Gatlinburg Itinerary: Top Plans for 2, 4, 5 & 7 Days of Adventure
Gatlinburg Itinerary: Top Plans for 2, 4, & 7 Days of Adventure
Looking for the ultimate getaway in the Smokies? There are so many things to do in Gatlinburg that planning a visit can be overwhelming. That’s why I put together the ultimate itinerary based on my visits so others can learn from my mistakes and won’t miss out on hidden gems.
From popular pastimes like scenic hikes and moonshine tastings to family-friendly attractions like the famous Gatlinburg magic shows to romantic hideaways, this guide has it all. I’ll walk you through exactly how to maximize your time in Gatlinburg, whether you’re here for a quick weekend escape or a full-blown Smoky Mountain vacation.
You’ll get insider tips I picked up firsthand, like the best times to hit Great Smoky Mountains National Park to beat the crowds, where to find the most photogenic overlooks (hello, Instagram), and how to avoid tourist traps on the Parkway. I’ve even built in some downtime, foodie spots you have to try, and lesser-known gems that most visitors completely miss.
So whether you're planning a 2-day romantic retreat, a 4-day family adventure, or a 7-day deep-dive into the Smokies, scroll through and find the itinerary that fits your vibe.
When to Go, Where to Stay, What to Do in Gatlinburg
Before you start making your itinerary, first you need to decide when you’re going, where you’re staying, and what types of activities you want to do. So here are some things to keep in mind:
When to Visit: Gatlinburg by Season
Timing is everything. Each season brings its own kind of Smoky Mountain magic.
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Fall (Sept–Oct): Peak leaf-peeping happens mid-October and the foliage is just breathtaking. Between the spectacular views and mild weather, it's perfect for hiking and outdoor-centric vacations and my favorite time to go.
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Winter (Dec–Feb): A great place to spend the holidays! Downtown glows with twinkle lights and snow-covered cabins make it feel like you’re in a snowglobe. If you decide to winter in Gatlinburg, ice skating is a must!
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Spring (Mar–May): Everything comes alive in spring! The weather warms, the flowers bloom, and it’s a great time for most activities. From hiking to wine tasting, there’s no shortage of things to do.
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Summer (Jun–Aug): It’s good to keep in mind that summer is the most popular season for family travel. So attractions may be busier than usual, but this is the best time for outdoor enthusiasts looking to go kayaking, whitewater rafting, or chase waterfalls.
Budget Tip: Visit in early spring or late winter for the best hotel rates and fewer crowds. Plus, parking is easier and wait times for attractions are way shorter.
Where to Stay: The Best Home Base
Gatlinburg gets BUSY, especially during peak seasons, so booking the right hotel early is a must! Consider staying somewhere that not only puts you in the heart of the Smokies but has amenities that will help you get the most out of your vacation.
But where you stay should largely be based on what you want to do. Here are some places to consider:
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Downtown Gatlinburg: If you want to focus on shopping, entertainment, and indulging your inner foodie, the downtown area is fun and walkable.
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Pigeon Forge: Home to Dollywood, The Island, Titanic Museum, and some of the most popular family-friendly attractions.
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Sevierville: The birthplace of Dolly Parton, you’ll love the Forbidden Caverns—a hidden underground wonder, wildlife parks, go-kart tracks, and antique malls galore.
Pro Tip: On my last trip, my family and I stayed at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa. I loved the spa, the kids loved the onsite water park, and the views were gorgeous!
What to Do: Kids & Adults
Family time in Gatlinburg is a whole vibe. Don’t miss:
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Anakeesta: A mountaintop adventure park with ziplines, sky bridges, treetop play areas, and breathtaking views.
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Skylift Park + SkyBridge: Walk across North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge. Great selfie spot!
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Ober Mountain: Year-round fun with skiing, tubing, and alpine slides.
Looking for things for adults to do? I’ve got you covered there too!
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Wine & Moonshine Tours: Hit several spots for free tastings (no judgment if you go back for round two).
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Spa day at Serenity Spa by Westgate: Relax, recharge, repeat.
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Live music + mountain views: Head to Ole Red or Smoky Mountain Brewery.
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Scenic picnic at Greenbrier: Bring wine & charcuterie, and enjoy a peaceful escape by the river.
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A Quick Weekend in Gatlinburg: Your Ideal Two-Day Itinerary
Only 48 hours in Gatlinburg? Challenge accepted! With the right plan, you can taste moonshine, hike waterfalls, soak in mountain views, and STILL have time for pancakes and people-watching on the Parkway.
Day 1: Welcome to the Smokies
Fuel up at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp! Hands down, the best hearty Southern breakfast I’ve ever had. I went with the “Black Bear Camp Skillet” and a cinnamon roll the size of my head. It’s busy, but 100% worth the wait.
Pro Tip: Arrive before 8:30 AM to avoid long lines, especially on weekends.
While you’re in the area, explore downtown Gatlinburg on foot. Stroll the Parkway and soak in that classic Gatlinburg charm — quirky shops, moonshine distilleries, saltwater taffy, and black bear-themed everything. Here are my personal must-visits:
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The Village Shops: Feels like stepping into a little European town.
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Ole Smoky Moonshine: Free tastings, live music, and local energy.
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Gatlinburg Space Needle: Panoramic mountain views and arcade fun.
Time to walk off breakfast! Take a quick drive into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I like Laurel Falls Trail because it’s easy, paved, and only 2.6 miles round trip so it's hikeable for all skill levels. You get a gorgeous waterfall payoff and plenty of photo ops.
Budget Tip: The park is free, but you’ll need a $5 parking pass for the day. This is also a great picnic spot! I like to plan ahead and pack lunch for a cheap and easy meal that won’t take up too much time, plus it comes with a great view.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, time for dinner! The Greenbrier Restaurant is a Gatlinburg staple for me. It’s a cozy fine-dining spot tucked in the woods. The elk chop? Totally worth the splurge. But if you’re looking for something a little more budget or family-friendly, here are some other crowd-pleasers:
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The Peddler Steakhouse: Famous for table-side cut-to-order steaks. Overlooks a creek and fills up fast.
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Bones BBQ Joint: Laid-back spot with wood-smoked meats and homemade sides. Budget-friendly and hearty.
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Calhoun’s: Great ribs, sandwiches, and crowd-pleasers. Reliable, casual, and close to everything downtown.
Day 2: Mountain Views, Coasters & Comfort Food
We stayed at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort which has some amazing onsite dining options, like the breakfast at Southern Comfort. True to its name, they had all the down-home classics and more, so there was something for everyone.
Pro Tip: You don’t have to be a guest to visit the restaurants, anyone can make a reservation for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
I recommend the Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster to everyone visiting! It’s such a unique experience, and don’t worry, even if you’re not a thrill seeker, you control your speed as zoom through the forest making it fun for any age.
Plan B: If it’s rainy or foggy, explore Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a one-way scenic drive with waterfalls, hiking spots, and historic cabins.
Cap off the last day of your trip with Anakeesta at sunset! Catch the Chondola up to this mountaintop adventure park. The views at sunset are stunning, and the Treetop Skywalk (a series of hanging bridges) is lit up at night. It’s magical.
For a final dinner, we went to Cherokee Grill, which was recommended to us by several locals. It has rustic, upscale vibes with great steaks and trout. End with the Jack Daniel’s crème brûlée and a toast to your short but sweet Gatlinburg getaway.
The More the Merrier: A Four-Day Itinerary
If you’re like me, two days is just not enough to do everything on my Gatlinburg bucket list! So if you’ve got a few more days to explore, here are some more exciting activities to add to your itinerary.
Day 3: Hit Up the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Loop
One of my favorite things to do in the Smoky Mountains is to meet local makers and artisans!
But first, coffee! Trish’s Mountain Diner is a hidden gem with giant portions and rustic charm and is conveniently located right near the Arts & Crafts Loop.
The historic 8-mile loop is packed with artisan shops, handmade goods, and old-school Smoky Mountain vibes. It was a peaceful break from the main drag and a great place to get one-of-a-kind souvenirs. What I love the most is that many of the crafters have working studios where you can watch pottery being made, glass being blown, and even chat with the artists.
Looking to shake things up and do something super unique for the evening? Experience the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud in Pigeon Forge.
Part comedy, part music, part wild stunts—this show leans into the legendary family feud for a fun, action-packed night with singing, dancing, and water-soaked antics. PLUS all-you-can-eat Southern dinner: fried chicken, pulled pork, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and dessert. It was equal parts delicious and fun, and in my opinion, one of the best things to do with kids in Gatlinburg.
Day 4: Scenic Drives & Sweet Farewells
I saved the best for last. After a quick brunch at Wild Plum Tea Room head over to SkyLift Park. Take the yellow chairlift to Gatlinburg SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America. The glass-floor section in the middle is a trip. Grab ice cream at the top café and enjoy 360° views.
Pro Tip: Buy combo tickets online for better pricing if pairing with Anakeesta or another attraction.
Alternatively, if you want to hike your way to breathtaking views, head over to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Smokies. The trail to the top is short but steep, and the views stretch forever. You’ll be above the clouds, it’s unreal!
On the way back, stop in Bryson City (about an hour away, just over the NC border) to tour Deep Creek Winery, a lesser-known gem with laid-back vibes and beautiful valley views.
A Full Week of Fun: A Seven-Day Itinerary
Seven days in Gatlinburg is just right. It gave me enough time to hike waterfalls, relax and unwind, discover quirky museums, and slow down to breathe in that cool, misty mountain air.
Day 5: Water Parks & Spa Treatments
One of the things I love most about staying at Westgate Smoky Mountain is that you can experience Gatlinburg without even leaving the resort! After several days of sightseeing, I like to slow down and relax a little. So start the day with breakfast at the hotel followed by a short hike. The staff are very nice and knowledgable and recommended one that was close and easy to access.
Wild Bear Falls, the onsite water park, is perfect for the whole family. The kids got hours of entertainment out of the pools, slides, and aquatic tree house. Meanwhile, I like to treat myself to a rejuvenating spa package at Serenity Spa and get a blissful Swedish massage, oxygen facial, and a paraffin treatment. It was the perfect way to spend a fun but relaxing day that made everyone happy.
You can even “rough it” for dinner, taking advantage of the onsite grills and firepits to cook up some hot dogs and s’mores while enjoying the mountain views.
Day 6: Museums, Markets & Magic
It’s always fun to try something a little off-the-beaten-path. Start with the Hollywood Star Cars Museum – think Fast & Furious meets Back to the Future. It’s weirdly awesome and a fun break from nature-heavy days. Then, over to the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum. I know, it sounds quirky, but it’s honestly fascinating and super budget-friendly.
Add a stop by the Mountain Mall for old-school shopping and then hit up No Way Jose’s Cantina for chips, queso, and margaritas by the river. The food is delicious, authentic, and I appreciate that they had some mild spice options for my picky eater.
Keep the quirkiness going with Impossibilities, a mind-reading magic show downtown. It’s absolutely hilarious and the show is at the Iris Theater inside the Gatlinburg Space Needle.
Day 7: Rainy Days and Ripley’s
Who else has been here; you have outdoor plans, but as luck would have it, it rains. No worries! You’ll have a mind-blowing time exploring Ripley’s Believe It or Not and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. I expected it to be “meh,” but it’s honestly one of the best aquariums in the U.S., the shark tunnel alone is worth it.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to visit both, Ripley’s offers combo tickets that will save you a few bucks instead of paying for two full-price tickets.
The weather in Gatlinburg can be notoriously unpredictable, especially during the summer, so here are a few rainy day ideas to keep in your back pocket:
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Gatlin’s Escape Games or Laser Tag: Great for teens, couples, or groups.
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Alcatraz East Crime Museum: Surprisingly detailed and immersive.
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Moonshine or Wine Tour Crawl: Most tasting rooms are walkable downtown and indoors.
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Shopping at The Island in Pigeon Forge: Has everything from boutiques to rides to moonshine.
For a final meal in Tennessee, there’s nothing better than some good old-fashioned BBQ! Westgate Smokehouse on the Mountain has some of the best barbecue we’ve had in the Smokies, and we loved that they have family-style meals that made it easy and affordable to order for the whole family.
Bonus Tips: What I Wish I Knew Before Going
Whether it’s your first trip to the Smokies or your tenth, having the right travel tips for visiting Gatlinburg can make all the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one. Here are a few smart, practical, and experience-backed tips I wish I had known before my first visit—plus some fun extras I picked up along the way.
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Save on Attractions: Get a multi-attraction pass like the Gatlinburg Sightseeing Flex Pass if you're doing 2+ attractions. It’ll pay for itself.
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Parking Hack: Use the Gatlinburg Parking Garage near Ripley’s—flat daily rate and you can walk everywhere from there.
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Download Offline Maps: Cell service can get spotty in the mountains. Trust me.
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Pack Layers: Even in summer, mornings and nights can get chilly in the mountains.
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Book in Advance: Anakeesta, SkyLift, and top restaurants fill up fast, especially on weekends. Reserve early.
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Your Perfect Gatlinburg Itinerary, Your Way!
My biggest takeaway? Gatlinburg isn’t just a mountain town—it’s a mountain experience. And choosing the right itinerary is like choosing the perfect trail: it should match your energy, your crew, and your craving for either adventure or escape.
Whether you’ve got just two days to soak in the sights or a full 7-day Smoky Mountain escape on your hands, Gatlinburg delivers something unforgettable for every kind of traveler. After exploring this magical town at every pace—from quick getaways to deep-dive adventures—I can tell you with confidence: there’s no wrong way to experience Gatlinburg, only more to uncover each time you return.
From the best antique stores to hiking trails to bowling spots, get more guides to Gatlinburg on the Westgate Resorts Travel Blog.
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* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
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