Family Adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains

Day 1: Explore Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg, TN

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry

Start the day with a delicious stack of pancakes at the iconic Pancake Pantry, famous for its wide variety of flapjacks.
Walking distance from most downtown hotels.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

Take the scenic chairlift ride to the top of Crockett Mountain for spectacular views and a stroll on the SkyBridge.
Head to the SkyLift Park, approximately 0.5 miles from breakfast.
USD33 per person, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Smoky Mountain Brewery

Enjoy a family-friendly lunch at Smoky Mountain Brewery, known for its tasty pizzas and local craft beers.
3-minute drive from SkyLift Park.
USD50, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Explore a world beneath the waves as you discover exotic marine life at this award-winning aquarium.
Just a short walk from lunch, about 0.3 miles.
USD30 per adult, USD25 per child, 2 hours

4:00PM

Anakeesta Adventure Park

Experience the treetop canopy walk, ziplines, and beautiful gardens in this mountaintop park.
A quick 0.5 mile walk will take you to the park's entrance.
USD25 per person, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Melting Pot

End the day with a fun and interactive dining experience at The Melting Pot, where you can enjoy delicious fondue.
A short 10-minute walk from Anakeesta.
USD120, 2 hours
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Day 2: Adventures in Cades Cove

Cades Cove, TN

7:00AM

Breakfast at Elks Plaza Restaurant

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Elks Plaza, offering a range of options from eggs to pancakes.
Approximately 30 minutes drive from Gatlinburg.
USD40, 1 hour

8:30AM

Cades Cove Loop Road

Drive the scenic loop, keeping an eye out for wildlife such as deer and black bears while exploring historical structures.
Follow the signs for Cades Cove from Elks Plaza, about a 30-minute drive.
Free, 2 hours

10:30AM

Hiking at Cades Cove

Choose a family-friendly trail, like the Abrams Falls trail, to experience the beauty of nature up close.
Park at the trailhead, which is a short drive from the loop.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a packed picnic lunch surrounded by nature at one of Cades Cove's many scenic spots.
Find a picnic area in the park.
USD30 for groceries, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Cades Cove Visitor Center

Learn about the history and ecology of the region at the informative visitor center.
A short drive back from your picnic area.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Horseback Riding

Experience Cades Cove from a different perspective with a guided horseback ride through the woods.
Book a ride in advance at Cades Cove Stables.
USD70 per person, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Old Mill

Relish a homestyle Southern dinner at The Old Mill, famous for its hearty fare and rustic setting.
Drive approximately 30 minutes to Pigeon Forge for dinner.
USD100, 2 hours
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Day 3: Explore Cherokee

Cherokee, NC

8:00AM

Breakfast at Granny's Kitchen

Start your day with a filling breakfast that a grandmother would be proud of at Granny's Kitchen.
Head towards Cherokee, about 30 minutes from Pigeon Forge.
USD40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Museum of the Cherokee Indian

Discover the rich history and culture of the Cherokee people through fascinating exhibits.
The museum is located in the heart of Cherokee.
USD10 per adult, USD5 per child, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Oconaluftee Visitor Center

Visit the visitor center for information on hiking trails and explore the nearby Mountain Farm Museum.
A short 10-minute drive from the museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Cornerstone Restaurant

Enjoy a home-cooked lunch at The Cornerstone Restaurant, known for its friendly service and local dishes.
Around 5 minutes from the visitor center.
USD50, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Embark on an afternoon hike in the national park, choosing among numerous trails suitable for all levels.
Head to the park entrance from lunch, approximately 15 minutes away.
Free, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Cherokee Heritage Park

Explore the village, learn traditional crafts, and enjoy Indian games and storytelling.
A short drive from the national park.
USD12 per adult, USD8 per child, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Paul’s Family Diner

Indulge in a classic diner experience with American comfort food at Paul’s Family Diner.
Just a quick drive within Cherokee.
USD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Fun in Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge, TN

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Pancake House

Enjoy a classic breakfast favorite with pancakes and omelets at The Pancake House.
Head to Pigeon Forge, around a 30-minute drive.
USD40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Dollywood Theme Park

Spend the day at Dollywood, where thrilling rides, live entertainment, and delicious food await the whole family.
The park is conveniently located in Pigeon Forge.
USD85 per person, 7 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Showboat Branson Belle

Wrap up your adventure with a delightful dinner show aboard The Showboat, featuring scenic views and entertainment.
The showboat is located along the river in Pigeon Forge, just a short drive from Dollywood.
USD160 for family package, 2 hours

8:00PM

Stroll along The Island

End the evening with a leisurely stroll around The Island, with shops, attractions, and the giant Ferris wheel.
A 5-minute drive from dinner.
Free, 1 hour
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