Hey! My name is Sarah, and I’m a local here in the Smoky Mountains. I am so lucky to have lived here for almost 20 years. Since starting this blog, I’ve had tons of people ask me to plan their trips, so I decided to take on this fun challenge: I recently had a good friend visit for the very first time, and they’d never been to East Tennessee. That gave me the perfect opportunity to create the ultimate itinerary for first-time visitors to the Smoky Mountains!
Now, if you’ve never been to the Smokies before and want to experience it all, buckle up, because, unfortunately, you can’t do everything in just one trip!
There are endless hiking trails, tons of restaurants, and so many activities to choose from, from ziplines to mini-golf courses. And the best part? There’s always something new to discover! The Smoky Mountains are constantly evolving, with new attractions and places popping up all the time.
This itinerary is designed for the warmer months, when the weather is perfect for outdoor adventures. If you’re visiting in the winter, keep in mind that some roads and attractions may be closed due to weather conditions and some shows closed during the off season.
Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation
Check-In: Start your adventure by checking into your accommodation. Whether you choose a cozy cabin, a charming resort, or a convenient AirBNB, the Smokies offer something for every preference. If you’re craving a stunning mountain view, a cabin might be your best bet. Many come equipped with hot tubs, theaters, and more! For those who prefer a hotel experience, consider whether you’d like to stay in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg—both are nearby and offer plenty of amenities.
Unwind & Relax: After check-in, take it easy. Unpack, enjoy the pool, and soak in the mountain air before heading out for some fun.
The Island: Later, make your way to The Island in Pigeon Forge. With free parking and trolley rides, it’s the perfect place to wander. Explore unique shops, ride the Ferris wheel, Fly around the world at SkyFly, catch a free water show, or play a trivia game at The Great Big Game Show. There are also plenty of restaurants for a tasty meal to end the evening.
Day 2: Explore the Scenic Views
Breakfast: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Crocket Breakfast Camp in Gatlinburg, or whip up something at home.
Since we are going to the Smoky Mountains today, Be sure to pick up a day, weekly or annual parking pass. You can grab one at The Sugarland’s Visitor Center on your way to New Found Gap or any visitor Center you pass. They are not expensive, but be sure to grab one. If you don’t plan to leave your car for more than 15 mins, you won’t need one but if you plan to hike and leave your car for longer than 15 mins. It is required.
Daily – $5
Weekly – $15
Annual – $40
Newfound Gap Road & Kuwohi formally known as Clingman’s Dome: Hit the road and take a scenic drive on Newfound Gap Road, which leads you to Kuwohi, the highest point in the Smokies. The views are breathtaking, and the observation tower offers an incredible panorama of the entire region.
Lunch on the Gatlinburg Strip or eat at Anakeesta
Head to Anakeesta, an outdoor mountain theme park in Gatlinburg. You can enjoy a delicious lunch with stunning views and explore attractions like the treetop walkways, scenic gondola rides, mountain coasters and zipline courses.
Day 3: Cades Cove & Dinner Show
Breakfast: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Brick & Spoon, known for its Southern-inspired menu. They serve a great Brunch and wonderful drinks.
Cades Cove: Drive to Cades Cove, an 11 mile one lane loop road. It has beautiful mountain view. It’s a popular spot for deer and bear watching, and you can enjoy a scenic picnic lunch while taking in the beauty of the area. Be sure to pack snacks and have a full tank of gas. I would recommend this on a weekday and to go as early in the morning as you can. It can be very busy and you can get trapped out there with traffic. Also, be aware there is no cell phone service out there.
Dinner Show: End the day with some local entertainment by attending a dinner show like Dolly Parton’s Stampede, Pirates Voyage, or Hatfield McCoy for some laughs and a great meal.
Come see our time there and read all about Our Experience at Hatfield and McCoy or read about Our time at Pirate’s Voyage
Day 4: Roaring Fork & Downtown Gatlinburg
Breakfast: Start with breakfast at home or head over to Five Oaks Farm Kitchen for a true Southern experience.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: Take a drive along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a one-way loop that showcases the Smoky Mountains’ natural beauty. You’ll pass through old cabins, streams, and breathtaking forests. It’s a great spot for a scenic drive and a few photos. If you are looking for a great hike, try Grotto Falls where you can walk behind a waterfall.
Lunch & Gatlinburg Strip: For lunch, head to Jason Aldean’s Kitchen or one of the many restaurants on the Gatlinburg Strip. Afterward, take a stroll down the strip, where you can explore shops, arcades, and even visit the Gatlinburg Skypark, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.
Dinner: Wrap up your day with a delicious meal at Smith & Son’s Corner Kitchen in Gatlinburg, known for their fantastic Southern-style dishes and great atmosphere.
Day 5: Adventure Day
Breakfast: Start your day with a filling breakfast at Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge. This historical Mill has been around since the 1830s. They serve Breakfast, lunch and dinner. They don’t offer any kind of reservations but there is so much to explore in the area, you can keep yourself entertained while looking at the Mill, Going into some shops, and seeing the beautiful grounds. They have a saying they love called “Mill Made” and lots of their food is just that. They serve all your classic southern food!
Drive down The Foothills Parkway for an amazing scenic view. I love to start at the Northeast Entrance not to far from Townsend and drive just a few miles for the beautiful views. You don’t have to drive the whole 38 miles to experience the beauty of the mountains but a quick 20-30 min drive is beautiful. If you are on the Parkway navigate to “Foothills Parkway Northeast Entrance and drive towards the Southwest Entrance that is going towards Chilhowee.
After you are done exploring the parkway, head over to Ober Gatlinburg for a fun afternoon.
Ober Gatlinburg, a ski resort and amusement park with plenty to do year-round. Grab lunch while there and enjoy the activities, including an alpine slide, an ice skating rink, chair lift, rock climbing wall and bumper boats. Be sure to be prepared to wait in line to ride the Aerial Tram. It is definitely worth it if you have never done it, but if you are scared of heights, you can just drive to the top and pay for parking there.
Dinner & Fun: For dinner, try Gorilla Taco in Pigeon Forge for some fresh and creative tacos, or check out one of the many other unique eateries in the area.
Putt-Putt : After dinner, end the day with some fun at and play a round of mini-golf. We have so many to choose from. Scooby Doo is a new one opening soon, Toy Box is a great one with fun photo ops or Crave Golf is close by as well.
Day 6: Dollywood Day
Breakfast: Start the day with a breakfast at home or head to The Apple Barn—a local favorite!
The Apple Barn: The Apple Barn is more than just a restaurant. It’s an experience. You can explore the bakery, candy store, and even grab some homemade ice cream at The Creamery. Take some time to wander through the shops and pick up some locally made goodies.
Dollywood: Dedicate the rest of the day to Dollywood, the iconic theme park. It’s a full day of fun with rides, shows, and attractions for all ages. Be sure to check their schedule before you go so you don’t miss any of the fantastic performances. If you’re traveling with little ones, check out my other blog post on how to make the most of your visit to Dollywood with toddlers
The Ultimate Guide For A Toddler Going To Dollywood
or
What to Pack When Going To Dollywood
Day 7: Zorb Ride & Magic Show
Breakfast: Enjoy a final breakfast at FlapJack Pancake Cabin, a beloved spot for traditional Southern pancakes.
Take a fun Zorb Ride down an 11 foot giant inflatable ball and roll down our 1000 ft hill. This was invented in New Zealand and this is the only park in the USA where you can do this!
If you have time, try horseback riding at Jayell Ranch. You can experience the most scenic horseback ride in the Smokies.
Lunch: Stop by Local Goat for a delicious lunch in Pigeon Forge. It is a favorite to many. You will always find their parking lot full. They are a casual American dining restaurant and are a full service bar. Kids are of course welcome. They do take reservations online for parties of 10 or less but if you have more in your group, you would need to call. You can go to the Local Goat for lunch or dinner and they serve Gourmet Hamburgers, Chicken Wings, Premium Meats.
Shopping & Magic Show: Spend the afternoon shopping at the Tanger Outlets then treat yourself to a show by Magician Terry Evanswood at the Evanswood Magic Theater. He is the longest running show in the Smoky Mountains with being here for 28 years and has done over 10,000 Show!
Dinner: For your last meal in the Smokies, enjoy a casual dinner at Smoky Mountain Brewery They are the oldest craft Brewery in East Tennessee and serve their 6 flagship beers on tap all year long and have 4 seasonal brews served different times throughout the year.
They serve some amazing wet wings that are my personal favorite as well as burgers, sandwiches, subs, salads, pizzas and calzones. You can’t go wrong with what to pick. They also have live music, Singo, Trivia nights and Karaoke.
where you can relax and reflect on an amazing trip.
That’s a wrap! Whether you’ve spent your days hiking, shopping, or exploring all the fun attractions, I hope this itinerary helps you plan the ultimate Smoky Mountain getaway. The Smokies have something for everyone, and each visit offers a new adventure. Happy travels, and I hope you enjoy every moment in this beautiful corner of the world!
If you loved this blog post you may like..
Locally Owned Restaurants in the Smoky Mountains
Fun Things to do with your Toddlers in the Smoky Mountains
I hope you have a wonderful vacation and hope this itinerary helps inspire you with some things to do.
XOXO
