Resting between North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country. The park protects one of the Earth’s oldest ecosystems and has attracted a plethora of activities in its surroundings.
Planning a trip to these alluring forests? Look no further!
Renowned for their beauty, the mountains also provide one of the cheapest destinations possible, so much so that the National Park DOESN’T HAVE AN ENTRANCE FEE! Unlike other national parks around the nation, you can drive, hike, visit the museums, and do all the park-ey things for free. An array of budget motels and low-cost restaurants line the miles leading to the park’s entrance.
I had the opportunity to live in Sevierville over a summer, and here were some of my favorite things to do in the area, divided by cost (naturally):
ABSOLUTELY FREE:
Take a hike!
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park has over 800 miles of trails. These trails are everything from accessible paved paths, to large elevation changing mountain summits. No matter what skill your hiking abilities are, let me assure you, there is a trail to match. Here are some hikes you have to take!
- Mt. LeConte Trail:
- Similar to Mount Everest, kinda, LeConte is THE mountain in Sevier County. Driving down Parkway, it’s the mountain framed perfectly down the road. The summit has a small gift shop (with odd hours), an outdoor lodge, and sweeping views of the valley below. There’s a few ways to access the mountain with my favorite being on the Alum Cave Trail. All in all, it’s about 11 miles of moderate hiking out and back.
- Laurel Falls:
- Ok, I know I said park admission was free, but Laurel Falls has a small fee… sometimes. Due to the trail’s popularity, a reserved ticket through recreation.gov is a system the NPS is testing. The new process will give you a reserved parking spot for a small fee. This easy 1.3 mile trail winds along a cliffside to the prettiest waterfall in the park. Beware of crowds, the popularity of this spot doesn’t give you space to breathe!
- Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail
- This is the paved trail I was talking about. It’s short and sweet, perfect for those just beginning their adventures in the woods. About half a mile, it doesn’t stray far from the parking lot. It’s a nice excursion after visiting the nearby Sugarlands Visitor Center.
- Gatlinburg Trail
- Probably the easiest trail to access, the Gatlinburg Trail is a two mile trek along the Pigeon River, connecting downtown Gatlinburg and the Sugarlands Visitor Center. It’s almost entirely flat, with some bridges and pretty river views.
- Adam’s Bluff
- Technicalities call a bluff a mountaintop free of trees and shrubbery, common out west, but rare in the Eastern ranges. Enter Adam’s Bluff. This is one of the best view in the park as the lack of trees provide an unobstructed view west toward Fontana Lake and beyond.
Clingman’s Dome:
Sure, it’s packed and hard to find parking, but you can’t resist the highest point in the park. Set an impressive 7,000 feet above sea level, it is the highest point in Tennessee, and second highest in North Carolina (it straddles the border.) With guide signs directing attention around the 360 degree views, the view is better in the colder temperatures where there’s not enough humidity for haze. Like the park, it is free to enter, but go early to ensure you can grab a parking spot. The dome is about half a mile away from the lot, most of which is uphill. Bonus points for sunrise and sunset visits.
Foothills Parkway:
For those who’d rather see the mountains from the comfort of their car, the Foothills Parkway winds through the Smoky Mountains, well, foothills. Paralleling the ridge of mountains, the parkway has views of both the peaks and the metro area of Knoxville. There are a number of trails branching off from the Parkway, such as the popular Look Rock Viewing Area, and a few waterfalls right next to the road.
Cades Cove Loop:
Another vehicle-based excursion, Cades Cove is a field on the western edge of the park. The five-mile loop is closed to vehicles on Wednesday, and allows pedestrians to walk! The road drives around the field and is home to many animals. Almost every visit yields a bear sighting, the only place I can say does. Elk and deer are other frequent visitors.
The Island:
Ok so like all malls, this experience can become a bit expensive, but that’s entirely up to you, my reader. This mall/amusement park/entertainment center/distillery/hotel combo is in central Pigeon Forge and has everything from a Margaritaville Resort to a Ferris Wheel. If you’re not looking to spend ANY money, I would recommend a nice stroll around the property (be sure to see the fountain show), and then a walk along the nearby trail by the river. If you ARE looking to spend money, look no further than the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery (see below).
CHEAP(er):
Jurassic Jungle Boat Ride:
If I had to include one of the roadside attractions lining Parkway, I’d choose the JJBR (as affectionately called). It has to be THE tackiest thing you will ever see. Clearly a rip off of the Jurassic Park boat ride found at Universal Studios parks, the clunky robots will install more fear than its counterparts around the globe. The effects are lackluster, the boat INCHES through the scenes, but it is something you will NEVER forget. To enhance the experience, pregame before hopping on.
Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery(ies)
These distilleries are SO MUCH FUN! Absorbing the energy from their staff while browsing the many flavors of moonshine is the most Appalachian thing I have done. The best experience however, is the $5 tastings. You get nine shots of different flavors and a hilarious guide through the world of moonshine. Think Jungle Cruise skipper, but with adult content. Make sure to finish the shot, nothing good to those who don’t… Sold nationwide, this is THE place to stock up on Ole Smoky! Prefer Whiskey? There is a shop in Gatlinburg focusing purely on the other big Tennessee drink. Even better, after the tasting, your $5 ‘admission’ becomes a $5 gift card for anything purchased at the store.
PRICEY
Dollywood:
Dolly Parton’s ode to her Smoky Mountain heritage has all the manmade thrills in the mountains. Sure, the entrance fees may be steep, but it’s something everyone should see at least once. With award winning roller coasters, like the insane Lightning Rod, immersive Mystery Mine and new Big Bear Mountain, to the classics like the bizarrely charming Blazin’ Fury, the 50+ attractions around this park are sure to provide thrills. Dollywood’s food and entertainment scenes are also thriving, with festivals occurring throughout the year. Be sure to try the heavenly Cinnamon Bread!
Gatlinburg Skylift:
Another debatable “must visit,” the chairlift in Gatlinburg is a pretty way to see the city and surrounding mountains. Is it worth the price if you’re on a strict budget? No. Is it worth the price in general? Yeah! The views are nice and the ride up is incredibly relaxing. Admission also includes the swaying bridge. It’s definitely an adrenaline raising experience!
WHERE TO STAY?!
Pigeon Forge is home to most of the cheap hotels, with rates as low as $30/night.
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For an authentic Appalachian experience, look at renting something from Airbnb. Area listings include everything from cabins to tents. The RV’s have a uniquely rustic feel while providing some privacy.
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If you are traveling with a big party, the Westgate Resort is a great base. With many beds, fireplaces, Gatlinburg views, and an on-site waterpark, the property has absolutely jaw-dropping views. I really want to come back here in the winter and just sit by the fire. The resort also has a large outdoor pool and a nightly fire-it
The Christmas Hotel would be another run-of-the-mill motel if it weren’t for the entirely amazing over-the-top theme. When they say Christmas Hotel, they MEAN it! Not a single detail is spared, from festively decorated rooms, to the Christmas stocked bookcase by the fire. Santa HIMSELF even makes frequent visits from the North Pole! However, this pine shrouded property is a bit pricey for a room that, realistically, is just in a motel.
So there you have it: the Smoky Mountains! Thanks for following along, and let me know how your trip goes. Travel more, travel lighter, and find YOUR Turquoise Sky!
