The Ultimate Great Smoky Mountains Vacation Guide

Looking for a Great Smoky Mountains vacation guide? We’ve got all the tips in this podcast episode! 

 

I’ve been visiting the Smoky Mountains ever since I was a little kid. We’ve camped, stayed in cabins, hiked, did cheesy touristy things in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, and so much more. However, this was Chris’s first time exploring this gorgeous national park! I was so excited to come back and show him around as well as go on more challenging hikes. 

So in this podcast episode, we’re sharing all of our tips including how to get there, where to stay (including all the types of accommodation), top hikes and hidden gems, where to eat and drink, and more! 

We’re so thankful that even in the country’s most visited national park that we were able to have trails to ourselves! Thanks to Moon Travel’s Great Smoky Mountains Guide book, we were able to create an incredible itinerary based on many of their recommendations! 

What other hikes and things do you like to do in the Great Smoky Mountains? Let us know in the comments or tweet us @wwhoneymoon, message us on Instagram @worldwidehoneymoon, or email [email protected]. 

*This episode is sponsored by Moon Travel Guides! All opinions are our own.

Time Stamps Great Smoky Mountains Vacation Guide:

• 0:23- Intro
• 0:39- Moon Travel Guides
• 1:41- Updates and topic intro: The Great Smoky Mountains Vacation Guide
• 2:36- Thoughts prior to arriving
• 5:38- First impressions of the Great Smoky Mountains
• 13:43- How to get there
• 15:50- Where to stay
• 23:08- Best hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains
• 38:13- Where to eat and drink around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• 45:13- Top experience of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• 48:56- Would we go back?
• 51:59- Wrap up

Helpful Links and Further Reading:

• Blog Posts:
  • Ultimate 3 Days in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  • Best Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains
  • Best Time to Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  • The Ultimate Tennessee Honeymoon Guide
  • 3 Days in Asheville, NC
  • 3 Days in Portland, Maine
  • US Bucket List Destinations
  • 30 Best USA Fall Destinations
• Podcast Episodes:
  • Top Tips for a Day Hike
  • Road Trip Tips for Couples
• Great Smoky Mountains Moon Travel Guide
• Do NOT do: Jurassic Jungle Boat Ride (Read reviews here!)
• How to Get There:
  • Airports Check Skyscanner for the best flight deals! 
    • Knoxville Airport- 1 hour from Gatlinburg
    • Asheville Airport- 1.5 hours from Gatlinburg
    • Greenville-Spartanburg Airport- 2.5 hours from Gatlinburg
    • Charlotte Airport- 3 hours from Gatlinburg (easiest for international flights)
  • Driving– check out rental cars here! 
• Where to Stay:
  • Cosby Campground: $17.50 per night (No electricity or showers)
  • Cades Cove Campground: $25 per night (No electricity or showers)
  • Mount LeConte Lodge: $154.50 per person per night (includes lodging, breakfast, and dinner)
  • Cabins: Rent on VRBO and here is a great cabin! This cabin is about $150 per night. Want more options? Check out our guide all about the best cabins in the Smoky Mountains!
  • Hotels:
    • Budget: Clarion Point Downtown Gatlinburg– Less than $100 per night
    • Mid-Range: Greystone Lodge on the River– $150 per night
    • Luxury: Berry Springs Lodge– $225 per night
• Best Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
  • Baskin Creek Falls: 3.2 miles from Roaring Fork Motor Trailhead
  • Mount Cammerer Hike: 11.2 miles from Low Gap Trail to Appalachian Trail
  • Mount LeConte Hike: 10 miles from the Alum Cave Trailhead
  • Ramsey Cascades: 8 miles from the Ramsey Cascades Trailhead
  • Cades Cove: 11 miles but you can drive (2-3 hours to complete) or hike it! 
  • Abrahms Falls Trail: 5 miles and off of Cades Cove
• Where to Eat/Drink near the Smoky Mountains:
  • Local Goat
  • Mad Dog Creamery and Donuts
  • The Old Mill Restaurant
  • Pottery House Cafe
  • Gatlinburg Brewing Company
  • Ole Smoky Moonshine
  • Cheesy Touristy Thing: Hatfield McCoy Dinner Theatre

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