Choosing where to stay in the Smoky Mountains leaves you with so many options. In this Smoky Mountains vacation guide, we give you the best places to spend your vacation.
The Smoky Mountains communities have a distinct charm you can’t find anywhere else.
If you’re planning to visit the Smoky Mountains, and are looking for a place to spend your mountain getaway, we are excited to share our more than 40 years of experience in vacationing in these communities.
These gateway towns are home to some of the most rewarding mountain experiences in the Smokies.
Best Places To Stay In The Smoky Mountains
There are over 14 million annual visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it the most popular national park in America.
While each town in the Smokies is beautiful in its own way, these three major towns draw in the most visitors every year.
Things to Do in Gatlinburg, TN
Gatlinburg abounds with breathtaking natural wonders and mountain landscapes.
This charming town has three separate entrances that lead straight into Great Smoky Mountains National Park with miles of trails for hiking, biking, ATV riding, and horseback riding, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
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Even if you’re not in the park, Gatlinburg offers tons of great and unique attractions including:
- Ripley’s Aquarium
- Gatlinburg Space Needle
- Mountain Coaster Ride
- Moving Theatre
- Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway
- Snow Tubing In Gatlinburg
- UTV Rentals In Gatlinburg
- Anakeesta
Places to Eat in Gatlinburg
- Best Restaurants in Gatlinburg
- Best Restaurants In Downtown Gatlinburg
- Celebrity Restaurants In Gatlinburg
- 5 Romantic Restaurants in Gatlinburg
Where To Stay in Gatlinburg
- Gatlinburg Campgrounds
- Best Family Resorts In Gatlinburg, TN
- Bear’s Wilderness Lodge at GSM Family Vacations
Things to Do In Pigeon Forge, TN
Pigeon Forge is nestled in the east of Tennessee, just on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains.
With so many things to see and do, this charming town offers everything you want on a vacation.
And we’re talking about world-class attractions including Dollywood, the best dining scene, unique events, accommodations for every budget, and all-around fun activities that cater to all types of vacationers.
- Best things to do in Pigeon Forge, TN
- Dollywood Vacation Guide
- Cheap things to do in Pigeon Forge
- Things to Do in Pigeon Forge with Toddlers
- Pigeon Forge discount tickets
- Things to Do in Pigeon Forge in Summer
- Glamping in Pigeon Forge
Where to Eat in Pigeon Forge
Where to Stay in Pigeon Forge
- Pigeon Forge Family Resorts
- Campgrounds in Pigeon Forge
- Pigeon Forge Cabin rentals
- Pigeon Forge Hotels Near The Island
- Hotels In Pigeon Forge With A Water Park
Things to Do In Sevierville, TN
Sevierville is a quaint town in Tennessee located on the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
While it may not be as big and popular as the neighboring towns of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, this small town will pleasantly surprise you.
You’ll find interesting museums and the Sevier County Courthouse with a beautiful clock tower and the infamous statue of Dolly Parton located out front.
If there is one thing Sevierville is known for today, it’s definitely shopping! With two enormous outlet malls with over 120 shops.
- Best Things To Do In Sevierville, TN With Dogs
- Best Things To Do In Sevierville, TN With Toddlers
- Best Things To Do In Sevierville TN For Free
- The Apple Barn Village
- Ripley’s Old MacDonald’s Farm Mini-Golf
- Smoky Mountain Deer Farm & Exotic Petting Zoo
- Forbidden Caverns
Where to Eat in Sevierville
- Best Downtown Sevierville Restaurants
- Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant
- Five Oaks Farm Kitchen
- Romantic Restaurants In Sevierville, TN
Where to Stay in Sevierville
Is it cheaper to stay and Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge or Sevierville?
When comparing the costs of accommodations in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, it’s essential to consider several factors.
Gatlinburg is known for its picturesque mountain views and proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which can command higher prices for accommodations.
Pigeon Forge, on the other hand, is known for its family-oriented attractions, such as Dollywood, and it offers a variety of accommodations that can fit a wide range of budgets.
Sevierville, being slightly further from the main attractions, often offers more budget-friendly options.
However, the exact costs can vary based on the time of year, the specific location of the accommodation within the city, and the type of accommodation (hotel, cabin, vacation rental, etc.).
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
Get Your FREE Smoky Mountains Checklist!
Related Smoky Mountain 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
If you haven’t decided yet on where to stay for your Smoky Mountains Vacation, considering one of these charming cabins in the Smoky Mountains that are perfect for every budget.
And if you’re looking for more places to visit in the Smokies, you can go at Wilderness at the Smokies Resort that offers tons of family friendly activities.
