1. Leave Gatlinburg – 7:30am

I know some people love Gatlinburg, some people don’t. Also, I’m going to plan this trip with you starting from Gatlinburg. However, if you are staying somewhere else, adjust accordingly.

Gatlinburg is right on the doorstep to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so don’t delay and head on into the park!

2a. Chimney Tops Trail – 8:00am

The Chimney Tops Trail is a more vertical and more strenuous trail. It is also very popular do to its scenic views. The trail is about 3.5 miles roundtrip.

Unfortunately, the summit of the trail is currently closed from a wildfire. Be sure to check the NPS link above to check current conditions.

2b. Clingmans dome – 8:30am

If you aren’t interested in the 1400 foot vertical climb of Chimney Tops Trail, you can instead head to Clingmans Dome for scenic views. However, it is still uphill, but it is paved and is 1 mile roundtrip to the summit from the parking lot.

Unfortunately, if it is cloudy/”smoky” on your visit, you may want to skip since you won’t see anything. Or, you could do Laurel Falls and Cades Cove first and see if the weather clears up for Clingmans Dome in the afternoon.

3. Sugarlands Visitor Center – 11:30am

Sugarlands Visitor Center is the largest visitor center in the park. Also, it is literally just a few miles south of downtown Gatlinburg. Unfortunately, this means that it can get very busy, especially on weekends. However, don’t worry, they do have large parking lot!

Additionally, as you are driving through the park there are numerous pulls offs where you can get out and enjoy the scenery of the creeks in the park.

4. Cades Cove Loop – 1:00Pm

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a large area with slow and windy roads. Just take your time and enjoy the scenery.

Cades Cove is a large open valley with a good opportunity to see wildlife such as a black bear or deer. However, be aware that traffic in Cades Cove will slow to a crawl as people enjoy the views.

You can stop at Cades Cove Visitor Center to learn more about the history of the area. Additionally, there are some old churches and remnants of the settlers that lived in the area.

5. Laurel Falls Trail – 4:00Pm

Laurel Falls Trail is also one of the most popular hikes in the park. Also, it can get very busy, so it is best to go early morning or later afternoon.

Additionally, it is a 2.6 mile trail and takes about 2 hours, or a little more depending on your pace and how much time you spend at the falls. However, it isn’t as steep as Chimney Tops, so it makes for a nice hike with smaller kids.

If you are looking for an easier trail, you could do this one instead of Chimney Tops first thing in the morning. If you go before the visitor center opens, it will be significantly less busy. Then follow up with Cades Cove and then possibly Clingmans Dome.

6. Head Back to Gatlinburg – 6:00pm

It will have been a long day if you’ve done both Chimney Tops (or Clingmans Dome) and Laurel Falls. Head back to have some dinner and enjoy the evening!