Ready to see the most popular park in the whole country? Full of extraordinary mountain views, the cascading waterfalls, and lush forests, it’s now wonder that Great Smoky Mountain National Park is one of the hottest destinations. Luckily, you can experience a ton of the highlights in a 3 day Great Smoky mountains itinerary.
I have been to over half of the national parks, but the Smokys will always have a piece of my heart. I have been to this park twice and each time it simply blew me away.
Now, I’ve crafted the perfect smoky mountains itinerary for your trip. This guide includes things to see, tips for your visit, and where to stay. So, if you’re ready to plan your adventure read below!
Other articles that may interest you:
- Best Hikes in the Smoky Mountains
- My Experience Glamping in the Smoky Mountains
- 5 Best National Parks to Visit This Fall!
Table of Contents
The Perfect Smoky Mountains Itinerary
Day 1:
Drive Newfound Gap Road
On your first day in the park, you can take Newfound Gap Road from Gatlinburg to Cherokee. This scenic road is 31 miles and it takes you through the center of the park, passing by many of the notable sights.
The drive winds its way up into the mountains and then makes its way back down through the beautiful woods. You can stop along the way to go on a hike, take in a scenic viewpoint, or watch the elks roam the fields.
Make sure to stop at the Newfound Gap Overlook where the border of North Carolina and Tennessee sits. At this stop you can see breathtaking vistas and see where the Appalachian Trail meets the park. This is one of the most crowded parts of the park, so you may have to wait for a parking spot!
Visit Clingmans Dome
Turn off of Newfound Gap Road to make your way to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park and Tennessee.
There is a large parking area and a visitor center near the dome. The walk up to the dome is a steep .5 miles on a paved pathway. I recommend wearing sneakers. Make sure to bring water and take breaks if you need it!
Once you get to the top, you will see the Dome where there is a curved pathway up to the very top. You’re supposed to be able to see 100 miles all around on a clear day. 👀 Unfortunately, there are many days where air pollution or cloudiness get in the way. When we got there, we only saw fog all around us. It was still fun to visit.
Explore the Roaring Fork Motor Trail & Grotto Falls
If you’re staying in Gatlinburg, then ending your day on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is perfect. You’ll find this road outside of the main entrance to the park.
This 5.5 mile one-way loop takes you on a slow, serene drive through the thick forest. This road is named for the mountainous stream that runs through the area. After heavy rains, this stream is especially voluminous and the waterfalls are astounding.
Stop along the loop to take a hike, see the old wooden cabins and historic buildings, or wander around the creeks. Don’t make the same mistake my cousin did and watch out for poison ivy! ☠️
We didn’t have time for Rainbow Falls, but completed the short Grotto Falls trail. Parking was a bit tough, but we were able to find some along the side. The trail takes you up the mountain to the small falls. You can walk behind them or take a dip in the swimming hole below. This is a family friendly hike and plenty of tourists enjoy this spot.
Day 2 in the Smokys:
Hike Mount Leconte
On the second day of your Smoky Mountains itinerary you can either do the long hike hike up to Mount Leconte or simply hike to Alum Cave. Try to arrive early, because this hike is very popular and you may have to park along the road.
There are two ways to get up to Mount Leconte:
- The first route leaves from Newfound Gap Road takes you past the Alum Caves and is 10.5 miles.
- The second option leaves from Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and is longer at 14 miles. We chose to take the longer route up the mountain.
Mount Leconte Hike Description
The trail starts along the river in the forest where you will make your way over steps through a cave. After about 2 and a quarter miles you will find yourself at Alum Cave.
Many of the hikers come to this spot and then turn around. This impressive cave is high and has a wide eroded portion. If you climb up a bit on the sandy ground, you can turn around and get a great view of the cave with the mountains in the background.
After you leave the cave, the trail gets a bit harder as you make your way up the mountain. There are many areas along the path where you will need to climb over slick rocks and some spots have chains to hang onto for stability. You may find yourself needing to take many breaks as you walk up the steep trail. Luckily, there are plenty of stunning viewpoints where you can take a photo, a sip of water, and a deep breath.
Continue for three miles up, and you’ll reach the top. There are a few options of things to see once you get to the top:
- You can stop at Mount Leconte Lodge where visitors have the opportunity to sleep in rooms at the top of the mountain. The only way to get to the lodge is to hike, so llamas carry supplies up to it. You can stop there for a bite to eat from the restaurant or use the restrooms.
- Choose to take the .5 mile steep trail up to the Cliff Top viewpoint. The view from here was unbeatable! You feel like you’re on top of the world.
After you’re done taking the view in, you can make your way back down the mountain. It’s mostly downhill from here, so you can enjoy your walk.When we were done my Apple watch said I had walked 12 miles in a little more than 5 hours. It was an amazing hike and a wonderful day!
Day 3 in the Smokys
Chimney Tops Trail
On the last day of your Smoky Mountains itinerary, take one last hike before you go. The Chimney Tops trail is right off of Newfound Gap Road.
A few years ago there was a huge fire 🔥, which took out many of the trees near the peak. So you can no longer walk up to Chimney Top, but you can see a crazy view of it at the top.
As we climbed up the hill, we saw a female black bear with two cubs feeding in the forest. The bears were uninterested in us hikers and we were far enough where we could observe them safely. It was a highlight of the trip!
We left the bears and went to the top, which was beautiful! The view of the sharp mountain tip with dead trees all around was quite a view. I really enjoyed this hike and I highly recommend it for any trip.
Drive Cades Cove
We ended our trip with a drive through the historic Cades Cove. Even though this loop is only 11 miles, it takes a very long time to get through it. You should allow at least two hours if not more to explore this area of the park.
Along the drive you will see valleys full of flowers, historical buildings, plentiful wildlife, and hiking spots. There was lots of traffic when we drove through, so we chose to only stop a couple of times. I definitely want to explore more of this area next time I go visit, because there were a lot of gems!
Planning Your Trip to the Great Smoky Mountains
Things to Know Before You Go
💵 There’s technically no entrance fee if you want to drive through the Great Smoky Mountains. But, if you plan on parking for longer than 15 minutes, you’ll need a parking tag. There are three costs: Daily ($5), Weekly ($15), or Annual ($40).
☀️ Weather changes quickly in the Smoky Mountains. Make sure that you stay updated and that you take the proper precautions. If there are signs of bad weather, then stay in the lower elevations.
⛺️ There are 10 different campsites in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Two of them are open year round, but they all require reservations on recreation.gov.
🐻 The Smoky Mountains are bear country, so make sure to stay bear aware and make loud noises when hiking on the trails. Use the rule of thumb when viewing wildlife, so that you stay the correct distance away.
🦮 Pets are allowed in some areas of this park including campgrounds, parking lots, and two walking trails- the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.
⚠️ Check online for seasonal closures and trail closures. The Roaring Fork Motor Road is only open from mid April through November.
🍃 Remember to follow the Leave No Trace Principles. As always, you want to leave nature looking better than you found it.
Best Time To Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park
One of the reasons the Smokys are so popular is that they are a fantastic destination year round. So, when to visit depends on what you want to see!
In the Fall and Spring, you’ll get much milder temperatures, but there are some rainier days. During Autumn, the colors really come alive as yellows 💛, oranges 🧡, and reds ❤️ cover the trees. While in the spring, wildflowers bloom 🌸 and colors peak through the grass.
Summer is definitely the most popular time of year to visit. So, that means you’ll be dealing with extra crowds. But, all of the trails and roads should be open during this time with great temperatures and sunny days! ☀️
Winter is a quieter time of year, but it’s beautiful in its own way, especially when the snow blankets the mountains at higher elevations. Just note, there may be extra closures during this time!
Where to Stay Near the Smoky Mountains
Another reason visiting the Smokys is so popular is its accessibility. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are just outside of the park with numerous hotels, resorts, and fun activities to take part in. There are also 10 campgrounds within the park that are fantastic places to stay if you are able to snag a reservation!
Plus, if you want something unique, there are great glamping options and adorable vacation homes as well!
Best Hotels Near the Smokys:
Packing Guide for the Great Smoky Mountains
It’s always tough to pack for the mountains, because weather can change so quickly. The best thing to do is bring layers, so that you can change if you need.
Don’t worry, I’ve created the perfect Great Smoky Mountains packing list for your trip!
Packing List:
- Comfortable Hiking Boots
- Day Pack
- Hiking poles
- Water Reservoir
- 3-4 Liters of Water
- Snacks and Food
- First Aid Kit
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Rain jacket
- Light winter jacket
- Swimsuit
- Downloaded Maps
Final Tips for Visiting Great Smoky Mountains
Great Smoky Mountains is a great park for a family trip to get out in nature. But, it’s also popular so remember to get places early and add in extra time for driving.
I hope you enjoy this three day Great Smoky Mountain itinerary for your trip! There are so many things to do from observing wildlife to taking long treks through the park. I can’t wait to explore this park another time!
Was this Smoky Mountains Itinerary helpful? Let me know in the comments and pin it for later!
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