The Tennessee side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great place to spend the weekend. There are lots of fun activities to do in the fresh mountain air. We have put together an itinerary of our favorite things to do and places to stay in an effort to make the planning process easier. Just keep reading! Here is a list of what to do with one weekend in the Tennessee Smoky Mountains:
Day 1: Hiking to Waterfalls & More
Plan to arrive at the park close to mid-morning and come dressed for a hike. There are lots to choose from, but a low-maintenance hike is always a good choice. They accommodate all skill levels while still having gorgeous scenery. We recommend the Porters Creek Trail, because it has a little bit of everything: scenery, historic sites, and a waterfall!
We are sure that you’ll be a little hungry after the hike. One of the best spots for lunch is the Chimneys Picnic Area along Newfound Gap Road (US-441). It is open seasonally from April through November. As for food, you can pack a cold lunch or bring meat to cook on the charcoal grill. You can also hike Cove Hardwood Nature Trail while you’re there. This hidden gem is only 0.8 miles roundtrip and offers stunning creek views.
Places to Stay
After your day spent exploring, it’s time to go rest up for the next day! If you want to stay inside GSMNP, we recommend the Cades Cove Campground! It is a great frontcountry campground that is open year-round. Visitors camp close to their vehicle and have access to restrooms with cold running water. You also have the option of staying in a nearby cabin or hotel. Cabins are more secluded, while hotels are in the city close to all the action. There is no wrong choice!
Day 2: Cades Cove & Scenic Drives
After a good night’s sleep and hearty breakfast, try to get to Cades Cove early in the morning to get ahead of the traffic and find trailhead parking. The first activity of the day is hiking the Wet Bottom Trail. Located a little under halfway through the 11-mile loop, this is another easy trail, and the entire hike only takes 20 to 30 minutes. It’s perfect for stretching your legs and getting to check out the Elijah Oliver Cabin and the springhouse!
Afterwards, head back to your vehicle to explore the rest of Cades Cove Loop Road. You’ll see many more historical buildings, including churches, a working gristmill, barns, homesteads, and more. You can eat lunch in the car while you’re driving around, or you can stop and grill out at the picnic area. If you’re visiting in the warmer months, you can take an alternate route (open seasonally) out of Cades Cove–Parson Branch Road is an excellent scenic drive that leads out to US 129!
Plan Your Weekend in the TN Smokies
Now you know what to do with one weekend in the Tennessee Smoky Mountains! Now you just have to decide exactly when to visit. Learning about the top annual events at Great Smoky Mountains National Park will make the choice easier!
