14-Day Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Road Trip

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

Gatlinburg, Tennessee on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry

Start your trip with a hearty breakfast at an iconic Gatlinburg eatery known for its variety of pancakes, ensuring you fuel up for a day in the mountains.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitor Center

Get maps, park info, and inspiration for hikes from friendly rangers at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, open daily from 8am to 5pm.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Hike Laurel Falls Trail

Enjoy an easy 2.6-mile round-trip hike to one of the park’s most popular waterfalls with a paved path.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Cherokee Grill

Relish Southern-inspired dishes just minutes from the park entrance, offering locally sourced ingredients and a cozy atmosphere.
USD25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Gatlinburg Strip

Walk along the bustling Parkway with shops, craft stores, and attractions like the Ripley's Aquarium (open until 8pm).
Varies, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Peddler Steakhouse

Enjoy a riverside steakhouse renowned for its top-quality cuts and relaxed mountain ambiance.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Park Exploration & Scenic Views

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee on May 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp

Start early with a hearty mountain-style breakfast featuring skillets and fresh ingredients.
USD18, 1h

9:00am

Clingmans Dome Visit

Drive to the highest point in the park and hike the half-mile paved trail to the observation tower for 360-degree views, open 24 hours but visitor center from 9am to 5pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Picnic Lunch at Newfound Gap

Relax and have a picnic at scenic Newfound Gap, with views and access to hiking trails.
Cost of picnic items, 1h

1:30pm

Hike Alum Cave Trail

A moderate 5-mile hike to Alum Cave Bluffs showcasing geological features and panoramic vistas.
Free, 3h30m

5:30pm

Return to Gatlinburg

Rest and refresh at your accommodation before dinner.
Varies, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Smoky Mountain Brewery

Enjoy locally brewed beers paired with classic American fare in a lively setting.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Drive to Cherokee, NC

Gatlinburg, TN to Cherokee, NC on May 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Log Cabin Pancake House

Enjoy a cozy breakfast spot with generous portions of pancakes and breakfast classics.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Cherokee

A scenic 1.5-hour drive east into North Carolina along US-74 and US-441, gateway to the southern Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains exit.
Gas cost approx USD10, 2h

11:30am

Check-in and Lunch at Tsali Lodge Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Cherokee and Southern cuisine in Cherokee before exploring.
USD20, 1h

1:00pm

Visit Museum of the Cherokee Indian

Learn about the history, culture, and heritage of the Cherokee people. Open 9am-5pm.
USD12, 2h

3:30pm

Drive Blue Ridge Parkway Start at Milepost 469

Begin your northbound drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, enjoying scenic overlooks such as Looking Glass Rock Overlook.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Chieftain's Steakhouse in Cherokee

Taste prime steaks and traditional fare with a view of the mountains.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Blue Ridge Parkway Highlights

Asheville, North Carolina on May 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Early Girl Eatery, Asheville

Farm-to-table Southern comfort food to start your day before Parkway exploration.
USD20, 1h

9:00am

Drive and Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway towards Asheville

Stop at highlights such as Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock (open seasonally, confirm availability).
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Market Place, Asheville

Enjoy farm-driven, creative Appalachian cuisine in downtown Asheville.
USD30, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Biltmore Estate (open 9am-6pm)

Tour America’s largest home and magnificent gardens, a must-see landmark near the Parkway.
USD80, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Curate Spanish Tapas, Asheville

Enjoy Spanish small plates in a lively atmosphere, perfect to share after a day of sightseeing.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Blue Ridge Parkway Drive & Nature

Asheville to Boone, North Carolina on May 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Tupelo Honey Cafe, Asheville

Delicious Southern dishes emphasizing local ingredients to start your trip northward.
USD20, 1h

8:30am

Drive Blue Ridge Parkway Northbound

Travel through stunning mountain scenery stopping at Craggy Gardens Visitor Center (open 8am-6pm) for gardens and hiking trails.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Hike Craggy Pinnacle Trail

A moderate 1.4-mile round-trip trail offering breathtaking panoramic mountain views.
Free, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Peaks Restaurant in Blowing Rock

Upscale dining with mountain views serving fresh local dishes.
USD30, 1h15m

2:00pm

Continue Parkway Drive to Boone

Explore Boone, including downtown shops and Appalachian State University area.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Check-in and refresh

Rest before dinner after arrival in Boone.
Varies, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Vidalia

Enjoy modern Southern dishes crafted with local Appalachian ingredients in an intimate setting.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Boone & Nearby Hiking

Boone, North Carolina on May 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Melanie’s Food Fantasy Bakery & Bistro

Cozy breakfast spot known for fresh pastries and hearty breakfasts.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Hike Moses H. Cone Memorial Park

Explore over 25 miles of carriage trails on this historic estate, perfect for walking, biking or horseback riding. Open daily dawn to dusk.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Proper

Seasonal and locally inspired lunch menu in an elegant and comfortable ambiance.
USD25, 1h

2:00pm

Explore downtown Boone

Browse local shops, galleries and the Appalachian Cultural Museum.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Rest and freshen up

Prepare for dinner out.
Varies, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Daniel Boone Inn

Enjoy a homestyle American meal in a friendly, historic setting.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 7: Blue Ridge Parkway to Roanoke

Boone, NC to Roanoke, Virginia on May 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Boone Bagelry

Start with fresh bagels and coffee at a local favorite.
USD12, 1h

8:30am

Drive North on Blue Ridge Parkway

Cross into Virginia, stopping at Mabry Mill, a historic gristmill and sawmill open daily 9am-5pm with demonstrations.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Mabry Mill Restaurant

Enjoy simple southern cuisine in a historical mill building.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Continue to Roanoke

Explore Roanoke city including the Taubman Museum of Art (open 10am-5pm).
USD12, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Local Roots, Roanoke

Dine on farm-to-table seasonal dishes showcasing Southwest Virginia’s best ingredients.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Roanoke & Explore Parkway End

Roanoke, Virginia on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Scratch Biscuit Company

Taste fantastic Southern biscuits served with local jams and signature items.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Explore Mill Mountain Park & Star

Hiking, picnicking and panoramic city views from the famous Roanoke Star. Park is open dawn to dusk.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Blue 5

Enjoy contemporary American cuisine in an intimate setting downtown.
USD25, 1h

1:30pm

Leisure and shopping in Roanoke

Browse local shops or relax in a café.
Varies, 3h

5:30pm

Dinner at River and Rail

Indulge in upscale Southern cuisine with an inventive twist.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 9: Blue Ridge Parkway Return Drive South

Roanoke, VA to Blowing Rock, NC on May 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Mill Mountain Coffee and Tea

Start with fresh coffee, pastries, and quick bites.
USD12, 1h

8:30am

Drive back south on Blue Ridge Parkway

Enjoy leisurely stops including Linville Falls and Linville Gorge overlook. Visitor center open 9am-5pm.
Free, 4h

12:45pm

Lunch at Linville Falls General Store

Casual lunch and refreshments near the falls trailhead.
USD15, 1h

2:00pm

Check into Blowing Rock

Explore quaint downtown area with shops and galleries.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Visit Blowing Rock

Take in breathtaking views from the famous rock formation (open dawn to dusk).
USD4, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Bistro Roca

Enjoy fine dining with a global culinary influence.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 10: Relax & Hike

Blowing Rock, NC on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Peaberry Coffee House

Start your day with coffee and fresh pastries in a welcoming atmosphere.
USD12, 1h

9:30am

Hike Moses H. Cone Memorial Park Carriage Trails

Explore gentle trails through forests and fields on historic carriage roads open dawn to dusk.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Pedalin’ Pig

Enjoy barbecue and Southern specialties in a casual setting.
USD20, 1h

2:30pm

Relax and explore local shops

Browse galleries and specialty shops in downtown Blowing Rock.
Varies, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Gamekeeper Restaurant

Indulge in upscale game meats and creative dishes locally inspired.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 11: Blue Ridge Parkway Northbound Again

Blowing Rock, NC to Asheville, NC on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Magnolia’s Mountain Bakery, Blowing Rock

Savor freshly baked goods and breakfast with a cozy mountain ambiance.
USD12, 1h

8:30am

Drive north on Blue Ridge Parkway

Enjoy scenic stops such as Folk Art Center (open 9am-5pm) showcasing Southern Appalachian crafts.
Free, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Blue Ridge Seafood & Seafood House, Asheville

Fresh seafood dishes in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
USD25, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Downtown Asheville

Visit shops, galleries, and cafes in a vibrant arts community.
Free, 3h

5:00pm

Rest before dinner

Return to your accommodation to relax.
Varies, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Cúrate, Asheville

Savor authentic Spanish tapas with a modern twist in a lively setting.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 12: Extended Hikes & Culture

Asheville, NC on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Biscuit Head

Try inventive biscuit dishes and local favorites to energize your day.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Hike to Craggy Gardens on Blue Ridge Parkway

A moderate 1.4-mile hike with stunning vistas and wildflowers in season. Visitor Center open 8am-6pm.
Free, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at White Duck Taco Shop

A popular spot serving unique and tasty tacos with creative ingredients.
USD15, 1h

1:30pm

Visit River Arts District

Explore artist studios and galleries in this thriving creative community.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Rhubarb

Seasonal farm-to-table cuisine with Southern influences and a great atmosphere.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 13: Relax & Final Parkway Sections

Asheville, NC to Cherokee, NC on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sunny Point Café

Enjoy fresh, organic fare with Southern flair in a charming locale.
USD18, 1h

9:30am

Drive south on Blue Ridge Parkway to Cherokee

Revisit favorite Parkway spots and take time for photo stops and short walks.
Free, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Peter’s Pancakes & Waffles, Cherokee

A beloved local spot for classic breakfast and lunch favorites any time of day.
USD15, 1h

3:00pm

Relax or visit Oconaluftee Indian Village

Interactive living history museum demonstrating Cherokee life (open 9am-5pm).
USD15, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Buffet

Varied buffet with many options to suit all tastes to round out your trip.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 14: Departure Day

Cherokee, NC on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Joppa Mountain Cafe & Bakery

Start your day with fresh pastries, coffee, and classic breakfast offerings.
USD12, 1h

9:30am

Last minute souvenir shopping or casual walk

Explore any last favorite spots or relax before heading home.
Varies, 2h
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