1-Day Nature Escape in the Great Smoky Mountains

Day 1: Nature Exploration

Gatlinburg, TN, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry

Kickstart your day with a stack of their signature pancakes topped with fresh fruit at this beloved local eatery.
Head northeast to the Pancake Pantry located on historic Parkway, a 5-minute drive from the Visitor Center.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hiking at Laurel Falls Trail

After breakfast, embark on a scenic 2.6-mile round trip hike to the stunning Laurel Falls, the park's most popular waterfall.
Drive to the Laurel Falls Trailhead parking area, about 15 minutes from Pancake Pantry.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Grotto Falls Picnic Area

Enjoy a relaxing picnic amidst nature while gazing at the stunning views surrounding Grotto Falls, accessible from the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
Drive to the Grotto Falls Picnic Area, roughly a 25-minute drive from Laurel Falls Trail.
USD10 (for packed lunch), 1 hour

1:30PM

Scenic Drive on Cades Cove Loop

Take a leisurely 11-mile drive through Cades Cove, immersing yourself in breathtaking landscapes and opportunities to spot wildlife such as deer and black bears.
The Cades Cove entrance is about a 30-minute drive from the picnic area.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit the Cades Cove Visitor Center

Learn about the rich history of the cove and its settlers at this informative center, perfect for a quick stop.
Located at the end of the Cades Cove Loop road.
Free, 30 minutes

4:15PM

Explore the Cades Cove Hiking Trails

Choose one of the short hiking trails to extend your adventure, such as the McCoy Cave Trail, which leads to an intriguing cave.
Nearby the Visitor Center, with ample signage to guide your hike.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at The Old Mill

Conclude your day with a hearty dinner at The Old Mill, where you can enjoy Southern classics, including their famous fried chicken and homemade biscuits.
Head back to Pigeon Forge for about a 30-minute drive from Cades Cove.
USD25, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening Stroll in Gatlinburg

After dinner, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Gatlinburg Parkway to soak in the charm of this mountain town as the sun sets.
A short 15-minute drive back into Gatlinburg, where the Parkway is easily accessible.
Free, 1 hour
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