Trip ideas while visiting Gatlinburg in Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a unique national park that stands out because it doesn’t charge an entrance fee. It’s incredibly popular, attracting over 10 million visitors every year. The park spans 522,427 acres and is located in both Tennessee and North Carolina, with the border dividing it. Apart from offering fantastic hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, the park also showcases historical exhibits, such as original Appalachian cabins. Additionally, you can take scenic drives to must-see places like Cades Cove and the waterfalls along the Roaring Fork Motor Trail. If you’re into observing wildlife in their natural habitat, Cades Cove is an ideal location to spot deer and black bears. To begin your adventure, stop by the Sugarland Visitor Center, where you can learn about the area’s history and grab trail maps. Alternatively, you can access the park through Greenbrier, known as “the locals entrance,” located a little over 2 miles east of Gatlinburg. This entry point is less crowded compared to other areas and serves as the starting point for trails like Ramsay Cascades, Porter’s Creek, and Injun Creek.
The Roaring Fork Motor Trail has received enthusiastic praise from recent visitors who consider it a “must-see” destination. This scenic trail offers breathtaking views, but due to its narrow one-way road, it tends to get crowded during peak seasons, such as summer and October. To avoid the crowds, reviewers suggest starting early in the morning, especially if you plan to hike the various trailheads along the route. One highly recommended stop is Grotto Falls, which is located at stop No. 5 on the Roaring Fork Motor Trail. Visitors were thrilled by the opportunity to spot bears and other wildlife while traveling along this route. Another popular spot for wildlife viewing is the Cades Cove Loop. Visitors advise bringing a packed lunch and drinks, as well as setting aside at least half a day to fully explore the historic cabins and sites found along the loop. Similar to the Roaring Fork Motor Trail, traffic can be heavy during peak times on the Cades Cove Loop.