Great Smoky Mountains Travel Guide: 2 Days Exploring the National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited park in the United States, drawing people from all over the country to explore this stunning area. Amie and I got a chance to visit in early May, and we had a great time driving all over the park over two days while visiting many of the famous attractions like Rainbow Falls, Cades Cove, and Clingmans Dome. We can't wait to revisit the park and explore more. Let me know what your favorite spot is in the park in the comments.
The hotel we showed in the video (affiliate link) - www.booking.com/hotel/us/park...
Chapters
0:00 - Intro
0:22 - Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge
1:16 - Rainbow Falls
3:44 - Dinner & Hotel in Gatlinburg
4:26 - Cade's Cove
8:01 - The Sinks
8:22 - Laurel Falls
9:41 - Downtown Gatlinburg
10:27 - Skybridge
11:50 - Clingmans Dome
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The top question I have been asked is what hotel we stayed at. We didn't work with the hotel or anything we just found it on our own. Here is a link to it (affiliate link) - www.booking.com/hotel/us/parkway-239-gatlinburg.en.html?aid=1369481&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1
Through My Lens what kind of camera do you use?
darn it you guys... now I gotta go there.
Through My Lens how did y’all get it got $80/night it’s almost $200 right now
What kind of camera do you use
I stayed at that hotel.
Don't ever rush through your day. Make every minute of it count. The Smokies are beautiful. Been to Gatlinburg and touched the clouds on Clingmans Dome. Enjoy every moment this life gives you.
Hey i have some questions about the smokies. Maybe we can talk over the phone about some of your experiences?
Me and my fam went to the top of the mountains and it was beautiful. Down below it was just clouds. I love going there. Beautiful place
I'm old now (73) and never got to see those places. Thanks for the vicarious adventure.
My husband is 70 and we go once a yr!
you can still go..its not like you're 83! Peace be with you, God bless!
Never too old, Dwight!
Truly hope U get to see some of the places u want to sir.
If you think you are or you think you're not, you're right. You can still do things, albeit at a slower pace.
"Eventually we ESCAPED Pigeon Forge..." Sounds about right.
The Myrtle Beach of the mountains ... too many people for me
Seriously, why would you stay on the Tennessee side of the Smokies? Tourist trap hell!
I've stayed on both sides and North Carolina is definitely worth it. Franklin and the drive up to Cherokee is so beautiful and every town has its own unique personality. The Nantahala forest is just as beautiful as the GSM.
@@joshtourtellott6128 Because it's in Tennessee. And no casinos.
@@BillVol, too many people in the Sevier Gatlin Forge.
The entire Smoky Mountains region is beautiful and we love visiting at least every 2 years or so. Granted; Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg can be 'touristy', but they are fun interludes between days of hiking and exploring the overall region. I prefer Gatlinburg to PF, but both can be fun. Looking forward to going back in the fall. If you visit the GSMNP and are staying on the North Carolina side of the mountains, I highly recommend dining at the Pisgah Inn restaurant on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Canton, NC. The panoramic views from the restaurant are spectacular and the food is great. They don't take reservations so you have to get there a few hours in advance in order to put your name on the waiting list at the restaurant's front desk. Well worth it.
Thanks for taking me back to one of my favorite places. I have great memories of driving through and camping in the park.
We went there two weeks ago and stayed in Piggon Forge as well. Gatlinburge and Pigon Forge completely surprised me. I expected to stay in a nature oriented tourist destination and found a completely opposite thing :). But within few miles it was green and full of nature. We enjoyed our one week stay a lot.
if you ever that way again call there are some cabins for rent out a week if you want to be in and around nature. Hope you enjoyed your trip
We love our East Tennessee home. Glad you got to experience it for yourself.
Honey, you never get use to this humidity! I've lived here all my 70 years, and our weather is pitiful. I've visited California, and you're weather should be able to be pumped in to us!!! Hope you had a great time in the Smokies!!!!!
Diana Pearson But the humidity helps keep it green. Remember when it was dry a few years ago with lower humidity and what happened -Wildfires.
Diana Pearson California is lucky (or unlucky) if they have two seasons We get all four, lucky us
I'm moving back to Gatlinburg I used to be a cook at 3 Jimmy's of Parkway
Sam Jenkins No argument on the 4 true seasons they get there. We get three some years and four other years (KY) in AL if it’s a dusting of snow they panic, TN gets less the KY except the Mountain areas
I have lived in Gatlinburg since 1977 and love "our mountains". I think you did a great job of exploring a few choice stops and your presentation was wonderful. I hope you come back and explore even more.
i love that you guys were listening to twod's red eyes. i remember listening to that song/album like crazy on my last road trip.
Leaving Missouri for Gatlinburg on Saturday morning. Bringing my wife and 2 of our grandchildren. Can't wait!!! I was there years ago so I appreciate the refresher course. Thanks
Excellent and straight forward explanation of your trip. Thanks so much for sharing your adventure.
Y’all Great video! As a Knoxville native, I’ve been to most of those spots and I’m so glad to see y’all had fun! You think May is hot and humid, come back in July and August!! Lol.
Knoxville is really one places ever.
AMEN!
Spoken like a true native! You know someone knows the area when they say just wait or come back at....
I'm moving to Maryville next summer, looking forward to seeing all these sights. Can't wait!
Great tour. Tennessee is a beautiful state that everyone should see.
You are so right Amy that WAS awesome!!
We have been many times and going again this October. Beautiful place!
Great video! Thanks for making it and sharing.
OMG you were so blessed to be there at the right time on a clear day. I used to visit annually for years and many times I witnessed the humidity and Smoky aspect but you guys witnessed a clear day to view all the different states.Next time visit Cherokee on the North Carolina side down the mountain, too.
Love, love, love living vicariously through your travels. Two great places on my list. Keep them coming.
Thanks for sharing! Beautiful memories! Cades Cove & Clingmans Dome are amazing! But I only go during the winter
This video was really well done, great job! Very thorough and easy to follow, with lots of great information. Thank you!
Have been through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park a number of times (even stayed at a very similar motel with the creek overlook from the balcony). What an awesome review that really captures the heart and the feel of this trip...really made me feel like I was back there and, I'm sure, if I'd never been there it would really make me want to go or feel like I'd been somewhere special (be it vicariously). Nice work!
Thank you! We can’t wait to revisit! We honeymooned here 12years ago! Wowza!!!
I love Clingman's Dome!
Just got back from our trip to Helen, GA & Pigeon Forge / The Smokies, what a blast. Great video - well narrated & edited and awesome videography. Will check out some of your others!
Loved your video . I’ve been going in October every year for over 30 years . As crowded as Cades Cove gets all year long , in October it’s insane -4 hours to go 11 miles because people just sit and watch the deer and bears with no regard for the line of cars behind them . I always go right at sunrise or right before sunset
Absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for sharing your awesome trip.
Wow. Beautiful.
Thank you so much for sharing! I’m about to go back for the third time. I always love learning about different hikes to explore
If you like incredible, breathtaking views, I highly recommend Charlie's Bunion and the Alum Cave trail. I am not sure if the Chimney Tops trail has been reopened, but prior to the fires in 2016, you could enjoy some spectacular views from the top.
A few things: one, y’all are an adorable couple. I’m an avid outdoorsman, particularly hiking, and I love seeing a couple who both enjoy the outdoors. Also, great music! The War On Drugs are an excellent band! I once hiked the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Virginia, which includes 70-80 miles in the Smoky’s. The AT section in the national park there is so stunningly beautiful, and can be pretty intense. As if my typing this, I’m only halfway through the video, so I may edit this comment; buuuuuut, if you didn’t hike up to Mt LeConte, then you totally missed out! It’s a killer hike, about 5.5 miles to the summit, climbing around 3,000’. The scenery both along the hike (particularly at the Alum Bluff Cave, and also as the trail skirts around a smaller mountain that juts up in the valley below, which is a peregrine falcon haven! Not only are they the fastest animals on earth, flying at over 200 mph while hunting, but they’re both huge and stunningly beautiful! The summit on Mt LeConte has amazing views, and, being a multi-peaked mountain (I forget how many), looking in multiple directions! If you’re a more hardcore hiker, you can hike the Boulevard Trail down to the Appalachian Trail, which is almost guaranteed to be mostly, if not entirely, isolated. Once it ends at the AT, bear left for just under 2-miles (I’m typing this from memory, so my mileage may be off) to Charlie’s Bunion, easily one of the best vistas in the park. Go on a weekday, and it shouldn’t be as swarming with more touristic hikers. Oh! And, y’all obviously entered the park from the western side, coming from Gatlinburg; but the eastern side has wild elk! Enter from Cherokee Native American reservation, and there are signs “warning” of potential elk crossing!
They take easy ways she is doing it to be seen n camera. These are snowflakes
Thanks for sharing! Love the smokies and enjoyed your take on them.
Thank you so much for this lovely tour! You guys make a cute couple! Keep travelin'!
I really wish I would have watched this video before our trip 2 weeks ago! I didn’t a chance to try out rainbow falls ☹️ but I did really love cades cove especially at sunset!! Thanks for this video! 🙌🏽
I very much enjoyed your video. Thanks for posting it. That area along the Tennesse - North Carolina border surely must be among the most breathtakingly beautiful landscapes found anywhere in the world.
It sure is. There are so many great hikes and places to explore along this border.
It is so beautiful! I can't wait to finally see it in person someday!
@@Adventureswithbecky I would suggest Frozen Head park near Wartburg. It is absolutely beautiful, and there are several excellent camping sites along the trails. On the top of the mountain is a fire tower that you can climb up. On clear days, you can see all of Roane County (look for the two tall steamstacks, that's the Kingston TVA coal plant) and further south. There are a bunch of other mountain trails in Rockwood. On some of them, you can see as far as the Sequoyah nuclear plant next to Chattanooga.
@@country_flyboy that sounds absolutely amazing!!! Do they charge for the sites on the trails or is it free primitive camping?
@@Adventureswithbecky Camping at Frozen Head is $5 for a reservation fee, plus any additional rates that changes from time to time. I am not 100% sure if the campsites have opened back up, but I wouldn't be surprised if they are open. My personal favorite spot is near the top of the mountain near where the Panther branch and Old Mac trail meet. There is a boulder next to the campsite that is the perfect place to see a beautiful sunrise while eating breakfast.
Thank You! Those scenery pictures of the Smoky mtns. are Beautiful!
Exactly the same thoughts here
Thanks for the view from up top. I never thought I'd see that again.
Smoky mountains most beautiful place in the world
I'm kinda bias since I live in the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC and see this stuff everyday. Here are my top 3 National Parks that could easily surpass the Smoky Mountains: Yosemite Valley, views from on top of Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, or the remoteness, isolation, and wildlife of Isle Royal.
TheBaldr they should have said “One of the most...” and left out “world” (imho)
A place dear to my childhood's heart!! Great tour!! New subscriber!!
Glad you went to Cades Cove. When I was a kid, my mom had the mill grind up several sacks of corn mill from the corn she grow in her home garden.
Always good to know this national park it's relaxing and it does look beautiful
Wow Tennessee looks beautiful Thank you for sharing this trip
It is really beautiful there and there is so much to do!
Park is actually in North Carolina, too.
Tennessee is simply the best though.
It is, come on down
Oli Sch i live out of a van spring and summer in the park. Its a wonderful place to live!
I can name a laundry list of places I've been in the smokies. Just seeing the foothills makes me want to jump for joy. Some people love the Rockies, but I'll go for the smokies.
My family lives in Nashville but we have all been to the smokies
@@NouahGarrett You are fortunate to be close to the mountains. 👍
Nashville Tennessee
I have been to both and I would say the Smokies all day. You get 4 seasons with the Smokies but the rockies are nothing but ice tops all year round.
Looks like an awesome place to explore, lots of things to do in the surrounding area.
Thanks for sharing and I am glad you had a great time.
The steepest hill I have ever climbed in my life!!! At Clingmans Dome
One of my faves!!! We go as often as we can and those waterfall trails are always a treat! Best time to go is in early fall or in the spring. We went in June once and, well, never again...way too hot and we live in TN (LOL). Thanksgiving in Gatlinburg is also wonderful as the Christmas decorations are typically up and they're spectacular. Beautiful piece of God's country!!! (And Cades Cove is a definite YES), but go early enough because once it is dark it is DARRRKKKKK. We stopped at landmarks and explored by flashlight! So much fun, but Mom was scared and stayed in the car (LOL).
Oh man I bet Christmas time is amazing!!! What are the temps like then? We definitely miss being able to pull out winter coats and boots living in FL now. Definitely don't have ice storms here in FL lol.
Great nice places!!
I really enjoyed Great Smokey Mountain National Park. I really enjoyed getting the heck out of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg was touristy, but somewhat manageable. Pigeon Forge is a punishment to the senses.
LOL. What do you mean got used to the humidity? I've been here almost 50 years and never used to it.
True...
It’s the Appalachian Humidity!™️
I live in Florida. Tell me about this humidity you speak of.
@@johnbreeden5093 you can say that again
@@felicitycalf3479 I wish I was in Florida now I'm in Omaha Nebraska and it's 19 degrees.
Enjoyed the vid!
Great video. I have not been there in a really long time. Brings back memories. Thank you so much.
the view on top Clingmans Dome is worth the trip to get there. amazing place
Fantastic job on this video, Easy to see you put a lot of hard work into the edit process. Thanks for creating! 🙂
Roaring Forks is a must see next time you are there.. we enjoyed it more than Cades Cove.
Thanks (puts “Roaring Forks” on list)
Robert Millen They do close it for inclement weather, and in winter. Make sure it’s open when you’re going. ☺️
Went to Roaring Forks yesterday. Beautiful place!
Hey! Welcome to my hometown! I am so glad you all had a good time. Much love!
Wow, indeed interesting place to visit. Thanks for sharing!
I'm a local here been here my whole life right in the mountains, And I must say I stumbled on this video by accident and man you guys did a amazing job on this video I'm impressed
I agree im a also a local and they did a wonderful job compacting a visit to the area into 15mins
They are good at what they do.
The greatest national park in the U.S. I've been to many national parks in this country from Colorado, California, Washington state, New Hampshire, Maine etc. There is something mystifying about the Smokies.
Finally someone who gets it. Westerners are so obsessed with altitude that don't appreciate the biodiversity of the Smokys. It's truly incredible
I live in Southeast Louisiana, Covington, extremely humid here. I have a nine-year-old boy and we love the Smokies. We try to go once a year, he loves to hike so we've done most of the trails. This video was really well done. There is a good reason why the place is the most visited national park, it is breathtaking. We have hiked in summer and in winter and every single time I'm taken back by the beauty you find there. My son says he rather go to the smokies than Disney World.
My church youth group went to Gatlinburg every year. The shots of Pigeon Forge are super nostalgic. I regret not exploring nature more, though.
Great Video guys ! I could watch an hour long video of this area.
Thanks! It is a beautiful area for sure
Great Video guys, I am headed to Smoky Mountains this Nov, will definitely follow your trip info :)
I’m there this Nov too (lucky for me it will be my 3rd week there this year)
Same
Thank you for sharing your experience😊🙏
Drove through the smoky mountains before. The mountains really touched my heart. The people in Tennessee are very nice people. I would not mind going back one day to visit again.
Growing up near here I always thought the Gatlinburg area was myrtle beach without the ocean. Lots of Kitch and crowds.
Any good spots that aren't crowded and crazy expensive that you loved going to?
Chimney Tops is my favorite place in the mountains!
Is the top is closed?
@@MrRicky192 no the the trail is repaired and open
Excellent, marvelous, terrific!!!! Thanks so much!!!
absolute awesome video! Thank you so much!
Home sweet home to me!
Thanks Josh, this is on my 2020 itinerary so grateful you have helped me plan another trip.
Gavin Culverhouse don’t let Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge scare you away from the beauty that the Smokies have to offer!!
Katie Allison read my mind!
Thank you for sharing the experience
Great video content for those of us who are planning a Smoky Mtn trip! I love the Blue ridge pkwy and visited pigeon Forge but am looking forward to seeing more of the Smokies and all it has to offer. Thank you for such an informational and beautiful area of Cades Cove!♡
Loved the video but was disappointed you didn't show the sunset at the end!
Me and my wife and some boys from the boyscout troop actually walked the 11 mile loop a few years ago.
Jessie Willoughby on a busy day , you can probably walk it faster than drive the loop. -Sevierville native
Cycling it is the way to go. On Sunday Mornings it's closed to cars.
Fantastic tour vid! Have been there a couple of times and loved it. You gave realistic distances in hiking. GREAT PIECE OF WORK! Thank you for sharing
Traffic, snacks and rusty sheds. So informative
In-N-Out, for the win!!
Yes!
Should have came down to Cherokee! Have beautiful trails and wildlife!
Cherokee is amazing
Loved the video. I've been to Cades Cove. Just a lovely time there, and the drive through the area was easy. I hope to return to see the fireflies gather and show their stuff during mating season - one of these days!
Thank you for shooting from behind the Falls!
Wednesdays are the best day in this Park. ( usually less people)
From my experience I just wanna suggest that u do all hiking on your last days ..it ruined my vacation cause I’m so out of shape and was sore for the next week 😞 .lessoned learned
Hey if you ever feel like finding a time to exercise and get in shape then go ahead and show those mountains whos boss.
Absolutely gorgeous!!! We love Pigeon Forge and Galtibruge!!!! We go about 2 year..This is our home away from home!!!
Thank you both for this wonderful video. You're both so very likable and the scenery was splendid !!
Goodness me, I do miss home
Come back cousin we miss you
Definitely 5 Guys...
Great video...Beautiful scenic views...Loved Cades Cove and you did a great job with info of the park. Stay safe and well...
Thanks so much for this video..Havent been since I was a kid alot has changed but such beautiful country..Cheers!
Hi guys, I am from Florida. I love smokey mountains and blue ridge parkway. Been there a few time over different seasons. I have travelled the entire length of Blue Ridge mountains. Kudos to you for filming your trip and naration. Generally, I don't do trails as I am disabled . So, your video filled me the void of seeing some of the remote places, falls and vistas. Your video is high quality and narative is crisp and to the point. Footages are stable. What was your gear. How long did it take to edit and what program did you use? lovely and keep it up. You are a well planned traveller for sure. Cheers.
Hi there from another Floridian👋
Thanks for showcasing my backyard:) I live in a small town near the national park! Excited to watch some of your other videos:) gburg and pigeon forge are definitely tourist attractions, but the mountains are beautiful and an amazing way to view God’s creations. Next time check out Mt. Leconte! It’s breath taking and you can stay at the top!
What are some good non touristy places that locals know about there? We love exploring nature more without the crazy crowds.
Enjoyed your take on the great Smokey mountains. I own a timeshare in Gatlinburg and never tire of the trails
We are on our way to Gatlinburg full of Fun things to do can't wait to get there We have alot of walking planned many memories to make🥰🌞
I came to America 3 years before... and fortunately I landed up this one of the beautiful land of America... The Gatlinburg...
Funny part is im related to cable mill in cades cove im a cable i actually live right before pigeon forge and Gatlinburg i love it!
Thanks for this video. It was very nice to see it all again
In-N-Out. Hands down. Loved this vid. I hope to be able to visit those beautiful Smoky Mountains one day! Absolutely beautiful!
Y'all missed a lot of trails in Cades Cove
Its also the only National Park that doesn't charge admission. When the government the government decided to make it a national park the terms when they bought the mountain property from the mountain people the terms was that there would never be a charge for admission to the park. That was the people's terms for them agreeing to sell their land.
"Its also the only National Park that doesn't charge admission' lol huh? there's plenty of other national parks that don't charge admission either.
That is a really cool fact to learn!
Great video, Thank you for the great scenery and all the info. I enjoyed this very much.