6-Day Family Adventure in Gatlinburg, TN: Nature, City Life & Relaxation

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

Gatlinburg, TN

9:00AM

Check-in at Hotel

Upon arrival, settle into your family-friendly hotel in Gatlinburg, perhaps a cozy lodge with scenic views.
Hotel recommendations include the Margaritaville Resort or the Gatlinburg Inn.
USD200, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

Take a fun gondola ride to experience stunning views of the Smokies and walk across the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.
Direct walk from your hotel; within a mile.
USD50, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Pancake Pantry

Enjoy delicious pancakes and other breakfast favorites for lunch, with a variety of toppings - perfect for all ages.
Located on Parkway, just a short walk from the SkyLift Park.
USD70, 1 hour

2:30PM

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Explore interactive exhibits, including the underwater tunnel with sharks and playful penguins.
A short walk from the restaurant; about 0.6 miles.
USD120, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax at the Hotel

Return to your hotel for some downtime by the pool or in your room, resting before the evening festivities.
Walk back to the hotel; about 0.5 miles.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Smoky Mountain Brewery

Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere with delicious pizza and calzone options along with local craft beer for adults.
Around a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
USD90, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Nature Explorations

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast provided by the hotel before heading out to the national park.
At hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Hiking at Laurel Falls Trail

Experience the beauty of nature with a family-friendly hike to one of the park's most popular waterfalls.
Drive to Laurel Falls Trailhead; approximately 30 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Sugarlands Visitor Center

Learn about the park's wildlife, vegetation, and history through engaging exhibits and ranger programs.
Drive to visitor center; about 10 minutes from the trailhead.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Park Picnic Area

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy surrounded by nature in designated areas within the park.
Bring your own picnic from the hotel.
USD30, 1 hour

2:00PM

Wildlife Viewing & Scenic Drive

Explore Cades Cove with beautiful landscapes and opportunities to spot wildlife such as deer and black bears.
Drive to Cades Cove Loop Road; around 40 minutes.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Gatlinburg

Head back to your hotel to relax after a fulfilling day in nature.
Drive back; approximately 30 minutes.
Free, 30 minutes

6:30PM

Dinner at The Old Mill Restaurant

Enjoy Southern comfort food in a historic setting with options on their extensive menu including corn chowder and fried chicken.
Drive to Pigeon Forge; around 15 minutes.
USD100, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: City Fun & Adventure

Gatlinburg, TN

8:00AM

Breakfast at Donut Friar

Indulge in some of the best donuts in town to kick-start your adventurous day.
Located at The Village Shops, about a 5-minute walk from hotel.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster

Experience the thrill of a mountain coaster that winds through the Smoky Mountains with stunning views.
10-minute walk from breakfast, or drive if preferred.
USD80, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the Arts and Crafts Community

Visit this 8-mile loop of unique shops featuring local artisans, where you can pick up souvenirs and see craftspeople at work.
Drive around 10 minutes to the Arts & Crafts Loop.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Pottery House Cafe & Grille

Have a relaxing lunch with a farm-to-table menu, especially known for their delicious sandwiches and desserts.
Close to the Arts and Crafts Loop.
USD60, 1 hour

2:30PM

Anakeesta

Visit this adventure park where you can zipline, hike, or just enjoy beautiful gardens and tree canopy walkways.
Short 15-minute drive back to Gatlinburg.
USD100, 3 hours

5:30PM

Relaxation at Hotel

Return for some quality downtime at your hotel, maybe enjoying the spa or pool.
Drive back; around 10 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Cherokee Grill

Enjoy a cozy dinner featuring steaks and comfort food in a rustic lodge setting.
Drive to the restaurant; about 5 minutes.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Theme Park Adventure

Pigeon Forge, TN

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Flapjack's Pancake Cabin

Start your day with some hearty breakfast options before heading to Dollywood.
In Pigeon Forge, around 15 minutes' drive from Gatlinburg.
USD60, 1 hour

9:30AM

All Day at Dollywood

Spend the day enjoying thrilling rides, shows, and attractions at this award-winning theme park.
Directly across the street from breakfast location.
USD400, 8 hours

5:30PM

Return to Gatlinburg

Head back to your hotel after a fun-filled day at Dollywood.
About 15 minutes' drive back.
Free, 30 minutes

6:30PM

Dinner at Calhoun's

Savor Southern BBQ in a family-friendly restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere.
Short drive back in Gatlinburg.
USD90, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Exploring Nature Again

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading back into nature.
At hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Biking on the Cades Cove Loop

Rent bikes and ride through the scenic Cades Cove Loop, stopping along the way to explore trails and enjoy the views.
Drive to Cades Cove; about 40 minutes.
USD60, 3 hours

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Cades Cove

Enjoy another picnic lunch among the beautiful mountain scenery with sandwiches prepared from the previous day.
At Cades Cove.
USD30, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Elkmont Historic District

Discover the remnants of a once-popular summer resort with easy hiking paths that children will enjoy.
Drive from Cades Cove; approximately 30 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Return to Gatlinburg

Head back to your hotel for relaxation.
Drive back; around 30 minutes.
Free, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Family Game Night

Enjoy board games and family time at your hotel while winding down.
At hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Smoky Mountain Trout House

Feast on fresh trout and other southern specialties in a cozy setting.
Short drive from the hotel.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Final Day & Departure

Gatlinburg, TN

8:00AM

Breakfast at Crystelle Creek

Indulge in an excellent breakfast with plenty of options to fuel up before departing.
Short drive from the hotel.
USD70, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Gatlinburg Space Needle

Take in a 360-degree view of Gatlinburg and the surrounding mountains from the observation deck.
A short walk or drive from the hotel; 0.5 miles.
USD40, 1 hour

11:00AM

Shop for Souvenirs

Wander through the charming shops of Gatlinburg to pick up some last-minute souvenirs to remember your trip.
Nearby the Space Needle.
USD50, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Local Goat

Dig into some of the best burgers in town made from locally sourced ingredients.
Short drive from the shops.
USD70, 1 hour

2:30PM

Check-out and Departure

Check out from your hotel and embark on your journey home, carrying wonderful memories of Gatlinburg.
Return to the hotel to check-out.
Free, 1 hour
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