Smoky Mountain Travel Guide: Make the Most of Your Trip

Smoky Mountain Travel Guide | Camp Margaritaville

Nestled along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a magical escape from everyday life for nature lovers, families, and those seeking adventure with a historic twist. As the most visited national park in the US, the Smokies are filled with lush forests, cascading waterfalls, stunning vistas, and rich Appalachian history. Whether you're looking to visit for a weekend or a week, this guide is here to help you plan your ultimate Smoky Mountain getaway.

When to Visit

With every season offering a new reason to get out and explore, any time is the perfect time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains. It is, however, worth noting that mornings and evenings offer the best chance to avoid crowds year-round.

Spring: With cooler temperatures and rushing waterfalls, spring arrives with blooming wildflowers that carpet the park, offering gorgeous views and picturesque hiking opportunities.
Summer: With full trail access, summer brings lush greenery and ideal hiking weather. However, while the time of year offers perfect weather, it's also the busiest season, so you might expect crowds.
Fall: With the changing foliage offering unforgettable views, fall offers crisp air to enjoy. While the pleasant weather still lingers from summer, fall comes with fewer crowds.
Winter: The park's quietest season, winter brings blankets of snow to dust the trails and a tranquil atmosphere like no other. That being said, the colder weather comes with limited access to certain areas and trails in the park.

Best Hikes

From short, beginner-friendly hikes to more advanced and challenging trails, the Smokies are filled with choices, all of which provide stunning scenic views around America's most popular national park.

Laurel Falls: A 2.6-mile round-trip, this trail is paved and leads to a stunning waterfall, making it ideal for beginners or those looking for something relaxing.
Alum Cave Trail: At 4.4 miles around, the Alum Cave Trail offers gorgeous vistas, access to some of the park's summits, and, of course, access to some of the Smoky Mountain caves.
Andrews Bald: A 3.5-mile round trip, this trail avoids steep inclines while still offering beautiful panoramic views, making it ideal for a family-friendly hike.
Charlies Bunion: A challenging, 8-mile-long trail, Charlies Bunion offers some of the best mountain overlooks, making for jaw-dropping views and impressive photo opportunities.

Best Drives

For when you want to soak in the views from the comfort of your vehicle, rather than hiking around, the Smokies are also filled with incredibly scenic drives.

Newfound Gap Road: This must-see mountain route is full of overlooks that can be dizzying for some but impressive to all.
Foothills Parkway: Although less popular than some, the Foothills Parkway offers gorgeous panoramic views that are best experienced at sunrise and sunset, with the added benefit of reduced traffic.
Cades Cove Loop: Taking you through a stunning and historic valley in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Cades Cove Loop is a slower-paced drive rich in wildlife, offering an unforgettable experience for both young and old.

Historical Sites

With American history embedded within these incredible mountains, here are a few of our favorites:

Mingus Mill & Cable Mill: These impressively preserved and fully working grist mills come with interpretive displays that will both awe and educate you.
Mountain Farm Museum: From historic structures to preserved homesteads, the Mountain Farm Museum gives you a view into the past, displaying how the pioneers lived all those years ago.
Oconaluftee Visitor Center: Looking further back than just the pioneers, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center provides a unique insight into both the American settlers and the rich Cherokee history and culture.

Tips for a Smooth Trip

Whether you're preparing for your first trip to a national park or if you're an experienced adventurer, it's always worth double-checking that you have the essentials and you're prepared for a smooth and easy trip. When traveling through the Great Smoky Mountains or any national park or historic site, remember these tips:

Download offline maps and keep a spare battery for charging. Cell service is extremely unreliable throughout National Parks.
Check the NPS Smokies website for information on trail closures and weather alerts.
Leave no trace. Pack out all your trash, respect nature, and leave wildlife alone. Don't leave markings behind.
Stay on trails. It can be tempting to stray away from trails to explore something different, but it is strongly advised against doing so.

Where to Stay

While there are a number of campgrounds and RV resorts, Camp Margaritaville RV Resort stands out among the best. Combining the chill, laid-back vibes of Margaritaville with upscale accommodations and family-friendly amenities and activities, this luxury RV resort offers more than just a place to park your RV at night; it's a full and exciting vacation experience.

Enjoy spacious RV sites with full water and power hookups, a refreshing pool complete with a waterslide and splash pad, on-site dining at Fins Bar & Chill, and live entertainment that never fails to impress. Whether you're traveling with kids, pets, or just looking for a relaxing retreat in the Smoky Mountains, Camp Margaritaville delivers unmatched comfort, convenience, and fun for everyone.

Voted the #1 RV Resort and Campground in 2024, Camp Margaritaville is the perfect home base for your Smoky Mountain getaway. The sites fill up fast, so book now and enjoy the Smokies in style, and check out our exclusive offers to see how we can make your trip as memorable as possible.

The Great Smoky Mountains are a true Appalachian treasure, rich in natural beauty, cultural depth, and American history, with adventure around every corner. Whether you're visiting to relax and get away from city life, photograph the stunning views, or challenge yourself with hikes of varying difficulty, this guide will hopefully help you to prepare for your ultimate Smoky Mountain journey.