The Chimney Tops Trail is a 4-mile round trip hike that offers a challenging but rewarding climb with stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains. The trail is steep and rocky, but the panoramic view from the top is worth the effort. It is one of the most popular trails in the park and gets crowded quickly, so try to start early in the morning.
The Cades Cove Loop Road is a scenic drive that leads to an 11-mile loop through the valley of Cades Cove, providing visitors with breathtaking views of the mountains and abundant wildlife. The drive takes approximately two to four hours, depending on how many stops you make along the way. It is recommended to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat.
Transportation is not included in the itinerary as the park can be accessible by car. It is recommended to have a rental car or personal vehicle to get around as there is no public transportation around the park. A car can be rented from the nearest airport or city. The cost of renting a car will depend on its make, model, and rental period. The nearest airport to the park is the McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), which is approximately an hour (32 mi) from the city center.
If you have more time, you may want to consider hiking other popular trails in the park, such as Laurel Falls and Alum Cave Trail. If you have less time, it's highly recommended to do the Chimney Tops Trail early in the morning, followed by Cades Cove Loop Road in the afternoon. Bring plenty of water and snacks as there are limited stores in the park. It's also important to wear proper hiking shoes and clothing for the Chimney Tops Trail.
The nearest airport to the park is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), which is located in Blount County, Tennessee, and is approximately an hour (32 mi) from the city center. The airport serves multiple airlines, including Delta, American Airlines, and United Airlines, offering direct flights to major cities in the United States, such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, and Washington D.C.