USA Road Trip: The Great Smoky Mountains

As a Tennessee girl, I have always loved a road trip through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is one of the most visited parks in the country, and it’s easy to see why! It’s a great place to camp, hike, and explore the healing benefits of nature. Whether you are taking your family or going solo, it’s a perfect vacation in the mountains.

 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

 

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans across two states: Tennessee and North Carolina. It’s beautiful for a road trip, and the park is FREE to visit, which is rare for National Parks, so it’s perfect for a budget trip! It’s an idyllic drive no matter the time of year.

 

 

When heading into the Great Smoky Mountains, plan enough time to visit so you aren’t worried about rushing. The drive isn’t difficult, however it’s probably not one I’d take if there is heavy snow. The mountain roads are full of twists and turns, so plan enough time to drive through safely to fully enjoy the experience. You’ll also find many opportunities to stop and take photos along your journey, especially at overlooks. 

 

The park is pretty large (#19 in size out of all of the National Parks), so it’s best to take two days to see the entire park. However, if you only have time to see half the park, it’s still well worth the drive. 

 

Planning for your Road trip to the Smoky Mountains

 

There is so much to do and see in the Great Smoky Mountains area. Road trip straight through, or stop for a few hikes and enjoy the views. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are right outside of the National Park, so take some time to see these unique and fun towns.

 

 

When to visit 

 

Each season offers a unique experience in the Great Smoky Mountains. If you want to see the flowering trees and wildflowers, Spring is your best bet. Summertime brings mountain streams and stunning forests. Fall is a wonderful time to hike and enjoy the Autumn colors, and winter brings different views because of the leaves no longer on the trees.

 

 

The best time to visit the park is from April to October. The temperature never reaches over 80 degrees Fahrenheit! In the winter it can dip to the 20’s. Watch the weather forecast before you go, and avoid any snowy days if your car isn’t equipped for it.

 

Plan ahead

 

A road trip isn’t complete without a cooler full of snacks. Make sure you have enough food and water, because you can’t be sure when you will see food stops along the way. 

 

Phone service could also be hard to find while in the park. Don’t forget to download some podcasts and spotify playlists ahead of time.

 

This is one of the most popular National Parks! That means it’s going to have lots of visitors when you go. This can make it difficult to find a good parking spot. Take good walking shoes and expect to walk quite a bit, both from the parking lot and while you’re exploring the park!

 

 

The Visitor’s Center

 

Stop by the Visitor’s Center upon arrival, and make friends with the volunteers! They are a wealth of information, and will point you in the right direction. Want to see the beautiful wildflowers? What about the most picturesque spots? They will help you with all of your planning.

 

Want to learn even more? There’s a film you can watch there that dives into the history and information about the park, which can be educational for kids and adults alike. 

 

 

Hiking & Trails

 

Do a bit of research beforehand, and decide what you want to see while hiking. Ask at the Visitor’s Center so they can help you find your way. They can tell you the difficulty of the trail, what you can expect to see, and even how long it takes to complete the hike.

 

Clingman’s Dome

 

Off the main park, drive another seven miles to reach Clingman’s Dome. It’s the highest point in the Smokies, at over 6,600 feet. While this hike is steep, it’s only about a mile round trip and it’s paved, so it’s rated as kid-friendly. The panoramic views, along with the wildlife and wildflowers, are second to none – and worth every steep step!

 

 

It gets foggy in the Smokies, so planning a visit on a clear day is ideal. You won’t get the best views if it’s rainy or foggy. Sometimes, the misty views are unavoidable since this park gets 80 inches of rainfall each year!

 

 

Cades Cove

 

You will enjoy a beautiful drive through Cades Cove on any day of the year. But, if you’re up for more of a challenge, try walking or biking through Cades Cove. This is an 11-mile one way loop that takes several hours to complete on foot, or 2-ish hours by bike.

 

On the loop, you’ll see a variety of historic buildings, including a working corn mill, barns, churches, and log houses built in the 18th and 19th centuries.

 

 

Grab the self-guided tour booklet at the entrance of the loop road to learn more about the history of Cades Cove. If you go early enough, you may even be lucky enough to see wild turkeys, elk, and deer.

 

Hiking trails with waterfalls

 

If you’re anything like me and you love waterfalls, you’ll enjoy these trails:

• Abrams Falls: 20 foot waterfall, 3-4 hours for the round trip hike
• Hen Wallow Falls: 90 foot waterfall, 3-4 hours for the round trip hike
• Rainbow Falls: 80 foot waterfall, 3-5 hours for the round trip hike
• Laurel Falls: 80 foot waterfall, 2-3 hours for the round trip hike

 

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a treasure trove of wonders. Do a road trip to the Smoky Mountains on your own or take the whole family to enjoy the serenity of the mountains. Tennessee is waiting for you! 

 

Don’t forget to check out any current closures or Covid notices in the park before you go.