How Many Days Should I Spend in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

If you’re wondering how many days to spend in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ve come to the right spot. This park is huge, and you could spend a lifetime exploring the beautiful scenery, so I’m here to help you plan an epic family vacation to the Smokies!

How many days should you spend in Great Smoky Mountains National Park? This park is full of scenic drives and hikes, and I recommend spending at least four full days in the park if you want to see the can’t-miss sights.

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My name is Ash — I’m a former park ranger, and you’ll find me in the parks any chance I get. The Smokies are spectacular, and I can’t wait to help you plan your trip!

Let’s talk more about the things you’ll want to consider when deciding how many days to spend in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Can I See the Great Smoky Mountains in One Day?

Although you’ll barely scratch the surface of this large national park, it is still well worth a visit, even if you only have one day to spend in the Great Smoky Mountains.

With one day in the park, you’ll have time to visit the popular Cades Cove area. You’ll drive the loop road that travels through the cove, and you can get out and explore various historic buildings, look for wildlife, and hike a trail.

You might also have time to drive a portion of the Newfound Gap Road. This road takes you into the park’s higher elevations and provides beautiful views and exciting hiking trails.

If you only have one day in the Great Smokies, you’ll likely be traveling to the most popular areas of the park during some of the busiest times, so expect some traffic and crowding.

The Great Smoky Mountains in Two Days

Spending two days in Great Smoky Mountains National Park will help you cover more ground and feel a little less rushed as you see some of the most popular sights.

In addition to exploring Cades Cove, you’ll have more time to drive along the Newfound Gap Road. You can add in some popular stops like Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome), Alum Cave, or Mingus Mill. You can even spend a few hours exploring the North Carolina side of the Smokies near Cherokee.

With two days in the park, you’ll also have time to add in some exciting activities such as driving the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail or chasing waterfalls!

I suggest spending two days in the Smokies at the very least, but if you can add a third day to your plans, it will make a big difference in how much you’re able to see and do.

The Great Smoky Mountains in Three Days

Great Smoky Mountain National Park is huge, and spending three days in the park gives you a good amount of time to see almost everything from this can’t-miss list.

Three days in the Great Smokies is ideal if you want to hit all of the main sections of the park — Cades Cove, the Newfound Gap Road, Elkmont, and the Roaring Fork.

In addition to seeing all of the most popular sights, you’ll have time to enjoy a few off-the-beaten-path areas and add in an activity such as river tubing or horseback riding.

It will also be much easier to schedule your activities around the crowds and parking issues that are common in this park — this will help you feel more peace and solitude while you’re here.

The Great Smoky Mountains in Four Days

Four days in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the perfect amount of time for your family vacation!

You’ll easily be able to get to all of the spots in this can’t-miss list, plus add in some hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path activities that will greatly enhance your experience in this busy national park.

You don’t need to worry about missing out on any of the best views or trails if you have four days to explore. If you want to add an extra activity or two, such as horseback riding, river tubing, fishing, or hiking a long trail, you’ll have time to do that.

With four full days in the park, you can effectively manage your time so that you don’t feel rushed. It will be much easier to hit the busiest spots at the least busy times of day, so you can find solitude and enjoy the park without feeling stuck in the crowds.

Do you need help with your daily schedule for Smokies?
Get the inside scoop for your upcoming vacation —> this itinerary is the most detailed, epic, and easy-to-follow guide to the park!

Other Things to Consider

Before you solidify your travel dates or book your lodging for the Smokies, you’ll want to think about a few things, such as:

How much time will it take to travel to and from Great Smoky Mountains National Park (not including your sightseeing days)?

Many people forget to factor in the time it will take for them to drive to the park, which can cut into your sightseeing and leave you wishing for more time. For example, if you plan on spending one day in the Smokies, but you don’t get to the park until 11 a.m., you’ll severely limit the things you’ll have time to see. This is especially true if you visit during the spring, summer, or fall — parking lots will be completely full by then, and the traffic will be horrible!

Are there any major holidays/fee-free days/festivals you’d like to be in the park for or avoid?

If you’re visiting over a holiday or fee-free day, the crowds will be higher and parking lots will be packed. You may have a harder time getting around to all the can’t-miss spots, so some extra time could be beneficial.

Are there other national parks and points of interest you’re hoping to see on the same trip?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a destination all by itself, especially when you factor in everything there is to do in the nearby town of Gatlinburg. But, if you’re wanting to hit several national parks during your trip to the Smokies, you might want to add on a few days to get over to Mammoth Cave or Shenandoah.

Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary Options

I’m here to help you determine how many days to spend in the Great Smokies,  so here are a few sample trip itineraries for the area that can help you decide how to split your time!

After you decide how to split your time, these detailed itineraries will provide you with a ton of extra information on things to do, driving directions, lodging and dining options, and insider tips for your trip.

If you have:

A Weekend in the Smokies

I recommend spending your whole weekend in Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

One Week in the Smokies

Day 1 — Fly into Knoxville and drive to Gatlinburg (1.5 hours). Afternoon/evening in the Smokies.
Day 2 — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Day 3—- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Day 4 — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Day 5 — Dollywood/Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge activities, then drive to Asheville in the evening (2 hours)
Day 6 — Asheville
Day 7 — Drive back to Knoxville to catch your flight (2.5 hours)

10 Days in the Smokies

2 Weeks in the Smokies

Do you love to have a plan?
Get the inside scoop for your upcoming vacation —> this itinerary is the most detailed, epic, and easy-to-follow guide to the park!

I hope that helps you decide how many days to spend in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Enjoy your trip!

More Great Smoky Mountains Trip Planning Information

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Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary — a detailed hour-by-hour sightseeing schedule.
How to Get to the Smokies — the best airports and roads in the area.
The Best Time to Visit — what to expect during each month of the year.
Where Should I Stay? — the best options in and around the park.
Weather, Hours, and Closures — important weather info and common closures.
All About Camping — learn about the park’s campgrounds and how to get a site.
12 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Great Smoky Mountains — the top 12 spots.
The Best Easy Hikes — the perfect trails for kids, wheelchairs, and beginners.
The Ultimate Smokies Trip Planning Guide — everything you need to know.
Best Things to Do — activities for every type of adventurer.

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