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When many people think about a Smoky Mountain vacation, they might only think of the gorgeous range of mountains in the Great Smoky Mountain range. The truth is that there are a lot of delightful towns for your family’s getaway that are scattered throughout this region in both the states of North Carolina and Tennessee.
A short drive from major cities like Asheville, you are sure to find plenty to keep you busy, or plenty of ways to relax. When looking for great smoky mountains areas to stay, look at the different amenities and activities in each to make your best choice.
The variety extends to how busy each town might be. It will help you make a decision based on your desire for peace-and-quiet, or nonstop activity for you, your family, and your friends.
We’re ranking each of the following ten locations (1 through 10) based on their population density and access to non-stop activities. The more busy, action-packed, and intense you want your vacation, the higher the number you want.
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Adventure Score: 10
You can’t research a trip to Pigeon Forge without realizing that it is the location for Dollywood, the largest and most exciting amusement park and entertainment venue in the Smoky Mountains. The residual effect of visiting such a large family-friendly theme park is that it comes with a lot of other popular attractions in town—great shopping, boutiques, restaurants, and other local sites to visit.
The Titanic Museum is a fascinating look at this historic ship and its tragic end. You can learn about the story and even see some of the artifacts that have been recovered from the ship. The Old Mill is a historical building dating back to its time as a water-powered mill in the 1800s. It is now a restaurant and shop and offers visitors the opportunity to experience its historic setting firsthand.
Great accommodations abound in the Pigeon Forge area, so you are sure to find something that works for your family and friends. Many have great amenities, like hot tubs, swimming pools, and outdoor fire pits.
Escape game rooms, one of the newest trends in group fun, can also be found in this area. There are festivals and things to see and experience year-round. Pigeon Forge is also very close to another action-filled location, which is our next mountain town to consider.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Adventure Score: 10
Just six miles away from Pigeon Forge is the bustling town of Gatlinburg. This quaint town, which is just over the Tennessee side of the border with North Carolina, boasts proximity to the entertainment venue of its neighboring town. Downtown Gatlinburg is a quirky location that, while still very popular with tourists, leans more toward outdoor activities and an aerial walkway.
There are almost endless options for lodging. Right on the main street and in close proximity to the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the local convention center is LeConte Lodge, a charming, family-friendly hotel. They have indoor and outdoor pools, are pet friendly, and offer free WiFi.
For a more laid-back stay in the paradise of the Smoky Mountains, look for rooms at the Margaritaville Resort, or just pop into the restaurant for a little tropical flair to your Smoky Mountain stay.
For rainy days, check out Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. There are beautiful undersea environments to witness and hundreds of aquatic animals to see. They even have special overnight events, like the Pints and Penguins Sleepover—but you must be 21 or over. And if you’ve ever wanted to be a part of a video game, check out Activate Games in Gatlinburg. Teams of two or more can select challenges at different levels and physical abilities. It’s unlike any other activity you’ll find!
When the sun comes out, visit the Gatlinburg Space Needle for excellent views of the area. Take pictures of the amazing landscape, or just look down the street to see where to head for lunch!
There are plenty of great opportunities for foodies—from fine dining to steakhouses. Or if sampling local fare is your thing, try the local moonshine distillery. The local boutiques are a real hunting ground for arts and craft lovers, and there are entertainment options abounding.
Bryson City, North Carolina
Adventure Score: 6
Located just west of the Deep Creek Recreation Center, Bryson City is a quieter location for your stay in the Smoky Mountains. There are plenty of outdoor activities and great restaurants to visit, but the town has a slower pace, great for a short walk around the town, or visiting nearby Deep Creek for water fun like tubing, swimming, waterfalls, and fishing. There are plenty of places for hiking and biking, a microbrewery to sample local craft beer, galleries for art lovers, and charming shops to visit.
Wears Valley, Tennessee
Adventure Score: 4
Although not an official entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Wears Valley is known by many to be a secret entrance to the park with much less traffic and quick access to hiking trails. This small town is known for its tranquility and spectacular mountain views. It’s the perfect antidote to a busier town. There are charming cafes to sample local cuisine and locally-owned shops with unique products.
Cosby, Tennessee
Adventure Score: 3
Cosby is just the place to enjoy some peace and solitude in the shadows of the gorgeous Smoky Mountains. Located on the northern side of the mountains, there is an abundance of hiking opportunities, including Foothills Parkway, an out of the way spot for viewing the Appalachian Trail and its beautiful scenery. There are plenty of trails for casual, day hikes, and the Cosby Campground to commune with nature 24/7.
With a population of just over 5,000 people, and once known as the Moonshine Capital of the World, Cosby is the perfect place to find a secluded rental, kick back by a fire pit, and relax.
Townsend, Tennessee
Adventure Score: 2
To experience nature without distractions and enjoy more rugged pursuits, Townsend is your place. With easy access to the Smokies, avid hikers often use Townsend as a home base for their daily (or longer) hiking expeditions. There are fewer opportunities for dining out, but if you rent a cabin in the area, you can truly get away from it all and touch base with the natural surroundings.
Townsend is also a short drive from Cades Cove, a beautiful valley within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There is a road that drives through the cove and offers a picturesque route where you can see plenty of wildlife and even some preserved homesteads.
Sevierville, Tennessee
Adventure Score: 8
While most visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains associate one of the area’s most famous inhabitants—Dolly Parton—with nearby Pigeon Forge, she actually grew up in Sevierville. Dolly’s hometown is just a short drive of six miles from Pigeon Forge and offers a somewhat quieter stay but still with plenty to do. After paying your respects at the life-sized bronze statue of Dolly, you can visit one of the two huge outlet malls in the area, boasting over 120 shops.
You can plan outings to several popular destinations, like the Tennessee Museum of Aviation, or engage in some of your own flying at the Adventure Park Ziplines. Animal lovers will enjoy the Rainforest Adventure Zoo, and there are riding stables if you want to enjoy the area on horseback.
Sevierville is also home to the Wild Waterdome Indoor water park. With indoor pools and slides and plenty of outdoor fun, this is a great place for families. There are accommodations, so you can have all there is to offer right in your backyard.
Like many other towns in the Great Smoky Mountain region, there are lots of opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing near Sevierville.
Cherokee, North Carolina
Adventure Score: 9
The town of Cherokee is located on the south side of the Smoky Mountains National Park in the Cherokee Indian Reservation. This area is a significant cultural destination that features unique experiences.
There are outdoor activities from hiking and fishing, plus (if you’re lucky) elk herd viewing. There are campgrounds to experience outdoor accommodations and serve as a base camp for hiking. There are nearby waterways for boating and tubing, and golf courses for more competitive visitors. It is also a fantastic area for bird watching and horseback riding on the local scenic trails. If you want a little more speed, ride motorcycles on approved trails.
Cherokee carries the name of its original settlers, and it is rich in Native American culture. There are traditional crafts available to view and purchase, and reenactments that will teach you more about the rich history of this area and its inhabitants.
And if your vacation has you feeling especially lucky, Cherokee also has Harrah’s Casino Resort, including all the luxuries you would expect. Luxury accommodations, exciting entertainment, and unique dining options will pamper you while enjoying the peace and beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Elkmont, Tennessee
Adventure Score: 1
Near Elkmont campground is the former town of Elkmont, which is a 15-minute drive from Gatlinburg. It is no longer inhabited and is a part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many visitors come here because it is a picturesque and intriguing ghost town that is way off the beaten path. The surroundings make a great place to carefully explore and take pictures. There are still abandoned buildings and its mysterious atmosphere makes it a thrilling place for ghost hunters.
In its heyday, Elkmont was a hub for the national park movement at its beginnings in the early 20th century. This makes it altogether fitting that the land the town is on became a part of the property owned and managed by the National Park Service.
Visiting Elkmont is like a trip to the past. There are abandoned buildings that are slowly being reclaimed by nature and two still-standing graveyards. Even as interesting as these places might be, always obey the posted rules of the National Park Service and never trespass onto these properties or inside buildings. Remember that these structures are in a constant state of decay and are very hazardous. Never venture inside any building while visiting Elkmont.
Maryville, Tennessee
Adventure Score: 6
At the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains lies the idyllic college town and quintessential mountain town of Maryville, just northwest of Townsend. It is the perfect destination to get away from the busy towns of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg to experience a little less tourism and a little more of the mountain way of life.
One of the most infamous mountain views in the area is the eastern flank of the Chilhowee Mountain’s formation, known as the Three Sisters. This iconic view towers over the town of Maryville and is visible from just about anywhere in town.
Like many college towns, there are plenty of cafes, locally-owned restaurants, and even some chain restaurants. And like many other towns in the Smoky Mountain region, there are also many opportunities for outdoor activities.
Can’t Miss Hikes
Laurel Falls is a great hiking experience. At just over two and a half miles, there are also many paved sections, so it’s a good choice for those who would benefit from an easier, smoother walking experience.
Grotto Falls is another hike alongside a creek that provides great views of the 25-foot-tall waterfall. The hike is a moderate one, with a round trip distance of three miles. This is the only waterfall in the park where you can actually walk behind the falls. You may even catch a glimpse of llamas on the trail being used to take supplies up to the summit.
Alum Cave is a more moderate hiking choice and has a round trip distance of just under five miles. Your hiking efforts will be rewarded with spectacular views of the bluffs, and you’ll see many great features along the trail, like Arch Rock, a natural stairway that runs underneath an arch as you climb the trail.
The Abrams Falls hike is a moderate hike with a five-mile round trip distance. The hike is very popular with families who enjoy walking through the old forest undergrowth and the wildflowers in the summer and spring. Lucky hikers also may see some wildlife. Near the mid-section of the hike, you’ll walk along the Creekside and reach beautiful Abrams Falls.
Bringing it All Together
It’s pretty obvious that the Great Smoky Mountains region and the national park have something to offer for everyone. From family vacations, large reunion group meet-ups, bachelorette parties, and romantic getaways, chances are you will find the vacation pace that suits your needs.
Accommodations are plentiful, but it’s still a good idea to book as early as possible to get the best option. Likewise with special activities. Some venues suggest booking early to get the reservation that is ideal for you. Other places might work for a walk-up ticket. Check the many websites to be sure you understand the cancellation policies for any lodging or activities that you reserve ahead of time.
Because of its moderate summer temperatures and cool nights, summer is a very popular time in the Great Smoky Mountains. However, the fall is also a beautiful time to visit, and there are a lot of beautiful festivals and events centered around the holidays at the end of the year.
Many experts on travel in this area suggest at least three to four days for your visit. Of course, if you want to experience everything in these amazing communities, you will definitely need more time. That’s why the Great Smoky Mountains are a great place to put on your permanent vacation plans. Try visiting at different times of the year so that you can really experience the amazing nature, attractions, food and drink, shopping, crafts, and local culture.
