2-Day Road Trip Itinerary: Explore the Smoky Mountains

Day 1: Gatlinburg Adventures

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Pancake Pantry, famous for its variety of fluffy pancakes and cozy mountain atmosphere.
Walk from your hotel or drive to the Pancake Pantry, which is centrally located.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

After breakfast, head to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to hike the Laurel Falls Trail, an easy 2.6-mile round trip leading to a stunning waterfall.
Drive to the Laurel Falls Trailhead parking area inside the national park.
USD0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Smoky Mountain Brewery

Enjoy a hearty lunch at Smoky Mountain Brewery, where you can savor wood-fired pizzas and their locally brewed craft beer.
Return to Gatlinburg by car, it’s about 10 minutes.
USD20, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

Experience breathtaking views from the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, taking a scenic chairlift ride and walking across North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge.
A short drive from the lunch spot; look for parking near the entrance.
USD30, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Gatlinburg Strip

Wander around the Gatlinburg Strip, filled with shops, attractions, and charming local artisan stores.
Just walk along the main street; everything is within walking distance.
USD0, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Peddler Steakhouse

Treat yourself to dinner at The Peddler Steakhouse, where you can choose your steak cut and enjoy it by the beautiful river.
Drive to The Peddler, just a few minutes from the Strip.
USD50, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening Stroll at the Parkway

Take a leisurely evening stroll along the Parkway, soaking in the sights and vibrant atmosphere of Gatlinburg at night.
Walk back to the Parkway; it’s pedestrian-friendly.
USD0, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cades Cove Exploration

Cades Cove, Tennessee

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Donut Friar

After checking out from your hotel, stop at The Donut Friar for delicious fresh donuts to fuel you for the day.
Drive from Gatlinburg to The Donut Friar, located on the Parkway.
USD10, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Drive to Cades Cove

Set out for Cades Cove to experience one of the most beautiful areas in the Smoky Mountains, known for its stunning valley views and wildlife.
Take the Cades Cove Loop Road, enjoy nature along the way.
USD0, 1 hour 15 minutes

10:30AM

Cades Cove Loop Road Scenic Drive

Drive along the Cades Cove Loop Road, stopping to view historic homes, churches, and potentially seeing deer and black bears.
The loop road is a one-way route, so relax and enjoy as you drive.
USD0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Picnic Lunch at Cades Cove

Pack a picnic lunch or purchase some snacks from the visitor center to enjoy at one of the beautiful picnic areas in Cades Cove.
Find a scenic picnic spot along the Loop Road.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Hike the Abrams Falls Trail

Take a hike to Abrams Falls, a 5-mile round trip trail with stunning views and a picturesque waterfall waiting at the end.
Drive to the Abrams Falls Trailhead parking area from Cades Cove Loop.
USD0, 3 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Cades Cove Visitor Center

After your hike, visit the Cades Cove Visitor Center to learn more about the park’s history and grab a souvenir.
Head back to the visitor center which is centrally located.
USD0, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Cades Cove Cellars

End your trip with dinner at Cades Cove Cellars, where you can unwind with a farm-to-table meal paired with local wines.
Drive a short distance from the visitor center to Cades Cove Cellars.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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