction constantly expanding and giving visitors new experiences is the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, if you seek stunning views of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. You can relax and stroll along the SkyTrail, walk across the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world, or take in the sights on the SkyDeck.
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Dollywood
You must plan a trip to this top-notch theme park called Dollywood. There are so many amazing rides for thrill-seekers and children, as well as performances, tasty food, and various stores. Award-winning festivals are also hosted all year round, enhancing your overall experience.
Enjoy Sweet Summer Nights’ excellent drone light show, Smoky Mountain Christmas’ millions of sparkling lights, and the Harvest Festival’s hundreds of colorful pumpkins while you’re here.
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Grab a Souvenir or Two
You’ll want to choose the ideal souvenir to bring home, to recall the time you spent in the Smoky Mountains. The region is filled with shops where you can get clothing, plush animals, home decor, and much more.
We suggest visiting the 40,000-square-foot Three Bears General Store in Pigeon Forge, which has apparel, gifts, a candy store, and more. Other souvenir stores include Country Barn Gift Shop, Ogle Brothers General Store, and Village Shops in Gatlinburg.
The Final Words
When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains, don’t forget to tick off at least one of the spots mentioned above. However, this list is not comprehensive. So, do your research and note down the most visited places in the Smokys. Ultimately, the more sites you visit, the more memorable your week at this beautiful place will be!
