Scenic Road Trip from Princeton, WV to Gatlinburg, TN with a 4-Day Gatlinburg Adventure

Day 1: Travel & Explore Asheville

Princeton, WV to Asheville, NC to Gatlinburg, TN on June 5, 2025

7:00am

Depart Princeton, WV

Start your scenic drive from Princeton to Asheville via I-77 S, then continue west on I-40. The trip covers approximately 190 miles and should take about 3.5 hours without stops.

USD0, 3h30m

10:30am

Breakfast at Tupelo Honey Cafe, Asheville

Enjoy a southern-style breakfast at Tupelo Honey Cafe offering farm-to-table dishes. Open from 8am to 3pm; perfect to refuel before exploring Asheville.

USD15-25, 1h

11:30am

Explore Asheville Downtown

Walk around Asheville's vibrant downtown, visiting art galleries, boutique shops, and the Grove Arcade, a beautiful historic shopping area open until 6pm.

USD0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Cúrate Tapas Bar

Taste authentic Spanish tapas at Cúrate, a top-rated restaurant open from 11:30am to 9:30pm. Reservations recommended.

USD20-35, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Gatlinburg, TN

Continue your journey south on I-40 W towards Gatlinburg. The drive takes about 1.5 hours and passes through scenic mountain views.

USD0, 1h30m

3:30pm

Check into Gatlinburg accommodation

Arrive in Gatlinburg and settle into your hotel or cabin. Recommended options include downtown hotels or cozy mountain cabins for a rustic experience.

Varies, 1h

5:00pm

Walk Gatlinburg Parkway

Evening stroll along Gatlinburg Parkway to enjoy shops, candy stores, and local crafts. Many stores open until 7pm or later during summer.

USD0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Peddler Steakhouse

Savor a delicious steak dinner in a rustic riverside setting. Open daily from 4pm to 9pm; highly recommended for its local flavor.

USD25-45, 1h30m

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Day 2: Smoky Mountains Hiking

Gatlinburg, TN on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry

Start early at Gatlinburg’s iconic Pancake Pantry, known for varied pancake options and breakfast classics. Opens at 7am.

USD10-20, 1h

9:30am

Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Alum Cave Trail

Embark on hike to Alum Cave Bluffs (approximately 5 miles round trip). The trail offers impressive views and unique geological formations. Park open from sunrise to sunset.

USD0, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Smoky Mountain Brewery

Local brewery and restaurant offering hearty food and craft beers. Open 11am to 10pm; great for post-hike relaxation.

USD15-25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community

Explore the 8-mile loop of galleries and studios featuring Appalachian crafts, open typically 10am to 6pm.

USD0, 2h

5:00pm

Rest and freshen up

Return to accommodation for a break before dinner.

USD0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Greenbrier Restaurant

Enjoy upscale Southern fare at The Greenbrier, open 5pm to 9pm, known for desserts and great local specialties.

USD30-50, 1h30m

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Day 3: Family Fun & Scenic Views

Gatlinburg, TN on June 7, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Log Cabin Pancake House

Enjoy homemade pancakes and hearty breakfast options in a cozy mountain lodge setting. Opens at 7am.

USD10-20, 1h

10:00am

Visit Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park & Ski Area

Take the Aerial Tramway up the mountain for spectacular views, and enjoy attractions like the wildlife encounter and alpine slide. Open 10am-7pm in summer.

USD20-35, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Ober Gatlinburg’s Summit Grill

Casual dining with mountain views, offering sandwiches and snacks. Open during park hours.

USD12-20, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Discover diverse marine life and interactive exhibits in downtown Gatlinburg. Open 9am to 9pm.

USD30, 2h

5:30pm

Relax at accommodation

Time to relax and refresh before dinner.

USD0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Alamo Steakhouse

Enjoy steaks and BBQ in a family-friendly setting. Open 5pm to 9pm.

USD25-40, 1h30m

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Day 4: Relax and Local Sights

Gatlinburg, TN on June 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp

Delicious southern breakfast fare with rustic mountain atmosphere. Opens 7am to 2pm.

USD15-25, 1h

10:00am

Visit Sugarlands Visitor Center & short hike

Learn about the Great Smoky Mountains at the Visitor Center with free exhibits, then take the nearby Cataract Falls Trail for a gentle 1-mile hike. Visitor center open 8am-6pm.

USD0, 2h