7 Natural & Historic Attractions | Smoky Mountains Itinerary & Travel Guide
Pop quiz time! What’s the most visited National Park in the USA? Did you guess Yosemite? WRONG! Yellowstone? NOPE! Clearly, it’s The Grand Canyon! WRONG AGAIN! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is actually the most visited park in the USA and it receives almost double the amount of annual visitors (11.4 million) as the second most visited - The Grand Canyon (6.3 million).
When my husband and I decided to move to London the decision came with a flood of guilt. We lived in Atlanta, only 3 hours south of The Smoky Mountains, yet we had never been. This, coupled with the fall foliage mean’t that I had no excuse left. So we headed up on the first weekend in November to check out the National Park.
While I missed peak foliage due to a storm, I still got impressive views and enjoyed some rewarding hikes. This travel guide highlights some of my favourite attractions from my weekend in The Great Smoky Mountains.
GO IF YOU LIKE:
hiking • sunset vistas • LAYERS • road trips • fog • star gazing
2 Days - Your Great smoky mountains Itinerary
DAY 1
Morning: Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
Lunch: Picnic at a spot with a view
Late Afternoon: Hike to the Chimney Tops
Sunset: Catch sunset at Clingmans Dome
Dinner: Enjoy dinner in Asheville (make reservations in advance)
DAY 2
Morning: Visit Chataloochee Valley
Afternoon: Hike Purchase Knob
Lunch: Picnic at the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center
Sunset: Hike to the top of Newfound Gap and watch the sunset
Expand the legend in the map for top attractions and restaurants in Asheville
The map includes additional sights and popular hikes
Restaurants in Asheville: double check opening times and make dinner reservations several days in advance
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Day 1
Drive the Blue ridge Parkway
If you ask anyone what to do in the Smoky Mountains, most of the replies will consist of, “drive the Blue Ridge Parkway”. The parkway is a long and winding road that reaches far beyond the Smoky Mountains. In fact it starts near Cherokee, North Carolina and extends up to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.
If I had the time to do the whole drive I would have but alas, a weekend means I was left exploring the long stretch halfway between Asheville and Gatlinburg.
Why is this drive so special? Well, every few minutes you’ll be stopping at a pullout to admire the view. I loved Bunches Bald Overlook which sits at 4,925 ft. It looked like the mountains were floating in the clouds.
The meaning behind “Smoky Mountains”
In my case the fall leaves brought beautiful colours to the mountains. Those colours were dulled by the blue haze that enveloped the landscapes. While this could be disappointing it’s important to remember that the name '“Smoky Mountains” comes from the Cherokee words “Shaconage” (Sha-Kon-O-Hey)” which means land of the blue smoke.
Putting the name in context makes it hard to imagine the landscapes any other way.
The science behind the Smoky Mountains
Following a rainstorm, mist-like clouds will rise in the air. The vegetation also emits moisture combining with this air to produce a haze. This is most apparent on days that are humid and sunny with little wind.
Visibility has gotten worse over the years as pollution gets trapped in the haze. It’s tricky to know the best time for viewing but autumn seems to have clearer days.
Pro Tip: driving safety
Like any winding road, driving the Blue Ridge Parkway has its challenges so take your time. Since the road is a top attraction, it can get busy, especially during peak periods and on weekends. If you notice someone driving fast behind you, pullout at the next safe spot to let them pass.
Hike to see the Chimney Tops
The Blue Ridge Parkway can be an all-day drive so if you’re looking to stretch those legs then consider a hike. There are so many to choose from, with some popular ones being Alum Caves Bluffs, Laurel Falls, Cades Cove (all have limited parking so get there early) and the Chimney Tops hike.
Based on a recommendation from a parks employee, we opted for the Chimney Tops hike. This hike took us to view the rock pinnacles aptly named the Chimney Tops. But the rewarding views require effort.
The hike starts easy enough with a relatively mild incline. Then the last hour is a constant, steep ascent. There are lots of steps and the path continues on and on.
Once we were able to see the Chimney Tops, we were sadly unable to go any further as a result of a recent forest fire, the trail was closed off and it was deemed unstable.
Even though there were signs and barriers, people jumped over them and kept going. Not only did I not want to disrupt the healing landscape, I wasn’t prepared to hike on unstable ground so I obeyed the signs and turned around. The views from that location we quite beautiful regardless.
Watch the sunset at Clingmans Dome
After the challenging hike, we drove to Clingmans Dome for a breathtaking sunset. But a nice sunset comes at a price; fellow travellers who also want to enjoy the spectacular views.
Because of this, the traffic was bumper to bumper for a solid 30 minutes to the parking lot. We ended up parking along the side of the road and walking to the top, without having the time to climb the observation tower (the highest point in the whole park).
At the top it was freezing and only got colder once the sun disappeared. It was also very noisy and packed with people. The toilets required standing in a 20-minute long line. I could complain more but I won’t, because the views made it all worthwhile.
As the sun set, it turned the mountains pink. But the real magic happened after the sun disappeared beyond the horizon. The sky lit up in a rich orange. Here you can really appreciate the mountain ranges. The layers were spectacular!
Pro Tip: bundle up and arrive early
If you’re visiting during winter or shoulder seasons, the temperature will drop quickly after sunset. If you park then walk to the top it will be frigid so make sure to dress warmly. Also, assume there will be traffic so plan to get there early or you might miss sunset.
Day 2
Spot some Elk by the Cataloochee Valley Overlook
The Cataloochee Valley wasn’t on my initial itinerary, but my b&b host recommended we visit to see some elk.
Elk in the Smoky Mountains tend to graze in this open field at dusk and dawn, so we went first thing in the morning. Unfortunately, we didn’t factor in daylight savings time and arrived at 10am when there were no elk to be seen in the meadow.
That didn’t discourage us though, we drove around the area, checking out old abandoned structures and enjoying the calmness in the nature. The meadows had a fresh layer of frost which slowly melted over the next hour. To our surprise we passed a few solo elk, grazing in nearby fields.
Safety Tip: The rule of “thumb”
Keeping your distance from elk is important, they are fast and can be particularly aggressive during the fall. Keep a distance of 50 meters between you and the elk. If you’re not sure, a trick is to hold your thumb in front of you and if it can cover the animal then you’re far enough away. Use this for bears as well.
What you can expect to see during each season
Summer: You’re likely to see some of the newborn calves. The hot weather also means elk may roll around in the mud to keep cool.
Autumn: This is rutting season which means the males are likely to battle for dominance and win a mate. You may hear mating calls during this time too. This is the season when you need to take particular caution and not approach the elk as you can be perceived as a threat. It is prohibited to enter fields if the elk are present.
Winter: Elk retreat into the forest so you’re less likely to see them.
Spring: Most calves are born around May, make sure to keep your distance as mother elk are very protective. The antlers of the elk will also be growing and there may be parts of the old antlers that are shedding.
If you enjoy wildlife and elk viewing then I recommend checking out Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.
Go Back in Time at The Caldwell House
The Cataloochee Valley also has a significant historical area. There are remains of old houses and barns that dot the landscape. You can go inside several of them and look around.
The Caldwell house was home to Hiram and Elizabeth Caldwell and their 5 children. It was completed in 1903 and took 5 years to build. The boards were made out of yellow poplar and were created on site.
Unfortunately, the inside of The Caldwell House is empty; apparently people used to steal things from it (this is why we can’t have nice things *eye roll).
The house is still quite an interesting visit. My favourite thing about it was the walls and ceilings covered with newspaper clippings from the time. Back in the early 1900’s homeowners used to put newspaper clippings on the walls to help keep out the draft and keep the house warm. This was one of the more fascinating things to see inside the house.
It was upsetting to see so much graffiti on the walls (*a second, even larger eye roll).
Enjoy a picnic at the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center
Purchase Knob was another recommendation from our local b&b host. A lack of research had us showing up when the center was closed. It’s possible to park outside the gates and walk a few miles uphill to the loop trail and science center.
The walk was longer than I thought. Many times I was wondering if we missed something. After a good hour uphill we got to Purchase Knob and from there we did the “One Mile Loop” trail before finally walking the last bit up to the research center. The loop is part of a historic nature trail that goes past the old Ferguson cabin and into the forest. We had the trail completely to ourselves which was nice though a bit daunting when you live in fear of bears.
The research center was over 3,000 ft in elevation so it gave some impressive views. The best part was that since it was closed we were able to picnic on the benches in private. This made the long uphill walk completely worth it.
If the center is open you can drive up to it. Know that the center is actively used by scientists but they allow visitors to use the outside deck for views and in our case, a private picnic. There are also toilet facilities and a water fountain. If visiting during opening hours, check in with a uniformed employee and respect the closing times. You don’t want to be stuck with your car inside the gates.
Catch the sunset at Newfound Gap
For the second sunset we decided to visit Newfound Gap. The parking lot itself is a great place to watch the sunset. It has views of both the East and West of the mountain range and there’s not nearly as many people as Clingmans Dome. If you want an added challenge there is a path that ascends at the far end of the parking lot. The climb lasts about 20 minutes, though it felt like it would never end.
The view from the top is beautiful but the best view is about halfway up the hike. There’s a little bench at the top and if you’re lucky you might be able to enjoy it with limited company.
Those layered mountains will never get old.
“Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower”
Where to stay in The Smoky Mountains
There are several options for accommodation in the Smoky Mountains. Stay in rustic cabins more centrally located to the park, or opt for hotels in the nearby cities of Gatlinburg or Asheville . Though I never visited Gatlinburg myself, it didn’t look as appealing as Asheville which has a booming arts scene and great restaurant options. The main benefit of Gatlinburg is that it’s at the North-Western entrance of the park, while Asheville is about 50 km away to the South East.
If you’re ok with a 40-minute drive to the park then stay in Asheville. If you want something closer, consider a cabin or b&b near the park entrance.
I opted for Misty Mountain Ranch B&B in the small town of Maggie Valley, North Carolina. This location was nicely centered between Asheville and the Southern park entrance, which made it easier to go between the two for dinner. The breakfast was hearty with pastries, pancakes, bacon and fruit salad. The rooms were rustic and charming, some even have usable fireplaces.
Verdict
We really enjoyed our stay. The overall value for money was good, it felt nice to get away from the city and live in a more rustic surrounding. Though this isn’t a political blog, I will mention that one must accept the autographed Trump photo in the hallway.
East - Asheville Accomodation
GLō Best Western Asheville Tunnel Road
Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville
The Inn On Biltmore Estate
The Applewood Manor
North - Gatlinburg Accomodation
Country Inn and Suites by Radisson
The Foxtrot Bed and Breakfast
Bearskin Lodge on the River
When to visit The Smoky Mountains
Summer
Expect hot and humid weather, with highs of 30 degrees. There are more chances for thundershowers and there tends to be a thicker haze present. Not ideal for viewing but "smoky" is the main feature of these landscapes.
Winter
Expect snow at the higher elevations and sometimes even at the lower ones. Most of the elk will be in the forest during this season, so viewings are unlikely. There can also be road closures from snow. Check out the alerts on the National Parks website for updated information.
Autumn
Cooler days and nights are a welcomed relief. November may have snowfall at the higher elevations. End of October, beginning of November is when the fall foliage is at its best but one storm can knock lots of leaves off.
Spring
Late Spring bring the blooming of wildflowers. The weather is rather unpredictable and can fluctuate a lot on any given day, especially when going through different elevations. Be prepared for the spontaneous snow storm and expect things to get milder by the end of April.
Other Attractions in the Park
I couldn’t get around to visiting everything in a weekend. Here are the things I’d do if I had more time:
Cades Cove
A large stretch of valley which has a loop driving road and scenic paths for hiking. It was originally occupied by the Cherokee Indians who were sadly forced out by early American colonists. It’s a popular spot because it’s home to old log houses, a mill and some churches. It also has a ton of wildlife, including: black bears, wild turkeys, and white-tailed deer to name a few.
Laurel Falls
These waterfalls are roughly 80 meters high and is one of the most popular attractions in the park. Because of this, parking is very difficult. Visiting in the early morning or weekday is ideal. There are also trails for hiking.
Alum Cave Trail & Mount LeConte
A popular hike with parking challenges as well. Starting at the Alum Cave Trailhead, this 5.5 mile trail ascends over 2,500 feet to the summit of Mount LeConte. This hike is known for interesting rock formations and epic views.
Safety In The Smoky Mountains
Elk, Bears and Wildlife
Elk can be quite aggressive, remain at least 25 meters away as they might perceive you as a threat. Though less common, black bears also roam the park. If a bear frequently visits a site in the park, authorities will close it and put up signs.
If you see a bear remember to not approach it or feed it. Don’t let it come towards you either. Do not run, but slowly back away with your eyes facing the bear at all times. If they start to chase you, act as large and intimidating as possible. Make loud noises and if you have to, fight back with whatever you’ve got. Read more on bear safety here.
Closed Trails
US National Parks are constantly monitored for safety. If a hiking trail or road is deemed unsafe the park will close it to visitors. This means it’s important to follow all signage. Reasons for closure could be unstable ground, wildlife, falling trees, the list goes on. Even dare devils should be aware that sometimes closures are made to protect the wildlife or environment, not only us humans. Ecosystems can be weak after storms or fires and leaving them alone to recover is important.
Driving
Driving in the national park is pretty simple but the roads are curved. It can take some getting used to, so drive slowly and if someone is going fast behind you, pull off to the side and let them pass.
Water
I’m not a water junkie so I can’t give you firsthand information on this, but the National Park website talks about the risks of water activities within the park. Seems like it’s the number one cause of injury and death; therefore, it’s worth noting.
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