Family-Friendly Adventure Road Trip in the Great Smoky Mountains

Day 1: Nature Adventure Day

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry

Kick off your adventure with a hearty breakfast at Pancake Pantry, known for its wide variety of pancakes and family-friendly atmosphere.
Walking distance from your hotel in Gatlinburg.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

After breakfast, head to Gatlinburg SkyLift Park for stunning views of the Smoky Mountains from the chairlift, and try walking across the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.
Drive 10 minutes to the SkyLift Park.
USD80 (family of four), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Park Grill

Enjoy a southern-style lunch at The Park Grill, offering delicious meals with a great view of the mountains.
Backtrack to The Park Grill, a 5-minute drive away.
USD60, 1 hour

1:30PM

Cades Cove Loop Road

Drive to Cades Cove for a scenic 11-mile loop filled with wildlife sightings, beautiful landscapes, and historic log cabins, giving the family a sense of adventure and connection to nature.
Drive 35 minutes to Cades Cove.
Free, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Cades Cove Picnic

Stop for a scenic picnic using pre-packed snacks from earlier, making sure to enjoy the surroundings of Cades Cove amidst the wildlife and lush greenery.
Find a picnic area within Cades Cove.
USD20 (for snacks), 1 hour

5:30PM

Drive to Pigeon Forge

After your picnic, take a short scenic drive to Pigeon Forge where family entertainment awaits.
30-minute drive from Cades Cove to Pigeon Forge.
Free, 0.5 hour

6:15PM

Dinner at The Old Mill Restaurant

Wrap up your adventurous day with a delicious dinner at The Old Mill Restaurant, renowned for its Southern comfort food and rustic charm.
The Old Mill is a central location in Pigeon Forge, easy to find.
USD70, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Walk along the Pigeon Forge Parkway

Conclude your day with a leisurely walk along the Pigeon Forge Parkway, exploring shops, attractions, and soaking in the vibrant evening atmosphere.
Walking distance from The Old Mill.
Free, 1 hour
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