Trip Summary

Favorite Experiences

What I Wish I Knew

Trip Summary

The Smoky Mountains! Log cabins! Moonshine! Black bears! Everything you could possibly want in a vacation appreciating nature and the outdoors is right here in Gatlinburg, Tennessee! Luckily, I have been here many times, so I can give you the full scoop on all there is to see and do at this beautiful spot in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

I will say that due to its beauty and popularity, the city is always packed with people….and I mean packed. As in lots of traffic, very few places to park, and the sidewalks overflowing with people. Out-of-towners are usually very taken aback by how crowded it is, so I just wanted to warn you! But don’t let that scare you away…you just have to plan ahead, and I’ll tell you how to do just that!

If you want a peaceful getaway in the mountains and don’t want to explore the city much, a cabin is going to be your best bet. There are cabins everywhere, and they range from small, cozy cabins for couples to massive vacation houses big enough to host large get-togethers with family and friends. My husband’s extended family used to do big, family vacations every year in Gatlinburg, so we rented out a number of these cabins, and they are all very nice and usually have plentiful bedrooms, big kitchens, cozy fireplaces, and even extras like game rooms, pools, and hot tubs on the back porch. However, they can be expensive and if you want to see the city, it can be a challenge as driving and finding parking downtown can be a logistical nightmare.

So when my sister wanted to have a weekend girls trip to Gatlinburg, we decided to stay at a hotel downtown so we could walk everywhere and when we wanted to hike, we would just drive out to the trails early in the morning to beat the crowds…and we would save money as hotels are much cheaper than the cabins. So that is what we did! We searched quite a bit for a good hotel–because a lot of them are run down and overpriced (you are paying for the location, not necessarily for luxury)–and we settled on the River Terrace Resort and Convention Center. It was right in the middle of downtown, close to Anakeesta and the Skywalk (both places we wanted to visit!), and was a walkable distance to a lot of restaurants (and right across the street from a cidery!). 

Reviews on the place were so-so, so I was a little hesitant on booking it as many people had complained about its age and need of repairs, but we were only going to be there for the weekend and we wanted the location. Going into the hotel with low expectations, I was pleasantly surprised by the hotel as the hospitality rivaled even fancy hotels. The front desk attendant was sweet and told me about all the nearby attractions. She also explained their texting service where they check in on you via text to make sure you have everything you need, and you can text them directly about anything from a maintenance issue to getting extra towels sent to your room. This texting service came in handy as I had to give them my license plate number in order to park in their parking lot, but I didn’t know my sister’s license plate number as she would be meeting me later in the day. And it was so much easier just texting the number to the front office when my sister came in rather than standing in line and talking to the front desk people again. I was very impressed by the texting service and wish other hotels would do that!

The room was also extremely spacious, had an overlooking patio that had chairs where you could relax if you wanted to, and was clean. It was a bit older as reviews had said and wasn’t luxurious, but even still, the location was just right, and that’s all we wanted. So for its location, pleasant staff, and superior texting service, it gets high marks. Some things to note, though, are it is a bit pricy for what it is, the patios don’t overlook the river as advertised on the website, but rather overlooks the parking lot. They might have some that overlook the river, but there is not a clear way to pick those rooms on some booking sites, so just FYI (or you may just want to book with the hotel directly). The onsite restaurant, Drafts Burger Bar, also wasn’t very good and had terrible service. However, the room had a fridge, was clean, and was what we needed for the weekend.

River Terrace Resort and Convention Center: B

Enough about the hotel…let’s talk about the things to do and see! There are so many attractions, and you could spend a week here and still not get to everything, so we prioritized what we wanted to see–namely the newer attractions. The first one was the Gatlinburg Sky Bridge–the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. My sister and I had seen so many pictures of people walking across the bridge and posing at the iconic entrance that we decided we would go there first!

Like everything in Gatlinburg, the attraction had an extremely long line, so we waited our turn and bought tickets to go up the skylift and up to the top of the summit where we could then walk on the sky bridge. The tickets were actually quite expensive, so just know that before you go so you can budget. They have discounts for children, seniors, and local guests, but the price just covers the walk across the bridge and that can be completed in a short amount of time.

But we still wanted to see it, so we got our tickets, boarded the ski lift, and enjoyed the slow ride up to the top! At the summit, you can see the famous entrance where a lot of people stop for photos, then you can start walking across the bridge. Interestingly, the pictures on the website don’t reflect the way the bridge actually looks as they have added an overhanging cage-like structure across part of the bridge (for safety, I imagine, so people don’t jump off), but it does make it harder to get good pictures as you have to position your camera between the bars to photograph the mountains and can’t replicate some of the pictures on the website where the views are unobstructed. However, the glass bottom at the middle was cool to see and the views at the overlook at the end of the bridge were pretty.

So the attraction gets points for its views and if it is your first time in Gatlinburg, it is still a pretty place to see. If it is snowing or if you can get there early before all the crowds, I imagine it is more impressive, but if you have a bigger group or are on a budget, I would skip this and spend your time in Anakeesta instead.

Gatlinburg Sky Bridge: B

So on to the attraction that blew the Gatlinburg Sky Bridge away…Anakeesta! Oh, my goodness, this place was so much better, had even better views, and you could easily spend the whole day there for cheaper! Tickets there include access to the entire park which includes North America’s longest treetop skywalk (think rope bridges similar to an Ewok village), various gardens and kids play areas, and the AnaVista Tower. You can also zip line and ride on the rail runner for an extra fee, but this place was by far a better place to spend the afternoon and enjoy the views. However, many tourists also know about this place, so the wait to get into this place was just comedic. There are two lines–one to buy tickets and one to get onto the ski lift that takes you into the attraction, and my sister and I initially went to the longer line until another tourist told us we had to get in the other line first to get tickets, then we could get in this line…and I’m talking about a nearly two hour line at this point. 

So while my sister waited in that line, I waited in line to get tickets then joined her afterwards so we could cut down on the wait time (which I recommend, so if you go in a group, split up to best use your time and if you have kids, maybe have one person do something with them while you wait in line–because these lines rival those of major rides in Disney World or Six Flags).

The ultimate kicker was that when we finally got to the ski lift, we started riding it up, and my sister dropped her purse, and we watched open-mouthed as it tumbled into the forested mountains below. We still had a ways to go before we could get off, so we waited and waited as the ski lift climbed higher and higher into the mountains, leaving the purse behind. At the top, I saw there was a long line to get back on the ski lift to go down, and I was thinking of that line then the horribly long line at the bottom to get back on the ski lift to get back up (once we retrieved the purse), and I started debating just skipping Anakeesta as there wouldn’t be much day left by the time we got through all those lines. So we talked to several of the staff and after some blew us off and told us to just file a lost and found report, we finally found someone who would let us skip the line and ride the chair lift back down so we could then start looking for the fallen purse. We spotted it on the way down and memorized where it was.

As soon as we got to the bottom, my sister dashed off to find it, and I start talking to the staff to see if there was any possible way they could have mercy on us and have us not stand in line for two more hours to get back to the park. They pointed me to the Express Line, still a long line, but it was moving faster and by the time I was nearing the front, my sister emerged victorious with her purse! Just in time, we rode back up to the top…and this time, we spotted a black bear roaming on the mountain below….so all this drama was for the best, so we could see bears in the wild and fully experience the Smoky Mountains!

So Anakeesta! Now that we were finally in the park, let me tell you about it! It’s a new attraction and is nicely laid out to hold a lot of people and still not feel terribly crowded. There are a number of restaurants and shops as well as overlooks with chairs everywhere you look. We wanted to try the treetop skywalk first, so we started walking toward that area of the park. It is a one-way trail of rope bridges separated by small outlooks and is actually quite long so you get lots of good opportunities to take pictures and enjoy. If you want to pause at any point, the outlooks are big enough to hold several people, so people can easily move past you if you wanted to stand still for a few minutes and take pictures.

Perhaps the best picture-taking spot is the AnaVista Tower. This is at the summit of Anakeesta and offers gorgeous views in all directions. You can even see over to some of the mountains in North Carolina as well as a lot of the Smoky Mountains National Park. The gardens are at the bottom of the tower and are beautiful, so definitely make sure you have plenty of picture space on your camera/phone, because you will be taking a lot while here!

At this point, the sun was setting, so we decided to head back down the mountain via the ski lift, but what a day! The park was gorgeous, and we could see the reason for so many people wanting to see it! It was one of the highlights of our trip. For its reasonable prices, beautiful views, and lovely park, Anakeesta definitely makes the grade!

Anakeesta: A+

Now before I move onto restaurants and hikes, let me tell you about one more attraction in Gatlinburg. And that is Ripley’s Haunted Adventure! I didn’t go there this last time (my sister would never go in a haunted house in a million years, haha), but I did visit on one of our past family trips, and it left an impression. I went during Fall Break (though, the attraction is open all year), and even though I’ve been in a number of haunted houses, this was one of the best because of how unique it was. A lot of time and money has gone into this place, so after you ride to the top of the building, you and your group go inside, single-file into pitch blackness. I don’t want to give too much away, but it is a scary house with a lot of unexpected scares. When I went, there was a room where you had to push your way through inflated walls on both sides (this is hard to describe), so you were constantly reaching ahead, blind, without any idea of what you were about to encounter. At the end was a very cool bridge surrounded by rotating lights that really threw you off balance so you had to hang onto the rails and really concentrate to make it out of the building. Lots of other neat things, too, but it was a very enjoyable haunted house experience, so I didn’t want to leave that one out, especially if you are there near Halloween and want a good fright! The place is pretty intense for kids, but if you are older or an adult and want a scary experience, this place is for you!

Ripley’s Haunted Adventure: A

Okay, let’s talk about restaurants! There are a lot of good ones here, though I do have to warn you again about the crowds. Very often, there is a very long wait to get in anywhere, so if there is a place you really want to go, go early right when it opens or prepare for a very long wait.

Some places will give you a pager (or take your number and text you when a table is ready), so if this is the case, let me tell you a good spot to hang out and enjoy and drink (or two!) while you wait! And that is the Daiquiri Shack and Grill that is part of Margaritaville.

It’s an open air bar with views overlooking the main strip, and they have all kinds of delicious drinks. It was one of my favorite spots and while the drinks are not very strong, they are tasty (the Havana and Bananas drink and Mama Breeze drink were favorites!). Service was top-notch, too, and every though it was always busy, service was always very quick and friendly. Highly recommend!

Daiquiri Shack and Grill Margaritaville: A

The place my sister and I enjoyed most for a meal was No Way Jose’s Cantina. This one required a bit of a wait, but the food was very good, and we wished we were hungrier so we could eat more! Their nachos were excellent, their taquitos wonderful, and their chips were hot and fresh!

The only things we didn’t like so much was the salsa as it was super chunky and the guacamole had more tomatoes and onions in it than actual avocado, but really, this place was good, and I recommend it for a tasty meal! Service was good, too, and was relatively quick given how busy it was.

No Way Jose’s Cantina: A-

Another clear winner was the Gatlinburg Brewing Company. I had read reviews that this was the perfect spot for a pizza and a brew, so after walking down there, I had their chicken bacon ranch pizza and a drink, and they were delicious. The pizza came out hot and fresh, and the white sauce was good and melty. The waiter had initially gone to the table next to me to deliver it and when they pointed to me, their eyes followed the pizza longingly before saying, “That looks really good!”

I will say that the chicken is made with dark meat, so if you prefer the white meat, this pizza might not be the best one for you, but the chicken and the other ingredients made for a good meal. Other customers had the same idea, because the place was busy, but not overly so that anyone had to wait long (but I did go during the lunch-time crowd–so dinner might be busier).

So for the good food, plentiful drink selection, and good service, this place gets a good score and my recommendation!

Gatlinburg Brewing Company: A

One place that was an unexpected stop for us was Tom and Earl’s Back Alley Grill. Originally, we were going to go to one of the famous pancake houses on the main strip, but after seeing that the line to even request a table stretched down the block, we quickly reevaluated that idea and started looking for places that had not opened yet where we could get an early seat (and this place was the closest one that answered that call!). So we hightailed it over to this restaurant and managed to be the second group in the restaurant, so after being seated outside (they have a great patio area where live music plays at night), we ordered drinks and lunch.

The food was okay (I ordered a Philly cheesesteak, and it came out looking really thick like a steak sandwich that ended up tasting pretty bland, but the fries! The fries were where it was at, and my sister and I snacked on those for most of the lunch because they were thickly battered and seasoned).

The service was the best of the whole trip as our server was happy to suggest items on the menu and steer us toward the better picks. He was also very attentive and was quick to fill drinks (and even help us shoo away a bee that became a little too interested in our table)!

So while the food was just okay (I recommend this place more for a snack/drinks than an actual meal), the service was excellent, and it was a spot that didn’t have an enormous wait, so that was a plus!

Tom and Earl’s Back Alley Grill: A-

Now, this last restaurant comes with a caveat. Dick’s Last Resort is known for its servers being rude to you, the place being a mess, and the food just being so-so. It’s the atmosphere that makes it famous, and I had seen this restaurant in some touristy spots of bigger cities I had visited, but I had never gone. And my sister had never heard of the place, so what better place to take her…and just watch her reaction? Ha! It was absolutely priceless.

We had about an hour wait for an outside table, but soon enough, we were ushered in, and found our table on the upstairs patio. My sister was already a little perplexed at the napkins and straws strewn on the floor and when the waitress threw down our menus and made rude replies to my sister’s comments, I watched as my sister kept throwing me irritated glances. It was all I could do not to laugh as they had an argument about what drink she could get before the waitress explained that the place was designed to be rude to customers. Then, it was all laughter after that.

We ended up staying for drinks and dinner. I went in with zero expectations as I knew the food would be overpriced and not the best according to reviews, but it actually wasn’t too bad. We also had hats made for us and though I think they use the same ten phrases for anyone who comes into the restaurant, it was still humorous and made for a good time.

So while I wouldn’t bring kids or expect a luxurious meal, it is a good place for a laugh…especially if you bring an unsuspecting person to the restaurant! Our waitress was good, too, so this place was great for a prank. However, if this type of humor is not for you, then I’d skip it.

Dick’s Last Resort: B

Okay, one more place, then we will move on—the cidery! I can’t write about Gatlinburg without mentioning the cidery across from our hotel. My sister and I are big cider fans, so the Tennessee Cider Company was a for sure stop on the trip. The place is a little hard to find because it is inside a mini-mall area, but they offer all kinds of ciders (hot and cold) from various apple ciders to pineapple cider to peach cider. While they do not serve full drafts of cider, they do offer tastings, and for $5, you can try most of what they offer before deciding if you want to buy an entire bottle.

Everything tasted delicious (except the port that they described as “tootsie-roll flavored”–neither my sister nor I liked that at all). Our favorites were the spiced apple and the hot cider they offered, so we quickly picked out bottles to take home to our husbands (I only got one bottle, but when I got home, my husband liked it so much, he asked why I didn’t get more! Ha!).

I wish this place did serve drafts of the cider because it would be a cool place to sit and enjoy a few ciders, but even so, it is still a great spot that offers a lot of deliciousness! High marks all around!

Tennessee Cider Company: A+

Whew, you still with me? This is a long post…but only because there is so much to do here! One of the most popular “outdoorsy” things to do is visit Cades Cove. This is an eleven mile loop that you can either drive, bike, or walk. The loop is closed to vehicles on Wednesdays (this is a popular day for bicyclists) during the summer and no matter how you explore the loop, it is a beautiful part of the Smokies and a photographer’s paradise. Bear sightings are also very common as well as deer, turkeys, and an assortment of other animals. There are also several trails that start here as well as some old churches/cabins to explore if you want to stop and look around.

However, it is also one of the most crowded spots of the Smokies, so if you drive, go with a full tank of gas and a whole lot of patience, because it is going to be a parking lot with a maximum speed of about two miles an hour because of all the people. You are also supposed to use turnoffs only to stop and take pictures, but people don’t always abide by that and freely block traffic to take their pictures–especially if there is wildlife out. This really slows down the traffic, so just know that going in, and it won’t be quite so frustrating on the loop. If you can go early in the morning, on a weekday, or during the school year, you will have less traffic, but on holiday weekends–as beautiful as Cade’s Cove is–it becomes nightmarish with all the cars. So just plan accordingly!

On my last two trips, I saw a few bears, and even though they were in the distance, it was exhilarating seeing them in the wild (when you are about 65-70% done with the loop, there is a big field on the left, and that is where I always see them). During one visit, there were three of them–a mother and two cubs–and the line of cars with people out on their phones and with cameras with long lenses signaled that something was up. So I pulled over in a pullout, and there they were! So cute and right there in the open!

So this place gets points from me, because of how beautiful it is and how many opportunities there are for pictures, but it does present a challenge if you don’t have a whole lot of time. Give yourself a few hours for the loop and just expect a lot of waiting!

Cade’s Cove: A-

And you know, you can’t visit the Smoky Mountains without going hiking. As of 2023, you are required to purchase a Smokies parking pass (you can purchase daily/weekly passes online and yearly passes in-person, and the national park pass that covers admission to all national parks does not count for this–unfortunately). The park is pretty strict about enforcement, so after you get your pass, look for some fun trails to explore! There are tons of trails, ranging from easy to difficult, so you have a wide range to choose from, though go early! I’m talking sunrise! If you don’t, you are going to have a hard time finding parking at the trailheads because they fill up quickly.

There is actually a popular trail in Cade’s Cove itself to see Abrams Falls. If you follow the signs to a dirt road, it takes you to a parking lot and a moderate trail to see an impressive waterfall. I’ve done this hike a few times and enjoyed it each time. You can get quite close to the falls as well, so there are lots of opportunities to take pictures.

The path is also easily marked (as are most trails in the Smokies), so even if you don’t have phone signal, you can find your way (though, it is always a good idea to download/screenshot your route from an app like AllTrails). So for its impressive waterfall, well-marked trail, and plentiful parking, this trail gets high marks.

Abrams Falls Trail: A

When my sister and I visited, we wanted a super early start to Grotto Falls. We picked this trail for the waterfall and because the hike wasn’t too strenuous, and even though we got to the trailhead before the sun came up, we still got the very last parking spot available! 

But the hike itself was lovely (especially because we could see the sun slowly coming up over the trees as we hiked, and this made for some very nice pictures). The trail was well-marked and not very crowded (we saw most of the people on our way back down). It is a hike in and out trail, but even so, there are lots of pretty spots to see, streams to cross (on bridges or stepping stones), and the waterfall itself was pretty (and you could even go behind it)!

So for its easy slope, pretty views, and well-marked trail, Grotto Falls gets my recommendation! I have even gone back to hike it again (and beyond) since, and even on repeat visits, it is a great trail!

Grotto Falls Trail: A

If you are willing to hike farther and want to see some epic views, continue on past Grotto Falls to the top of Brushy Mountain! I did this one solo, and the trail is quiet with very few people, so it is peaceful, and even though the lookout area is small, you are likely to have it all to yourself! The views are hard to beat, too, as you can see miles in every direction, and with it being a “secret” spot, you can make this a fun break/snack/lunch spot before heading back down.

I enjoyed this trail, because it was nice and shaded, so you could make this a fun summer hike even when it is hot. The narrow path you follow as you get closer to the top is a nice change of pace from the wider (and busier) trails nearby, too!

So for its shade, quiet, and epic views at the top, it gets my recommendation!

Brushy Mountain Trail: A

Luckily, there are lots of trails with waterfalls and views, and these are the best ones to take in the summer when it is hot, and you need some water breaks to cool down. One of the best ones I’ve found recently with a ton of creek crossings (and a bonus waterfall that you can walk under and cool off in) is Meigs Creek Trail. It is a popular trail because of the river/waterfall viewing area at the parking lot, but once you go past that, the crowds thin a bit, and you can enjoy the true peacefulness of the Smokies.

The waterfall is about halfway up the trail on the right, and a lot of people stop there to dip their toes in, take pictures, and cool off, but if you are brave enough, go all the way in! The water isn’t too deep, and your shoes are going to be wet from the creek crossings anyway, so you might as well get the full experience!

Now I say that your shoes will be wet on this trail, and that is a fact. It is just unavoidable with all the crossings, and some of the crossings have some rocks that you can hop around on (but be careful as they are extremely slippery), but more often than not, there are no rocks to use to cross, so in you go! During the summer, these crossings stay ankle-deep, so nothing too strenuous, but those shoes are going to get sloshy–and the sooner you just wade in and slosh across the water, the easier (and cooler) your hike gets.

You do want to watch out for snakes near the end of the trail (close to the turnaround point), because some hikers coming back warned about some copperheads they saw, so I ended up hiking a little short of the end point and turning around (a poisonous snake bite is not good when you don’t have cell signal and still have miles of hiking before you reach the parking lot). I didn’t want to chance it, but I imagine that is only an issue on really hot days.

So definitely check it out! Wade in the creeks! Enjoy the waterfall! So much to enjoy on this trail.

Meigs Creek Trail: A

One of my favorite hikes actually combines all the best bits–waterfalls, creeks, and beautiful views! I had seen pictures of Chimney Tops and the fabulous views from the top and wanted to hike it for a long while, but the ascent and the lack of cell signal intimidated me (as I would be hiking alone), and I didn’t know how much of the trail had been affected by the recent fire. However, I had an unexpected day off during the week recently, and I knew that if I wanted to beat the crowds, this was going to be the best time to go! So I left early and got to the trailhead just as the parking spots were starting to fill up. 

Armed with my backpack full of water, snacks, and an extra long-sleeved shirt (because it gets cold in the mountains!), I started off on the trail and was pleasantly surprised to see so many waterfalls! The trail crosses several major ones and the bridges crossing each river/stream look new and sturdy. The water was also flowing in full force due to recent rain, and it was so mesmerizing to just watch and enjoy the water rushing past. So beautiful!

The trail was also in excellent shape and though I was worried about being able to stay on the trail due to no cell signal, the signs were plentiful, and the trail very well maintained. The trail is also very steep, and the number of stairs is overwhelming. Just when you think you’ve hiked up all of them, there are more, and toward the end, I was wondering if I would be able to make it up the summit (a steep and dangerous climb over burnt rock face). 

A quarter mile from the end of the trail is an overlook where a lot of hikers stopped to rest and eat/drink/take pictures, and that area is beautiful. You can see the Chimney Tops from a distance, and they are quite impressive and almost more so due to their burnt state as they have a spooky Lord of the Rings vibe to them. At the end of the overlook is a gate that advises hikers not to go past due to the dangerous nature of the trail beyond. At the side of the gate is a well-worn trail where hikers have gone past it, and sure enough, 80% of the people who hiked up were going past to the summit. I asked some of the returning hikers how it was and if they thought the trail was safe, and they all replied that it “wasn’t as scary as they thought it would be.” It looked pretty intimidating, though, so I walked on ahead and decided that I would only hike as far as I was comfortable. If I made it to the summit, great; if I didn’t, then I didn’t. I was alone and wanted to be safe and acknowledge my limits.

So I went ahead and the trail gets very narrow as you weave through bushes and climb over fallen trees. The ground gets more and more uninviting as the rocks become almost volcanic from the fire, and it was interesting to see the change so quickly in the trail. The bushes clear at the bottom of the summit, and here, you actually get some amazing views even if you don’t decide to go up to the very top.

There is one last major tree to climb over and then you are on the burnt rock face where it is only you, the mountain, and nothing else, and that part is exhilarating. Making sure everything was fastened in my backpack so that I had both hands to climb, I started the ascent and honestly, it does get a little scary, so being careful not to look down and only look to where my next hand and foothold was, I climbed up toward the top. Some other people had already made it to the end, and I could hear their yells of exhilaration and see their poses as they pumped their fists in the air and posed for pictures. It was fun to watch as their enthusiasm was contagious and about 2/3 of the way up, I found a little rock nook where I could rest and take some pictures, so I decided to make that my end point. The rocks were getting steeper and the handholds less frequent, so I decided this would be the safest place to stop. Had I gone with my husband, we could have helped each other up and down, but being alone, I didn’t want to put myself at risk, so it was a relief to rest a bit and see the full glory of the Smoky Mountains.

It was truly a sight to behold, and I actually stayed there for a while, catching up on my water, eating a protein bar, and taking all the pictures and video my phone could hold. It was breathtaking, and I will never forget those views!

Knowing I had the descent left and a long drive home (traffic gets heavier in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge later in the day), I started back. The descent from the summit is just as nerve-wracking if not more so than the ascent, so I was very careful to always have three points of contact and even had to slide down on the steepest parts, but soon enough, I was back at that downed tree at the base and was able to take my last looks at the view before heading back.

Going down, I passed a lot more people, but it was a bit of a relief knowing that I had made it and didn’t have to climb up all those stairs again. Hiker after hiker asked me if they were almost there, but in most cases, they weren’t, so I felt a little less bad about struggling on the way up. It’s a hard climb!

When I got back to the parking area, it was packed, and cars had lined the road going to and from the trailhead. Cars spotted me and even started stalking me in order to get my parking space after I left, so I was glad that I had gone early! Honestly, though, the trail deserves the crowds as it is truly magnificent, so I highly recommend this trail. Be mindful of your limits, though, bring water and snacks, and if you go during the spring/fall, bring an extra layer, because it does get cold with the higher elevation. All in all, a gorgeous trail!

Chimney Tops Trail: A+ 

Another moderate hike is Rainbow Falls. This one doesn’t have nearly the same payoff as Chimney Tops or some of the other waterfall trails listed here, but is a popular one nonetheless. It is longer than Chimney Tops, yet not quite as strenuous. The waterfall flow depends on recent rainfall, but is honestly more of a trickle compared to the other waterfalls in the area. This makes it a little disappointing, but when I visited, it was still fun to rock scramble to the base and enjoy a nice snack before heading back.

So while this trail doesn’t get my best rating, its still a worthy one to explore! Just don’t expect a huge waterfall and enjoy the hike more for its physical challenge, and that will make it better!

Rainbow Falls Trail: A-

Another beautiful hike starts off at the Newfound Gap overlook right on the Tennessee/North Carolina state line and is even part of the Appalachian Trail! You can take this hike to several different trail offshoots, including Charles Bunion, Icewater Springs, and the Jump Off among others, and I had decided on the Jump Off. It’s a longer trail, but because of the length, it is not as crowded as some of the shorter trails as a lot of people park at the overlook to take pictures and maybe walk a mile of the trail just to say that they hiked on it then they turn back. If you keep going to the other trail offshoots, it actually gets quite peaceful, and I spent large stretches being the only person on the trail.

That was a good thing toward the end, because as I turned off onto the Jump Off trail, the trail became very narrow and the overlook at the end is actually on a very small clearing. It would have been very difficult to take pictures if there were a lot of people there, so I was grateful for the peace and quiet as I could take pictures without being rushed or waiting until it was clear. The viewpoint, even though it is small, offers up a magnificent view, and it is tempting to just spend the day up there taking in the mountains and breathing in the fresh air. So magical!

So if you are in shape, I highly recommend taking this trail for the views!

Appalachian Trail / Jump Off Trail: A

Another trail that shares this same trailhead is one of my favorites–Charlie’s Bunion! I have hiked this one twice now, and it is a treat every time! You start off on the Appalachian Trail (and run into thru-hikers!) and go all the way up to the Icewater Spring Shelter then keep going until you reach Charlie’s Bunion. It is a challenging hike (but the elevation is broken up enough so that you get some downhill breaks before going uphill again, so I found this one to be a workout, but still fun). 

The lookout is unreal, though! You have multiple ways to lookout–either by climbing up on the main rock (the best lookout) or ascending the mountain right behind it (the views are still good here, and there is a lot more space, and it is not as scary). Either way, it is gorgeous (and my second favorite lookout of the Smokies)!

I try to save the best hikes for my husband and I to do together (this takes more planning as we have to board our dogs for the day as the best hikes are the longer ones), but I am so glad that he and I did this one together. It was a great way to spend the day!

So if you have the strength and stamina, definitely put this hike on your list! It deserves a top spot!

Charlie’s Bunion Trail: A+

If you want to challenge yourself with some of the longer hikes of the Smokies, Chestnut Top Trail is a good one to get acclimated! I decided to try this one before some of the bigger ones like the Boulevard, Alum, and Mt. LeConte trails because even at 8.5 miles, the elevation change seemed to be gradual which made it more manageable. It is also a very shaded trail (and steadily gets cooler the higher you climb) which makes it a good one to tackle in the warmer weather, too.

There is a fun hollowed-out tree fairly early in the trail that’s fun to take pictures in, though, that is probably going to be the only picture spot of the trail. There are no lookouts or waterfalls on this trail (though, if you visit in the winter after the leaves have fallen, you will be able to see more), so that makes it less popular (I was the only one on this trail when I visited). There is also a large parking lot across from the trailhead which makes things easier, so the trails gets points for those things. I expected the trail to be nothing but a nice, solitary walk in the woods, and it was just that, so if you are looking for the same, this is a good one to check out!

Chestnut Top Trail: A-

Once you are comfortable with longer/harder trails, a world of opportunity opens up in the Smokies! I am still working on bettering my strength and endurance, but the Bullhead to the Pulpit Trail was one that I enjoyed recently. It is a steep trail that doesn’t really let up at all the whole way up, but due to recent wildfires, a lot of the foliage is burned away at the top, so the views are out of this world. Unlike some trails in which you only get a good view at the very top, you get views for a good bit of this trail and can take lots of pictures (though, because of the lack of shade, you will want to be extra cautious and wear sunscreen/bring water). 

If you follow the trail past the Pulpit (a large pile of rocks essentially), you can make it all the way to Mt. LeConte, but you can also turn around at the Pulpit if you aren’t ready for that quite yet. There are also lots of lookouts between switchbacks that make for some good resting places if you need!

One of the things that I didn’t love about the trail was how narrow and overgrown it was as this made it difficult to use walking sticks and if you weren’t careful, you could lose track of the trail completely. This is unusual for Smokies trails as they are typically well-marked and easy to navigate, but this trail is not near as popular as some of the others and therefore doesn’t get the same level of maintenance. 

The parking lot for this trail is officially the second lot listed for Rainbow Falls, but you can actually park at the first lot and save a lot of unnecessary hiking along the road to get to the actual Bullhead trail. Save your energy for hiking the Bullhead, and this will help! Park in the first lot…but go early, because they fill quickly!

So this trail gets points for its quietness and the views, but it isn’t my favorite due to how overgrown the trail is.

Bullhead to the Pulpit Trail: A-

Of course, not all of us have the stamina (or time) for bigger trails like those, so if you want a shorter trail with a big payoff, be sure to visit Clingman’s Dome. My sister and I wanted to see it during our trip to Gatlinburg as it is the highest point of the Great Smoky Mountains, and the trail up to the observation tower–while steep–is short. We both had longer drives back (and my sister had actually passed this point on her way to Gatlinburg and talked about how crowded it was when she passed all the cars who couldn’t find a spot in the parking lot), so we planned to get there before the sun came up to get a spot! Also, the road to the dome would be closed soon (it is closed for part of the winter), so we wanted to see it before snow blocked it off from visitors.

People were already there when we arrived and we even saw some setting up some chairs outside their cars…and we figured out why! You have to get there early if you want a parking spot…but that early in the morning, the morning fog still has hours to go before it burns off, so the views were hampered by the famous “smoke” of the Smoky Mountains. My sister and I wanted to hike to the dome anyway because we had to head home, and the mist made for a spooky hike that was cool.

When reading about the trail, many hikers said that while the trail is relatively short, it is very steep, and it is. When you combine that with the elevation, I could see why a lot of people get winded easily (there are benches at various points by the side of the trail for those who want to rest). However, the first 3/4 of the trail is the really steep part–once you get to the wrap around structure, the trail is not as steep, and you can see to the top, so it doesn’t seem as daunting.

The trail is lovely, even crosses the Appalachian Trail at one point, and from the observation deck, you can normally see for miles in every direction. Even though it was misty and foggy when my sister and I went, it was still neat to watch the waves of condensation come in and see the mysterious Clingman’s Dome we had heard so much about!

Since then, I have even gone back, and guess what, I got the same views…or lack thereof, ha! I got there early for a parking spot, hiked some other trails, and came back to Clingmans Dome in the afternoon, and lo and behold, it was all mist and clouds again. Sigh…but that’s life in the mountains! So yes, I highly recommend this hike…though just know that it’s really a predicament on what the views will look like.

However, either way, it is still a spectacular sight and a must-see if you are going to the Smokies!

Clingmans Dome: A

If you are visiting Clingmans Dome, you can actually hike a few more trails while you are there! The Appalachian Trail crosses this area, and you can also see Andrews Bald. This is a shorter trail that, if anything, is cool to go on due to how quiet it is compared to the utter mayhem of Clingmans Dome during busy times. While I had first visited Clingmans Dome in the very early morning when it was quiet, I visited again recently except it was later in the day, and the difference in the number of people was astounding. Very, very crowded, but when I went down to see Andrews Bald, I hardly saw anyone!

Now, I say “went down” to see Andrews Bald, because the trail is mostly downhill all the way from the trailhead to the bald itself…then you go uphill all the way back. It’s not terribly strenuous, but it can be challenging on a hot day, so bring water and take your time if you aren’t used to hiking, and you’ll still have a good time.

This was actually my first “bald” hike in the Smokies, so it was a fun trail that was different than the others I had gone on–though, I will tell you that the views are pretty disappointing (at least when I went) considering its height in the Smokies. When you get to the bald, you can see out into the distance, but a lot of that distance is obstructed by various bushes and shrubbery. Also, I will be honest, when I went, smoke from wildfires had blanketed the air, so I am sure that didn’t help. So it may be gorgeous on another day, but honestly, it scores lower on the list of hikes for me.

Still worth a trip, though, if you want to get some miles in while you see Clingmans Dome, and who knows–maybe you’ll get an epic view while you are there!

Andrews Bald Trail: B+

Another easier hike with a big payoff is Laurel Falls! This one is beautiful and a much easier hike–though due to those things, it is also a very popular hike, so be prepared for big crowds. There is a bigger parking lot (on both sides of the road) as well as some overflow lots, but when I visited, all those were full and cars were lined up and down the road, so that led to some extra walking as I had to park farther away and walk to the trailhead. But the views are worth it! There is one nice overlook on the way up, and it gives you an impressive view of the Smokies.

The waterfall is gorgeous and right off the trail (unlike others where the waterfall may be farther away or you have to scramble over some rocks to get to it). This area gets especially crowded, so be patient for pictures and be careful of the slippery rocks! Two rangers were at the falls when I went and they had their hands full making sure people were being safe and not getting too close to the edge. Yet, sure enough, one person slipped and fell and when another went to get them, they slipped, too. They were okay, thankfully, but just be extra cautious!

So this trail gets my recommendation, but I will say to get there early! Trails are a lot more fun when they aren’t crowded as you can hike faster without getting stuck behind a slow group of people and can take pictures more freely, so just plan accordingly.

Laurel Falls Trail: A-

However, I recently went on a waterfall hike that I actually liked better than Laurel Falls! This one was Spruce Flats Falls, and it is located on the western side of the Smokies toward Townsend. It’s called “the peaceful side of the Smokies” and for good reason, because not nearly as many tourists are there, and it makes for nice, peaceful hikes!

This trail starts at a welcome center with a big parking lot, and from there, you hike up to the falls. The trail is shorter than the one up to Laurel Falls, but it is steeper with a lot more rocks and tree roots that can get slippery after rain (but rainfall makes the waterfall that much stronger!), so if you have good hiking shoes, go right after a storm like I did to see the full power of the waterfall!

The trail ends a bit away from the base of the waterfall, but if you are sure-footed, you can climb the rocks to get closer and when you are at the base, the thunderous roar of the water is like nothing else! It is an impressive sight, and being the only one there, it was that much more magical as I could admire its power and beauty from the base! Highly recommend this hike!

Spruce Flats Falls Trail: A

If you want a creek trail, there is the Cucumber Gap and Little River Loop Trail! These are actually two trails in one to make a 5.4 mile loop, and the Little River portion of it was my favorite. Also, the river is far from “little” as you can hear its roar beside you the whole time you are alongside the river which is nice. There are also several waterfalls and picture-worthy spots, the trail is wide, and the elevation change is minimal, so it makes for an easy stroll.

If you take the Cucumber Gap Trail back, that is where is gets a little more challenging as there are some creek crossings, the trail gets very rooty, and the elevation picks up. The trail is also very buggy in the summer, so be sure to wear your insect-repellant. Because of these things, I did not enjoy the Cucumber Gap portion as much, however, I did see a deer on this trail that wasn’t too skittish and who stayed for a while, so that made the trail much better.

I have also read that if you go counter-clockwise on this loop by starting with Cucumber Gap then taking Little River Trail back, it is much easier, so take what you will from that. So this trail gets an okay review for me. There are better ones out there, but this was still nice for a stroll and to enjoy the wildlife!

Cucumber Gap and Little River Loop Trail: A-

If you are wanting a creek trail that is a bit easier, I would recommend Middle Prong Trail. This one is wider, follows the creek the whole way, and does not have a lot of elevation change. The sound of the river next to you is fun, and there are multiple spots where you can stop and enjoy views of waterfalls, creeks, and wildlife.

This one was actually a bonus trail for me as I was originally heading to another trail, but my cell signal got lost, so I just kept looking for a trail and happened upon this one. This trail is actually at the end of a dirt road (with a ton of pot holes, so drive slowly!) and the road conditions were such that I contemplated turning around (at one point, I had to wait for workers to clear a fallen tree from the road), but I am glad that I stuck with it, because the trail was actually quite fun!

There are also multiple off-shoot paths where you can hike down closer to the water, and this is where I found my favorite spots! The rocks are slippery at these places, so hike very carefully, but my goodness, the shots and the views you’ll get! And there is nothing like just sitting next to rushing water and listening to the river rush past. A good day!

Highly recommend this trail!

Middle Prong Trail: A

Another trail that I did on this same day was West Prong Trail. Normally, this trail would be an uneventful one as there are not a lot of views, and it is an out-and-back trail without a lot of bells and whistles, but even so, I still liked it because of its shade and tranquility. I hiked in the rain (and the rain turned into a flash flood warning) and discovered some of the unique challenges of hiking in those conditions as the trail quickly became a small stream as water poured down the mountain. But the thunder…there is just nothing like being completely alone in the darkening woods and having the whole mountain just shake under your feet in the storm–a memorable time!

Even so, the trail had some fun bits like a log bridge, and this was a fun area to chill out in and enjoy the water rushing below. There are also some camping sites near here if you are interested in that, but in any case, be sure to sit by the stream a bit and enjoy the quiet!

So for its shade and quiet, this trail is a nice one. Not one of my favorites in the park, but still a good trail to enjoy!

West Prong Trail: B+

One more sight that is good if you want an easier trail is the Look Rock Tower Trail. This one is also near Townsend and is a super short trail that goes up to a tower (kind of like Clingman’s Dome–except much smaller). Right now, the road next to the trailhead is under construction, but you can easily park down the road and still get to it. This trail is narrower than a lot of Smokies trails, but it is really a quick jot over to the tower, and once you go up, the views are fantastic!

I was actually afraid that I wouldn’t see anything, because the fog was pretty dense (typical for the Smoky Mountains), but imagine my delight when I hiked up, and it was complete fog on one side of the tower, yet totally clear on the other! It meant just half a view, but what a view it was! Such a nice bonus, and for such a short trail, you can’t beat it!

Look Rock Trail: A

Granted, all these trails take some driving to get to, but if you are wanting to stay central to Gatlinburg and not drive in the mountains, you still have some options! By the Sugarlands Visitor Center, there are two trails, the Fighting Creek Nature trail and the Cataract Falls trail. Both are connected, and you can easily do one or the other or do both. Both are also very easy without a lot of elevation change and offer picture opportunities along the way. 

The Fighting Creek Nature Trail has a cabin at the halfway point (where you would then loop around back to the visitor center). It is a fun spot to explore, and of course, Cataract Falls offers some views as well. It is a very small waterfall compared to the others in the Smokies, but it is still a fun place to go if you are wanting to hike, but don’t have the stamina for the longer/harder trails. There is a creek that runs along a lot of the trail, too, and that is very relaxing to listen to as you walk.

There is also the Gatlinburg trail–and that is one of two trails in the Smokies where you can bring dogs. It is a nice and easy trail that has some bridges and goes along a creek. Due to it being one of the only dog-friendly trails, it is quite popular, but it is a nice way to enjoy the Smokies with your pup!

So while the Smoky Mountains is a very popular destination, it is clear why! And I haven’t even reviewed everything there is to do there–there is also an aquarium, moonshine distilleries, and a host of attractions to enjoy so whether you are looking for a romantic weekend away or a family vacation, this is really an amazing spot. You can see why I have visited it so many times!

Favorite Experiences

Oh, man, this latest trip was the best, because my sister is one of the absolute best people to hang out with on a trip, so I am tempted to say everything was my favorite! Objectively, though, I’d have to say Anakeesta and Clingman’s Dome were the best experiences! The Daiquiri Shack and Grill Margaritaville was the best drink place, and Gatlinburg Brewing Company was probably the best eatery.

I will always remember the bear we saw at Anakeesta, the mountain views as the fog cleared on my drive back from Clingman’s Dome, and the sunrise hikes we did in the Smokies. Such a beautiful place to see, so if you haven’t been, put this place on your list!

What I Wish I Knew

Having been to this place so often now, there is not a lot I would do differently, but for first-time visitors, I would (again) warn you about the crowds as it does take you aback if you aren’t expecting it. If there is a restaurant you absolutely want to go to without waiting, get there before it opens, and that way, you can avoid the lines. Same for Anakeesta and the Gatlinburg Sky Bridge! My sister and I wanted to do a hike in the morning, so we got back after Anakeesta had opened and thus couldn’t avoid the lines, but if you know what times you will be at certain places, do all you can online in terms of buying tickets and reserving spots. The zip lines at Anakeesta sell out very early, so know that as well. Without knowing when we’d finish our hike, we didn’t reserve anything online (for military discounts and such, you have to do that in person anyway).

Also, while the hikes are amazing, the drives through the Smoky Mountains National Park take a long time due to the number of cars also driving to the trails. Some of the roads are one lane and slow down to a crawl (beware especially of Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail as the drive is pretty, but the traffic is very slow-moving), so if your navigation system says a trail is only a few miles away, that is still going to take a while to drive there. So plan, plan, plan, so you don’t miss stuff you want to see!

When looking up trails, I came across the AllTrails website which is a very useful place to discover new trails, find out difficulty levels, and elevation changes of the trails you might want to explore. I like that the site also includes “reviews” from previous hikers because they often give tips on what to see, which direction to go for easier/harder hikes, and point out observation points where you can take good pictures. I know that I review a lot of trails here, so if you need a quick cheat sheet, the best views are at the top of Chimney Tops (the actual summit), followed by Charles Bunion, followed by Jump Off, followed by Brushy Mountain and Bullhead. The best waterfalls are Laurel Falls, followed by Spruce Flats, followed by Abrams. 

If you do decide to hike, bring good hiking shoes, plenty of water, and snacks! The cell signal gets pretty bad in the mountains, so you may not always be able to rely on GPS, so take screenshots of your directions, and take a backup map if you think you might need it. It is always a good idea, too, to bring a headlamp if a trail ever takes longer than you expect and you run out of daylight. 

Most of all, just have fun, enjoy the views, and take some deep breaths of beautiful, clean air, because the Smokies is a place you will never forget. I know I will always treasure these memories!

I also post reels and TikToks regularly of all the places I’ve reviewed on here, so if you want to see some videos of what to expect, check out my social media here:

TikTok: @touristyteacher

Instagram: @touristyteacher

Facebook: @touristyteacher

Happy travels!