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3-Day Family Adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains, USA

Viewed by 62 travelers

Day 1: Explore Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry

Start your day with delicious and fluffy pancakes at the beloved Pancake Pantry, an iconic breakfast spot in Gatlinburg.
Head towards the main strip in Gatlinburg.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hiking at Laurel Falls Trail

Enjoy a family-friendly hike on the Laurel Falls Trail, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the beautiful waterfall.
Drive 15 minutes to the trailhead at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
FREE, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Natures Way Cafe

Fuel up with nutritious smoothies and hearty sandwiches at the eco-friendly Natures Way Cafe, perfect for families looking for healthy options.
Return to the Gatlinburg main strip (15 minutes).
USD30, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Explore marine life at Ripley’s Aquarium, where the kids will be fascinated by interactive exhibits and fascinating sea creatures.
Walk 10 minutes from the cafe to the aquarium.
USD100, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

Take a scenic chairlift ride to the top of Crockett Mountain and enjoy stunning views of the Smoky Mountains.
Walk 5 minutes to the SkyLift Park.
USD60, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Smoky Mountain Brewery

End your day with hearty comfort food at Smoky Mountain Brewery, where you can enjoy homemade pizzas and local brews.
Walk 10 minutes to the brewery.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Adventure in Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Old Mill Restaurant

Delight your taste buds with a Southern breakfast featuring their famous biscuits and gravy at The Old Mill, a local favourite.
Drive 15 minutes to Pigeon Forge.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Dollywood Theme Park

Spend an exciting day at Dollywood, featuring rides, live entertainment, and a focus on Southern heritage and culture, perfect for family fun.
Continue driving 10 minutes to Dollywood.
USD150, 6 hours

3:30PM

Snack at Sweet Shoppe at Dollywood

Indulge in some sweet treats at the Sweet Shoppe to keep your energy up after a fun day in the park.
Located within Dollywood itself.
USD20, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Visit the Island in Pigeon Forge

Take a leisurely stroll and enjoy various attractions, shops, and the beautiful fountain show at The Island.
Drive 10 minutes to The Island.
FREE, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen

Gather for a family-style dinner serving Southern classics like fried chicken and biscuits, offering an interactive dining experience.
Walk within The Island's complex.
USD70, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Stroll around The Island

Enjoy your evening with a walk around The Island, taking in the lights and vibrant atmosphere.
Continue strolling through The Island.
FREE, 1 hour
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Day 3: Nature in Cades Cove

Cades Cove, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lonesome Dove Cafe

Start your journey into the wilderness with a warm breakfast at the Lonesome Dove Cafe, ideal for families appreciating local flavours.
Drive 30 minutes to Cades Cove.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Cades Cove Loop Road

Drive the scenic Cades Cove Loop Road while spotting wildlife and enjoying spectacular mountain views along the way.
Begin the loop at the entrance of Cades Cove.
FREE, 2 hours

11:30AM

Hiking at Abrams Falls Trail

Take a family hike to Abrams Falls, where you can enjoy nature and perhaps even a picnic by the beautiful waterfall.
Access the trailhead from the Cades Cove Loop Road.
FREE, 2 hours

1:30PM

Picnic Lunch at Cades Cove Picnic Area

Enjoy a packed lunch in the picturesque picnic area surrounded by nature, perfect for some family bonding time.
Return to the picnic area from the trail.
USD30 (Assuming packed lunches), 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Cades Cove Visitor Center

Learn more about the area's history and ecology through exhibits and interactive displays perfect for curious kids.
Head to the Visitor Center located at Cades Cove.
FREE, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Historic Cabins

Visit the old homesteads and cabins to get an insight into early settler life in the Smoky Mountains.
Located throughout the loop road, easy access.
FREE, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Cataloochee Valley Lodge

End your day with a hearty meal at the Cataloochee Valley Lodge overlooking the scenic beauty of the area.
Drive 30 minutes back to the Lodge.
USD60, 1.5 hours
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