3 day itinerary for Gatlinburg

Itinerary

Gatlinburg is a fantastic destination, especially if you love nature and outdoor activities. Here’s a fun and active 3-day itinerary that includes parks, scenic trails, and plenty of opportunities to soak in the beautiful surroundings. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Morning:

• Breakfast at Pancake Pantry: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at this local favorite. Their pancakes are legendary!
• Sugarlands Visitor Center: After breakfast, head to the Sugarlands Visitor Center. It’s a great place to get maps, learn about the park, and check out any ranger-led programs.

Midday:

• Hike the Laurel Falls Trail: This is a relatively easy 2.6-mile round trip hike that leads you to one of the park’s most beautiful waterfalls. The trail is well-maintained and offers stunning views along the way.

Afternoon:

• Picnic Lunch: Pack a picnic or grab some sandwiches from a local deli and enjoy lunch at one of the picnic areas in the park. The Chimneys Picnic Area is a lovely spot!
• Cades Cove Loop Road: After lunch, take a scenic drive through Cades Cove. This 11-mile loop offers breathtaking views, wildlife sightings, and historical buildings. You can also stop for short hikes along the way, like the John Oliver Cabin Trail.

Evening:

• Dinner at The Peddler Steakhouse: Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at this cozy steakhouse, known for its salad bar and great views of the river.
• Stroll along the Gatlinburg Strip: After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the Gatlinburg Strip. Enjoy the shops, lights, and maybe grab some ice cream for dessert!

## Day 2: Adventure and Scenic Views

Morning:

• Breakfast at The Donut Friar: Start your day with some of the best donuts in town. You can’t go wrong with their famous cinnamon rolls!
• Gatlinburg SkyLift Park: Head to the SkyLift Park for stunning views of the Smokies. The chairlift ride is scenic, and once you reach the top, you can walk across the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America!

Midday:

• Hike the Twin Creeks Trail: After descending, head to the Twin Creeks Trail. This 2.5-mile loop is a bit more challenging but offers beautiful views and a chance to see some wildlife.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Smoky Mountain Brewery: Refuel with some delicious pizza and craft beer at this local brewery.
• Visit the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: This one-way loop road is perfect for a scenic drive. You can stop at various points to hike short trails, like the Grotto Falls Trail, which is about 2.6 miles round trip and leads to a stunning waterfall.

Evening:

• Dinner at Cherokee Grill: Enjoy a hearty meal at this rustic restaurant known for its mountain lodge atmosphere and delicious dishes.
• Evening Entertainment: Check out a local event or show. The Gatlinburg Convention Center often hosts events, or you can catch some live music at a local venue.

## Day 3: Relaxation and Scenic Beauty

Morning:

• Breakfast at The Old Mill Restaurant: Enjoy a traditional Southern breakfast at this charming spot.
• Visit the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community: Spend the morning exploring this 8-mile loop of local artisans. You can find everything from handmade pottery to beautiful paintings.

Midday:

• Hike the Alum Cave Trail: This 5-mile round trip hike is a bit more strenuous but offers incredible views and unique geological features. The trail leads to Alum Cave Bluffs, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can continue to the summit of Mount LeConte!

Afternoon:

• Lunch at The Wild Plum Tea Room: After your hike, enjoy a light lunch at this quaint tea room, known for its delicious sandwiches and homemade desserts.
• Visit the Gatlinburg Botanical Gardens: Spend a relaxing afternoon wandering through the beautiful gardens. It’s a perfect spot to unwind and take in the beauty of nature.

Evening:

• Dinner at The Smoky Mountain Trout House: End your trip with a delightful dinner at this cozy restaurant specializing in fresh trout and other local dishes.
• Nightcap at a Local Distillery: If you’re up for it, visit one of the local distilleries for a tasting. It’s a fun way to wrap up your Gatlinburg adventure!

And there you have it! A fun-filled, active 3-day itinerary in Gatlinburg that highlights the best parks, trails, and local flavors. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget your camera for all those stunning views! 🌲🏞️