Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

5-Day Family Adventure Itinerary in the Great Smoky Mountains

Viewed by 102 travelers

Day 1: Explore Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg, TN

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry

Start your day with the delicious blueberry pancakes that have made Pancake Pantry a local favorite.
Located in downtown Gatlinburg, a short walk from your hotel.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Explore this family-friendly aquarium with interactive exhibits and a stunning underwater tunnel.
Only a 5-minute walk from Pancake Pantry.
USD150, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Park Grill

Have a hearty lunch at this mountain lodge-style restaurant that offers delicious smoked ribs and fresh salads.
A short 5-minute drive from the aquarium.
USD80, 1 hour

2:00PM

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

Take a scenic chairlift ride to enjoy breathtaking views of the Smokies and walk across the SkyBridge.
20-minute walk from The Park Grill.
USD100, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Smoky Mountain Brewery

Relish a casual dinner with a family-friendly atmosphere while enjoying homemade pizzas and craft beer.
A short 10-minute walk from Gatlinburg SkyLift.
USD70, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Gatlinburg

Day 2: Adventure in Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge, TN

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Pancake Cabin

Wake up with some delightful pancakes served with fresh fruit and syrup.
Drive 15 minutes to Pigeon Forge.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Dollywood Theme Park

Spend an exciting day filled with rides, shows, and Dolly Parton’s own brand of fun at Dollywood.
Located adjacent to The Pancake Cabin.
USD240, 7 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Paula Deen's Family Kitchen

Enjoy a buffet-style Southern meal featuring hospitality, classic recipes, and desserts that the whole family will love.
Drive 10 minutes from Dollywood.
USD120, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Pigeon Forge

Day 3: Explore Cades Cove

Cades Cove, TN

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Hungry Bear Bistro

Fuel up with a delicious breakfast while enjoying views of the cove area.
Drive 30 minutes from Pigeon Forge.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Cades Cove Loop Road

Drive the 11-mile loop road to spot wildlife, hike trails, and see historic homesteads in this beautiful area.
Starts in Cades Cove, easily accessible from the bistro.
USD0, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch from The Cades Cove Trading Company

Enjoy a delicious packed lunch from their deli, perfect while enjoying the wilderness scenery.
Find the deli at the visitor center.
USD50, 1 hour

1:30PM

Hiking the Abrams Falls Trail

Take the easy to moderate 5-mile round trip hike to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Smokies.
The trailhead is just off the loop road.
USD0, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Old Mill

Dine on Southern classics in a historic setting beside the river, offering the perfect end to your adventurous day.
Drive back to Pigeon Forge, about 30 minutes away.
USD120, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Cades Cove

Day 4: Culture and Nature in Cherokee

Cherokee, NC

8:00AM

Breakfast at Granny’s Kitchen

Savor a hearty breakfast of country ham and eggs while soaking in the homey atmosphere.
Drive 25 minutes from Pigeon Forge.
USD40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian

Discover the rich history and culture of the Cherokee people through fascinating exhibits.
Located just a short drive from Granny’s Kitchen.
USD60, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Cherokee Adventures – White Water Rafting

Get your adrenaline pumping while navigating the thrilling rapids in the beautiful smoky river.
Located not far from the museum.
USD200, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Filling Station Diner

Refuel with American comfort food in a retro-themed diner ambiance.
A short drive from the rafting area.
USD60, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Enjoy a scenic walk in the park, taking in the captivating flora and fauna native to the region.
Enter the park from Cherokee.
USD0, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant

Indulge in hearty comfort food served with homemade apple butter and a delightful dessert.
Drive 15 minutes back to Pigeon Forge.
USD90, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Cherokee

Day 5: Final Day in Asheville

Asheville, NC

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tupelo Honey

Treat yourself to a unique Southern breakfast at this local favorite known for its fresh and creative dishes.
Drive 1 hour from Pigeon Forge to Asheville.
USD50, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit the Biltmore Estate

Explore America’s largest home and its stunning gardens, perfect for family photos and exploring history.
Located just a short drive from Tupelo Honey.
USD100, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Corner Kitchen

Enjoy farm-to-table dishes in a charming setting located in Biltmore Village.
Drive the short distance from Biltmore.
USD80, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Blue Ridge Parkway

Drive this scenic highway, known for stunning vistas and numerous hiking opportunities, a perfect way to relax.
Head out from The Corner Kitchen.
USD0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at 12 Bones Smokehouse

End your adventure with some of the best ribs and BBQ around, served in a casual atmosphere.
Located in Asheville, close to the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance.
USD70, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Asheville
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed