Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Great Smoky Mountains Gatlinburg 3-Day Itinerary

Viewed by 204 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

Morning: Arrive in Gatlinburg and settle into your accommodation. Begin your journey with a visit to the Gatlinburg Welcome Center to gather maps and local information.

Afternoon: Head to Ober Gatlinburg for some scenic views and fun activities like the aerial tramway and wildlife encounter.

Evening: Explore Downtown Gatlinburg for dinner, shopping, and the lively atmosphere of local artisan shops and street performers.

Find Hotels

Day 2: Nature and Adventure

Morning: Enjoy a hike on one of the Smoky Mountains' iconic trails such as Laurel Falls Trail for a beautiful waterfall experience suitable for all ages.

Afternoon: Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitor Center to learn about the park’s wildlife and history followed by a scenic drive on the Newfound Gap Road.

Evening: Relax with a dinner at a local mountain-view restaurant, then consider a peaceful stroll along the Gatlinburg Strip to take in the nighttime ambiance.

Find Hotels

Day 3: Culture & Leisure

Morning: Explore the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, an engaging and family-friendly attraction showcasing marine life.

Afternoon: Visit the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community to browse unique handmade goods and watch artisans at work.

Evening: Wrap up your trip with a dinner at a cozy cabin-style restaurant followed by a visit to SkyLift Park for panoramic sunset views over the mountains.

Find Hotels

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Gatlinburg Welcome Center – 1 hour – Free
  • Ober Gatlinburg (tram & wildlife) – 3 hours – $30 per person
  • Downtown Gatlinburg – 2 hours – Variable (meals/shopping approx. $40)
  • Laurel Falls Trail – 2 hours – Free
  • Great Smoky Mountains Visitor Center – 1.5 hours – Free
  • Newfound Gap Road scenic drive – 2 hours – Free
  • Ripley’s Aquarium – 2.5 hours – $45 per person
  • Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community – 2 hours – Free to browse
  • SkyLift Park – 1.5 hours – $17 per person

Total Estimated Cost: $132 per person (excluding meals and shopping)

Tips

If you prefer a shorter trip, focus on highlights like Ober Gatlinburg and Laurel Falls combined with Downtown Gatlinburg activities over two days. For those wanting to extend the visit, add more hiking trails within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or take a day trip to Clingmans Dome for exceptional views and additional outdoor adventures.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version