If you are planning a vacation to Gatlinburg and are interested in exploring some sights and activities outside of town, there are several great day trips you may want to consider from downtown Gatlinburg! These trips are all within a two hour drive of the Smoky Mountains so that you can easily head out in the morning and be back to your cabin in the evening to relax. So get the gang together, pack the car and check out these 3 awesome day trips from Gatlinburg:
1. Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway ends in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is a beautiful drive with significantly less traffic than other areas in the region. The Blue Ridge continues for 465 miles, so you can drive as much or little of the road as you want! Be sure to pull off on some of the scenic overlooks and take advantage of the great hikes along the Parkway. One of the best overlooks is at Waterrock Knob at milepost 451.2, just 18 miles up theParkway. This peak is the 16th highest mountain in the eastern United States and features fantastic views both east and west from the parking area. This is one of the best places around to catch a sunrise or sunset!
2. Cherokee, North Carolina
Cherokee is a small town in the heart of North Carolina’s Cherokee Indian Reservation where you can purchase all types of unique Native American items such as crafts and blankets. One of the best attractions in town is the Oconaluftee Indian Village, where visitors can learn more about the Cherokee people and culture. Other top sights in Cherokee include Mingo Falls, Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Mountain Farm Museum and Oconaluftee Islands Park. There is also a Harrah’s Casino in town where you can enjoy some gaming action as well as a delicious meal at Ruth’s Chris Steak House or the Chef’s Stage Buffet.
3. Lost Sea Adventure
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at Lost Sea Adventure, a fascinating journeyinto a cave system with an underground lake. The adventure starts with a guided tour of the caverns where you will learn about the cavern’s exciting history and the geological formations. Once at the bottom of the cave, you board a glass-bottom boat for an incredible tour on America’s largest underground lake! The lake is located 140 feet below ground level, covers 4 acres and is recognized by the U.S. Department of the Interior as a Registered National Natural Landmark. Before or after your tour, take a step back in time at the “Old Sweetwater Village” where you can enjoy a General Store, Ice Cream Parlor, Glassblower, Gem Mine and the Cavern Kitchen.
Check out our cabins in the Smoky Mountains today to experience the best of the region as well as these great day trips from Gatlinburg. We look forward to seeing you soon at Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals!
