Gretchen

The park is large but you can drive through it from say Pigeon Forge to Cherokee in a couple of hours at their speed limit. Choose what you want to do inside--hike, look around Gatlinburg, go to Cherokee, etc.
Gatlinburg is the kitsch capital of Tennessee. Such a shame because I remember it when it was ONE hotel--the Inn. It was charming. But the Park is beautiful. Over on the Cades Cove side, there is tubing on the river--can rent the tubes, etc.

rfrank1031

Wonderful! Thank you both soo much

carolyn

You mentioned Cumberland Gap. I'm not sure how that would fit into your driving itinerary, but there is a very nice state park lodge there.

Gretchen

another possibility for your planning is to take it by the day and see how the kids are "doing" with the scenery, etc. Then have a couple of alternative routes for the next day(s). Probably having the ability to search for a hotel via the internet for the next day makes that a possibility.

wave725

In the Smoky Mountains, take the scenic drive around Cades Cove, a one-way 11 mile loop through a valley meadow with beautiful scenery, historic structures and a great opportunity to see wildlife. It can get congested, so if you can get there early morning, that would be better. However, it is closed on Saturday and Wednesday mornings until 10AM to allow bicyclists to ride the loop without traffic.

Another beautiful drive is up to Clingman's Dome, the highest point in the park and in Tennessee. On a clear day you will have incredible views!

http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/parkinfo.htm

We prefer to stay in Townsend away from all the congestion and craziness of Gatlinburg. But if you're looking for more choices on restaurants, lodging, shopping, then you may prefer Gatlinburg.

A very popular short hike in the park is up to Laurel Falls. It's a paved path all the way to the falls, but parking can be an issue as the day goes on.

http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/laurel.htm

If you like music history, you might want to check out the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville. It's where the Grand Ole Opry used to be before they built the new facility and if you're lucky enough to be there during a concert it's well worth it!