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Epic Smoky Mountains Road Trip Adventure

Viewed by 163 travelers

Day 1: Explore Asheville

Asheville, NC

9:00AM

Breakfast at Tupelo Honey Cafe

Start your day with a delicious Southern-inspired breakfast featuring their famous Biscuit Flight.
Take a quick drive to downtown Asheville after breakfast.
USD18, 1 hour

10:30AM

Biltmore Estate Tour

Explore America’s largest home, where history, art, and beautiful gardens await.
Continue your journey through the estate’s picturesque grounds.
USD70, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at White Duck Taco Shop

Enjoy unique tacos in a vibrant atmosphere.
Head a short drive from the estate to the taco shop.
USD12, 1 hour

3:30PM

Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Drive

Experience stunning views of the Smokies while cruising this national scenic byway.
Follow Route 25A onto the Blue Ridge Parkway.
USD0, 2 hours

5:30PM

Check-in at Hotel

Relax and prepare for the next day’s adventure.
Return to your lodging in Asheville.
Varies, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

Savor the unique combination of sushi and burgers in a fun atmosphere.
Short drive from your hotel.
USD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Asheville

Day 2: Nature and Hiking Adventure

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

7:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Fuel up for the day with complimentary breakfast options at your hotel.
Start your journey towards the national park.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Clingmans Dome Hike

Reach the highest point in the park with a short hike to the observation tower for breathtaking views.
Drive approximately 30 minutes to the parking area by Clingmans Dome.
USD0, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Cades Cove Loop Drive

Enjoy a scenic drive through Cades Cove, where you can see historical buildings and potential wildlife.
Drive to the Cades Cove entrance from Clingmans Dome.
USD0, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Cades Cove Picnic Area

Pack a picnic to enjoy among the stunning scenery.
Stop by the local grocery store before reaching Cades Cove to get supplies.
USD15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hiking at Cades Cove

Choose from several hiking trails including the Abrams Falls trail for beautiful waterfalls.
Start at the designated trailhead in Cades Cove.
USD0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at Your Lodging

Relax after a full day of nature exploration.
Drive to your accommodation near Gatlinburg.
Varies, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Peddler Steakhouse

Enjoy a hearty steak dinner with stunning views of the river.
Drive from your lodging to the restaurant in Gatlinburg.
USD35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Day 3: Thrill-seeking in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg, TN

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry

Savor delicious pancakes at this local favorite.
Short drive or walk to the Pancake Pantry in downtown Gatlinburg.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Anakeesta Adventure Park

Experience treetop adventures, ziplining, and incredible views in this park.
Take the scenic chairlift to the park entrance.
USD30, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Cliff Top Grill & Bar

Have a casual lunch with a mountain view.
Located within Anakeesta, easily accessible.
USD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Explore fascinating marine life through interactive exhibits.
Short drive from Anakeesta to the aquarium.
USD35, 2 hours

4:30PM

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

Enjoy panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains from the sky bridge.
5-minute walk from the aquarium.
USD25, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Refresh before dinner after an exciting day.
Return to your lodging in Gatlinburg.
Varies, 30 minutes

7:30PM

Dinner at Smoky Mountain Brewery

Enjoy craft beer and delicious pub food, perfect for ending your day.
A short drive from your hotel.
USD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Gatlinburg

Day 4: Amusement and Chill

Pigeon Forge, TN

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Old Mill Restaurant

Start your day with a hearty Southern breakfast in a historic mill.
A relatively short drive to Pigeon Forge.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Dollywood Theme Park

Enjoy thrilling rides and live entertainment at this famous theme park.
Drive to Dollywood’s parking area.
USD85, 5 hours

3:30PM

Lunch at Dollywood

Enjoy diverse food options available inside the park.
Numerous on-site eateries, no additional drive needed.
USD15, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit the Titanic Museum

Learn about the history and stories of the Titanic in an immersive experience.
Short drive from Dollywood to the museum.
USD35, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Check-in at Your Hotel

Unwind and freshen up after a fun and busy day.
Return to your lodging in Pigeon Forge.
Varies, 30 minutes

7:30PM

Dinner at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen

Indulge in Southern comfort food served family style.
Located close to your hotel.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Pigeon Forge

Day 5: Scenic Drive and Nature

Cades Cove, TN

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Grab a quick breakfast before heading out.
Check-out and depart for Cades Cove.
Varies, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Cades Cove Loop Drive

Return to explore the full loop of Cades Cove for wildlife viewing and historical sites.
Same entrance as the previous visit.
USD0, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Hiking the Laurel Falls Trail

Enjoy a moderate hike leading to one of the most popular waterfalls in the park.
Start from the Laurel Falls trailhead in the national park.
USD0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cades Cove Picnic Area

Enjoy another packed lunch amidst beautiful scenery.
Return to the picnic area.
USD15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Historic Buildings

Visit historic cabins and churches within Cades Cove.
Drive along the loop to these sites.
USD0, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Check-in at Your Lodging

Relax before your evening plan.
Drive to your lodge/cabin nearby.
Varies, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at The Smoky Mountain Restaurant

Savor hearty meals after a day of hiking and exploring.
Short drive from your lodging.
USD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Cades Cove

Day 6: Cultural Experience

Cherokee, NC

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Cabin

Make a cozy breakfast at your cabin before heading out.
Check-out and drive to the charming town of Cherokee.
Varies, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian

Learn about the rich history and culture of the Cherokee people.
Park nearby and walk to the museum entrance.
USD10, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Outdoor Activities at Soco Falls

Take a beautiful short hike to see stunning waterfalls.
Drive approximately 15 minutes from Cherokee.
USD0, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Cherokee Grill

Enjoy a delightful meal with a touch of local flavor.
Back to Cherokee to the restaurant.
USD20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Performances at the Cherokee Cultural Center

Dive deeper into Cherokee culture through storytelling and arts demonstrations.
A short drive from the restaurant.
USD15, 2.5 hours

4:30PM

Check-in at Your Lodging

Relax back at your accommodation.
Drive to your booked lodging in Cherokee.
Varies, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Paul’s Family Restaurant

Enjoy a casual dinner that locals love.
Close by and easy to access after a day of learning.
USD18, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Cherokee

Day 7: Relaxing by the Water

Bryson City, NC

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Savor breakfast options at your hotel before heading to Bryson City.
Drive to Bryson City, a short 30 minutes away.
Varies, 1 hour

9:00AM

Nantahala Outdoor Center Activities

Engage in rafting, zip-lining, or enjoying the beautiful river views.
Continue a short drive to the Nantahala Outdoor Center.
USD50, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The River’s End Restaurant

Dine riverside with fresh regional food.
Located at the Nantahala Outdoor Center.
USD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Train Ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Enjoy scenic views along with a relaxing train ride through the mountains.
Short booking process and board directly afterward.
USD60, 2 hours

4:30PM

Check-in at Lodging

Settle into your accommodation after an adventurous day.
Drive to your lodging in Bryson City.
Varies, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at The Filling Station Deli

Wrap up your day with a laid-back meal featuring sandwiches and soups.
Short drive from your hotel.
USD15, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Bryson City

Day 8: Tranquility and Exploration

Fontana Lake, NC

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Relax and have breakfast before a day by the lake.
Drive to Fontana Lake, approximately 30-40 minutes away.
Varies, 1 hour

9:30AM

Kayaking on Fontana Lake

Spend the morning paddling on the serene lake surrounded by Smoky Mountain views.
Rent kayaks from a local provider on site.
USD40, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch by the Lake

Pack a lunch to enjoy al fresco on the shores.
Set up a picnic on the waterfront.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Hiking the Fontana Dam Trail

Enjoy stunning views from the Fontana Dam, a sight to behold.
Short drive to the trailhead.
USD0, 2 hours

4:00PM

Check-in at Your Lodging

Relax and refresh after a day of exploring the lake.
Drive back to your hotel.
Varies, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at The Blackberry Farm

Indulge in fine dining at this award-winning farm-to-table restaurant.
Book in advance, it's about a 40-minute drive.
USD100, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Fontana Lake

Day 9: Return and Reflect

Asheville, NC

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in the Smoky Mountains.
Check-out and drive back to Asheville.
Varies, 1 hour

10:00AM

Last-minute Shopping in Downtown Asheville

Find unique souvenirs and gifts to remember your trip.
Head to downtown Asheville for local shops.
USD30, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Corner Kitchen

Wrap up your trip with a gourmet lunch in a historic setting.
Walking distance from shopping areas.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Final Tour of the Blue Ridge Parkway

Take in the last views of the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains.
Drive along the Parkway one last time.
USD0, 1 hour

4:00PM

Departure

Reflect on your journey through the gorgeous Smoky Mountains.
Return your rental car and head to the airport.
Varies, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Asheville
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