With such a beautiful atmosphere and natural surroundings, it is no wonder that so many couples love coming to the Smokies! In fact, you can even get married at the historic churches in Cades Cove with a Special Use Permit! Whether you are heading to the area to celebrate a new love, an anniversary, or other special occasion, you’ll find plenty of ways to spend some special time together with your sweetheart! Here are some fun ways to enjoy a romantic getaway in the Smoky Mountains:
1. Enjoy a Peaceful Picnic in the Woods
Pack a picnic basket and enjoy one of the many peaceful picnic areas throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park! You’ll find picnic areas at Big Creek, Chimneys, Cades Cove, Collins Creek, Cosby, Deep Creek, Greenbrier, Heintooga, Look Rock, and Metcalf Bottoms. There is no special permit necessary to use the picnic tables, so just show up when you’re ready to enjoy the stunning setting of the Smokies! As a reminder, be sure to clean up your picnic thoroughly when you finish, as bears have a remarkable sense of smell that can lead them to human food!
Keep in mind that the picnic areas at Cades Cove, Deep Creek, Greenbrier, and Metcalf Bottoms are open year-round, while the others are closed during the winter.
2. Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride in Cades Cove
Another one of the fun ways to enjoy a romantic getaway in the Smoky Mountains is with a Horse-Drawn carriage ride through the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road! Cades Cove Riding Stables, located near the Cades Cove Campground entrance just off Laurel Creek Road, offers the perfect way to experience the beauty of Cades Cove in a relaxed setting with horse-drawn carriage tours. These tours last between 30 and 45 minutes, and each carriage takes up to 6 passengers.
3. Witness the Sunset at Kuwohi
The most magical experience in the Smoky Mountains just might be the sunset at Kuwohi, the highest peak within GSMNP! At the top of the mountain, there is an observation tower that offers an unobstructed 360-degree view that has to be seen to be believed! While the views during the daytime are legendary, there is nothing like seeing the sun dip below sweeping, ocean-like layers of mountain ridges! Plan to arrive at least 45 to 60 minutes before the sun goes down to ensure you get a parking spot and have enough time to hike the steep trail up to the tower!
4. Stay in a Charming Cabin Rental
While you’ll find dozens of hotels, motels, and condo rentals in the nearby towns of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, the best way to enjoy a romantic getaway is with a Smoky Mountain cabin rental! There are literally hundreds of cabins for rent in the area, most of which offer amenities like private decks with scenic views, fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, hot tubs, and much more!
Now that you know some of the fun ways to enjoy a romantic getaway in the Smoky Mountains, you’re ready to plan the ultimate adventure with your sweetheart! If you’re thinking about tying the knot in the Smokies, check out our guide to having your wedding in Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
