From Locals Who Love It Here
We have been exploring these mountains for over 50 years. Here is everything we would tell a friend visiting for the first time and the tenth.
What Is Inside This Guide
America's Most Visited National Park
More people visit the Smokies than Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon combined. No entry fee, no ticket booth, and some of the most jaw dropping scenery in the Eastern US. Here is what we think you absolutely cannot miss.
Must SeeAt 6,643 feet this is the highest point in the park, and the views from the observation tower will stop you in your tracks. The walk up is steep but short at about half a mile, and the payoff is a 360 degree view above the clouds on a clear day.
Local Tip
Go at sunrise or just after a rainstorm for that famous smoky mist rolling through the valleys. Arrive early because the parking lot fills fast in summer.
Family FavoriteThe most visited waterfall in the park and for good reason. A paved and relatively easy 2.6 mile round trip leads to a beautiful 80 foot cascade. Perfect for families with little ones or guests who want natural beauty without a tough hike.
Local Tip
Go on a weekday morning to beat the crowds. The trail is paved but not stroller friendly in spots.
WildlifeAn 11 mile one way loop through an open valley where you can spot deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and even coyotes in their natural habitat. Historic homesteads and churches dot the landscape. One of the most beautiful drives in the entire national park system.
Local Tip
On Wednesday and Saturday mornings the loop is open only to walkers and cyclists until 10am. Magical and peaceful.
Gateway to the Mountains
Gatlinburg sits right at the entrance to the national park, which means you can go from sipping moonshine on the Parkway to hiking a mountain trail in about 10 minutes. It is a small town with a big personality and we love every quirky inch of it.
IconicRide the historic chairlift above the treetops of Gatlinburg and walk the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America at 680 feet long and 500 feet above the valley. It sways a little. That is part of the fun.
Local Tip
Visit at dusk when Gatlinburg's lights start twinkling below you. Absolutely breathtaking.
Only in the SmokiesGatlinburg is home to several legendary moonshine distilleries including Ole Smoky and Sugarlands. Tour the facilities, hear the history, and sample everything from classic white lightning to peanut butter and jelly moonshine. Free tastings.
Local Tip
Sugarlands has a beautiful tasting room and some of the best flavored moonshines in town. Ole Smoky is great for the full experience.
Year Round FunRide the aerial tramway from downtown Gatlinburg right up the mountain, a 2.1 mile ride with views that get better every second. At the top you will find skiing and snowboarding in winter plus alpine slides, wildlife encounters, an ice skating rink, and an arcade all year long.
Local Tip
The tram ride alone is worth the ticket. And yes, our Xplorie guests get free admission.
Do Not MissThe main street is an experience all its own. Saltwater taffy being pulled in shop windows, the smell of kettle corn and fudge, tchotchke shops next to art galleries. Walk it at night when everything is lit up. Stop for a hand pulled noodle show or watch a glassblower at work.
Local Tip
Donut Friar has the best donuts in town. The line is worth it, especially the cinnamon ones fresh and warm.
Hidden GemJust outside of downtown, an 8 mile loop road is home to over 100 independent artists and craftspeople. Potters, weavers, woodworkers, painters, and jewelers all sell directly from their studios. It is America's largest gathering of independent artisans.
Local Tip
Most studios let you watch the artists at work. You will find truly one of a kind gifts that you will not see anywhere else.
Rainy DayRipley's has a whole campus in Gatlinburg. The Aquarium of the Smokies with its shark tunnel, Believe It or Not museum, Haunted Adventure, mini golf, moving theater, and more. Great for a rainy day or when you need a break from the outdoors.
Local Tip
Buy combo tickets for multiple Ripley's attractions for the best value.
The Entertainment Capital of the Smokies
Pigeon Forge is where the action is. Think Dollywood, outlet shopping, dinner shows, go karts, mini golf, and a Parkway that never seems to sleep. It is loud and proud and we love it. Here is how to make the most of it.
Must DoDolly Parton's legendary theme park has been named the number one theme park in the world by USA Today readers multiple times and it earns it. World class roller coasters, incredible live entertainment, authentic Appalachian culture, and Southern food that will have you loosening your belt.
Local Tip
The Lightning Rod and Thunderhead coasters are legendary. Get there right when the park opens for shorter lines. And try the cinnamon bread, it is famous for a reason.
Dinner and ShowPigeon Forge is the dinner show capital of the South. Our Xplorie guests enjoy free admission to Pirates Voyage, Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud, Dolly's Stampede, The Comedy Barn, Country Tonight Theater, Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud, and more. Plan at least one because they are an experience unlike anything else.
Local Tip
Book dinner shows in advance during peak season because they sell out fast. Hatfield & McCoy is a personal favorite of ours.
ShoppingThe Island in Pigeon Forge is a beautiful outdoor entertainment and shopping complex with a 200 foot observation wheel, restaurants, shops, and live music. Right nearby, Tanger Outlets has over 75 brand name stores for serious bargain hunters.
Local Tip
The Island's fountain show is free and runs hourly in the evening. A great spot to relax with an ice cream after dinner.
Where to Eat
The Smokies have come a long way from basic tourist food. These days you will find everything from legendary Southern comfort cooking to craft cocktail bars. Here are the places we genuinely love, including our personal favorites marked below.
Hands down one of our favorite spots. The burgers are creative and enormous, the wings are crispy and saucy, and the views from the upper deck overlooking the mountains are hard to beat. Great for families or a casual night out after a long day of hiking.
A true hidden gem tucked into the Arts & Crafts Community. The food is fresh, creative, and beautifully presented. Think homemade soups, flatbreads, and sandwiches in a warm artistic setting surrounded by hand thrown pottery. A peaceful escape from the busy Parkway.
Country music star Jason Aldean's restaurant brings big energy to Gatlinburg. Multiple floors, a rooftop bar with incredible views, live music, great cocktails, and solid American food. Perfect for a night out when you want some atmosphere with your meal.
A beloved Smoky Mountain institution for over 30 years. All you can eat Southern cooking at its absolute finest. Fried chicken, country ham, apple fritters, and homemade apple butter that will ruin all other apple butter for you forever. Worth the drive to Sevierville every single time.
Perched over a mountain stream, The Peddler has been serving prime steaks and a legendary salad bar in Gatlinburg since 1976. If you want a special occasion dinner with serious mountain ambiance, this is your place. Reservations recommended.
Located in the historic Old Mill Square district, this restaurant serves stone ground grits, corn chowder, and Southern staples in a cozy mill setting right on the river. The Old Mill Square area itself is worth a visit with shops, a working gristmill, and beautiful river views.
Hit the Trails
With over 800 miles of trails in the national park alone, the hiking here is world class. Whether you are walking in flip flops or scaling a mountain, we have a trail for you. Here are our picks from easy strolls to serious summits.
Distance
2.4 miles RT
Elevation
500 ft gain
Time
1.5 to 2 hrs
One of the most popular hikes in the park for good reason. Walk alongside a stream, through heath balds, and arrive at a massive natural arch carved out of the mountainside. The full trail continues to Alum Cave Bluffs, a dry dramatic overhang that feels like another world. Paved sections make the start easy for all ages.
Local Tip
Go early because this trailhead fills up fast. Parking can be scarce by 9am on summer weekends.
Distance
2.6 miles RT
Elevation
320 ft gain
Time
1.5 hrs
The most visited waterfall trail in the park and it is paved the whole way. The 80 foot falls are absolutely stunning, especially in spring when wildflowers line the trail. Perfect for families with younger kids who want a payoff without a strenuous hike.
Distance
4 miles RT
Elevation
1,400 ft gain
Time
3 to 4 hrs
A challenging but incredibly rewarding trail leading to two dramatic rocky peaks that jut out above the treeline. The views from the top are some of the most spectacular in the entire park and you can see for miles in every direction. The final scramble requires hands and feet on rocks.
Local Tip
Wear proper hiking shoes because the trail is steep and rocky toward the top. Absolutely worth every step.
Distance
11 miles RT
Elevation
2,700 ft gain
Time
6 to 8 hrs
The crown jewel of Smoky Mountain hiking. Mt. LeConte is the third highest peak in the park and one of the most iconic hikes in the entire Appalachian region. The lodge at the top books up a year in advance and is a bucket list stay. Even as a day hike it is an unforgettable achievement.
Local Tip
Start at dawn and bring plenty of water and layers because it is 15 to 20 degrees cooler at the summit. Trekking poles are a game changer on the descent.
Retail Therapy Mountain Style
From handmade quilts to brand name outlets, the Smokies have something for every kind of shopper. Here is where we send our guests.
Unique FindsEight miles of independent artisan studios selling handmade pottery, woodwork, quilts, paintings, jewelry, and more. Everything is made right here by local craftspeople. It is the best place in the Smokies for truly one of a kind souvenirs and gifts.
Local Tip
Start at the Glades Road end of the loop and work your way around. Most studios are open six days a week.
Best DealsOver 75 outlet stores including Nike, Coach, Kate Spade, and more. Combined with The Island's entertainment complex right next door, you can shop, ride the observation wheel, grab dinner, and catch a fountain show all in one evening.
Local Tip
Park once at The Island and walk to Tanger. Weekday mornings are the quietest time to shop.
HistoricA charming historic district built around a working 1830 grist mill on the banks of the Little Pigeon River. Shops sell stone ground grits, old fashioned candy, local jams, and handmade goods. One of the most picturesque spots in all of Pigeon Forge.
Local Tip
Watch corn being ground at the working mill. The kids will be fascinated.
Every Season Has Its Magic
We get asked when the best time to visit is all the time. Honestly every season is wonderful for different reasons. Here is what to expect and what to plan for whenever you come.
Straight from the Locals
After 50 plus years and thousands of guests, these are the things we tell everyone before they arrive. Save this page and thank us later.
The Parkway through Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge can crawl to a standstill on summer weekends and fall color weekends. Leave earlier than you think, use the Pigeon Forge Trolley system to park once and ride, and consider midweek visits to popular spots.
There are an estimated 1,500 black bears in the national park, about two per square mile. You have a real chance of seeing one. Never approach, never feed, and stay at least 50 yards away. Store all food in your car or a bear box when camping.
The mountains create their own weather. It can be 85F in Gatlinburg and 55F at Kuwohi on the same day, and it can rain in the mountains while the sun shines in town. Always bring a light jacket and comfortable walking shoes regardless of the forecast.
Fall color season from mid October through early November is the single busiest time in the Smokies. Condos, restaurants, and dinner shows all book up fast. If you are planning a fall trip, start reserving 3 to 6 months in advance. We are not exaggerating.
As a Dream in the Smokies guest you have free admission to 19 top attractions, one per activity per day. Do not leave them on the table. Plan which shows and activities you want each day and email yourself the tickets before you head out.
The famous smoke in the Smoky Mountains is the blue morning mist rolling through the valleys, and it is best seen in the early morning hours. Get up before sunrise, head to an overlook, and bring a camera. It is the image you will tell everyone about when you get home.
Your Smoky Mountain adventure starts with the perfect place to stay. Browse our vacation condos and start planning today.