7-Day Family Adventure and Relaxation Itinerary in the Great Smoky Mountains

Day 1: Arrive and Explore

Gatlinburg, TN

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry

Start your family adventure with a hearty breakfast at Pancake Pantry, famous for its delicious buttermilk pancakes.
Located in downtown Gatlinburg.
USD15, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitor Center

Discover the rich natural history and exhibits at the Visitor Center, perfect for kids of all ages.
A short drive from the breakfast spot.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Smoky Mountain Brewery

Enjoy a casual family-friendly lunch with pizzas and handcrafted beers for the adults.
Located roughly 5 minutes from the Visitor Center.
USD40, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

Take a scenic chairlift ride up the mountain and walk across the SkyBridge for stunning views.
Just a 10-minute walk from the lunch spot.
USD30, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Stroll the Gatlinburg Strip

Experience the fun shops, candy stores, and sights along the bustling strip.
Start right from the SkyLift Park.
Varies, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Park Grill

Wrap up your first day with a cozy dinner at The Park Grill, known for its steak and barbecue.
Just a 5-minute drive from the strip.
USD60, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Thrilling Adventures

Pigeon Forge, TN

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Flapjack's Pancake Cabin

Fuel up for an adventurous day with fluffy pancakes and hearty breakfast platters.
Drive 15 minutes to Pigeon Forge.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Dollywood

Experience thrilling rides and entertainment at Dollywood, perfect for family fun.
Located directly in Pigeon Forge.
USD120 (family pass for 4), 5 hours

3:30 PM

Late Lunch at Aunt Granny's Restaurant

Enjoy southern-style buffet dining with food everyone will love post-ride.
Inside Dollywood.
USD50, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Outdoor Adventure at the Island in Pigeon Forge

Explore unique shops and enjoy rides at this entertainment complex.
Short drive from Dollywood.
Varies, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Margaritaville

Unwind with a relaxed dinner in a tropical atmosphere, great for families.
Located on the Island.
USD55, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Nature and History

Cades Cove, TN

7:30 AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast at your hotel before your day of exploration begins.
In Gatlinburg.
Included, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Drive to Cades Cove

Enjoy the scenic route as you head to Cades Cove for a mix of nature and history.
Approximately a 30-minute drive.
Free, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Cades Cove Loop Road

Take a leisurely drive around the 11-mile loop, observing wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
Cades Cove area.
Free, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Hiking the Abrams Falls Trail

Enjoy a family-friendly hike to the stunning Abrams Falls, showcasing the beauty of the Smokies.
Trailhead near Cades Cove.
Free, 2.5 hours

2:00 PM

Picnic Lunch

Settle down for a family picnic lunch amidst nature; pack sandwiches and snacks.
At a picnic area in Cades Cove.
USD20, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Historic Sites Tour

Visit the preserved historic buildings including cabins and churches throughout Cades Cove.
Spread throughout the cove.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Drive back to Gatlinburg

And unwind after a fulfilling day exploring the cove, taking in the views along the way.
Return to your starting point.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Cherokee Grill

Finish the day with a delicious southern dinner at this rustic mountain lodge.
Gatlinburg, 10 minutes from your hotel.
USD50, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Hiking Adventure

Roan Mountain, TN

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Blueberry Pancake House

Start the morning with fresh blueberry pancakes, a local favorite.
Gatlinburg, 20 minutes drive.
USD30, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Drive to Roan Mountain State Park

Journey to Roan Mountain for breathtaking hiking experiences.
Approximately 1 hour drive.
Free, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Hike the Rhododendron Gardens Trail

Enjoy panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains on this family-friendly hike.
Trailhead at Roan Mountain.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Picnic Lunch at the Park

Pack sandwiches and enjoy lunch in the beautiful surroundings.
Find a cozy spot near the flower gardens.
USD20, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Explore the Bunkum Cave

Take a spontaneous tour of Bunkum Cave for some cool underground exploration.
Located within Roan Mountain State Park.
USD15, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Return Hike or Nature Walk

Enjoy a leisurely stroll back, or explore the nature trails nearby.
Back to the parking area.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Front Porch

Indulge in some home-cooked comfort food after a rewarding day outdoors.
Located near Roan Mountain.
USD40, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Drive back to Gatlinburg

End the day with a scenic drive back to your hotel.
About an hour back.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cultural Day in Asheville

Asheville, NC

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Jump Off Rock Cafe

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before heading to Asheville.
Located just a short drive to Asheville.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Drive to Asheville

Take a scenic drive to explore more of the Appalachian region.
Travel is around 1 hour.
Free, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit Biltmore Estate

Explore the grand Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home, with beautiful gardens and wine tastings.
Located in Asheville.
USD75 (family pass for 4), 4 hours

3:00 PM

Lunch at The Stable Café

Indulge in delightful southern cuisine within the Biltmore grounds.
Inside the estate.
USD60, 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Explore Downtown Asheville

Venture into the vibrant downtown for local shops and art galleries.
Short drive from Biltmore.
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Tupelo Honey

End your day with a delicious dinner featuring southern comfort food with a twist.
In downtown Asheville.
USD70, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Scenic Drive

Blue Ridge Parkway

8:00 AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Have a leisurely breakfast before embarking on your scenic day.
In Asheville.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Experience one of the most scenic drives in the nation with breathtaking mountain views.
Access is from Asheville.
Free, 5-6 hours

12:30 PM

Picnic Lunch at Craggy Gardens

Stop at Craggy Gardens for a picnic amid stunning vistas and rhododendron blooms.
A scenic pull-off area along the parkway.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Hikes along the Parkway

Embark on short hikes along the parkway, such as Craggy Pinnacle or Graveyard Fields.
Same area.
Free, 2-3 hours

4:30 PM

Return Drive to Asheville

Relax on your drive back, soaking in the views you might have missed.
Retrace your path.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at White Duck Taco Shop

Wrap up your day with super fun and funky tacos, catering to everyone’s taste.
Located in downtown Asheville.
USD50, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Final Day of Relaxation

Gatlinburg, TN

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Log Cabin

Enjoy a homey breakfast to start your last adventure day.
In Gatlinburg.
USD30, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Take a scenic drive through this beautiful area, exploring at your own pace.
Located just minutes from Gatlinburg.
Free, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Stop by Laurel Falls Trail

Enjoy a short hike to see one of the park's most picturesque waterfalls.
Trailhead close to the Motor Trail.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Old Mill Restaurant

Savor southern comfort food with a beautiful riverside view.
Drive back to Pigeon Forge.
USD50, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Engage with marine life in this award-winning aquarium filled with interactive exhibits.
Head back to Gatlinburg.
USD80 (family pass for 4), 2 hours

5:00 PM

Relax at your hotel

Enjoy downtime to relax and refresh before your last dinner.
Head back to your accommodation.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Farewell Dinner at The Place at Perry's

Conclude your journey with a delicious farewell dinner featuring local cuisine and friendly service.
Located in Gatlinburg.
USD70, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability