It’s been years ago since I wanted to go explore this national park. I finally made it there last fall (Oct 2023) for the first time. I normally go to Shenandoah National Park for the fall. This time, we planned the scenic road trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway all the way to North Carolina and Tennessee for the perfect foliage views.
I recommend staying in Gatlinburg, the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains Park, with plenty of attractions and restaurants.
Tip: Entrance fee is not required for this national park but a parking tag is required. You can buy it online or buy it at the Visitor Center.
Day 1: Great Smoky Mountains Trails and Scenic Drives
- Morning:
- Hike Andrews Bald from Clingmans Dome (3.5 miles RT) for panoramic views.
- Afternoon:
- Explore Clingman’s Dome Road (7 miles one way) and access the observation tower. The traffic can get really congested if you go during peak times in the fall.
- Evening:
- Drive Newfound Gap Road (30 miles one way) and enjoy views from Campbell Overlook, Chimney Tops Overlook and Morton Overlook.
- Stop at Charles Webb Overlook for a beautiful sunset view.
Day 2: More Trails and Little River Road
- Morning:
- Hike to Chimney Tops (3.3 miles round trip) for stunning panoramic views.
- Afternoon:
- Drive Little River Road (25 miles one way) with highlights like The Sinks Waterfall and Laurel Falls Trail. The Laurel Falls Trail is a moderate hike (2.6 mile round trip) uphill to the water fall and the foliage view from the top is very beautiful.
- Evening:
- Explore Cades Cove, a scenic valley with wildlife and historic cabins. (Again, traffic can be very congested at peak times and it was bumper to bumper when we went in the fall. It was worth it because we saw some black bears.)
Day 3: Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
- Morning:
- Take the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (6 miles one way) for scenic and wildlife sights, including “the place of 1000 drips.”
- Afternoon:
- Hike Grotto Falls (2.6 miles RT) or explore Rainbow Falls (5.4 miles RT) in Great Smoky Mountains.
- Evening:
- Drive to Asheville.
Day 4: Asheville
- Morning:
- Visit the Biltmore Estate, a historic mansion with beautiful gardens and stunning architecture.
- Afternoon:
- Explore the city’s downtown and River Arts District, known for its galleries and studios.
- Evening:
- Enjoy dinner at one of Asheville’s diverse restaurants.
Day 5: Blue Ridge Parkway Adventure
- Morning:
- Head to Blue Ridge Parkway, starting at Rough Ridge Overlook (Milepost 302.8). It’s an easy paved pathway to multiple overlooks.
Visit Linn Cove Viaduct from Yonahlossee Overlook.
- Afternoon:
- Explore Beacon Heights Overlook (Milepost 305.2) and Chestoa View Overlook (Milepost 320).
- Evening:
- Hike Linville Gorge Trail for waterfall views if you still have time and energy.
Day 6: Concluding the Adventure
- Morning:
- Visit Thunder Hill Overlook in Blowing Rock on Blue Ridge Parkway.
- Afternoon:
- Drive a long way back home.
This itinerary combines scenic drives, panoramic hikes, and waterfalls for a diverse and picturesque experience in the Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway. Enjoy your road trip!
