A Local’s Guide To The Best Easy Hikes, Lodging, Restaurants, and Things To Do In The Smoky Mountains
Welcome to the Smokies! Living just 30 minutes from the “peaceful side” of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we’ve been able to discover the best ways to experience the park’s natural beauty without fighting traffic and crowds of people.
Which is a challenge given that last year, the park (known locally as “The Smokies”) saw approximately 11.3 million visitors. That being said, you can strategically visit this beautiful park and avoid many of these crowds.
This itinerary covers the Tennessee side of the park, primarily focusing on the Townsend, TN entrance rather than Gatlinburg, TN entrance to the park.
If you’re planning a family trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and want a low-stress, memory-filled experience, this guide is your one-stop plan for 5 amazing days in the Smokies — perfect for families with easy and interesting hikes, family-friendly restaurants, and more!
This detailed Smoky Mountains itinerary gives you:
- Day-by-day plans to our favorite places in the Smokies
- Easy and fun hikes for the entire family
- Great food stops
- Lodging recommendations
- Rainy day activities and more!
Whether you follow it to the letter or just steal a few ideas, this guide was built for you. Let’s go!
Our Favorites At A Glance
- Favorite Lodging in Townsend, TN: Dancing Bear Lodge
- Favorite Lodging in Wears Valley, TN: This cozy cabin vacation rental. See our blog Where To Stay In Townsend. for specific recommendations.
- Favorite Restaurant: Peaceful Side Social
- Best Smokies Experience: Biking Cades Cove on car-free Wednesdays or camping at Elkmont
- Favorite Hike With Kids: Alum Cave for heartier hikers or Walker Sisters Cabin or Middle Prong Trail with young kids.
- Closest airport: Knoxville (TYS), about 30–40 minutes to Townsend
Getting Your Bearings
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park spans both Tennessee and North Carolina and is one of the most visited national parks in the country.
National Park Fees: No entrance fee, but you’ll need a parking pass if you stop for more than 15 minutes in any parking area.
You can buy a parking tag for $5 a day/ $15 week/ or $40 for the year from any of the Visitor Centers, self-service kiosks at most of the large picnic areas and campgrounds, or buy online ahead of time.
Driving Directions: For driving directions, we use the “Townsend Y” in our itinerary. Locals call the intersection of Lamar Alexander Parkway, Little River Road, and Laurel Creek Road, the “Townsend Y.” (It is also called the Townsend “Wye” too.) The roads form a Y-shape at the intersection, so the name is very literal.
From Townsend, you turn left at the “Y” to go towards Gatlinburg, Elkmont, and Sugarlands Visitor Center. Turn right at the “Y” to go towards Tremont and Cades Cove.
“The “Y” is also used to refer to the large and super crowded swimming hole found here. It’s a beautiful spot but is typically too busy and crowded to enjoy during the summer unless you go very early or late.
Where To Stay In The Smokies
Unlike many of its counterparts in the western United States, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park itself does not offer any lodging other than campgrounds and the hike-in only Leconte Lodge.
Many visitors to GSMNP stay in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, TN. It’s super touristy (thus super crowded) and a destination itself for outlet shopping, entertainment, and amusement parks. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are fun destinations, but in our opinion, detracts from the experience of the Smokies.
If touristy is ok for you, we highly recommend Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa. It is superb for its amenities and convenient shuttle to its private entrance to Dollywood.
If you want to relax and focus on the beauty and nature of GSMNP with less crowds and traffic but still with plenty of amenities, stay in the “peaceful side” of the Smokies in the towns of Townsend or Wears Valley, TN. These locations are within a 5-15 minute drive to two entrances of the national park.
This is our personal list of places that we have stayed in previously, have been recommended by friends we trust, or we have bookmarked as possibilities for future visits with our families.
Our Top Lodging Recommendations In Townsend, TN
Best Campground– Little Arrow Outdoor Resort
Best Hotels– Either The Best Western Cades Cove Inn or Highland Manor Inn
Best Upscale Lodging– Dancing Bear Lodge
Best Area To Rent A Cabin– VRBO Listings in Townsend, TN or Wears Valley VRBO Listings
Lodging In Townsend, TN
Townsend, TN is a small town that serves as a good base camp and gateway to the GSMNP. It has a grocery store, restaurants, and a 10 mile bike path that parallels the main road through town.
Townsend offers hotels, cabins, and camping options. Each of the recommended listings below will be within a 10 minute drive to the Townsend entrance to the national park.
Little Arrow Resort. Want to stay in a tiny house? This new resort offers cabins, RV sites, tiny homes, and glamping tents along with a creekside location at the entrance to the park.
Dancing Bear Lodge offers upscale 1 and 2 bedroom cabins on their 36 acre property complete with fine dining in their restaurant. This is a fantastic place to stay but pricey.
Highland Manor Inn is an affordable, clean hotel with a pool that is owned and operated by the same couple who built the hotel in the 1980s. Breakfast is included.
Red Door Cabin- VRBO 1320345. A small 1 room cabin with a King bed, pull-out couch, 1 bath, sleeps 4. Exceptional ratings and great location. Perfect for a couple or a small family. Perfectly appointed with a fireplace, front porch rockers, and grill.
Time Well Wasted – A Mountain Woodland Retreat. VRBO 1158214. 2 br/2 bath cabin in Laurel Valley Resort. Lots of trees and huge windows creates an indoor/outdoor setting.
See more cabin rental listings in Townsend on VRBO
Wears Valley Cabins For Rent
Wears Valley is another fantastic lodging option, especially for cabin rentals. Most of the cabins listed here have mountain views and will be within a 15 minute drive of Townsend’s restaurants and amenities.
Tip: Wears Valley is home to a lesser known entrance to the park that leads to the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area. From Wears Valley Road, follow Line Springs Rd. which becomes very narrow and curvy as it climbs into the park.
Romantic Luxurious Cabin Amazing Mountains View/Hot Tub/Pool Table—1 bedroom Wears Valley cabin with extra murphy bed and mountain views. Sleeps 4.
Private-Panoramic Views of the Great Smoky Mountains-FREE Mountain Air – 3br/2ba. Sleeps 8. A fairly private cabin with great unobstructed views. Pac Man video game and a pool table. Score!
See more Wears Valley VRBO Cabin Listings
For more details about lodgings in Townsend, read our blog Where To Stay In Townsend.
Lodging Inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
LeConte Lodge
Leconte Lodge is one of the jewels of this national park. If you can snag a reservation (and it’s almost impossible), this is the most unique lodging experience in the Smokies. The only way to reach the facility is by taking hiking trails up and back.
There are five trails to the lodge, the shortest and steepest being Alum Cave Trail at 5.5 miles. My daughter managed fine when she was 8 years old, but we took our time. There are lots of stairs on the route and some steep sections so rainy weather can make this a more dangerous hike. See our Alum Cave to Mt. LeConte Guide for more info.
Guests sleep in hand-built log cabins with propane heat, kerosene lanterns, clean linens, and warm wool blankets. Hearty meals are served family style in the dining room.
Pro-tip- Bring Skittles, M&Ms, or other “bribery” and dole a couple out every mile or so. It breaks the hike into manageable and rewarding segments for kids.
Campgrounds in Smoky Mountains National Park
If you like camping, we prefer the Elkmont Campground over the less private Cades Cove Campground. Most of Elkmont’s campsites are very nice and the sound of the river lulls you to sleep. It’s a busy campground but family friendly and quiet.
Elkmont Campground also has hiking trails accessible directly from the campground and is closer to Sugarlands Visitor Center, Alum Cave Trail, and Laurel Falls. Make Elkmont reservations well in advance.
Do not forget bug spray and rain gear in your camping gear. Also a swimsuit to wade around in the Little River. For more packing tips, check out our Packing List for Camping. P.S. This inflatable camping mattress has allowed us to continue tent camping into our forties and is worth every penny!
To read more about Elkmont Campground, including tons of tips on which campsites are the best, head to Everything You Wanted To Know About Elkmont Campground In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Can’t decide which campground is best for you? See our What Is The Best Campground in the Smokies? Or check out our Packing List for Camping.
Restaurants In Townsend, TN
All of these locations are family friendly and located on the main drag (Hwy 321) in Townsend.
Peaceful Side Social – Best outdoor patio. Pizzas, sandwiches, pop-up taco bar, and excellent beer selection. Besides delicious pizzas and sandwiches in the main restaurant, they also have a pop-up taco bar outside and a super cool nature playground for the kiddos with rocks to jump off and a tunnel thru a hill. You’ll also find a good craft beer list.
Apple Valley Cafe– Great for breakfast (hello pancake bar!) and lunch. Outdoor patio. Next door, you’ll find a fun General Store if you feel like browsing or treating the kids to ice cream or a piece of candy from their candy bins.
Artistic Bean offers coffee and pastries with WiFi.
The Burger Master – Order at the window and get your burger and shake fix here at this fun 50‘s style establishment. A local’s favorite right on the river, and a tradition to head here after tubing down the river.
Riverstone Restaurant – Enjoy southern style cooking at this local Townsend restaurant. On winter days, we love the cozy fireplace while enjoying a steaming plate of biscuits and gravy.
Towns End Coffee – Another good coffee place and has a delicious breakfast/brunch menu with breakfast burritos and sandwiches as well. They were a shooting location for the Hallmark Channel Movie “Love In The Great Smoky Mountains.”
The Townsend Abbey – You’ll find local craft beer and tasty bites at this former wedding chapel located right on the banks of the river. There is frequently live music, and they have big screen TVs for watching the game.
Little River Pub and Deli– Great panini’s, a wonderful moonshine pork bbq plate, soups, and an excellent curated craft beer selection of local brews plus a river view patio make this a family favorite.
Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro– Recently featured on the Travel Channel, stop in for a drink on their beautiful outdoor patio or indulge in the chef’s gourmet Appalachian-inspired cuisine. It’s more expensive than other options in the area but worth it. P.S. They also offer lodging if you want to make a B&B weekend of it.
Company Distilling offers a line of whiskeys, a gin, and several very tasty flavored spirits, like blackberry and chocolate truffle. Beer and cocktails as well. (Two thumbs up for their blackberry liquor, so tasty in a mixed drink!) I love to stop here while biking on the Townsend Historical Trail (see our blog for all the trail details) for some pimento cheese dip and crackers and a refreshing drink. Be careful of the cocktails made with their moonshine though! They are delicious but potent.
Located in Wears Valley, Elvira’s Cafe is perfect for fueling up before your day hike. It’s only 4.5 miles from the 321 stoplight in Townsend (about an 8 minute drive).
The Townsend IGA is the nearest grocery store and is located in a shopping center in the heart of Townsend at 7945 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy. It will have everything you need to make picnic lunches for your daily outings.
For more detailed descriptions and photos of these restaurants, check out our blog A Local’s Guide To The Best Restaurants In Townsend, TN.
Our Detailed Great Smoky Mountains National Park Itinerary
You’ll find no shortage of hikes in the Smokies, and our 6 day itinerary highlights our favorite family hikes.
Each of the hikes in this itinerary was selected with kids in mind meaning that the hikes are relatively easy, short, and most have no significant elevation gain.
For additional easy trail recommendations and more specific details of those listed below, see our blog Our Favorite Hikes In The Smokies With Kids.
A Quick Glance At The Day By Day Itinerary
Here’s a quick overview of each day. Each day in the itinerary is detailed further below in the blog.
Day 1- Pack a picnic for lunch on the trail, and grab a hearty breakfast at Elvira’s Cafe on your way to the Alum Cave trailhead and the Sugarlands Visitor Center.
Day 2- Today is your waterfall day. You’ll hike to Spruce Flats Falls then drive a little further down the road to walk along the peaceful Middle Prong to view another 35 foot waterfall. Pack a picnic, wear your swimsuits, and grab breakfast at the Apple Valley Cafe.
Day 3- Enjoy a hike to an old schoolhouse and historic homestead before enjoying a picnic and swim at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area.
Day 4- Day 4 would need to be on a Wednesday to take advantage of car-free biking, so you might need to switch up the days in the itinerary to make this work. Today is an early morning, because you want to be at Cades Cove by 8am at the latest.
You’ll pack a picnic, grab your bike helmets, and drive 7.5 miles from the Townsend Y to the Cades Cove area of the park. After biking, visit the Cades Cove Campground Store for a cool refreshment, picnic at the Cades Cove Picnic Area, and then enjoy a short hike to the nearby John Oliver Cabin.
Day 5- No trip to the Smokies is complete without a day tubing on the Little River. In the afternoon, Tuckaleechee Caverns is a fun place to spend a few hours in the cool temperature of the caves. Both of these activities take place in the heart of Townsend, so you will be close to restaurants and facilities.
Day 6- Hike one of the additional trails listed here, or consider rewarding the family with a trip to Dollywood!
Day 1- Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary: Alum Cave Trail and Sugarlands Visitor Center
Overview- Pack a picnic for lunch on the trail, and grab a hearty breakfast at Elvira’s Cafe on your way to the Alum Cave trailhead and the Sugarlands Visitor Center.
Day 1 Breakfast- Elvira’s Cafe
You will leave happy and ready to hit the trail after a satisfying breakfast of homemade biscuits and gravy or the french toast with the famous Benton’s bacon, made in East Tennessee. Elvira’s is located 4.5 miles from the 321 stoplight in Townsend. 4143 Wears Valley Road. Riverstone in Townsend would also be a great option for a hearty breakfast.
Day 1- Alum Cave Hike
After breakfast, enter the park through the Wears Valley Entrance and drive to the Alum Cave trailhead.
The 5 mile roundtrip hike to Alum Cave is the furthest away from Townsend but is a beautiful one and shouldn’t be missed. It’s one of my favorite hikes in the park. It is a popular hike, so arrive early and on a weekday if possible. If you are here in the summer or on a fall weekend, skip Elvira’s and head here first to be here by 9am.
The Alum Cave hike features unique geological formations such as Arch Rock and Alum Cave.
The trail follows a stream with log crossings and passes through rhododendron gardens. This is the most challenging hike included in this itinerary, but is kid-friendly if you pace yourself. It’s worth it. You can always hike as long as you’d like and then turn around.
Spoiler Alert- Alum Cave is not actually a cave but more of an overhanging rock formation. Still impressive though. For all the nitty gritty details of the trail, see our blog Hiking Alum Cave To Mount Leconte With Kids.
Tip: On the way to Alum Cave, you’ll pass the super popular Laurel Falls hike. This is a paved 2.3 roundtrip hike to a lovely waterfall. It’s a good option for strollers if you can stomach the crowds and are lucky enough to score a parking spot. Take Note: Laurel Falls trail is closed for a major rehabilitation and is not projected to open until at least the summer of 2026.
Day 1- Sugarlands Visitor Center & Junior Ranger Badge
After your hike, stop at the Sugarlands Visitor Center on your way back home. Allow some time at the small museum in the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Your kids will enjoy looking at the animal exhibit, and the 20 minute video about the history of the park is brief enough to keep everyone’s attention.
If you have younger children, the short nature trails at Sugarlands could be hiked in place of the more challenging Alum Cave hike.
Cataract Falls- This trail is less than a mile roundtrip and ends at a beautiful 25-foot waterfall. The trail begins at the Visitor Center.
Nature Trail– A 1.2 mile loop trail following Fighting Creek features two historic properties: the Noah McCarter cabin and the John Ownby cabin. The trail also begins at the Visitor Center.
Tip: Restrooms and a gift shop are located at the Visitor Center.
Junior Ranger Badge
At the beginning of your stay, try to visit either Sugarlands or Cades Cove Visitor Centers to get maps, history of the park, current newsletter, and Junior Ranger Booklets for the kids.
The Junior Ranger Program is highly recommended, and your family will have fun completing the tasks required to earn a badge. You can purchase the Junior Ranger Guide ahead of time on the NPS website.
Day 2- Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary: Waterfalls In The Smokies
Overview – Today is your waterfall day. You’ll hike to Spruce Flats Falls then drive a little further down the road to walk along the peaceful Middle Prong to spot another 35 foot waterfall. Pack a picnic, wear your swimsuits, and grab breakfast at the Apple Valley Cafe.
Day 2 Breakfast- Apple Valley Cafe
Enjoy a breakfast sandwich in the restaurant or take it “to go.” Next door you’ll find a fun General Store if you feel like browsing or buying candy treats for the trail. 7138 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway. Opens at 9am weekdays and 8am weekends.
Day 2- Hike Spruce Flats Falls
This moderate 2 mile roundtrip hike is found on the grounds of the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont and leads to a beautiful cascading waterfall.
This waterfall receives fewer visitors than other falls in the Smokies and is one of the closer trailheads to Townsend. The trail is steep and rocky in some sections but doable for most kids.
The trail starts on the gravel road running up to the building on the hill and then goes to the left around it. There the trail forks: Lumber Ridge Trail continues straight but you want to go right to climb behind the building.
Look for the signs for the “Falls Trail.” You can always ask for trailhead directions from the Institute’s Bookstore/Gift Shop located on the left after entering Tremont’s grounds.
Note: The hike is not considered an official trail of the Smokies so you won’t find it on any maps of the park.
Tip: Flush bathrooms are located by the Bookstore.
Day 2- Explore The Middle Prong Trail
After your hike to Spruce Flats Falls, leave the Great Smoky Mountain Institute at Tremont and turn left to drive 10 minutes along the road to the Middle Prong Trail for a quick stroll to view a waterfall and then return to the trailhead to play in the water.
Note: The road turns to gravel but is in good shape and doable in most any car.
The trail, an old logging road, is an easy, flat, wide trail running alongside the Middle Prong of the Little River with views of small cascades and a roaring waterfall. I like this trail because you can walk for as long or short as you’d like and retrace your steps back to the car whenever you’re ready. It’s also suitable for a jog stroller if needed.
After crossing the bridge at the trailhead, you have the option of continuing straight along the Middle Prong or taking a short “walkway” trail to the right that runs along the water as well. You can explore this short side trail first if you’d like or continue on the main trail.
The side trail leads to a bridge crossing where you’ll find a good swimming hole for the kids. If you want to skip the walk to the waterfall and swim instead, this is a good bet.
Tip: Near the beginning of the Middle Prong trail, you’ll find accessible places on the left to play in the water, but the further along the trail you go, the steeper the river embankment becomes.
In about a half mile from the trailhead, you’ll reach the 35 foot waterfall on the left side of the trail. Sit on the trailside bench and take in the view. I recommend walking past the bench and around the curve for even better views of the falls.
For a longer hike, you can continue past the falls and turn around at the sign for the Panther Creek Trail at mile 2.3. A short side trail at 2.1 miles leads to a rusty Cadillac leftover from the logging days in the 1920’s. It’s a really fun relic for the kids to see. A tree has fallen on the car in recent years but you can still see it.
Take note: This is a horse trail so watch your step.
Tip: You can push a jog stroller on this trail if needed. It is also a good trail in the snow as it is wide and flat. For photos of the trail, see our blog “Hiking the Middle Prong Trail In Winter.”
Day 3- Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary: Walker Sisters Cabin and Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse
Overview– Today you’ll take a hike to an old schoolhouse and a historic homestead before enjoying a picnic and swim at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area. The picnic area and trailhead is about a 20 minute drive from Townsend.
Day 3- Breakfast- Elvira’s Cafe
If you didn’t get to Elvira’s Cafe on Day 1 or you liked it so much you thought it’s worth a repeat, then start your day here. Elvira’s is a good option today as it is on the way to your hike. It’s located 4.5 miles from the 321 stoplight in Townsend. 4143 Wears Valley Road.
Day 3- Historic Greenbrier Schoolhouse and Walker Sisters Cabin
This easy 4 mile roundtrip hike brings you to a schoolhouse built in 1882 and then continues on to the Walker Sisters cabin built after the Civil War. You can enter the log structures and imagine mountain life from days of yore.
Trailhead
Start the 4 mile roundtrip trail from the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area. The trail begins behind a gated gravel road near a bridge crossing the river. Follow the trail for roughly one mile to reach the schoolhouse.
Tip: To shorten the hike to 2.0 miles total, you can park at the Greenbrier Schoolhouse on Little Greenbrier Road (closed in the winter). The parking area is less than a half-mile up the narrow gravel road and is next to the historic Little Greenbrier School. There are signs from the main road telling you where to turn to drive to the schoolhouse.
Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse
Spend some time at the Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse. Built in 1882 with the help of John Walker, the last classes in the small schoolhouse were held in 1935.
If you are here on a Tuesday, you may find a volunteer dressed as a teacher from the time period to lead classes. Otherwise, the kids will have a good time standing up front and instructing their siblings (and you).
Walker Sisters Homestead
After visiting the school and taking turns being the teacher, you’re now ready to continue to the Walker Sisters Cabin. The Little Brier Gap trail is located at the end of the gravel road that runs behind the cemetery in front of the schoolhouse. You’ll see a gate crossing the gravel road and the trail begins from there.
The trail is nice and wide and slightly uphill, but overall, an easy 1 mile stroll along a babbling brook to the Walker homestead. This is one of the busier hikes in the park, but my kids have always loved it because they get to explore inside the cabin. Arrive early if visiting in the summer season to avoid the crowds.
Tip: Pack a picnic to enjoy on the grounds of the cabin or return to Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area where you can picnic riverside and try to catch tadpoles and crawdads. Restrooms are available at the picnic area.
For more details and photos, see our blog Our Favorite Hike To The Walker Sisters Cabin.
Day 3- Dinner
Try Peaceful Side Social, our favorite restaurant, if you want to sit outside and especially if you need a playground for the kids. Pick the Townsend Abbey if you want to sit by the river inside or outside, or Little River Pub And Deli for great food and also a river view location (although not as good a view as Townsend Abbey).
Day 4 – Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary: Bike Cades Cove
Day 4 would need to be on a Wednesday to take advantage of car-free biking, so you might need to switch up the days in the itinerary to make this work.
Day 4 Overview – Today is an early morning, because you want to be at Cades Cove with your bike by 8:00am at the latest. You’ll pack a picnic, grab your bike helmets, and drive 7.5 miles from the Townsend Y to the Cades Cove area of the park.
After biking, visit the Cades Cove Campground Store for a cool refreshment if needed and then enjoy a short hike to the nearby John Oliver Cabin.
Day 4- Breakfast
Breakfast at your lodging or breakfast bars in the car on the way there would probably be the easiest option today as you’ll be getting an early start. It would also be a great day to pack a picnic to enjoy after your bike ride.
Day 4- Biking Cades Cove Loop
Cades Cove is a broad valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. Cades Cove is beautiful and almost always guarantees an animal sighting (black bears, deer, turkey.)
Many people come to the Smokies just to drive the one-way 11 mile Cades Cove Loop which ultimately leads to a one-way traffic jam. It could easily take more than an hour to drive the 11 mile loop during peak season.
The locals here rarely drive through the traffic congestion of Cades Cove Loop Road. The good news is that you can bike or walk the loop without cars all day on Wednesdays from early May to late September. This is THE can’t miss activity that we tell people to do if they only have one day in the park.
You can bike the entire 11 mile loop or cut off at Sparks Lane for a 4 mile loop and Hyatt Lane for an 8 mile loop respectively. There are a few steep hills but you can always push your bike up them.
When our children were young, we did the 4 mile loop (along Sparks Lane) with our jog stroller.
If you are in good shape and cruising fast with no stops, expect it to take at least an hour. But since you have all day, then definitely stop and tour some of the historic cabins and churches in the cove. Also, Abrams Falls is a fantastic hike, located on the loop road, that is generally overrun on car days so we only hike it on Wednesdays now.
Bring your own bikes with helmets or rent bikes (kids and adult bike available) at the Cades Cove Campground Store. It is first come, first served and they open at 7am so be here at 630am.
Note: Children 16 and under are required to wear helmets, so bring one or rent one. This is strictly enforced.
Multiple volunteers are stationed throughout the loop, especially by the steeper downhills. They will encourage you to go slowly downhill as well as enforce the helmet rule for children.
For more information, answers to FAQ’s and pictures along the loop road as well as info about bike rentals in the cove and e-bikes in Townsend, check out our blog Your Guide To Biking Cades Cove in the Smokies.
Big Tip– Go early or go late. This is a very popular activity and parking is limited. The sunrise over the cove is as spectacular as it is from Clingman’s Dome so I like to get up and be here by 530-6am. (And I am not a morning person so that tells you how great it is.) You can also plan on going in the late afternoon too, when the crowds have died down a bit.
Day 4- Cades Cove Picnic Area
After biking, stop by the restrooms near the Cades Cove Campground Store if needed before heading to the Cades Cove Picnic Area for lunch. After lunch, cool off in the stream before hiking to the nearby John Oliver Cabin.
The Campground Store offers snacks or drinks if needed as well as soft-serve ice cream for the kiddos.
Day 4 Alternative to biking (or in addition to biking): Hike to the John Oliver Cabin
If you can’t make it on a Wednesday to bike the Cades Cove, then park at Cades Cove Picnic Area and hike the Rich Mountain Trail to the John Oliver Cabin to get a taste of the cove without getting stuck in traffic.
Day 5- Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary: River Tubing & Tuckaleechee Caverns
Overview– No summer trip to the Smokies is complete without a day tubing on the river. In the afternoon, cool off in the Tuckaleechee Caverns. Both of these activities take place in the heart of Townsend, so you will be close to a choice of restaurants and facilities.
Day 5- Tubing the Little River
Floating down the cold Little River on a hot summer day is a tradition here. There are many outfitters on the main drag in Townsend that provide tubes and shuttles.
Tip: Call for reservations and to confirm water levels. It’s no fun to have to stand up and portage your tube through the shallow waters. Conversely, water levels could be high and fast. Call and check. Remember to wear water shoes. Also keep in mind that some sections of the river are surprisingly deep, so children should wear a life jacket.
Smoky Mountain River Rat offers two routes and you can go as many times as you’d like in a day. They estimate 2 hours to float depending on water levels. $24.99 for adults and $19.99 for the kiddos. Reserve online and save a couple of dollars. Per their website:
We offer both the upper section and lower sections of the Little River. The lower section, and main outpost, is our family friendly float and features relaxing rapids, scenic views, and even a rock jump! The lower outpost is ideal for ages two and up.
The upper section is what we like to call the “adventure float.” It features a scenic float with adrenaline-pumping rapids and cool, refreshing swimming holes. The upper outpost is suitable for ages six and older. Note: Age restrictions may apply due to high-water levels.
Day 5- Tuckaleechee Caverns
Escape the heat of the day with a tour of the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies.” The Tuckaleechee Caverns have been carved over tens of thousands of years and are estimated to be between 20 and 30 million years old. It’s a huge favorite with the kids and a great place to cool off on a hot summer day.
Look for the seismometer in the gift shop. It has recorded the earthquake that caused the tsunami in Thailand as well as underground nuclear tests in North Korea. Pretty cool!
Tip: You need to be able to negotiate stairs. Adults $26, kids $14 (4 and under free). Located within a 5 minute drive of Townsend. 825 Cavern Rd.
For additional activities in Townsend, see our blog “Exploring Townsend- A Local’s Guide.“
Day 6- Other Fun Activities in the Smokies
Dollywood
If you want to add some additional fun to your visit, you’ll find Dollywood’s Theme Park and Splash Country Water Park just 40 minutes from Townsend in the nearby touristy town of Pigeon Forge.
Take Highway 321 through beautiful Wear’s Valley straight to Pigeon Forge then follow your GPS to the vast parking lot for Dollywood. Catch a show, watch crafters at work, or experience one of the park’s 40 amusement rides. Wings of an Eagle and Lightning Rod are roller coasters that will impress even the most jaded teenager.
Dollywood is super family-friendly and a good way to spend the day. It can be crowded in the summer (and hot) but you can always swing over to Dollywood’s Splash Country to cool off.
If you would like to stay in Pigeon Forge for a day or two, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa is superb. Family-friendly with bunk beds in many of the rooms and a huge pool area that includes a splash pad for the littlest guys. Included with your stay is the TimeSaver Pass to skip lines, a free shuttle to the park, and your own entrance to Dollywood.
We had a blast at the DreamMore and would stay again. Prices at the onsite restaurant were reasonable as well, a rarity in resorts.
Townsend Biking Trails
An easy, relatively flat 10-mile, paved bike path runs parallel to the main drag of Townsend (US 321.) Parking is available at both ends. It passes by many restaurants, shops, and motels, as well as several historic sites. Stop by the Townsend Visitor Center for an informative booklet.
This could be a fun way to exercise, learn about the area, and stop for a lunch outing, but note that you will hear the sound of cars driving by. The path also goes by the Townsend Visitor Center located at 7906 East Lamar Alexander Parkway (US 321) in the heart of Townsend. See our Complete Guide To The Townsend Historical Trail.
Townsend Visitor Center
Be sure to stop by or check out their website for upcoming festivals and events in Townsend.
Fly Fishing
There are over 800 miles of fishable trout streams in Great Smoky Mountains National Park alone. Little River Outfitters in Townsend is a family-owned fly shop and school and can hook you up with all you need. They even offer free fly fishing and fly tying classes. Check the schedule on their website.
Parkway Drive-in
For some good old-fashioned fun, head back towards Maryville, TN to catch a double feature at the Parkway Drive-in. Gates generally open at 7pm and movies start at dusk. Cars start lining up to enter before 7pm, so don’t be late. Bring a frisbee or book to hang out with before the movie starts. Located at 2909 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy, 20 minutes from Townsend.
The Little River Railroad & Lumber Company Museum
Calling all train lovers! You’ll find a vintage caboose (L&N Class NE “Little Woody”), two vintage flatcars, a portable Frick steam engine, and more at the Little River Railroad & Lumber Company Museum. Located on the main drag in Townsend. 7747 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy
Rainy Day Activities
Apple Valley General Store
Next door to the cafe, you’ll find a fun General Store selling a nice selection of home decor, t-shirts, and various other items. 7138 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway.
Tuckaleechee Caverns
If you haven’t already, take a tour at Tuckaleechee Caverns, the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies.” Adults $26, kids $14 (4 and under free). Located within a 5 minute drive of Townsend.
Sugarlands Visitor Center & Junior Ranger Badge
If you haven’t already, explore the small museum in the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Your kids will enjoy looking at the animal exhibit and the 20 minute video about the history of the park. It takes about 1 hour to drive to the Visitor Center from Townsend.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Located in Gatlinburg, this is a really fun aquarium. At Ripley’s Aquarium, sharks swim overhead in glass tanks, and you’ll find hands-on opportunities with horseshoe crabs. It’s expensive though and can be super crowded. $39.99 adults and $24.99 ages 6-11, $14.99 ages 2-5. It’s at least a 45 minute drive from Townsend.
Wonderworks
WonderWorks is one of the best Pigeon Forge attractions and a fun visit for the entire family. With over 35,000 square feet of “edu-tainment,” WonderWorks is an “amusement park for the mind” with over 100 interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages.
Experience the trembling of a 6.0 Earthquake, make human-size bubbles in the bubble lab, fly a fighter jet, lie on a bed of nails, ride the roller coaster simulation, experience rock climbing and test your skills on the 50ft tall indoor ropes challenge course. Tickets: $34.99 adults/$25.99 kids. Save $2 ordering online.
See our blog “Best Things To Do In Townsend: A Local’s Guide” for more details.
Helpful Links & Resources
Keep these sites handy before and during your trip:
That’s all for this itinerary. Have a blast in the Smokies!
If you loved this guide, take a look at our other titles available on our sister website: www.simplyawesometrips.com. We cover national parks as well as US and international destinations.
Happy Trails and Safe Travels!
Amy & Amanda
