Best of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The most-visited park in the country, and still quiet if you drive the cove loops early.
Checking live park conditions…
Wildflowers in spring and the country's best-known autumn color in October. Higher roads close in winter storms, and October weekends bring heavy traffic to the cove loops.
Day 1·Newfound Gap and Ridge Drives
Open in MapsSightseeing
Newfound Gap
Straddle two states and the Appalachian Trail at this iconic mountain pass, offering sweeping views and a sense of accomplishment.
Sightseeing
Kuwohi
Drive to the highest point in the park for breathtaking panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains, especially stunning at sunset.
Day 2·Cades Cove Scenic Loop
Open in MapsSightseeing
Cades Cove Scenic Loop
Experience the pastoral beauty of an isolated valley with historic log cabins, churches, and abundant wildlife, especially engaging in the early morning.
Activity
Abrams Falls Trailhead
Embark on a memorable hike through forests to a picturesque, powerful waterfall, a true gem of Cades Cove.
Day 3·Foothills Parkway
Open in MapsSightseeing
Foothills Parkway
Enjoy a tranquil scenic drive with continuous overlooks offering stunning views of the mountains and valleys, a perfect farewell to the Smokies.
Make it your own
Start from this curated plan — Runes copies it into your trips so you can tweak dates, budget, pace, and stops. Personalized to your style soon.