Travel: A Weekend Getaway to The Smokies

Fall foliage, Appalachian hospitality, and lots of outdoor family fun.

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There’s no better place to spend a fall weekend getaway than with a trip to The Smokies.

From Sevierville and Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we’re sharing the best ways to soak in the fall foliage, get a taste for Appalachian hospitality, and revel in the magic of these East Tennessee mountain towns. 

Editor’s note: Our neighbors in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg are open for business and are welcoming travelers post Hurricane Helene. The businesses in these areas need our support—so buckle up, hit the road, and head on East! *⁣When traveling to the area, please respect surrounding towns and their rebuilding process.*

How to Get There:

Nashville to the Smokies by way of car is about a 4 hour drive. Of course, traffic can play a big part in how long it takes to get there (we found that most traffic builds up in the Knoxville area and when in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg); but break up your drive with a stop at Texas-based and Texas-sized Buc-ee’s! Fill up your tank (and we’re not just talking about gas!) with their famous Beaver Nuggets, a brisket sandwich, fudge, and jerky. A themed Buc-ee’s t-shirt wouldn’t hurt, either.

Where to Stay:

Historic Rocky Waters Inn

Cozy on up at this little renovated river retreat. Nestled at the foot of the Smokies, Historic Rocky Waters Inn is A Small Luxury Hotel brand in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. The property—which has recently undergone a major renovation—houses just thirty-six rooms making it the perfect hideaway to kick back, relax, and breathe in the fresh mountain air. With a moody and sleek exterior, the hotel’s interior rooms are mountain chic, clean, and cozy. Upon arrival, guests connect with an on-site innkeeper (there’s no front desk and everything is done through text message), where they set you up with your room during a frictionless check-in process. Perched over the babbling river, each room features a private balcony, complete with rockers that offer a perfect set up for an early morning coffee amid nature. Another bonus of the hotel is their on-site parking. Downtown Gatlinburg can get quite busy with lots of traffic (pack your patience!), so being just steps away from all of the action is a convenient and easy way to access the area without having to move the car. Historic Rocky Waters Inn is adults-only lodging, so it’s the ultimate retreat for those looking to sneak away for some R & R in the mountains. 

The Wayback Hotel

Located in bustling Pigeon Forge, enjoy your stay at this quirky, retro boutique hotel. 70s-inspired, The Wayback has a Hotel California vibe with a groovy vintage Airstream Bar to match. Dine at the on-site restaurant, Paloma, where modern comfort food is combined with fresh cantina-inspired flavors. Or, chill out with a nightcap on Paloma’s outdoor patio before catching some z’s. 

Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort; Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa

These two Dollywood properties celebrate all things Dolly Parton. Most recently opened, HeartSong Lodge & Resort features a 4,000-square-foot, four-story atrium lobby with a stone fireplace and accents inspired by the Smokies. Or, go ultra luxe and stay overnight inside suite 1986, Dolly’s most recent personal tour bus, located on the grounds of DreamMore Resort & Spa. Designed by Dolly and her sisters, the motorcoach sleeps two guests and is a two-night stay minimum that starts at $10,000. The profit from every booking is donated to The Dollywood Foundation. Both hotels offer complimentary trolley service to Dollywood. 

Things to Do (Family Fun):

Dollywood

Named after beloved music icon, Dolly Parton, this amusement park located in Pigeon Forge (partly owned by Parton herself), is a mecca of all things Dolly. Start your day with a family photo op in front of the Dollywood sign located at the entrance of the park, then go for the thrill on one of the many rollercoasters. Favorites include the Lightning Rod, which sends riders more than twenty stories up on a wooden track, Big Bear Mountain (the longest coaster at Dollywood), and the Thunderhead. Get the most out of your time with a Time Saver pass, for quicker access to more rides. Of course, there’s different levels of thrill for all kinds of riders, so if rollercoasters aren’t really your thing, there’s still plenty of other fun activities to partake in, like the new Dolly Parton Experience, for example. The exhibit spans the history of her iconic career, plus see a curated selection of Dolly’s signature style with wigs, outfits, shoes, and more. Walk through a replica of Dolly’s Tennessee Mountain Home (built by her brother Bobby and designed by her mother!) to see some of the family’s original treasures, or hop aboard the Dollywood Express, an authentic 110-ton coal-fired steam engine that takes you on a five-mile journey throughout the park. Dollywood is festive and fun to visit any time of year, but note that the Harvest Festival runs through October 28 and the Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival runs November 1 to January 5. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention one of the best things offered at Dollywood: a loaf of cinnamon bread from The Grist Mill. Enough said. 

Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner

Enjoy an action packed show featuring thirty two horses, talented trick riders, musical productions, and a four-course family feast. See thrilling stunts and aerial performances while enjoying your meal, and watch Butterfly Dreams—the newest addition to the dinner show— which features a visual journey with special effects and immersive lighting that brings butterflies and flowers to life. The equine stars dazzle the audience with their whimsical butterfly wings and choreographed formations, while a grand display of blooming flower petals unfold in the center of the arena and an aerial performance takes place.

Anakeesta

Soak in Smoky Mountain views from the top of Anakeesta’s seventy-acre mountain top adventure park. Hop on the world’s only fixed-grip Chondola chair lift for scenic views from top to bottom. Upon arrival at the peak, step into the whimsical Firefly Village and decide which activity to check off your list first. For incredible views, climb eighty-six steps to the top of the AnaVista Observation Tower for a 360-degree look of the Smokies and photo ops aplenty. Or, discover the Treetop Skywalk, the longest tree-based skywalk in North America. Immerse yourself with nature as you walk among the tree tops on over 880-feet of hanging bridges suspended fifty-feet in the air. For the thrill seekers, hop on the Mountain Coaster or buckle up for a guided zip lining tour. And if you find yourself at the top of the mountain as the sun dips below the horizon, Anakeesta’s night time Astra Lumina Enchanted Night Walk is a spectacular way to round out your day and connect with the stars in the night sky, too. If you find yourself hungry and looking for a bite to eat, the property offers up delicious bites, craft beers, cocktails, and other bevs for a —literal— elevated dining experience. 

The Apple Barn Cider Mill & General Store 

No visit to East Tennessee is complete without stopping at The Apple Barn Cider Mill & General Store. A family-run and farm-to-table operation since the 1970s, Apple Barn is a must-visit. Stop by the General Store, housed in a 1910 barn built out of English walnut and chestnut trees from the farm, for local products like house-made cider, apple butter, home décor, and more. After devouring their famous apple doughnuts and a warm apple cider, check out the creamery, candy shop, and the Apple Barn Cider House for samplings of hard cider that is crafted on-site. If you’re hankering for a hearty meal, pull up a seat to the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant for some good country cookin'. Whatever you do, don’t leave Apple Barn empty handed.  

Explore Downtown Gatlinburg

This popular mountain resort town is known as a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Downtown Parkway (the main road running through the center of town) is where you will find activities, food, and fun galore. From museums and shopping, to eateries, distilleries, and even old time photo shops, there’s happenings for every age… from the kids to the kids at heart.   

Hillbilly Golf 

Ride the incline 300 feet to the top of this unique miniature golf course. Work your way down the hill at one of the two eighteen-hole courses. While the courses feature mountaineer hazards, the biggest thing to be on the lookout for are the black bears that are often spotted throughout the course.    

Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster 

Ride the hill and feel the thrill on the longest alpine coaster in the United States! The track is more than a mile long. Control how fast your ride is while on the track, with maximum speeds reaching twenty-seven miles per hour. Each circuit is about seven to eight minutes long. 

Gatlinburg SkyBridge 

Located 1,800-feet above sea level, the Gatlinburg SkyBridge is the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America and is not for the faint of heart. The SkyBridge stretches almost 700-feet across a deep valley in a single span. Walk across the bridge at your own pace, take in the panoramic views, and (try not to panic!) at the bridge’s thirty-feet of glass half-way point.

Things to Do (For the Nature Lovers): 

Cades Cove

Cades Cove is a scenic valley surrounded on all sides by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. An eleven-mile one-way loop road encircles the valley, which provides access to hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Sightsee at a leisurely pace and explore the many historic homesites, cemeteries, and churches that were once home to settlers in the area. 

Hike Laurel Falls Trail 

You know what they say: don’t go chasing waterfalls… but in this case, we suggest you do! Just a short drive from Downtown Gatlinburg and one of the most popular trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Laurel Falls Trail is an easy, four-mile paved hike. The seventy-five-foot iconic cascades is located at mile 1.3, so after reaching the falls you can either turn back to your car or continue on the trail through Eastern Hemlock Woods. Dogs and bicycles are not allowed on the trail and a parking pass is required. For a list of additional waterfalls, click here. 

Go Horseback Riding

Saddle on up and explore the wilderness of Tennessee with Cades Cove Riding Stables, the only national park-authorized riding stables of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Ride with a guide trailside to discover the history of what life was like for some of the area’s first settlers and see what lives under the forest canopy off the beaten path. 

Take Your Adventure Off-Roading 

Tap into your wild side and embark on an off-road adventure with Off-Road Gatlinburg. The hour-and-a-half-long guided tour leads you to panoramic views and breathtaking landscapes on a private mountain. Both adults and kiddos alike (plus your furry friend!) can partake in the tour, but adventure seekers must be eighteen and older to drive.   

Forbidden Caverns

Tennessee has more than 8,350 caves registered to date… take a tour of one of them! Forbidden Caverns, located in Sevierville, stays a cool and consistent fifty-eight degrees and is open from April 1 through November 27. On the hour-long guided tour, see towering natural chimneys, sparkling formations, numerous grottos, and an underground stream. 

Places to Eat/Drink:

The Heirloom Room

Historic Rocky Waters Inn’s main dining option, this creekside restaurant and bar serves up fresh, local ingredients in a cozy, lodge-like setting. Open for both breakfast and dinner, pull up a seat on the patio and savor your meal while listening to the calming sounds of the river’s running water. Or, saddle on up to the bar for an impressive selection of bourbon and whiskey. Our favorite dinner time dishes include the ultra-fresh Burrata Cheese with Tennessee Chow-Chow and Olive Tapenade to start, followed by the savory Seared Bone-In Pork Chop and succulent Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Sherry Shallot Sauce. Round out your meal with one of the restaurant’s dessert options or a nightcap that suits your tastebuds.      

Crockett’s Breakfast Camp

Come hungry and leave with a very full belly. When you see the line of people out the door and the larger-than-life cast iron skillet sign, you’ll know you’re in the right place. (Pro tip: get there early or join the virtual waitlist because this breakfast jaunt is one of the most happening spots in the Smokies!). The down home, cabin-themed restaurant has a roaring fireplace, taxidermy on the walls, Mason Jar salt and pepper shakers, and menus designed to look like you’re reading the morning newspaper. But it’s what’s on the Appalachian-inspired menu that stands out. Giant cinnamon rolls the size of your head, a massive (and we do mean massive) cast iron skillet smorgasbord full of breakfast favs, and the fluffy, Thick Aretha Frankenstein’s Pancakes are 100 percent must-orders. 

The Greenbrier

Tucked away in the tree tops just a few short miles from Downtown Gatlinburg, this rustic yet classy steakhouse is a hidden gem and a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Order a hand-cut prime steak (the Beef Wellington was superb!) paired with a glass of whiskey in the snug and dimly lit atmosphere. Keep a look out the floor to ceiling windows for wildlife, as black bears are frequently spotted around the restaurant.

Five Oaks Farm Kitchen

A welcoming, family-friendly restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and supper, Five Oaks Farm Kitchen is housed in a large barn-like structure outfitted with wooden beams, high ceilings, and rustic charm. If you find yourself at the restaurant after a long day of exploring the local area, we recommend ordering some comfort food like the savory chicken pot pie or chicken and dumplings. The full menu features an array of Southern-style dishes served in large portions, so no matter which you choose, you won’t go hungry here.  

Pancake Pantry

Fuel your day with a stack of fluffy pancakes and a side of smoked bacon and grits at Tennessee’s first pancake specialty restaurant. A Gatlinburg staple for more than sixty-four years, Pancake Pantry offers twenty-four different varieties of pancakes, made with batters using fresh ingredients. Syrup and compotes are made right in the kitchen of the gabled slate roof building, and coffee is always pourin’ for when you need a little pick-me-up.  

The Old Mill 

The Old Mill’s history began nearly two centuries ago when local farmers with sacks of grain traveled to the grist mill built on the Little Pigeon River. Today, The Old Mill is one of the oldest continually operating grist mills in the country. Now, travelers can find a restaurant serving hearty entrées and plates of local, handmade meals, plus a creamery, general store, candy kitchen, pottery house, and more. 

Local Goat

If you’re looking for a no frills, casual spot to kick back and grab a bite, Local Goat is the place to be. The eatery slings out modern American fare with a variety of menu options including apps, jumbo wings, juicy burgers, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and more. Plus, they have creative cocktails, wine, and pours for every type of beer geek.