Gatlinburg Day Trips: Top 5 Adventures From The Smokies

So, you find yourself vacationing in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Great pick! But, is that you know, as cool as Gatlinburg is, there’s so much more to experience just a short drive away. So it’s almost, like, the surrounding area is calling for some exploration, and that means day trips. Think about expanding your horizons beyond the main drag and discovering some really unforgettable destinations, yet you’re still able to enjoy those mountain views. The Smoky Mountains region actually brims with a ton of adventures, from quirky roadside attractions to like, breathtaking natural landscapes. This is a rundown of five superb day trips from Gatlinburg, so you can turn a good vacation into a seriously legendary one. Very memorable! So now, pack a bag, fire up the car, and get going; some of the very best of Tennessee is totally ready to greet you.

1. Pigeon Forge: A Theme Park Extravaganza

Alright, first stop: Pigeon Forge. Just a quick hop from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge that too it’s almost boasts itself as the family-fun capital of the Smokies. Dollywood is kinda the undisputed star of the show, but that’s only the start. If you are at Dollywood, you’re stepping into the world created by the iconic Dolly Parton, you know, with thrilling rides, amazing shows, and mouthwatering Southern food, so good. The rides at Dollywood, they, are intense; that’s to say the Wild Eagle is particularly very wild and a complete blast. But then again there’s also the shows – from country music to gospel, with something for basically everyone to get pleasure from. Now, speaking of food, is that don’t even consider leaving Dollywood without sampling some cinnamon bread. As a matter of fact, that smells amazing!

Pigeon Forge very much goes beyond Dollywood, even. The Island in Pigeon Forge is there, with a cool mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions, along with a super impressive centerpiece: The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. So that thing gives you unbelievable panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Are you very into dinner shows? Pigeon Forge rather, has got you more than covered. From Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud to Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, each of these shows they’re like, bringing food and entertainment together in seriously over-the-top style, right? You should buy the tickets early as sometimes they sell out.

Now, for the car fanatics: you see the the Hollywood Wax Museum and then consider, you know, a race at NASCAR SpeedPark. Very varied! That, and for something on the unusual side, head over to WonderWorks, so it’s almost where science and fun collide in the craziest ways imaginable. Pigeon Forge it is often seen that, has just, seemingly, endless possibilities, yet it’s close to Gatlinburg, and thus making it a really perfect day trip choice.

2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Nature’s Playground

You know, a trip to Gatlinburg isn’t exactly complete unless you actually visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so very dramatic. Actually straddling the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, this place is the mother lode of outdoor beauty and outdoor things. And the cool part is that you are actually surrounded by a wide open, verdant terrain when you are there! Now, where does a visitor to the park need to travel so they can truly get an enriching and holistic perspective, and also where do they get the views and history from?

For some unreal panoramic mountain views, is that drive up to Clingmans Dome. You should keep in mind that it’s the highest point in the Smokies. Even if that sounds like quite the drive up the mountain it only gets to an elevation of less than 7,000 feet and there you’ll find the best photo opportunity, yet the view, I should note, really can’t be beat on a good day. So if you’re very in walking through the woods, a hike to Laurel Falls that, it’s arguably a must-do. Actually this easy-to-moderate hike, very suitable for pretty much all skill levels, leads to a seriously lovely 80-foot waterfall. Keep that camera charged, OK?

Maybe if history’s more up your alley, head over to Cades Cove. Basically this serene valley, is like, filled with historical buildings – churches, cabins, grist mills – which will just, throw you back in time. Very cool stuff! Very amazing when you are actually getting some real world history.

Is that said the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail too it’s almost offers a glimpse into old mountain life. Anyway this six-mile loop, just off the main drag in Gatlinburg, that offers a nice easy way to spot some old cabins, streams, and just some, natural beauty from the comforts of your car.

Always keep in mind though, that nature isn’t just about majestic views. Anyway you might take some time to enjoy a very simple and quiet walk so that nature is appreciated. As I was saying this isn’t your grandma’s boring walk, ok? Bring some binoculars to get those views just perfect for those interested in taking some nature walks through a wooded area where you can hear the running water and smell the clean fresh air and even see some really remarkable animals or foliage. You’ll basically recharge and refresh yourself on a sensory level. A little escape to quiet some of the loudness going on around you. You get away from the screens for awhile.

3. Townsend: The Peaceful Side of the Smokies

OK, so you’re craving something just, a bit slower-paced, very off the beaten path? Now, Townsend you see, nicknamed “The Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” totally offers a complete escape from the big crowds in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. You could say, this is really where you go to seriously unwind. Anyway it provides a very relaxing spot as well! Also I think you’ll enjoy the change from what you would find in those tourist traps and the difference may be pretty awesome.

Tubing down the Little River that is often what visitors talk about after being there, too. Seriously rent a tube and, is that just float along in this stream and you can actually experience relaxation at its pure best. Also make sure you get some pictures.

Black Bear Rocks, by the way are totally near the area too, or maybe a touch south of Townsend but very scenic.

At the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, you’ll totally discover the rich history and culture of the region via fascinating exhibits and artifacts, you know, preserving Appalachian heritage, by the way? Now if that’s your thing. Plus you’ll discover why the town is dubbed “The Peaceful Side of the Smokies” while getting up close to artifacts.

Very good for seeing stars at night there as you might think, is also a drive along the Foothills Parkway. The Foothills Parkway is basically, very beautiful drives in East Tennessee with some awesome overlooks, so good views.

4. Cherokee, North Carolina: Experience Native American Culture

You may want to jump over the state line into North Carolina and explore the rich cultural heritage of the Cherokee people, yet if you take an hour’s drive from Gatlinburg you are right there in the homeland of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. A nice trip by the way, very historic.

Basically, to actually immerse yourself in history, anyway pay a visit to the Oconaluftee Indian Village, you know, where you can see living demonstrations of traditional crafts, dance, and storytelling. Is that said it’s not just looking. anyway You actually experience something!

The Museum of the Cherokee Indian basically showcases the history, is that not forgetting the culture, and art of the Cherokee people; this place just provides very incredible insights, arguably. Seriously into Native American history? So this thing is a must-see, basically.

Are you very feeling kinda lucky? Head over to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, if so you see they got everything like games, restaurants, and shows. Now it’s worth noting that in the fall the place really becomes beautiful, is that mostly because of the changing leaves.

The Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual it is often seen is a fine place to just check out authentic Cherokee crafts like pottery, carvings, and baskets. When you are in Gatlinburg are you trying to grab one very of kind of souvenir?

5. Cosby: Untouched Beauty

Ok, very last on the list, for all of you nature-obsessed explorers there is Cosby. And this little spot often offers a much-less crowded version of the national park experience, like, is that if you just travel a little bit northeast of Gatlinburg. Here’s your shot, as a matter of fact, for the best, green lush views for the most wonderful pictures. If you’re planning to take your pet family member and enjoy what I just pointed out this may be the area of choice!

Anyway the Cosby Campground is great, offering campsites right in the forest and very nearby some truly neat hiking trails, so be mindful and watch where you go.

And if you should fancy stretching those legs, and really clearing out your airways, you know the Hen Wallow Falls Trail’s calling, like your personal clarion to adventure? Then so this relatively smooth trot, or that could be roughly a 2.2-mile round affair. Anywho that stroll lands your very self smack-bang at a super cool 90-foot-high waterfall, naturally!

Now, should that old stomach get very, very, super rambunctious you know there’s that super place right there, as I was saying folks call it Carver’s Orchard & Country Store? Yup, they’ve packed with the goods, right from, oh I do not know, farm-fresh munchies all the way round those heart-thumping views and local crafts we dig so deeply.