Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary (From a Local!)

Looking for the ultimate Great Smoky Mountains itinerary?! You’ve come to the right place!

Since I live just 20 minutes from one of the National Park entrances, you know that you’ll be getting the absolute best Great Smoky Mountains itinerary. As a local, I visit the Smokies at least twice weekly, so I have seen and experienced a good chunk of the park. And as I visit more, I’m consistently updating all of my blog posts.

Keep reading for a jam-packed Great Smoky Mountains itinerary! I’ll share things to do for one, two, three, and four days, and if you’ve got more than four days, I’ll share plenty of other amazing things to add to your Smoky Mountains itinerary!

ITINERARY NOTES: Since most people visit the Smokies in the warmer months, this itinerary is best for the late spring, summer, and early fall. However, here are links to my specific Smoky Mountains season guides – fall, winter, spring, and summer – to help you further plan your trip. Also, since I’m sharing VERY FULL daily itineraries, feel free to cut any activity if you prefer to travel slower, run out of time, or are staying far outside the park.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on the links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks so much for your support!

Ultimate Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary (1-4 Days!)

Day 1: Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary

On day one, you’ll get a solid introduction to the Smokies. You’ll be hiking to one of the most underrated waterfalls, tubing down an incredibly scenic river, and driving (or biking) the most picturesque road.

For this day, I’d recommend staying in Townsend the night before and after so you’re close to all of the activities.

Spruce Flats Falls

Tucked away in the quiet Tremont area, Spruce Flats is one of the least crowded waterfall trails in the Smokies. This a perfect early morning hike because it’s often deserted before 10 AM.

With its short length (1.6 miles roundtrip to the falls), low crowds, and massive reward (30-foot tumbling waterfall), it’s an easy add-on to your Smoky Mountains itinerary.

Spruce Flats Falls is unique because you can walk right up to the base. Unlike some of the others in the park, Spruce Flats grants you a golden front-row seat to the falls.

PRO TIP: For the heaviest flow, visit in the spring after a heavy rain! Since May is thunderstorm season in the Smokies, that is my favorite month to hike to this waterfall.

Tube the Little River

While the stifling heat doesn’t tend to reach the peaks, it certainly permeates the valleys and foothills. To beat the heat, float down one of the many rivers and creeks that crisscross through the Smokies!

For your itinerary, I’d recommend choosing River Rat as your outfitter. With two locations on the Little River, River Rat provides tubes and shuttles all day for around $25/per person. Book your tickets here; you’ll save $5 per ticket by booking at least one day in advance!

There are two classic tubing routes – one that is calmer and suitable for children and dogs, and another one that is more adventurous and is filled with thrilling rapids. You can do the same route over and over again, or shake it up and try them both! Your choice!

PRO TIP: If you’re visiting in the shoulder seasons when River Rat is closed (they’re typically open Memorial Day to Labor Day) OR if you want to tube before/after River Rat’s hours, you still could rent/bring tubes and float near the Townsend Wye or any other access point along the river.

READ NEXT: 3 Best Rivers to Go Tubing in the Smoky Mountains (+ Top Outfitters!)

Cades Cove

Cades Cove is an iconic 11-mile, one-way scenic loop that circles a mountainous valley. Even though this area gets congested from spring through fall, I would be remiss if I didn’t add this gem to the itinerary!

While you’re at Cades Cove, you can drive the paved loop and stop at any of the waypoints along the way. On the route, you’ll find historic cabins, hiking trails, waterfalls, wildlife, and a plethora of scenic overlooks.

But the very best thing to do in Cades Cove is to bike the loop on a vehicle-free Wednesday in the summer!

On Wednesdays from May through September, Cades Cove closes to motor vehicles. You’ll be surprised how peaceful this valley is without vehicle noises and bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Since you’re just sharing the loop with bikers and hikers, this is the perfect time to sightsee, view/photograph wildlife, explore the cabins, and hike the trails.

Day 2: Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary

On day two, you’ll be driving the main scenic road through the park, hiking to the most iconic summits, and experiencing the most iconic views in the entire park.

IMPORTANT: I’d recommend packing your lunch so that you can stay in the park all day! This will be a jam-packed day of hiking and exploring.

Mount LeConte

From your hotel in Gatlinburg, make your way down US Highway 441 (Newfound Gap Road).

This incredibly scenic road travels from Gatlinburg to Cherokee and features jaw-dropping viewpoints, tunnels, trailheads, picnic areas, and more.

Those who are up for the challenge can hike to the summit of the Smokies’ third-highest peak, Mount LeConte!

There are several routes to the summit, all of them with their own perks and range of difficulty. The most popular (and most scenic) route is Alum Cave. And for the sake of this itinerary, I will recommend that route.

Just before reaching the summit, you’ll find a lodge (the only lodge in the entire park), a gift shop, picnic tables, water, and restrooms.

Pushing to the summit, you actually won’t find any views; all you’ll see is a giant pile of rocks. The best views are from Myrtle Point and Cliff Top, both about 0.5 miles from the summit.

Kuwohi (Formerly Clingmans Dome)

Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) is the tallest peak in the Smokies. Unlike the other tall peaks in the park, Kuwohi doesn’t require a long hike.

At the end of the 7-mile Clingmans Dome Road is a large parking lot. Take the short but strenuous trek up to the summit. The trail is 0.5 miles and paved, but make sure you’re still packing a daypack with essentials.

Since the elevation is above 6,000 feet, the air is thinner. You’ll need to drink more water! And you might even want to have a snack at the top.

Once up at the observation tower, you will be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding Smoky Mountains. Fingers crossed you arrive on a clear day! The weather/conditions at Kuwohi are usually drastically different than near Gatlinburg.

Andrews Bald

Andrews Bald is one of my very favorite hikes in the Smokies. Since it stems from the Clingmans Dome observation tower trail, you won’t have to move your car for this hike!

To reach the jaw-dropping Andrews Bald, take the 1.8-mile (one-way) Forney Ridge Trail. Most of the hike is through the mossy forest with brief glimpses of the surrounding peaks through the trees.

The real treat is at the Bald when the trail opens up to panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains. And if you go in June, the flame azaleas brighten the ridge. It’s truly a sight to see!

Day 3: Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary

On day three, you’ll be hiking to some of the most popular waterfalls and cruising down a short but very scenic loop.

Luckily, these hikes are within a 20-minute drive from your hotel in Gatlinburg, so you just need to pack water and a small day pack.

Laurel Falls

IMPORTANT: Beginning January 6, 2025, the Laurel Falls Trail will be CLOSED for 18 months! I’d recommend hiking the Meigs Creek Trail instead.

With its short length (2.6 miles roundtrip to the falls), prime location, and massive reward (an 80-foot waterfall!), Laurel Falls Trail is easily one of the most hiked trails in Great Smoky Mountains.

I hesitated to add this waterfall to this itinerary because it can get so crowded. But since it’s one of the shortest, easiest hikes to a waterfall, I just had to add it!

This short hike leads to a beautiful two-tiered waterfall. View the upper falls from the boardwalk and then, if you’re feeling adventurous, take the steep climb down to the bottom to view the lower falls.

Your best chance at avoiding the crowds is by arriving early. You can read more about this trail and what to expect in my full Laurel Falls trail guide!

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a scenic, one-way road near Gatlinburg. It’s 5 miles long and has many historic structures and hiking trails branching off of it.

Half the length of Cades Cove, this is the perfect road to cruise if you’re looking to “kill some time” before your next activity/destination.

Before reaching the one-way road, you’ll come across Ogle Place, a historic site with a short nature trail, and the Rainbow Falls Trailhead. Rainbow Falls is also on today’s itinerary, so it’s convenient to hike it before or after your drive through the Roaring Fork.

After Ogle Place and Rainbow Falls, you’ll enter the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. As you wind through the road, you’ll come across scenic overlooks, Baskins Creek & Grotto Falls trailhead parking lots (I’d recommend these if you have extra time!), historic cabins and structures, seasonal waterfalls, and peaceful streams.

Keep your windows rolled down so you can hear the rushing water!

NOTE: This road is open seasonally, usually from April through November. Here is the current info for the seasonal road schedule. (You can still access Grotto Falls and Baskins Creek Falls in the off-season – you’ll just have to start from the Rainbow Falls lot).

READ NEXT: Smokies Bucket List: 20 Things You HAVE To Do in the Smoky Mountains

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls is another one of the most hiked trails in the park, and for good reason! If you don’t mind crowds, or if you want to make sure to check off this iconic trail, this waterfall is definitely worth the trek.

You can access this trail from one of the main parking lots off Cherokee Orchard Road. If those are full, you can park at the Baskins Creek Trailhead off the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

The semi-steep trail is around 5 miles roundtrip, climbing steadily along a rocky path up to the 80-foot falls. It follows the creek and even crosses it a few times. There are numerous waterfalls and tumbling cascades along the way, keeping the trail interesting and engaging the entire way.

BONUS: Bears are frequently spotted along this trail! We tend to see them high up in the trees!

Day 4: Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary

On day four, you’ll be exploring a less-visited section of the park. You’ll be swimming in a remote swimming hole and hiking to an underrated waterfall.

Midnight Hole

The Big Creek area of the Smokies is so underrated. Since most people spend their time in the Gatlinburg area, many never venture to the more remote, quieter sides of the park.

Start your morning on the scenic Big Creek Trail. You’ll be hiking beside the creek the entire way, which is littered with waterfalls and tumbling cascades.

In just 1.5 miles, you’ll reach a sparkling natural swimming hole.

Midnight Hole, with its gleaming emerald-green waters, 6-foot waterfalls, and jumbo boulders, differs from all the other popular swimming holes in the Smokies. This natural swimming hole deep in the Smoky Mountains requires a 3-mile roundtrip hike, making it more hidden, remote, and difficult to get to than popular ones like the Townsend Wye and The Sinks.

More remote = less people.

Disclaimer: Even though Midnight Hole sees less traffic than other swimming holes in the park, it can still get crowded on a hot, summer day. Read more about what to expect in my full Midnight Hole guide.

Mouse Creek Falls

What makes the Big Creek Trail so epic is that it has not one but two epic waypoints, in just 2 miles. A half-mile after Midnight Hole, along the same trail, is a 45-foot waterfall!

After hiking 0.5 miles down the Big Creek Trail from Midnight Hole, you’ll start to hear louder rushing water – water that sounds heavier and stronger than the creek cascades. This is Mouse Creek Falls!

Just past a wooden horse fence will be a clearing in the trees, and you should see the falls! To get a better view, scramble down the boulders and get a front-row seat to this magnificent show.

Speaking of horses, horseback riding tours are also offered on this trail if you’re interested!

What To Do If You Have More Than 4 Days

Going to be visiting the Smokies for five days or longer?! Ahh, you’re so fortunate! Here are more fun things to add to your Great Smoky Mountains itinerary:

• Hike to the tallest waterfall in the park, Ramsey Cascades!
• Hike the Oconaluftee River Trail or Gatlinburg Trail with your dog.
• Drive the quiet Foothills Parkway.
• See the Synchronous Fireflies (late May/early June).
• Swim and hike at The Sinks and Meigs Creek Cascade Trail.
• Tube past picturesque waterfalls on Deep Creek.
• Hike the Deep Creek Waterfall Loop.
• Stop by Mingo Falls (just outside the park).
• Summit Mount Cammerer (my favorite viewpoint in the Smokies)
• Hike to and walk behind Grotto Falls.
• Hike to Baskins Creek Falls.

READ NEXT: Why Are the Smoky Mountains Smoky? + Other Fun Facts!

Where to Stay

There are many accommodation options in and near the Smoky Mountains! To maximize your time spent in the park, I’d recommend camping.

Camping in the Park

There are ten frontcountry campgrounds and many backcountry campsites in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Some campgrounds are large, bustling, and close to activities while others are small, quiet, and remote.

If you’re interested in camping but don’t know which campground to choose, you’ll want to check out my guide where I compare all 10 campgrounds in the Smokies!

Camping Outside of the Park

There are many campgrounds outside of the park, but warning: they’re usually more expensive than the campgrounds inside of the National Park.

But if you can’t snag a site inside the park, this would be a great option.

Here are some campgrounds outside of the National Park boundaries:

• Townsend/Great Smokies KOA – Townsend, TN (8 miles from Cades Cove, 1 mile from River Rat Tubing Outpost, and less than 0.5 miles from the park entrance)
• Camp LeConte – Gatlinburg, TN (5 miles from Roaring Fork and 7 miles from Sugarlands Visitor Center)
• River Valley – Cherokee, NC (4 miles from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and 2 miles from Mingo Falls)

Lodging Inside the Park

There is only one lodge inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park – LeConte Lodge. Not only are reservations extremely competitive and expensive, a minimum 11-mile roundtrip hike is required to reach this rustic lodge. You can read about the hike to LeConte and the Lodge here.

Lodging Outside the Park

These are the best towns to stay in when visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

• Gatlinburg – the most popular place to stay near the Smokies, endless activities
• Townsend – the quiet side of the Smokies
• Cherokee – lots to do but not as busy as Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge
• Pigeon Forge – touristy, family-friendly, busy, lots of things to do

I’d recommend these stays:

• Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park – family-friendly lodging with indoor water park and mini golf
• Little Arrow Outdoor Resort – luxury glamping, tiny homes, and campsites within walking distance of the park entrance
• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort – centrally located to lots of food and activities, just 4 miles from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center
• Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains – dog-friendly stargazing and safari tents

Read my detailed Where to Stay in the Smokies guide here! I not only share the best places to stay, but also reasons to stay in each town, what’s nearby & more!

Finish Planning Your Trip to the Smokies

No matter when you’ll be visiting the Smokies, I’ve got a separate guide for visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park in EACH SEASON!

• Smoky Mountains in the Spring: What to Expect
• Smoky Mountains in the Winter: What to Expect
• Smoky Mountains in the Fall: What to Expect
• Smoky Mountains in the Summer: What to Expect
• Best Time to Visit the Smoky Mountains? Each Season Compared!

DON’T VISIT THE SMOKIES WITHOUT READING THIS! >>> 7 Essential Things to Know Before Visiting Great Smoky Mountains

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