3 Days in Smoky Mountains National Park: Best Itinerary
The Smoky Mountains, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, are a natural wonder that offers breathtaking views, rich history, and culture.
You’ll find a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages. We discuss how you can spend 3 days in the Smoky Mountains.
We asked our friend Sarah from Explore More NC to cover this topic more in-depth. She’s local to North Carolina and loves to explore the area, from hiking trails to local foods/drinks to finding amazing things to do.
She has come up with the perfect 3 Days in Smoky Mountains National Park itinerary!
3 Days in the Smoky Mountains National Park
There is so much to enjoy in the Smoky Mountains National Park that we cannot include it all in 3 days.
While you are here, you will have access to over 800 miles of trails and hiking, and scenic drives like The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and the Newfound Gap Road.
The park has over 2,000 miles of streams and rivers if you enjoy fishing. If you love waterfalls, there are many beautiful falls to explore, including Grotto Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Laurel Falls.
Day 1:
Take a scenic drive on the Newfound Gap Road, which offers stunning views of the mountains and passes through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The road connects the town of Gatlinburg, TN, to Cherokee, NC, and is a 31-mile route.
✅ Stop at many overlooks along the road
The Carlos Campbell Overlook and Chimney Tops Overlook offer views of the Chimney Tops, a set of jagged peaks in the park.
✅ Visit Clingmans Dome
Enjoy a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the highest point in Tennessee, reaching an elevation of 6,643 feet (2,025 meters).
It’s a perfect place to take in breathtaking views of the mountain ranges as far as 50 miles away.
The peak is accessible by a steep half-mile paved trail from a large parking area and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Clingmans Dome Observation Tower, a 54-foot concrete structure, sits at the summit, providing an even more spectacular landscape view.
Clingmans Dome is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, and it is also one of the best places to catch a sunset or a sunrise within the park.
It is also known for its biodiversity, with various plant and animal species living in the area.
The area around the peak is home to the Southern Appalachian spruce-fir forest, one of the world’s most diverse and unique temperate coniferous forests.
➡️ Download GyPSy Guide before your trip for the Best Audio Tour of Smoky Mountains National Park
✅ Mingus Mill
Mingus Mill is a historic grist mill, built in 1886, and is one of the oldest buildings in the park. Visitors can tour the mill and see the water-powered turbine in action.
✅ Stop at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center
The Oconaluftee Visitor Center offers visitors a wealth of information about the park and a variety of exhibits on the area’s flora and fauna.
Visitors can also take a self-guided tour of the Mountain Farm Museum, which features a collection of historic buildings, including a cabin, barn, and smokehouse. One of the most popular attractions at the visitor center is the opportunity to see elk.
The elk were reintroduced in the park in 2001 as part of a conservation effort to restore the population. The park has a herd of around 150 elk, which can be seen throughout the park near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
The best time to see the elk is early morning or late evening, as they tend to be most active during these times.
✅ Visit Mingo Falls
Mingo Falls is a popular destination near Cherokee, NC, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The falls are one of the tallest in the area, reaching a height of 120 feet.
The trail to the falls is considered a moderate to strenuous hike and is about 0.5 miles round trip. The trail is well-maintained and offers excellent views of the surrounding area and Mingo Creek.
The trailhead for Mingo Falls is located along Big Cove Road, and the parking area is relatively small, so it’s recommended to arrive early or during weekdays to avoid crowds.
The trail to the falls is steep; you’ll climb 161 steep steps; it can be slippery when wet, so be sure to wear appropriate shoes and be careful. You can enjoy the falls when you arrive at the top of the wooden bridge.
Mingo Falls is free to the public seven days a week.
Day 2:
Explore the Gatlinburg area and take a scenic drive to a beautiful waterfall.
✅ Take the aerial tramway to the top of Ober Gatlinburg for a bird’s eye view of the mountains
Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway is a popular tourist attraction in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA. It is an aerial tramway that takes visitors from the city of Gatlinburg to the top of Ober Gatlinburg, a ski resort and amusement park located on top of a mountain.
The tramway is approximately 2.1 miles long and takes about 10 minutes to reach the top.
The ride provides visitors with breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the surrounding area.
Once at the top, visitors can enjoy various activities such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snow tubing in the winter, scenic chairlift rides, mini-golf, and an alpine slide in the summer.
There are also several shops and restaurants at the top, offering a variety of food and souvenirs.
The aerial tramway was built in 1973 and has been a popular tourist destination ever since. It is considered one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains and a great activity for families and visitors of all ages.
⭐️ The tramway may be closed during inclement weather and high winds.
✅ Take a scenic drive on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, which offers beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains and passes through historic buildings and natural attractions.
The trail is approximately 5.5 miles long and winds through the beautiful Roaring Fork area of the park, following the Roaring Fork stream and passing by historic cabins, old-growth forests, and waterfalls.
The trail is a one-way road closed to bicycles and pedestrians and open to cars, motorcycles, and RVs. The narrow and winding road is not recommended for large RVs or vehicles with trailers.
Visitors can access the trail by taking the Gatlinburg Bypass and following the signs for the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
⭐️The trail is also closed during winter, typically from December to March, due to snow and ice.
Choose a hike or multiple:
- Hike to one of the popular waterfalls, such as Grotto (Moderate) or Laurel Falls (Easy)
- Hike to Rainbow Falls: This is a beautiful 80-foot waterfall that can be accessed by a moderate hike.
Day 3: Explore Cades Cove
It is known for its picturesque scenery, historic structures, and diverse wildlife. There are several ways to visit Cades Cove, depending on your preferences and the season of your visit.
✅ Drive the Cades Cove Loop Road:
This is the most popular way to visit Cades Cove and is open year-round, weather permitting. The loop road is an 11-mile one-way road that takes visitors through the heart of the cove, past historic cabins and churches, and beautiful meadows and forests.
⭐️ Cars, motorcycles, and RVs are allowed on the road, but bicycles and pedestrians are not allowed.
✅ Hike Abrams Fall Trail
This 5-mile round-trip hike takes you to the 20-foot Abrams Falls, passing through a beautiful hardwood forest and along Abrams Creek. The trail is moderately strenuous and will take 3-4 hours. Make sure to bring water and food if you want to snack.
✅ Take a Guided Tour
The park service offers guided tours of Cades Cove that give visitors a more in-depth understanding of the history and natural features of the area. These tours are usually available during the summer months.
It’s worth noting that Cades Cove is a popular destination, especially during the peak season, so arrive early or later in the day to avoid crowds.
Also, if you plan to visit the cove during the summer, expect delays on the loop road due to the one-way traffic. There is no cell service in the Cove, on the way to the cove, or in the picnic area.
A Few Extra Things to do Near the Smoky Mountains
✅ Spend the day in Gatlinburg TN
- Ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
- Visit one of the largest aquariums in the US at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
- Visit the many moonshine distilleries and take a tour
- Climb to the top of the observation deck at the Gatlinburg Space Needle
- Walk across North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge at the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.
- Explore the Sugarlands Visitor Center: Learn about the history and ecology of the Smoky Mountains at this popular visitor center.
- Stroll along the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community: Explore the work of local artists and artisans in this 8-mile loop of shops and galleries.
✅ Enjoy a thrill at the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, TN.
- Dolly Parton owns the theme park. Some of its popular attractions include roller coasters, a water park, and a steam train that takes visitors on a scenic tour of the surrounding area.
- The park also features live music, crafts, and authentic Southern food.
- In addition to its amusement park, Dollywood also offers Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort, a luxury hotel and spa.
- Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction is a dinner show with horses, music, and special effects.
✅ Visit the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, TN
✅ Visit the indoor snow park at Pigeon Forge Snow for actual snow tubing, skiing, and snowboarding.
✅ Take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway on the NC side and enjoy many scenic overlooks and waterfalls.
Visiting the Smoky Mountains: FAQ
What is the best time to visit the Smoky Mountains National Park?
Spring and fall are great for scenic drives, hiking, and wildlife viewing, while summer is popular for rafting, fishing, and outdoor recreation.
Winter is a beautiful time to visit for those interested in snow sports and holiday festivities.
The peak times in the park include June, July, and October. In October, the park is full of fall colors, a popular time for scenic drives and hikes.
Is there an entrance fee to enter the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
They also require you to purchase a parking pass as of March 1, 2024. You can purchase your tag here.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park?
Can I bring my dog to Smoky Mountain National Park?
Final Thoughts: Visiting Smoky Mountains
Enjoy your 3 days in the Smoky Mountains! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a stunning natural wonder that offers something for everyone, from scenic drives and wildlife viewing to hiking and outdoor recreation.
Its diverse landscapes and rich history make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The Smoky Mountains have it all, whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape or an action-packed adventure.
Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the breathtaking beauty of this unique and special place. You can spend more than three days here and still have plenty to do!
