Discover The Carolinas Discover The Carolinas
  • Town Guides
  • Top Lists
  • Things To Do
    • North Carolina Coast
    • North Carolina Piedmont
    • North Carolina Mountains
    • South Carolina Lowcountry
    • South Carolina Midlands
    • South Carolina PeeDee
    • South Carolina Upstate
    • Browse All Posts
  • Hotels & Airbnbs
    • North Carolina Coast
    • North Carolina Piedmont
    • North Carolina Mountains
    • South Carolina Lowcountry
    • South Carolina Midlands
    • South Carolina PeeDee
    • South Carolina Upstate
    • Browse All Posts
  • Communities & Homes
    • Beach Communities
    • Mountain Communities
    • Lake Communities
    • Golf Communities
    • City Living
    • Other Communities & Homes
    • Browse All Posts
  • Where To Eat
  • Features
The #1 Travel Newsletter In The Carolinas
Planning Your Next Trip? Search for a town…
  • Partners
  • Newsletter
  • Travel Deals
  • Giveaways
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy
Instagram 32K
TikTok 87K 0
Pinterest 1K
Subscribe
Discover The Carolinas Discover The Carolinas
Discover The Carolinas Discover The Carolinas
  • Town Guides
  • Top Lists
  • Things To Do
    • North Carolina Coast
    • North Carolina Piedmont
    • North Carolina Mountains
    • South Carolina Lowcountry
    • South Carolina Midlands
    • South Carolina PeeDee
    • South Carolina Upstate
    • Browse All Posts
  • Hotels & Airbnbs
    • North Carolina Coast
    • North Carolina Piedmont
    • North Carolina Mountains
    • South Carolina Lowcountry
    • South Carolina Midlands
    • South Carolina PeeDee
    • South Carolina Upstate
    • Browse All Posts
  • Communities & Homes
    • Beach Communities
    • Mountain Communities
    • Lake Communities
    • Golf Communities
    • City Living
    • Other Communities & Homes
    • Browse All Posts
  • Where To Eat
  • Features
  • North Carolina Mountains Activities
  • Things To Do

The Ultimate 5 day Itinerary – Great Smoky Mountains – Part 2

  • Joe Schuberth
5 day Iitinerary Great Smoky Mountains - Mist On The Ridge Near Cherokee NC
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0
0
0
0
Timbers Kiawah - SC Beach Luxury Residences

Let’s jump back into your Great Smokies adventure!

Welcome back to the 5 Day Itinerary Great Smoky Mountains, your ultimate Western North Carolina fall trip, featuring a full week away in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park by way of the Blue Ridge Parkway.


>>> If you havenโ€™t seen Part 1, click here. <<<


5 day Iitinerary Great Smoky Mountains - Mingo Falls
mingo falls

Wednesday – Day 4 of our 5 day Itinerary Great Smoky Mountains

Wake up early and head to Cherokee, NC and keep an eye out for more early morning elk sightings at the Oconoluftee Visitor Center Area.

Once you have snapped some great pics, head to Mingo Fallsโ€”a gorgeous 200-foot horsetail waterfallโ€”before the crowds get there! This is a highlight to eh 5 day itinerary Great Smoky Mountains!

Now you can relax with a delicious family-style breakfast at Peter’s Pancake and Waffles. Today will be about exploring all Cherokee has to offer, so letโ€™s dive right in.

If youโ€™re in the mood for outdoor activities after all this weekโ€™s driving, weโ€™ve got you covered. Enjoy an easygoing hike on the 1.5- mile Oconaluftee River Trail. Grab a fishing guide on the Ravenโ€™s Fork Trophy Waters. Or book a riverside guided horseback ride or wagon ride at the Smokemont Riding Stables.

Or if you are more interested in the enriching cultural activities to experience in Cherokee, you can tour the exhibits at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, or immerse yourself in living history at the Oconoluftee Indian Village.

Take an afternoon break to check into your room at Harrah’s. 


You can enjoy a late lunch/early dinner at one of Harrahโ€™s twelve unique restaurants, such as Gordon Ramsayโ€™s Food Market. Or visit Guy Fieriโ€™s Cherokee Kitchen, and feel free to spend the evening however you please! Harrahโ€™s Casino offers incredible options for nightlife and entertainment, or you can always head back into the great outdoors to pick up where you left off before getting some much-needed sleep.

Colorful leaves near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
fall colors popping on the parkway near cherokee nc

Thursday – Day 5 of our 5 day Itinerary Great Smoky Mountains

Check out early and grab breakfast for the road as you head back into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Because this is where you will be driving the Newfound Gap Road to your next destination: Gatlinburg, Tennessee (Yes, we know this is Discover The Carolinas, but this area is shared by both states)

Throughout your drive, take advantage of the abundant landmarks to explore and see. These include the Oconoluftee Visitor Center area for one more chance to see more elk (have to be there early). Also, you can see Mingus Mill, Cliff Branch Falls, and the Thomas Divide Trail. You should also see Clingmans Dome (the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park). After all this is probably the most desirable stop in the park. Lastly, the Ben Morton Overlook, the Chimney Tops trail, Cades Cove, and Cataract Falls. Stops and hikes considered, this drive can take all afternoon, but you donโ€™t want to miss the opportunity to catch some of these beautiful spots along the way to Gatlinburg.

Once you have arrived in Gatlinburg check into one of these incredible Airbnbs:

Creekside Chalet:

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/689994609744819738?adults=1&children=0&infants=0&check_in=2022-09-25&check_out=2022-09-30&federated_search_id=838ab140-eac9-43cf-b95d-025533bd1cc8&source_impression_id=p3_1663268083_MnWLjXAzXYwC6ZK6


Creekside Cabin:

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/26067044?adults=1&children=0&infants=0&check_in=2022-09-16&check_out=2022-09-21&federated_search_id=0d035c4d-3f95-4e3d-bc79-5e4c8c9f71b4&source_impression_id=p3_1663268113_82ubnvjt68%2FWnTuO


Woodland Bliss Cabin:

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/649488122815638182?adults=1&children=0&infants=0&check_in=2022-11-13&check_out=2022-11-18&federated_search_id=01d1e1a4-ba6e-474f-8c38-f1aa2459d618&source_impression_id=p3_1663268160_CZ4q6wqO%2BnanPHh7

Once you have settled into your new nook for the night, head into town for a delectable dinner at the outpost-styled steakhouse, The Greenbrier (we highly recommend the dry-age steak and whiskey selections).

5 day Iitinerary Great Smoky Mountains - Milky Way
milky way near fontana

Friday – Last Full Day – BONUS DAY of our 5 day Itinerary Great Smoky Mountains

Feel free to sleep in today, youโ€™ve earned it! 

Tennessee Jedโ€™s is a fun breakfast spot to start the morning before you delve into all that Gatlinburg has to offer, and it offers vegan and vegetarian options as well.

Start your morning adventures with some breathtaking views at Gatlinburgโ€™s Skylift Park or the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or for some family-friendly views, check out the critters at Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies.

Find your way off the beaten path for the best barbecue in the Smokies, at Delauder’s BBQ.

Now it’s time to get back into the beautifully crisp fall air. Head over to Grotto or Laurel Falls, or if you are feeling ambitious, hike Mt LeConte where caves dot the trails, and witness the seasonal foliage in all its glory.

Swing back to town for the last dinner of your weeklong trip at Chesapeakeโ€™s Seafood and Raw Bar.

5 day Iitinerary Great Smoky Mountains - Lake Reflections
fontana lake views

Saturday – On The Back Home


It’s time to wake up, pack your bags, and grab a country-style breakfast at Crockett’s in downtown Gatlinburg. 


Head back down Newfound Gap Road and make sure to stop at any of the landmarks you missed on the way down. Trust us, you donโ€™t want to miss out on these, so take your time on the way back!

Lastly, if you have time, pay a visit to the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest near Robbinsville to witness some of the largest old-growth trees on the East Coast.

You did it! What a week! Thank you for making the most of our ultimate guide to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and we hope you enjoyed your unforgettable week in the Smoky Mountains.

Pinehurst NC - Home Of American Golf
Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
Share 0
Joe Schuberth

As a writer, I use my powers of curiosity to tell stories that spark my readers' imagination and inquisitive nature. But it's not just writing where curiosity reigns supreme; throughout my professional career, I have had many job titles; however, one thing has remained the sameโ€”I have remained curious.

Travel Guides & Giveaways!

Receive The Carolinas # 1 Newsletter

You May Also Like
View Post
  • North Carolina Piedmont Activities
  • Top Lists - Best Of The Carolinas

23 Things To Do For Couples In Charlotte NC

Things To Do With The Family In Boone NC - Visit Tweetsie Railroad
View Post
  • North Carolina Mountains Activities
  • Top Lists - Best Of The Carolinas

Family Mountain Trip Musts: Top Things To Do In Boone NC With Kids

Mini golf in Myrtle Beach SC
View Post
  • South Carolina PeeDee Activities

The Ultimate Family Beach Trip: Things To Do With Kids In Myrtle Beach SC

Views from the peak of Mt. Mitchell North Carolina
View Post
  • North Carolina Mountains Activities

What To Do When Visiting The Highest Peak On The East Coast Mt. Mitchell North Carolina

Best lakes in NC, Lake Norman
View Post
  • North Carolina Piedmont Activities
  • Top Lists - Best Of The Carolinas

The 13 Most Beautiful Lakes In NC Near Charlotte

Flying a Kite At Jockeys Ridge State Park in Nags Head NC
View Post
  • North Carolina Coast Activities

Never Been To Jockey’s Ridge State Park? Why You Should Go Next Time You’re In The OBX

Waterfront Park Charleston SC - Things To Do In Charleston SC For Couples
View Post
  • South Carolina Lowcountry Activities
  • Top Lists - Best Of The Carolinas

Our Top 30 Best Things To Do in Charleston SC For Couplesย 

Pinehurst NC Carriage Rides
View Post
  • North Carolina Piedmont Activities
  • Top Lists - Best Of The Carolinas

Don’t Golf? Don’t Worry! 25 Things To Do In Pinehurst NC Besides The Links

Planning Your Next Trip? Search for a town or activity.
Blue Ridge Mountain Club In Blowing Rock NC
Carolina Town Guides
Search By Town
Asheville, NC
Boone, NC
Charleston, SC
Charlotte, NC
Crystal Coast, NC
Greenville, SC
Old 96 District, SC
Pinehurst & The Sandhills, NC
Browse All Towns
Our Partners

Follow Us On Instagram
discoverthecarolinas
๐ŸŒผ SPRING IS HERE ๐ŸŒผ
A GORGEous shot ๐Ÿ˜‰
Spring has sprung in Lowcountry
The pristine Sarah P. Duke Gardens, located at Duke University ๐ŸŒธ
Bring on the wildflowers! We can't wait for the wild Rhododendron, Azaleas, & Mountain-Laurel ๐ŸŒธ ๐ŸŒธ ๐ŸŒธ
CLOSED @val724 ๐ŸพGIVEAWAY๐Ÿพ
๐Ÿ’œ ๐Ÿ’œ ๐Ÿ’œ
When the sun peeks over the peaks ๐Ÿ˜‰
๐Ÿ“ Lake Glenville, NC
An incredible full moon over the Queen City ๐ŸŒ
Only a few more weeks until spring...
Straight out of a fairy tale ๐Ÿ’š
Follow
The Ivey's Hotel - Charlotte NC
The Constant Wayfarer - Travel Planning - Charlotte Travel Agent
Travel Perks
Travel Deals - Discounts on NC and SC Getaways
View Posts
POPULAR POSTS
  • 23 Things To Do For Couples In Charlotte NC
  • Things To Do With The Family In Boone NC - Visit Tweetsie Railroad
    Family Mountain Trip Musts: Top Things To Do In Boone NC With Kids
  • Mini golf in Myrtle Beach SC
    The Ultimate Family Beach Trip: Things To Do With Kids In Myrtle Beach SC
  • Pinehurst NC Treehouse Airbnb
    Visiting The Home of Golf? Book One Of Our Top 9 Pinehurst NC Airbnbs
  • Views from the peak of Mt. Mitchell North Carolina
    What To Do When Visiting The Highest Peak On The East Coast Mt. Mitchell North Carolina
Omni Hotels And Resorts - Charlotte NC
CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN TWO NIGHTS STAY AND MORE AT THE SPECTATOR IN CHARLESTON
DEAL OF THE WEEK
  • Outer Banks Kiteboarding Corolla NC Pamlico Sound
    50% Off – Learn How To Kite Surf In The OBX – Offer Available Through 7-1-2022
The Swag Hotel - NC Mountains

Subscribe

Receive The #1 Travel Newsletter In The Carolinas

Discover The Carolinas Discover The Carolinas
  • Partners
  • Newsletter
  • Travel Deals
  • Giveaways
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy
A GORGEous shot ๐Ÿ˜‰
Spring has sprung in Lowcountry
The pristine Sarah P. Duke Gardens, located at Duke University ๐ŸŒธ
Bring on the wildflowers! We can't wait for the wild Rhododendron, Azaleas, & Mountain-Laurel ๐ŸŒธ ๐ŸŒธ ๐ŸŒธ
CLOSED @val724 ๐ŸพGIVEAWAY๐Ÿพ
๐Ÿ’œ ๐Ÿ’œ ๐Ÿ’œ

Input your search keywords and press Enter.