Gatlinburg & The Great Smoky Mountains

One of my favorite places in southern USA is the The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Being one of the most visited national parks in the world, it is surely a heaven on earth. From black bears to salamanders, old-growth forests to spring wildflowers, log cabins to grist mills, the park offers a myriad of opportunities for exploring and discovering both the natural and cultural history of these ancient mountains. At the center of these mountains is a beautifully settled small city named Gatlinburg. Because of its endless tourist attractions on a single Vegas-like strip, Gatlinburg has become one of the most visited places in Tennessee. 

Its been 5 years in a row now that i have visited Gatlinburg and the great smoky mountains national park and each year i have discovered new and amazing things to do for the entire family. This is a 3 day trip itinerary I have made for people visiting with family and friends. This includes few of the major must-see attractions the area offers for its countless visitors every year. The itinerary is intended to cover the major attractions at a relaxed pace.

Day 1:(Tuckaleechee Caverns & Gatlinburg City):

• Have Amazing breakfast at Pancake Pantry (http://bit.ly/1jdBZ4o).
• Our first spot is Tuckaleechee Caverns, Townsend, Tenn., also known as the "Greatest Site Under the Smokies". Estimated to be between 20 and 30 million years old, the Caverns are rich in history.  They have about 30-40 mins guided 1 mile tour around 150 feet deep below the earth, an amazing experience.(http://bit.ly/1jdBZRU)

• Reach Gatlinburg City around 2 pm and have lunch. 
• Ripley's Attractions

1.  Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum(Optional)
2.  Ripley's Haunted House(Optional)
3.  Ripley's 5D theatre(MUST)

• Around 6.00 PM Sunset Point: Take a ride with Skylift, a trolley which takes you to the top of the mountain.
• Spend some time in Gatlinburg market place(live music and all the fun activities at night time on the street), have dinner. Come back to hotel, take rest.

Day 2: (Smoky Mountains & Gatlinburg City) 

Clingmans Dome

• Have breakfast at Log Cabin Pancake House (http://bit.ly/1hKibjs)
• Leave for Clingman's Dome - Highest point in the Smoky Mountains, very beautiful car drive to the top and 1 mile Hiking Trail. Amazing view from the top. Lot of bears spotted on the way to the top.

• Have Lunch in Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg.
• Gatlinburg Ripleys Aquarium. This is one of the Highly Rated Aquariums in America. Great fun for entire family. Good Indoor Option for a rainy day.(http://bit.ly/1jMPTtE)
• Take Water Bed Massage in nearby Mountain Mall(Ground floor) on Gatlinburg Strip(MUST)
• Evening time - Visit "The Village" street/shopping Malls/Buy Chocolate fudge etc. Have dinner and Relax at Hotel.

Day 3: (Smoky Mountains):

• Have continental breakfast at your hotel till 9 am.
• Visit Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, amazing waterfalls on the way, scenic beauty



Cades Cove in Fall

• Visit Cades Cove, 11 miles loop road, kind of jungle safari in your own car, spot some animals(Bear), scenic beauty (BEST LOCATION EVER - MUST)

Additional things to do:

If you decide to add additional days to your trip here are few suggestions:

• Abrams Falls Trail in Cades cove
• White Water Rafting near Smoky Mountains
• Dollywood Attractions
• Pigeon Forge Attractions
• Helicopter Ride (20 mins tour above smoky mountains)

Hotel/Lodge:

• The Preserve Resort Cabins : Amazing Wooden Cabins, top of the mountain location, excellent views(We stayed here for our second honeymoon :) )(http://bit.ly/1lkvKbN)
• Sugar Maple Cabins near Gatlinburg(http://bit.ly/1jMQWd0) - Get "For Your Eyes Only"
• Best Western Gatlinburg(http://bit.ly/1jMRekb)
• Holiday Inn Gatlinburg(http://bit.ly/1lkwAFv)

Hope you have a Wonderful Trip. If you have any suggestions regarding this trip, please add those in the comments below.