Eco-Friendly One-Day Adventure Road Trip in the Great Smoky Mountains

Day 1: Nature Adventure

Gatlinburg, TN

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry

Fuel up for your adventure with a stack of delicious pancakes at the famous Pancake Pantry, known for using local ingredients and eco-friendly practices.
Head east on Parkway toward Cades Cove.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Explore Cades Cove

Drive down to Cades Cove, a pristine valley teeming with wildlife, where you can spot deer, wild turkeys and even black bears while enjoying a scenic hike.
Follow Laurel Creek Rd to Cades Cove Loop Road.
USD20 for entrance fee, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Back Porch Restaurant

Savor a hearty lunch at The Back Porch, which emphasizes locally sourced and sustainable ingredients with a fantastic view of the mountains.
Head back to Gatlinburg on Cades Cove Loop Road then head east on the Parkway.
USD25, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Hike to Clingmans Dome

Visit Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Smokies, where a short hike will reward you with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Drive approximately 30 minutes to Clingmans Dome parking area.
Free, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Enjoy a relaxing drive through the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, with opportunities to stop and explore historic buildings and take short nature walks.
Drive back to Roaring Fork, just 20 minutes away.
Free, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Return to Gatlinburg

Head back to Gatlinburg to unwind after an exciting day packed with nature and adventure.
Follow the signs back to Gatlinburg on the Parkway.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Peddler Steakhouse

Cap off your day with a delightful dinner at The Peddler, a great place that offers local meats and a beautiful ambiance overlooking a river.
Located downtown in Gatlinburg, just a short drive.
USD40, 1.5 hours

7:30 PM

Evening Stroll on the Gatlinburg Strip

Finish with a relaxing evening stroll along the Gatlinburg Strip, taking in shops, local artisans and the vibrant, eco-conscious community.
Walk along the Parkway, accessible from The Peddler.
Free, 1 hour
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