One Day on the Tennessee Side
If you have one day and are entering the park from the Tennessee side, start early, pack a picnic lunch, and drive to the Sugarlands Visitor Center to get oriented. Beat the crowds to Cades Cove Loop and drive the 11-mile round-trip route, stopping to explore the preserved farmsteads and churches. Spend some time in the Cable Mill area, visiting the Gregg-Cable House and other historic buildings. Depending on your timing, you can picnic at one of the stops in Cades Cove or at Metcalf Bottoms. Take Newfound Gap Road up to Newfound Gap. Just over the state line is Clingmans Dome Road. Stretch your legs and walk to the observation tower at Clingmans Dome. Return down Newfound Gap Road and then proceed to Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Stop to explore the preserved cabins and other sites along the trail. Park in the lot at the Trillium Gap trailhead and—if you have the time and are up for a moderate 2.6-mile hike—walk to Grotto Falls.
Three Days on the Tennessee Side
Begin your first day touring Cades Cove. Then, drive Parson Branch Road near Cable Mill and picnic in the woods. Turn right on U.S. 129 and drive part of the “Tail of the Dragon,” beloved by motorcyclists and sports car buffs for its many curves. At Chilhowee, turn right on Foothills Parkway and drive the 17.5-mile scenic parkway. Stop at Look Rock and take the short hike to the lookout tower. Have dinner in Townsend.
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On Day 2, follow the one-day itinerary to Newfound Gap and Clingmans Dome. Have lunch at Chimneys Picnic Area and walk the easy 0.75-mile trail. Keep following the itinerary to Noah “Bud” Ogle Farm, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, and Grotto Falls and have dinner in Gatlinburg.
On Day 3, depending on your interests, spend the day horseback riding at Cades Cove, river tubing in Townsend, biking Cades Cove Loop, fishing the Little River, or hiking Alum Cave Bluffs. Alternatively, drive to Pigeon Forge and take in Dollywood, the go-kart tracks, mini golf, and other family-friendly attractions. Have dinner in Pigeon Forge.