Smokeys Mountain

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a fantastic destination for families, with plenty of activities that are both fun and educational for kids. Here’s a delightful 2-day itinerary that will keep everyone entertained and create lasting memories!

Day 1: Exploring Nature and Wildlife

Morning: Cades Cove Loop Road

• Start your day early with a hearty breakfast at a local diner in Townsend. The Country Barn Cafe is a great spot for pancakes and eggs!
• After breakfast, head to Cades Cove, a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains. The Cades Cove Loop Road is a scenic 11-mile drive where you can spot deer, wild turkeys, and maybe even a black bear!
• Tip: Bring binoculars for wildlife watching and a camera for those stunning views!

Midday: Picnic Lunch

• Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the designated picnic areas in Cades Cove. There are plenty of spots with tables and beautiful views. Kids will love the chance to stretch their legs and explore a bit!

Afternoon: Cades Cove Visitor Center & Hiking

• After lunch, visit the Cades Cove Visitor Center to learn about the history of the area. There are often ranger-led programs that are perfect for kids!
• If your family is up for it, take a short hike on the Abrams Falls Trail (5 miles round trip). The trail is moderately challenging but leads to a beautiful waterfall that’s worth the trek. Just make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks!

Evening: Dinner and Stargazing

• Head back to Townsend for dinner at The Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro. They have a great menu with options for everyone, including kids!
• After dinner, if the skies are clear, find a nice spot to do some stargazing. The Smokies are known for their dark skies, making it a perfect place to spot constellations!

Day 2: Adventure and Fun

Morning: Gatlinburg and the SkyLift Park

• Start your day with breakfast at Pancake Pantry in Gatlinburg. It’s a local favorite, and the kids will love the variety of pancake options!
• After breakfast, head to the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. The chairlift ride offers breathtaking views of the Smokies, and once you reach the top, you can walk across the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America! It’s a thrilling experience for the whole family.

Midday: Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

• After your sky-high adventure, visit the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. It’s one of the best aquariums in the country and has tons of interactive exhibits that kids will love, including a touch tank and a tunnel where you can see sharks swimming overhead!
• Grab lunch at the aquarium’s café or one of the nearby restaurants in Gatlinburg.

Afternoon: Anakeesta

• Spend the afternoon at Anakeesta, an outdoor adventure park. You can take a scenic chairlift ride up to the treetop canopy walk, explore the gardens, and let the kids play in the adventure park. There’s also a zip line for the more adventurous family members!
• Don’t forget to check out the Firefly Village for some shopping and snacks.

Evening: Dinner and Relaxation

• For dinner, head to The Peddler Steakhouse in Gatlinburg. It’s a family-friendly spot with a great salad bar and delicious steaks. Kids will enjoy the cozy atmosphere!
• After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the Gatlinburg Strip. There are plenty of shops and attractions to explore, and you might even find some fun street performers!

Tips for a Great Trip:

• Always check the weather before heading out, as conditions can change quickly in the mountains.
• Bring plenty of snacks and water, especially for hikes.
• Don’t forget sunscreen and bug spray, especially during the warmer months!

I hope this itinerary helps you have a fantastic family adventure in the Smoky Mountains! Enjoy every moment! 🌲🏞️✨