If you’re planning a trip to Gatlinburg in the near future, then read along and learn more about our 5-day Gatlinburg, TN itinerary! Maybe it will give you some great ideas for your trip whether you’re going solo, with a significant other, or with family. Gatlinburg and the Great Smokies has everything for everybody!
We had 7 days (including 2 travel days) to hike in the Great Smoky Mountains and do all the touristy things in Gatlinburg. I have summarized our 7-day Gatlinburg, TN itinerary in this blog post. If you are planning a trip to Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains, hopefully this will give you some great ideas!
Read my Ultimate Guide to Visiting Gatlinburg, TN to learn the best time to visit, how to get to Gatlinburg, where to stay, how to get around Gatlinburg, and best things to do. This guide also goes into detail about visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park since it neighbors Gatlinburg. If you are looking for outdoor adventures but also want to do all the touristy Gatlinburg things, this guide is perfect for you!
Grotto Falls is a unique waterfall hike located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Trillium Gap Trail takes you through an old-growth hemlock forest and continues behind the 25-foot waterfall. This 2.8-mile roundtrip hike is a great adventure for you and your family!
Hike one of the most popular trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Chimney Tops! The panoramic views at the end make the tough uphill trek worth it. Be aware, the last 0.25 miles of the trail are closed due to fire damage which resulted in hazardous conditions. Thanks to a newly built observation point, you will have amazing views of the summit of Chimney Tops along with Mount LeConte. Add this iconic hike to your bucket list!
Located in Cades Cove within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Abrams Falls is a 20-foot waterfall with a large volume of water rushing over and a deep pool at the base. Hike 2.5 miles one-way to Abrams Falls and enjoy the picturesque scenery. It’s the perfect little day hike for everyone of all ages!
Sitting at 5,920 feet, Andrews Bald is the highest grassy bald in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This trail used to be quite treacherous until major improvements were made by Friends of the Smokies. Thanks to them, this hike is now accessible for adventurous people of all ages!
Escape the crowds of Clingmans Dome and find peace at one of the most beautiful grassy balds in the Smoky Mountains. Take the short hike to Andrews Bald and enjoy the amazing views of the southern Smokies and Fontana Lake. Set up a nice picnic on a warm, sunny day, capture the picturesque scenery, or simply breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy being in nature.
Clingmans Dome is a very popular touristy spot. But why? Well, sitting at 6,643 feet, it is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park AND in Tennessee! A short yet steep paved path leads to a 54-foot observation tower which offers beautiful 360-degree views.
Get there early, watch a stunning sunrise (if you’re lucky), and capture a few awesome shots. Make sure you are prepared for the steep incline (almost a 13% grade) and check the weather conditions prior to your trip. If you are in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Clingmans Dome is an adventure you don’t want to miss!