6-Day Family and Dog-Friendly Itinerary in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Day 1: Explore Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg, TN

9:00 AM

Breakfast at The Pancake Pantry

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the iconic Pancake Pantry, where you can enjoy delicious pancakes made with fresh ingredients.
Located at 628 Parkway; drive or walk there.
USD12, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

Take a scenic lift ride to enjoy breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains, perfect for photos and a leisurely walk across the SkyBridge.
SkyLift Park is near the parkway on the way to the SkyLift Station.
USD30, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Smoky Mountain Brewery

Enjoy a family-friendly lunch with a local brew for adults and a kids' menu, with outdoor seating that welcomes dogs.
Located at 1004 Parkway, just a 5-minute drive from SkyLift Park.
USD40, 1 hour

2:30 PM

The Gatlinburg Aquarium

Explore the Ripley's Aquarium, where kids can engage with the marine exhibits and enjoy the hands-on experiences.
A short walk from the brewery along the Parkway.
USD35, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Dine at this fun, family-themed restaurant inspired by the movie Forrest Gump and enjoy delicious seafood while being dog-friendly at the outdoor patio.
Located downtown Gatlinburg on the Parkway.
USD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Great Smoky Adventure

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Local Goat

Fuel up for a day in nature with a filling breakfast at Local Goat, known for its farm-to-table approach and pet-friendly outdoor dining.
Located near the entrance to the park.
USD50, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Hiking on Laurel Falls Trail

Enjoy a family-friendly hike on the scenic Laurel Falls Trail, which is accessible and offers beautiful waterfall views.
Trailhead located 3 miles from Sugarlands Visitor Center.
Free, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Picnic Lunch at Cades Cove

Pack a picnic or pick something up at a local deli and enjoy it surrounded by stunning mountain views at Cades Cove.
Drive to Cades Cove, about a 30-minute drive from the waterfalls.
USD20, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Wildlife Viewing and Scenic Loop Drive

Drive the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road, where you may see deer, wild turkeys, and black bears, all while enjoying the views from your car.
Stay on the Cades Cove Loop Road.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Old Mill Restaurant

Head to Pigeon Forge for a hearty Southern dinner at The Old Mill, featuring locally-sourced ingredients and dog-friendly outdoor seating.
About a 30-minute drive from Cades Cove.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Fun in Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge, TN

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Applewood Farmhouse

Savor a delightful breakfast at this farm-style restaurant known for its Applewood Cinnamon Rolls.
Located in Pigeon Forge, about 15 minutes from Gatlinburg.
USD40, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit The Island in Pigeon Forge

Explore the family-friendly entertainment complex, enjoy games, and shop at local boutiques, with outdoor spaces perfect for dogs.
Take a short drive to The Island, just a few minutes away.
Free, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Margaritaville

Chill out with a laid-back lunch at Margaritaville, perfect for the whole family with dog-friendly patio seating.
Located at The Island.
USD50, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel

Get a panoramic view of the Smokies by riding the 200 ft. tall Ferris wheel, a hit with the kids.
Located at The Island.
USD15, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Explore more The Island attractions

Continue enjoying activities at The Island - from arcades to fun shops, everyone will find something to enjoy.
Stay at The Island.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen

A family favorite for a wide range of meals, including healthy options, with outdoor seating for your furry friends.
Located near The Island.
USD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts

Gatlinburg, TN

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Donut Friar

Start your day right with a tasty treat from The Donut Friar, which is also dog-friendly if you sit outdoors.
Located at The Village Shops in Gatlinburg.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community

Visit the historic Arts & Crafts Loop and check out handcrafted items from local artisans, with plenty of outdoor stops for your dog.
Use the parking area at Glades Road to start the loop.
Free, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Chocolate Monkey

Grab a delicious lunch or snack at The Chocolate Monkey; try their famous chocolate-covered pretzels.
Backtrack to Gatlinburg central.
USD25, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum

Discover an unusual yet fun museum featuring thousands of salt and pepper shaker designs, sure to amuse both kids and adults.
Located close to the main strip of Gatlinburg.
USD5, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Stroll through the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community

Enjoy the scenery while exploring more artisans' work and let the kids engage in crafts at workshops.
Located along the Arts & Crafts Loop.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Cabin Cafe

Relax after a busy day with homestyle comfort food at this casual restaurant known for its welcoming atmosphere and dog-friendly patio.
Located near Gatlinburg Parkway.
USD45, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Back to Nature

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry

Return to the beloved Pancake Pantry for another round of their super tasty pancakes, great for fueling up before the adventures.
Head back to Gatlinburg on the Parkway.
USD40, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Hiking the Alum Cave Trail

Discover the Alum Cave Trail, known for its stunning vistas and manageable difficulty, perfect for families with older children.
The trailhead begins about 8 miles from Gatlinburg.
Free, 3.5 hours

1:00 PM

Picnic Lunch at Newfound Gap

Stop at Newfound Gap for a scenic picnic lunch, experiencing panoramic mountain views while resting.
After the hike, drive towards Newfound Gap, about a 15-minute drive.
USD20, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Explore Clingmans Dome

Head up to Clingmans Dome for a stunning observation tower view, a simple hike for everyone, including the dog.
Drive to Clingmans Dome within the park, about 30 minutes from Newfound Gap.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Marble Slab Creamery

Indulge in an ice cream treat as you wind down your active day, great for families and offering outdoor seating for dogs.
Return to Gatlinburg and find Marble Slab on the Parkway.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Final Day Fun

Gatlinburg, TN

9:00 AM

Breakfast at The Diner

Enjoy a classic diner breakfast with a welcoming atmosphere and pet-friendly patio, a local favorite to finish your trip.
Located on the Parkway in Gatlinburg.
USD40, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Shopping on the Parkway

Spend the morning exploring local shops along the Parkway for unique souvenirs and gifts to remember your trip.
Simply walk down the Parkway.
Free, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Crystelle Creek

Savor a delightful lunch with Southern flair, featuring vast outdoor space for your furry friends to join you.
Located within walking distance from shopping areas.
USD50, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit the Gatlinburg Space Needle

Gain a breathtaking view of Gatlinburg and the Smokies from the observation deck of the Gatlinburg Space Needle.
Just a short drive or walk to the Space Needle.
USD15, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Farewell Walk along the Parkway

Take a leisurely stroll along the Parkway, reminiscing about your family trip and planning your return.
Walk along the Parkway before heading to the car.
Free, 1 hour

5:30 PM

Dinner at Calhoun's Gatlinburg

End your memorable family trip with a satisfying BBQ dinner before you head home, with the option of outdoor seating for dogs.
Located in downtown Gatlinburg.
USD60, 1.5 hours
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