The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary If You Love Spending Time Outdoors In Tennessee
By Chris Dodge|Published May 10, 2023
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
When it comes to ultimate outdoor adventures and activities in Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains are the perfect place to be. I am very partial when it comes to our national park and have explored it myself and with my family many times. The beauty you can find in the Smokies is otherworldly; there is nothing quite like it anywhere else. With such amazing scenery, you will want to spend every second you can outside. With overlooks, hikes, waterfalls, and more, you will have plenty of chances to explore this wonderful park. This is what a perfect trip to the Smokies would look like for me.
From national parks and campgrounds to waterfalls, canyons, and more, there is so much to love about America’s natural splendor — and June, designated as Great Outdoors Month, is the perfect time to get outside.
This trip is planned for two days but you could also do it all in one day if you are feeling ambitious. We have given you this handy interactive map to use so you can customize it to your liking. We suggest you take this trip within two days to really experience the laid-back feel we have here in Tennessee. Either way you decide to embark on the journey this trip will make the most out of the best places in the Smokies.
Bike or Walk Cades Cove
Cades Cove is a peaceful 11-mile one-lane loop that affords incredible views at every turn. Typically this road is used for motorists to casually drive and take in the scenery, but there is another great use for this road...
From May 3rd through September 27th on Wednesdays, the park closes the road to vehicles and leaves it open for those who would like to bike or hike the loop. When you slow down even and allow time to stop at the historic buildings or casually watch the wildlife it can be a fantastic way to really appreciate just how beautiful Cades Cove really is. To get a taste of what this road is like, check out this Adventuring in the Moment video and imagine what it would be like taking a bike through this iconic place in the Smoky Mountains.
Laurel Falls remains one of the prettiest waterfalls I have ever seen. The parking lot fills up very quickly and may be difficult to get a spot, so I recommend either taking the shuttle in or arriving early.
The trail to Laurel Falls is relatively easy to hike because the path is paved most of the way and has an elevation change of just under 400 feet. The trail clocks in at around 2.5 miles, but feels much shorter because it is such a scenic trail. You will have stunning views of the mountains and the reward at the end is an amazing waterfall that is beautiful throughout the year. Check out this Adventuring in the Moment video to see the whole trail plus a local secret to find the lower falls!
Alum Cave has got to be one of the most unique natural wonders within the Great Smoky Mountains. Standing beneath the gaping and impressive open cliff face is a truly grounding and life-affirming experience. As great as the end destination is, the journey there can be its own adventure.
There are several stream crossings with the iconic one-railed log bridges that make the trip very interesting. One unique geological feature along the way is the Alum Arch. This little cave will take you literally through the mountain along a staircase and is super interesting to explore.
The Inspiration Point overlook before you get to the end also gives one of the best views and will feel like you are in the middle of nowhere. Then, of course, when you get to the Alum Cave Bluff itself you will be blown away by the towering rock face and marvel at this one-of-a-kind place. The trail does take 4.5 miles to complete and has over 1,000 feet of elevation gain, so it will get the blood pumping but it’s completely worth it.
Check out this Adventuring in the Moment video to see the points of interest
Dine at Three Jimmy’s
After exploring the finest places that the Smokies have to offer it can really work up a big appetite.
That's where the famous Three Jimmy’s restaurant will fill you with exactly what you need. They have an eclectic mix of food to offer on their menu so you can find just about anything you need to fuel you for your next adventure. Get a steaming hot specialty pizza, or indulge in a massive burger, these are just a few of the options to enjoy. They also offer several Southern classics like fried catfish or chicken pot pie.
I always say “Calories don’t count after a long day of hiking.” So partake in a big hearty meal -- you've earned it! There is no need to stop enjoying our beautiful Tennessean weather while you get a bite to eat, either -- take advantage of the outdoor seating at Three Jimmy’s so you don't miss a moment of fresh air.
Stay in a Cabin in the Mountains
When it is time to retire for the evening, a cabin within the outskirts of the national park is the perfect place to rest your head.
This mountain-view cabin will give you a spacious place to unload your hiking backpack after a long day of being in Tennessee’s finest natural beauty. Before you sleep soundly for the night in a luxurious king-sized bed turn on the jets and soak in the calming waters of the balcony hot tub. Lay back your head and take in the mountain views well listing to the crickets serenading you into a symphony of relaxation.
You can finish off the trip the same way you started it, by being outside and breathing in the fresh Smoky Mountain air at this mountain-view cabin rental.
Friends, there might not be a more perfect day than this. Getting outside and allowing yourself to be fully immersed in this mountainous oasis is the best feeling in the world. So when it comes to outdoor adventures and activities in Tennessee, this one tops the cake. With a trip filled with wildlife, windy mountain roads, overlooks, caves, and waterfalls I can’t think of a better way to spend my time.
What is your dream 2-day trip in Tennessee? There is so much to see and do, that no trip would ever look the same, so let us know in the comments below what your perfect outdoor adventure would look like.
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