Family Fun Adventure in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Day 1: Adventure Day

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA

8:00AM

Hearty Breakfast at Pancake Pantry

Kickstart your adventure with a delicious stack of pancakes at the iconic Pancake Pantry, famous for its wide variety of flavors and family-friendly atmosphere.
Located just a short drive from Gatlinburg, it’s the perfect spot to fuel up for the day.
USD 50, 1 hour

9:15AM

Scenic Drive through Cades Cove

Enjoy a beautiful 11-mile loop drive in Cades Cove, where you can spot wildlife like deer and black bears, and take in the stunning mountain views.
Take the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Road to the Cades Cove loop entrance. It takes about 30 minutes to get there.
FREE, 2 hours

11:30AM

Nature Hike to Laurel Falls

Embark on a family-friendly hike to Laurel Falls, a beautiful 80-foot waterfall, perfect for all ages with its well-maintained trail.
From Cades Cove, drive about 30 minutes to the Laurel Falls trailhead parking area.
FREE, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Old Mill Pottery House Café

Refuel with a delightful lunch at The Old Mill Pottery House Café, offering comforting Southern dishes including hearty sandwiches and fresh salads.
Head towards Pigeon Forge, which is about a 30-minute drive from the Laurel Falls parking area.
USD 60, 1 hour

2:45PM

Visit to the Sugarlands Visitor Center

Stop by the Sugarlands Visitor Center to learn about the park's ecology through interactive exhibits, and get expert tips on additional activities in the area.
Drive about 20 minutes back towards Gatlinburg to reach the visitor center.
FREE, 1 hour

4:00PM

Wildlife Encounters at Cades Cove

Head back to Cades Cove for an afternoon of wildlife observation, where you can grab your binoculars and see if you can spot deer and wild turkeys.
It's about a 30-minute drive back to Cades Cove, where wildlife is often active in the late afternoon.
FREE, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Peddler Steakhouse

Wrap up your adventure with a delectable steak dinner at The Peddler Steakhouse, where you can indulge in a classic American meal with a view of the river.
Return to Gatlinburg, which takes about 30 minutes.
USD 100, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening Stroll at The Gatlinburg Strip

Enjoy an evening walk along the vibrant Gatlinburg Strip, full of shops, attractions, and beautiful mountain views to end the day on a high note.
The Gatlinburg Strip is walking distance from your dinner location.
FREE, 1 hour
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