Start your adventure by driving through Cades Cove, a picturesque valley that offers breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Get up close and personal with nature by hiking the trails, cycling or renting a horse from the park's stables. The cove also has several historic structures, including log cabins and churches, that tourists can admire.
Stop at the Sugarlands Visitor Center to get a brief history of the park and its wildlife. Take the kids to the interactive exhibits, and pick up a Junior Ranger Program booklet for them to complete during your stay. The center also provides maps, park passes and helpful advice to make your stay in the Smokies more enjoyable.
Get in the car and drive through Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a scenic drive with stunning views of waterfalls and a diverse range of flora and fauna. You can also stop at featured cabins and mills to learn about the early settlers of the area.
End the day by visiting Gatlinburg SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the United States. Enjoy panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains while walking the 680 feet bridge. You can also opt to ride the SkyLift up to the bridge and indulge in some views of Gatlinburg city.
Get an early start and hike up to Clingmans Dome, the highest peak in the park. The 0.5-mile trail is stroller-friendly and leads to a 54-foot observation tower, which offers stunning panoramic views of up to 100 miles on clear days.
Take a leisurely hike along the Laurel Falls Trail, known for the 80 feet Laurel Falls cascading down from a cliff. The 2.3-miles round trip trail is stroller-friendly and provides a tranquil glimpse of the park's diverse flora and fauna.
You'll need to have access to a car to explore Smoky Mountains National Park. Be sure to have a full tank of gas, pack appropriate snacks, water, and always carry warm clothes and rain gear since weather conditions can change quickly.
The closest airport to Smoky Mountains National Park is Knoxville McGhee-Tyson Airport, which is about 45 miles away. Uber and Lyft are available, but a private car will be more convenient to enjoy the park.
If you have more than two days, consider visiting the park's historic cabins and grist mills, renting bikes and traversing Cades Cove's scenic loop road, or further exploring the park's 800 miles of hiking trails.
Should you have less time or are traveling with younger ones, cut short exploring the winding mountain roads and the Laurel Falls Trail.
Located approximately 45 miles away, the closest airport to Smoky Mountain National Park is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, Tennessee. It is a small airport offering direct flights to various destinations including New York City, Dallas, and Orlando.