If your family is anything like mine, then you probably appreciate a summer trip that has fresh air, beautiful views, and something fun for everyone. That’s exactly what we found when we took a Great Smoky Mountains family getaway.
Tucked into the Appalachian range of Tennessee, this rustic, charming area offers plenty of natural beauty, plus both indoor and outdoor activities that will entertain all ages.
At a Glance
- The Great Smoky Mountains are part of the Appalachian Mountains in Tennessee.
- Spots to visit near the Great Smoky Mountains include Downtown Gatlinburg, the Bush Bean Factory, and Dollywood theme park.
- The Great Smoky Mountains have many kid-friendly hikes, including the one-mile Cataract Falls Trail.
- Always check trail closures and conditions before hiking to stay safe.
- Buy tickets for Dollywood or Dolly Parton’s Stampede dinner show ahead of your visit, as both are popular attractions.
What To Do On Your Great Smoky Mountains Trip
There is so much to do in the Great Smoky Mountains. The family-friendly towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge sit right on the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Together, they offer a wonderful blend of outdoor adventure, unique attractions, and a little bit of Dolly Parton magic.
From strolling through downtown to cheering on horseback riders while eating cornbread, our family getaway was filled with laughter and discovery. I know we’ll be talking about these memories for years to come.
Here are our six top recommendations for what to do on your Great Smoky Mountains family getaway.
1. Visit the Town of Gatlinburg
We started our trip in Downtown Gatlinburg, which felt like the perfect introduction to the Smokies. The streets are filled with mountain charm and temptations for tourists. We found a mix of fun shops to explore. For the older kids in the family, there were great activities like escape rooms, ropes courses, mini golf, and even a treetop skywalk.
2. Tour the Bush Bean Factory
Nearby, we visited the Bush Bean Factory’s interactive museum, where the whole family stepped up onto an industrial scale to see how our combined weight stacked up in cans of beans. It was a fun and educational stop with plenty of hands-on exhibits to keep everyone engaged.
We grabbed lunch at a local gem, the Café at the Bush Bean Factory, where the food was delicious and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. For dessert, we had bean pie that tasted just like brownies!
3. Hike the Cataract Falls Trail
Take a scenic drive just outside of town, and you’ll find the Cataract Falls Trail. The hike is just one mile out and back, which makes it perfect for younger kids or grandparents who are along for the trip.
The trail ends at a beautiful 25-foot waterfall. With streams running alongside the path and mountain mist in the air, it gave us the perfect chance to unplug and enjoy being outside together.
The Great Smoky Mountains are full of beautiful hiking trails and waterfalls. Find the right length and difficulty level for your family. Just be sure to check trail closures and cautions before you hit the trails to stay safe!
4. Hike to Abrams Falls
If you’re looking for a slightly more challenging hike, the Abrams Falls trail is a great option. This hike is a 5-mile loop through pine-oak forest, and in the spring it’s known for beautiful wildflowers. The trail will take you to the picturesque Abrams Falls, a 25-foot waterfall. But don’t plan to go swimming here; getting in the water is discouraged due to the deep undertow.
5. Visit Dollywood Theme Park
Although we loved our time in Gatlinburg, visiting Dollywood was the highlight of our trip. Just a short drive away in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, the park felt like a celebration of everything I love about the South: the music, the hospitality, and family fun. It was one of the best family-friendly theme parks we’ve visited!
Dollywood was alive with cheerful music, colorful rides, and the irresistible scent of funnel cakes. Younger kids can crawl through tunnels and zip down slides at Granny’s Garden, then hop aboard kid-friendly rides like Lucky Ducky and Frogs and Fireflies. Meanwhile, the older kids can take on the big thrills like the Wild Eagle and Lightning Rod roller coasters.
I especially loved the live music shows we could enjoy as we walked through the park from toe-tapping bluegrass to classic country tunes. I can vouch, the famous cinnamon bread in not overrated!
6. Have Dinner at Dolly Parton’s Stampede
After a full day of theme park fun, we capped things off with Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Show. This fun, casual dinner attraction is just a few minutes from Dollywood. The show was fast-paced and exciting, with horseback stunts, aerial acts, and more.
Dinner is served right in your seats. The menu includes rotisserie chicken, pulled pork, mashed potatoes, cornbread, and a sweet dessert. I appreciated how easy it was to enjoy a full meal while being entertained at the same time. It was the perfect way to end a day together!
Tips for a Great Smoky Mountains Family Getaway
Ready to plan your Great Smoky Mountains trip? These tips will make your visit smoother and more enjoyable for the whole family.
- Book tickets early: Dollywood and Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Show are popular attractions! Reservations fill up fast, especially during school breaks and holidays.
- Dress for comfort: Summer in the mountains is beautiful. However, the weather can shift quickly. We brought layers and wore comfortable shoes.
- Take time to relax: Some of our favorite moments came when we slowed down and enjoyed the view. There’s no need to pack every minute full of activities.
- Eat local: We made a point to try local spots and were never disappointed. The flavors of Appalachian cooking are worth the trip alone.
Our trip to the Great Smoky Mountains gave us the best mix of nature, fun, and moments to slow down and just be together. Whether we were hiking to a waterfall, riding roller coasters, or singing along at a dinner show, each part of the trip added something special.
Looking for more ideas for your next family trip? Don’t miss CharlottesvilleFamily’s ultimate summer bucket list, our roundup of favorite Virginia science museums, or our guide to train lovers’ day trips.
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Jennifer Bryerton, MaEd, is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of CharlottesvilleFamily, which she co-founded to provide a trusted, family-centered resource for the Charlottesville community. With a Master’s degree in Education, Jennifer began her career in teaching. That background in education and her zeal for marketing and digital engagement infuses her work for parents with a unique perspective. Her vision and leadership have led CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine to win numerous awards for editorial excellence and community involvement.