3-Day Adventure in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Day 1: Gatlinburg and Nature Walks

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry

Start your day at this iconic Gatlinburg spot, famous for its variety of pancakes and hearty southern breakfasts, open from 7:00am to 3:00pm.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Sugarlands Visitor Center

Visit the Sugarlands Visitor Center to get maps, watch the introductory film, and learn about the park's natural history; open 8:00am to 6:00pm.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Hiking the Laurel Falls Trail

Enjoy the easy 2.6-mile round-trip hike to the beautiful 80-foot tall Laurel Falls, a popular and scenic waterfall destination.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Park Grill

Dine at this rustic, mountain lodge-style restaurant in Gatlinburg offering regional dishes such as trout or venison; open 11:00am to 9:00pm.
USD25, 1h

2:00pm

Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway

Ride the aerial tramway to Ober Gatlinburg resort with panoramic views, then explore the shops and enjoy the indoor ice skating rink; tram open 10:00am to 10:00pm.
USD20, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Downtown Gatlinburg

Walk around the charming downtown area filled with shops, galleries, and local artisans.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cherokee Grill

Enjoy upscale Appalachian cuisine with dishes like trout, steak, and local vegetables in a cozy setting; open till 10:00pm.
USD30, 1.5h
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Day 2: Clingmans Dome & Scenic Views

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina, USA on July 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Log Cabin Pancake House

Enjoy a classic breakfast with pancakes and omelets at this Gatlinburg favorite, open from 7:00am.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Clingmans Dome

Head to the highest point in the park; from the parking area, a steep half-mile paved trail leads to the observation tower with spectacular 360-degree views.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Newfound Gap Overlook

Stop at Newfound Gap for stunning mountain ridge views and photo opportunities; visitor center also provides information.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Picnic Lunch at Newfound Gap

Enjoy a packed or purchased picnic lunch in designated picnic areas while surrounded by mountain scenery.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Hike the Alum Cave Trail

Take this moderate 5-mile round-trip hike highlighting Alum Cave Bluffs and offers great views, open year-round.
Free, 3h

5:30pm

Return to Gatlinburg

Rest and relax after a day of hiking.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Peddler Steakhouse

Offer yourself a delicious steak dinner beside the river, open till 9:00pm.
USD35, 1.5h
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Day 3: Cades Cove Wildlife & History

Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, USA on July 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Crockett's Breakfast Camp

Hearty breakfasts with southern charm in Gatlinburg before heading out; opens at 7:00am.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Cades Cove

Arrive early to enjoy a scenic 11-mile loop through Cades Cove, famous for wildlife viewing, historic buildings, and mountain landscapes.
Free, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro

Savor Appalachian-inspired dishes in nearby Townsend with a focus on local flavors, open noon to 8:00pm.
USD25, 1h

1:30pm

Visit the Cades Cove Visitor Center

Explore exhibits about the area's history, wildlife, and culture; helps deepen understanding of the region.
Free, 1h

2:30pm

Optional Hike: Abrams Falls Trail

Enjoy a 5-mile round-trip hike to the popular Abrams Falls waterfall, showcasing beautiful cascades and forest scenery.
Free, 3h

5:30pm

Return to Gatlinburg

Rest after a fulfilling wilderness and wildlife excursion.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Calhoun's Gatlinburg

Enjoy BBQ specialties and Southern cuisine to conclude your Smoky Mountains adventure; open till 10:00pm.
USD30, 1.5h
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