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4 Tips for the Best Family Vacation in The Smoky Mountains

Vacationing with your family can be a daunting task. There are many things to consider: where to go, what to do, and everyone will get along. So buckle up because we’re about to take you on a wild ride through the Smoky Mountains – the perfect destination for your next family vacation. The options are endless, with activities ranging from nature hikes and scenic drives to ziplining and horseback riding. So how do you ensure that your trip is as awesome as possible? We’ve got a few tips for you. Keep reading!

Family Vacation by Priscilla du preez via Unsplash

Where to Stay:

There are cabins around the Smoky Mountains, so finding a place to stay will be easy. But with many options available, selecting which one is right for your family can be hard. Here are some of the points to keep in mind:

Do you want a cabin with a view? The Smokies offer some of the most stunning views, so you’ll want to take advantage of that.
Are you looking for a cabin close to all the action? If you spend most of your time hiking and exploring the great outdoors, you might want to find a cabin in the woods.
Would you prefer a rustic experience or something a little more luxurious? Cabins in Tennessee come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s essential to figure out what kind of atmosphere you’re going for.

What to Do:

Now that you’ve got a place to stay, it’s time to start planning your activities. The Smoky Mountains offer something for everyone, so there’s no need to worry about keeping everyone entertained.

Take a hike! The Smokies are home to some of the amazing hiking trails in the country. So whether you’re looking for an easy trip or a rough hike, you’ll find it here.

You can go for a drive to see the scenic routes. There’s nothing quite like taking in the sights of the Smokies from the comfort of your car. Make sure to hit the Newfound Gap Road and the Cades Cove Loop for some of the best views.

You can also experience Horse riding in Smokies. There’s nothing quite like exploring the mountains on horseback. Whether you’re an amateur or an experienced rider, you’ll find plenty of trails to suit your level and If you want an adrenaline rush, try ziplining through the Smokies. It’s an unforgettable experience!

Tips for a Successful Trip:

Make sure to pack your hiking boots! You’ll want to leave room in your suitcase for them. Don’t forget the sunscreen! The sun can be surprisingly strong in the mountains, so make sure you’re prepared. Be vigilant when you are going hiking. Bears are common in the Smokies, so avoiding an encounter with one is essential. Make sure you understand bear safety before you go.

Remember to pack a lunch and plenty of snacks for your hikes. There are no restaurants in the park, so you’ll need to bring your food. And also make a backup plan for rainy days. The weather can be uncertain in the mountains.

1. Do Visit Dollywood

Dollywood By McDoobAU93 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, cc

Dollywood is a world-renowned theme park located in the Smoky Mountains. With rides, shows, and attractions for the whole family, it’s the perfect place to spend a day or two during your trip.

Dollywood has many rollercoasters like the Tennessee Tornado, Thunderhead, and Mystery Mine. You can also ride on the Dollywood Express, a vintage steam train that takes you through the park. If you are with kids, visit Dollywood’s Splash Country, a water park with slides, pools, and more.

Even if you’re not a fan of roller coasters, there’s still plenty to do at Dollywood. Check out the live shows, which are always top-notch, and get a bite to taste one of the many eateries onsite. The food at Dollywood is worth a try!

2. Take a Short Trip to Cherokee

No trip to the Smokies is complete without a visit to Cherokee. This quaint mountain town is home to the famous Cherokee Indian Reserve, where you can learn about the Cherokee people’s history and culture.

You can also view the Smoky Mountains National Park, which is over 800 miles of trails. It’s one of the biggest parks in the country.

Check out the Oconaluftee Visitor Center when you’re in town. Here, you can pick up maps and information about the park and speak with rangers who can answer any questions. This experience will enrich your trip and help you appreciate the Smokies more.

3. Spend Time in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a famous tourist destination, and it’s easy to see why. This charming mountain town is packed with shops, restaurants, and attractions for the whole family.

One of the most popular things in Gatlinburg is riding on the Aerial Tramway. This gondola takes you up to the top of Mt. Harrison, where you can get some stunning views of the Smokies.

If you’re looking for something more adrenaline-pumping, try zip-lining through the trees at CLIMB Works. This adventure park offers several courses, so you can find one perfect for your experience.

And no trip to Gatlinburg is complete without visiting Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. This incredible aquarium is home to over 10,000 animals, making it a must-see for any animal lover. Of course, if you are with kids, they enjoy this experience.

4. Visit Titanic Museum

Titanic Pigeon Forge museum by Doug Coldwell via Wikimedia cc

It is a famous tourist attraction in the Smoky Mountains. It’s a must-see for any fan of history or the Titanic. The museum is full of interactive exhibits that will teach you about the ship, the people on board, and the incident leading up to its sinking.

When you enter the ship, you’ll be given a boarding pass with the name of an actual Titanic passenger. You’ll learn more about the person and their story as you explore the museum. It’s a moving experience that will remain with you long after your trip is over. The museum is located in Pigeon Forge, so it’s easy to reach from anywhere in the Smokies.

To sum it up, here are some amazing things to do in the Smoky Mountains. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly activity or something more adventurous, the Smokies has something for everyone. Every year more than 14.1 million people visit Smoky Mountain National Park. So make sure to put at least one of these activities on your list and start planning your trip today!

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Original article: 4 Tips for the Best Family Vacation in The Smoky Mountains

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4 Tips for the Best Family Vacation in The Smoky Mountains
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog