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
  • Events
    • Upcoming Events
    • Event Venues
Planning Your Next Trip? Search for a town…
The #1 Travel Newsletter In The Carolinas
  • Partners
  • Newsletter
  • Travel Deals
  • Giveaways
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy
  • Partners
  • Newsletter
  • Travel Deals
  • Giveaways
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy
Facebook 1K
Instagram 39K
TikTok 89K 0
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
  • Events
    • Upcoming Events
    • Event Venues
  • North Carolina Mountains Activities
  • Things To Do

The Ultimate 1 Week Itinerary – Great Smoky Mountains – Part 1

  • Joe Schuberth
1 Week Itinerary Great Smoky Mountains - Blue Ridge Parkway Near Cherokee
Total
10
Shares
0
0
0
10
0
0
Timbers Kiawah - SC Beach Luxury Residences

Welcome to the 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. This trip is filled with breathtaking mountain vistas ablaze with fiery fall foliage. You’ll also see beautiful, tranquil towns tucked between the rolling countryside. Our 1 week itinerary Great Smoky Mountains is sure to make this one adventure you will never forget!

Sunday Night – Day 1 of the 1 week itinerary Great Smoky Mountains

Before you set off on your first excursion, let’s make sure you’re set up with the best digs on your 1 week itinerary Great Smoky Mountains start.

If you fancy all-inclusive, mile-high mountain hideaways, check in to The Swag in Waynesville, where you can choose from a selection of private cabins or suites within The Swag’s main lodge. 

For those who want to nestle into the mountainside, Glamping Collective offers Luxury Domes that feature hot tubs, fire tables, and the best mountain views in Clyde.

Once you feel acclimated with your accommodations make your way to Waterrock Knob for the exquisite sunset that tucks behind the mountaintops.

Tonight, head into the charming town of Waynesville for a stroll down Main Street before you dive into the traditional victuals and libations (dinner and drinks) of The Scotsman Public House. 

Lastly, enjoy the starlit drive back to tonight’s home base and prepare for the wonders that await you tomorrow.

Newfound Gap Views Great Smoky Mountains National Park
newfound gap views

Monday – Your First Day In The Smokies

Wake up ready to drive! Today’s first stop is for a homestyle breakfast at the Buttered Biscuit in Waynesville.

We’re going to do a large circle of driving today, so while in town, grab a picnic for lunch and plenty of water. Or, if you are staying at The Swag, look into their “Packed Lunch” offerings which include marked trail maps. Lots of scenic views, short hikes, and stunning waterfalls coming your way! 

1 Week Itinerary Great Smoky Mountains - Blue Ridge Parkway Near Cherokee
big ridge overlook

The Ridge Parkway Waynesville To Cherokee

From Waynesville, head southeast on 276 to Brevard for the first must-see waterfalls: Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls.

We’re back on the Parkway for the grand tour! Here you can see Skinny Dip Falls, Devils Courthouse, Graveyard Fields, Black Balsam Knob, Cowee Mountain Overlook, Richland Balsam, and Waynesville Overlook— just an epic drive all around! 

End the day at The Swag’s dining room for social hour and a delightful four-course dinner featuring seasonally inspired dished and locally sourced ingredients.

1 Week Itinerary Great Smoky Mountains - Blue Ridge Parkway Near Cherokee
views from the blue ridge parkway

Tuesday – Day 3 of the 1 week itinerary Great Smoky Mountains

Time to get up early, grab your bags, and get started on your first day on the Parkway.

See The Elk

Head straight to Cataloochee Valley for your chance to see the wild elk. They graze very early in the morning, but it is worth every second of sacrificed sleep. This is a standout activity for everyone’s 1 week itinerary Great Smoky Mountains.

Two Young Bull Elk Clashing During The Rut Great Smoky Mountains National Park Cherokee NC
Young Bull Elk Sparring During the rut

Grab breakfast afterward at Joey’s Pancake House in Maggie Valley, and make sure to map out your upcoming stops for the day.

Soco Falls

Head out towards Cherokee, stopping first to visit Soco Falls. Then it’s time to hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Here you can enjoy the short but beautiful drive to your next destinations. 

Along this stretch, you can take your pick from incredible pit-stops such as Plott Balsam Overlook, Big Witch Overlook, and Thomas Divide Overlook. No matter how ambitious you are, take your time and enjoy the colors that fill the forested mountainsides.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Make your way through Cherokee to Bryson City. Then experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure: The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. 

This is the premier fall foliage train ride as the 4 ½-hour roundtrip excursion carries you 44 miles through the lush Nantahala Gorge. There is a layover stop at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Boxed lunch and onboard dining are available, so you can just focus on your train ride full of fall photo opportunities.

Waterfalls On Deep Creek In Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Juney Whank

Deep Creek

Still looking for more? Explore Deep Creek—a beautiful fly fishing river. While there see Juney Whank, Tom Branch, or Indian Creek waterfalls. This is a top pick for us on our 1 week itinerary Great Smoky Mountains!

After your chock-full Tuesday, check in to the cozy Calhoun House Inn, conveniently located only a short stroll from downtown Bryson City’s shops, galleries, breweries, and restaurants.

Saunter over to Fontana Overlook for a wonderful evening sunset before finally turning in for the evening.

Waterfalls On Deep Creek In Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Tom branch falls

Part 2 of your 1 week itinerary Great Smoky Mountains Is Below

>>> Click here for part 2 <<<

Pinehurst NC - Home Of American Golf
Total
10
Shares
Share 0
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 10
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 same—I have remained curious.

Travel Guides & Giveaways!

Receive The Carolinas # 1 Newsletter

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

Traveling With Kids? Check Out The Top Things To Do With Your Family In Asheville NC

Blue Ridge Parkway near Black Mountain NC
View Post
  • North Carolina Mountains Activities

Enchanting Black Mountain NC: The Perfect Fall Mountain Weekender

Pinecone Pathways in Moore County NC this fall.
View Post
  • North Carolina Piedmont Activities
  • Travel Features

Celebrate Great Trails Day With The Return Of Pinecone Pathways In Moore County

Jockeys Ridge Outer Banks Hang Gliding - Things to do in th eOBX with Kids
View Post
  • North Carolina Coast Activities
  • Top Lists - Best Of The Carolinas

Our Top 20 Things To Do In The Outer Banks With Kids

Raleigh NC skyline
View Post
  • North Carolina Piedmont Activities
  • Top Lists - Best Of The Carolinas

Time To Go On A Date: Fun Things To Do In Raleigh NC For Couples

Things To Do In Pinehurst NC
View Post
  • North Carolina Piedmont Activities

Golf, Horse Racing, and The Spa: Top 17 Things To Do Near Pinehurst NC

Exterior of the CAM Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington NC
View Post
  • North Carolina Coast Activities
  • Top Lists - Best Of The Carolinas

Raining At The Beach? Enjoy These Indoor Activities In Wilmington NC

The lake at Pullen Park in downtown Raleigh North Carolina in the early morning sunshine
View Post
  • North Carolina Piedmont Activities
  • Top Lists - Best Of The Carolinas

Looking For Things To Do In Raleigh NC With Kids??? Pullen Park & 17 Top To Dos

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
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
  • 21C Hotel Durham
    Explore A New Fave: 21 C Hotel Museum Hotel In Durham NC
  • Traveling With Kids? Check Out The Top Things To Do With Your Family In Asheville NC
  • Front Porch Of The White Doe Inn in Manteo NC, Outer Banks
    OBX Romance: The 15 Best Places To Stay In The Outer Banks For Couples
  • Noble Smoke Barbecue brisket some of the best in NC
    A Comprehensive Guide To The Best Barbecue In NC: Let The Debates Begin
  • Blue Ridge Parkway near Black Mountain NC
    Enchanting Black Mountain NC: The Perfect Fall Mountain Weekender
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 7-1-2023
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

Input your search keywords and press Enter.