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Tips for Planning Your Great Smoky Mountains Adventure

     Great Smoky Mountains Vacation Planning Tips

    Boasting natural beauty, culture, and history the Great Smoky Mountains are an amazing family vacation destination.  With so many things to do and see, make the most of your adventure by planning wisely.

    The Great Smoky Mountain National Park straddles the Tennessee/ North Carolina border with a high ridge of mountains down the center.  US Highway 441 runs through the park from Gatlinburg, TN to Cherokee, NC, and while the road is scenic, expect the drive to take at least an hour.  Decide which side of the mountains holds the most appeal to your family and book your hotel or vacation rental there.  Consider a day trip to catch any must-sees on the other side.

    North Carolina

    • Just outside the National Park lies the town of Cherokee. Part of the reservation home of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation, Cherokee is rich with culture.  Visit the Oconaluftee Indian Village for an immersive experience learning about Indian crafts and culture.  Then take in the outdoor drama, Unto These Hills, in which music, costumes, and pyrotechnic effects will enthrall the whole family.

    dry-falls

    • Visit Dry Falls to experience walking behind a spectacular waterfall without getting drenched! Just 3 miles north of Highlands, NC on US Highway 64, Dry Falls is accessible by a short path with stairs and railings makes this an easy walk with amazing viewsKids and adults will love the novelty of seeing “the backside of water”.

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    • The railway is one of the most exciting ways to see the mountains! Get on board the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, based in Bryson City, for a half-day adventure through the mountains and countryside.  Choose a route that takes you over the historic Fontana Trestle or through the Cowee Tunnel.  First Class Dining Car seating is available but we preferred the open air gondolas where kids could move around more easily and be closer to the passing scenery.

    mountain-farm-museum

    • Step back in time at the Mountain Farm Museum near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Here families can explore farm buildings from early settlements.  We enjoyed stories from the Park Rangers and stumbling upon a hen with a nest full of eggs.  Visit nearby Mingus Mill to learn how a real water-powered mill works.

    Tennessee

    Laurel Falls HDR

     

    • Laurel Falls is a family-friendly favorite. This 2.6-mile round trip trail is paved for an easy hike. It rewards with amazing views and offers a perfect spot to stop and enjoy the falls both above and below the trail. Laurel Falls is a popular hike with families but be aware the trail narrows and has drop-offs as it nears the falls. Ask for information at the Sugarlands Visitor Center when entering the park.

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    • Gatlinburg Village Shoppes is a treasure trove of unique finds. With shops specializing in everything from handmade soaps to spices to socks, you’re sure to find a great souvenir!
    • Pigeon Forge offers plenty of exciting options for families. Everything from dinner shows to bumper cars to gem mining can be found along US Highway 441 through Pigeon Forge.  Don’t forget to stop by Flapjacks Pancake Cabin for an incredible breakfast!

    The Road Between

    Day 8: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

     

    • No matter which side of the Smokies you stay on, plan a day to go to the very top! Clingman’s Dome Road, open from May to November, is accessible from US Highway 441 and will take you to Clingman’s Dome, the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Take in amazing panoramic views from atop its observation tower.  Huge boulders at the bottom of the trail ranked high on our kids’ favorite vacation finds.  From the parking area, the hike to the top is a half mile and paved.  The trail is wide and child-friendly but quite steep.

    With opportunity to enjoy nature, culture, and history, your Great Smoky Mountains adventure will certainly rank among your favorite vacations!

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    Allison Tuggle

    Allison Tuggle

    Allison Tuggle is a homeschooling mom with a passion for both writing and making great memories with her family. She lives in Florida with her husband and four children, ages 14, 11, 7, and 6.