Need a Smoky Mountains Vacation Guide to help you find the best places to eat in town? No worries, we got you! One of our absolute favorite places to eat whenever we’re on a Gatlinburg vacation is going to Tennessee Jed’s for breakfast. It always makes my list of the best restaurants in Gatlinburg. This locally owned family restaurant is a must for our family every time we visit Gatlinburg. We absolutely love this restaurant that we even dine not only for breakfast but for lunch as well. And don’t get me started on the amazing homemade desserts. Here are a few of the highlights from our numerous visits to Tennessee Jed’s. Be sure to check them out next time you are in on a Smoky Mountains vacation to Gatlinburg.
Tennessee Jed’s For Breakfast
Our first visit to Tennessee Jed’s was for breakfast. The thing about this restaurant is that, in our opinion, it is that it’s Gatlinburg’s best kept breakfast secret. [Perhaps I shouldn’t be telling you about it if I want to keep it that way]. The reason I say this is because Tennessee Jed’s is located right across the street from the Pancake Pantry.
Don’t get me wrong, I understand that for some people, eating pancakes in Gatlinburg is a “thing” and they just must do and both The Pancake Pantry and Crocket’s Breakfast Camp are definitely on most lists of “best restaurants in Gatlinburg” that tourists will read. In fact, they are on my list as well.
But, if I’m going to be totally honest, and I strive to always be here at VeraVise, I have decided that Pancake Pantry and Crocket’s Breakfast Camp are completely overrated! We’ve waited FOREVER (like 2 hours) at Crocket’s before…that’s a mistake I won’t make again.
While you may have a bit of a wait at Tennessee Jed’s for breakfast, you won’t be lined up outside down the sidewalk for a mediocre pancake. Now as good as they are, I won’t be surprised if one day, you will be lined up down the sidewalk waiting for breakfast, but it will definitely be MUCH BETTER than a mediocre pancake.
Check out some of the amazing things we have for breakfast when we eat at Tennessee Jed’s Gatlinburg
Tennessee Jed’s Blueberry Muffins Are A Must!!
Tennessee Jed’s Butter Cakes
I actually thought I couldn’t love anything more than their Blueberry Muffins, until they recommended their Brown Butter Mini Cake.
If muffins and pastris for breakfast aren’t your thing (though I often get one even if I order something else…because…muffins 😋), you won’t go wrong with their Bacon Egg and Cheese Sandwich, Biscuits and Gravey (available on Fri/Sat only) or their Quiche of the Day.
Tennesee Jed’s Gatlinburg For Lunch
If you happen to be visiting Tennessee Jed’s for lunch, then you aren’t going to be disappointed. If you a really lucky there may even be a blueberry muffin left for dessert (but I wouldn’t bank on it).
My husband loves their Reuben Sandwich. The Smoked Chicken Salad is also great. The Cubano is on my bucket list for next time.
If it were possible for something to be better than the food at Tennessee Jed’s in Gatlinburg, it would definitely be the service. They are family-owned with mom, dad, and even their cute little girl often found drawing pictures in the window out front. We have always had a very speedy and friendly experience. Next time you are in Gatlinburg, save yourself the trouble, when you see that long line at the Pancake Pantry, make a left, cross the street, and head to Tennessee Jed’s. You are going to love it!
If you are looking for some Smoky Mountains Outdoor adventures to do this weekend, then this Smoky Mountains Vacation Guide has everything you need.
The Smokies is known for outdoor adventures which is why it’s the perfect vacation destination for the outdoor enthusiast.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the go-to vacation spot of many people in the US for its unmatched beauty and the many activities available in the towns that surround it.
Where To Stay In Gatlinburg, TN?
Embark on a new adventure in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of the Smoky Mountains with a stay at Bear’s Wilderness Lodge, exclusively offered by GSM Family Vacations.
Nestled amidst the serene wilderness, this charming cabin offers a refreshing escape from the ordinary, inviting you to discover the true essence of mountain living.
What is the best month to visit Smoky Mountains?
As cliche as it sounds, anytime would be the best time to visit the Smokies if you ask me. Some people prefer the summer and some really like to revel in the beauty of the snowcapped mountains in the winter.
There are different vibes to the Smoky Mountains for every season that makes people want to go back, making it the most visited National Park in the US.
But if we rely on foot traffic, the best times to visit the Great Smoky Mountains are in summer and fall.
The busiest time in the summer is July while October weekends are full of people eager to see the colorful autumn foliage.
Smoky Mountains Outdoor Adventures
Here are 5 Smoky Mountains outdoor adventures you shouldn't miss!
Of course, our #1 fun outdoor activity in the Smoky Mountains is to go for a hike.
With more than 800 miles on over 150 trails located in the Great Smoky Mountains and surrounding areas, you are sure to find a hike suitable for your family.
Here’s a list of the top 5 Smoky Mountains hikes not to be missed. Also, be sure to check out our Best Smoky Mountains Hikes for kids if you will be bringing the little ones along.Laurel Falls
- : Family-friendly 1.3-mile paved hike to an 80-foot cascading waterfall. This hike is easily accessed just past Sugarlands Visitor Center so it is popular and busy. We recommend arriving early if you want a place to park.
- Abrams Falls: This hike is located within Cades Cove and is considered a moderate hike. The five-mile trail will take you to a 20-foot waterfall that splashes into a pool below. Swimming is not allowed as the currents are very strong and the pool is deep.
- Rainbow & Grotto Falls: These are very popular hikes located off the Roaring Fork Motor trail in GSMNP. Both of these hikes will take several hours so good shoes and a packed lunch is recommended. Rainbow Falls is a 5.2 in and out hike and Grotto Falls is 3 miles round trip.
- Clingman’s Dome: One of our family favorites is to hike to the top of Clingmans Dome. The view is said to be as far as 100 miles on a clear day. After visiting the dome, you can access the Appalachian Trail to hike back to your car if you desire.
- Middle Prong Trail: We found this trail to be delightful. The “trail” is actually the remains of an old railroad logging trail that ran through the lumber camp and small community known as “Tremont”. Three waterfalls can be accessed via this trail as well as remnants of the old logging camp. The area is well shaded and has lots of side trails and fun nooks and crannies for the kids to explore.
If seeing the great outdoors in the smokies by foot isn’t enough, hop on two wheels and bike the Smokies. These bike trails are an excellent way to get outside in the Smokies and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Much of the Smoky Mountains is difficult to bike and the bike trails available are as varied as the mountain ranges themselves. However, biking within the park is allowed in several areas, just keep in mind that terrain will dictate the type of bike needed as well as the skill level required to complete the trail.
Here are a few trails that are great for families and all skill levels. Cades Cove
- : Probably the most well known section of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Cades Cove is an outdoor enthusiasts paradise. The 11-mile one way loop is open to cyclists as well as motor vehicles. However, from early May until late September, cyclists can ride the loop until 10:00 am without any motor vehicle traffic. Bikes may be rented in the summer and fall at the campground store.
- Gatlinburg Trail: This 1.9 mile one way trail is much shorter and leisurely than Cades Cove. The trail begins near Sugarlands Visitor Center on the outskirts of Gatlinburg. If you enjoy history, you will enjoy viewing the remnants of old homesteads and historical buildings. Don’t forget to wave at the rafters in the Little Pigeon River as you pass by. While the trail isn’t open to vehicles, it is open to pedestrians and pets and can become quite crowded. We recommend an early start for the family to enjoy this bike path.
- Townsend Bicycle Path: Located in beautiful Townsend, TN this 3 mile trail runs parallel to US-321 with a portion along Little River. There is parking located at each end of the trail and several restaurants and shops along the route
- Oconaluftee River Trail: This trail is also short and great for families. It’s 1.5 miles long and is also open to pets, joggers, and pedestrians, but the serenity of riding past the Oconaluftee River through the forested beauty of the Smokies makes this a great bike path for families. Keep your eyes open for wildlife!
Another great way to enjoy the Smokies on a trail is on an ATV. Never ridden an ATV? That’s no problem, Bluff Mountain Adventures offers guided ATV tours for all levels and ages.
Take in the breathtaking scenery while ATV riding through the Smoky Mountains on a four wheeler or side by side.
You can choose from four tour types of tours ranging from family friendly leisure tours to advanced tours which require experience as you navigate the narrow cliff hugging trail to the top of Bluff Mountain in Pigeon Forge, TN.
The rivers and white waters of the Smokies offer yet another outdoor adventure to be enjoyed. The Upper Pigeon River will satisfy the adrenaline need of any outdoor enthusiast with its Class III rapids surrounded by the Smoky Mountain scenery.
For families with children as young as three years, take a raft on the Lower Pigeon river for a nice float trip, gentle rapids, and some great swimming holes surrounded by the beauty of the Smokies.
Not sure what to wear on a rafting trip? Here’s a great guide to the best rafting clothes for your whitewater rafting adventure.
Kayak fishing is growing in popularity and has become another way to enjoy the rivers of the Smokies. This guide to best fishing kayaks will help you decide on the right kayak.
Another fun and unique way to experience the beauty of the Smoky Mountains is on horseback.
Guided horseback rides are available in Great Smoky Mountain National Park from mid-March through late November in the following locations.
- Cades Cove, near Townsend, TN (865) 448-9009(also offers hayrides and carriage rides) Visit Cades Cove website for additional information
- Smokemont, near Cherokee, NC (828) 497-2373 (also offers wagon rides) Visit Smokemont website for additional information.
- Smoky Mountain, near Gatlinburg, TN (865) 436-5634. Visit Sugarlands website for additional information.
More Smoky Mountains Outdoor Fun
These five outdoor adventures only scratch the surface of outdoor fun to be had in the Northeast Tennessee outdoor playground known as the Great Smoky Mountains.
Other fun activities in and around the Smokies, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge include:
- Camping
- Kayaking
- Zip Lining
- Fly Fishing
- Golf
- Helicopter Tours
- and more..
Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary
I understand how difficult it can be to plan a trip, especially if it’s your first time going. That’s why I created this 7-day itinerary for the Smoky Mountains. It outlines all of the best places to go in the area and comes with insider tips that will save you a lot of stress–trust me, they saved me when I was planning my own trip!
- Our 7-day itinerary takes you to the best places in the Smoky Mountains.
- You’ll get to see all the best sights and attractions with driving directions
- The itinerary is designed to show you the most scenic routes.
- Packing Checklist for every season.
- You’ll have everything you need to make the most of your trip.
- Insider Tips!
Here’s a quick overview of our Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary.
- Day 1: Cades Cove Loop
- Day 2: Rich Mountain Road
- Day 3: Cataloochee Valley
- Day 4: Newfound Gap Road
- Day 5: Roaring Fork Motor Trail
- Day 6: Little River Road
- Day6: Foothills Parkway
Download this FREE Smoky Mountains Checklist!
Related Smoky Mountains Resources
- Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide
- Gatlinburg Vacation Guide
- 125+ Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
MORE RELATED RESOURCES
Curious about the festivities that happen in the Smokies every season? Here are the Smoky Mountains Attractions that will make you want to go back at least four times a year!
Don’t Miss Our Smoky Mountains Web Stories!
