Planning a week-long vacation to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg? These charming towns nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains offer a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and family-friendly activities. Here is a comprehensive seven-day itinerary packed with expert local tips to help you explore the best of what these destinations have to offer during your week-long vacation to Gatlinburg.
- Day 1: Dollywood Adventure
- Day 2: Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains
- Day 3: Relax at Your Vacation Rental
- Day 4: Ripley’s Aquarium and SkyLift Park
- Day 5: Outdoor Adventures at Anakeesta
- Day 6: The Island in Pigeon Forge
- Day 7: Exploring Forbidden Caverns
- Book Your Vacation Rental Today
- Frequently Asked Questions
Day 1: Dollywood Adventure
Start your journey with a full day at Dollywood, one of the most popular attractions in Pigeon Forge. The theme park offers something for everyone, from thrilling roller coasters like the Wild Eagle and Lightning Rod to more gentle rides for younger children. Be sure to stop by the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary, a sprawling aviary that houses the largest presentation of non-releasable bald eagles in the country.
Enjoy live performances showcasing country music and traditional Appalachian culture throughout the day. Do not forget to try some delicious southern cuisine at one of the park’s many eateries. A trip is never complete without waiting in line for the famous, freshly baked cinnamon bread at the Grist Mill. End your day with a spectacular fireworks display that will leave the entire family in awe.
Dollywood
Address: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Phone: (800) 365-5996
Day 2: Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Spend your second day immersed in the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Begin with an early morning hike to Laurel Falls. This family-friendly, 2.6-mile round trip trail features a paved walking path leading directly to a stunning 80-foot waterfall. Arriving early helps you secure a spot in the notoriously busy trailhead parking lot.
For a more leisurely adventure, drive through the Cades Cove Loop Road. This eleven-mile driving path circles a lush valley floor where you can easily spot wildlife such as deer, black bears, and wild turkeys. Along the loop, you will pass well-preserved historical churches, log cabins, and a working gristmill. The park’s visitor centers also offer educational exhibits about the area’s natural history, which are perfect for curious minds. Keep in mind that you must purchase a parking tag if you plan to park your vehicle anywhere within the national park boundaries for more than fifteen minutes.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Sugarlands Visitor Center)
Address: 1420 Fighting Creek Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Phone: (865) 436-1200
Day 3: Relax at Your Vacation Rental
Take a break from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a day of relaxation. Start your morning with a leisurely breakfast on your cabin balcony, taking in the stunning mountain views. Spend the afternoon lounging by a private indoor pool. To keep the family entertained without driving back into town traffic, we offer select vacation rentals with an authentic duck pin alley built right inside. This incredible feature is completely private and accessible exclusively to the group renting the cabin. In the evening, gather around the fire pit to roast marshmallows and share stories. This dedicated day of rest will recharge your batteries for more adventures to come.
Day 4: Ripley’s Aquarium and SkyLift Park
Head to Gatlinburg to explore Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies on your fourth day. The kids will be thrilled by Shark Lagoon, a massive underwater tunnel where they can see twelve-foot sharks, sea turtles, and other marine life gliding directly overhead. The facility also features a glass-bottom boat ride that traverses the shark enclosure for an entirely different perspective.
After the aquarium, take a ride on the iconic yellow chairs of the Gatlinburg SkyLift for panoramic views of the town and the Smoky Mountains. At the top, visit SkyLift Park and walk across the SkyBridge. As the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, it stretches nearly seven hundred feet across a deep valley. The middle of the bridge features transparent glass panels, offering an exciting adventure with incredible views straight down.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Address: 88 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Phone: (865) 430-8808
Gatlinburg SkyPark
Address: 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Phone: (865) 436-4307
Day 5: Outdoor Adventures at Anakeesta
Spend your fifth day at Anakeesta, Gatlinburg’s outdoor family adventure park. Begin with a scenic ride up the Chondola or Ridge Rambler to the summit of Anakeesta Mountain. Once there, explore the suspended treetop canopy walk, fly through the forest on the dueling ziplines, or race down the mountain on the Rail Runner mountain coaster.
For a more relaxing experience, stroll through the beautiful Vista Gardens and climb to the top of the AnaVista observation tower for the highest vantage point in downtown Gatlinburg. You can also enjoy a meal at the Cliff Top restaurant with stunning views of Mount LeConte. Anakeesta offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for the entire family.
Anakeesta
Address: 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Phone: (865) 325-2400
Day 6: The Island in Pigeon Forge
On your sixth day, visit The Island in Pigeon Forge, a massive entertainment complex loaded with attractions. Start with a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. This 200-foot Ferris wheel features climate-controlled glass gondolas that provide spectacular views of the area. Kids will love the arcade, mirror maze, bumper cars, and the multi-level ropes course.
Explore the unique boutique shops for souvenirs and enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants like Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen. End your day relaxing in the rocking chairs surrounding the Island Show Fountain, a stunning display of water jets and colorful lights synchronized to a vibrant musical soundtrack.
The Island in Pigeon Forge
Address: 131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Phone: (865) 286-0119
Day 7: Exploring Forbidden Caverns
Discover the underground wonders of Forbidden Caverns on your final day. Located just outside Pigeon Forge, these remarkable caves are filled with fascinating geological formations, including sparkling stalactites and towering stalagmites. The caverns hold historical significance as well, having served as shelter for local Native American tribes and later as a hidden refuge for moonshiners making illegal liquor during Prohibition.
The guided tour takes you through well-lit pathways, providing insights into the history and natural wonders of the space. Kids and adults alike will be amazed by the clear underground streams and the eerie beauty of the caves. The temperature inside stays at a constant fifty-eight degrees Fahrenheit year-round, so bringing a light jacket is heavily recommended even during the middle of summer.
Forbidden Caverns
Address: 455 Blowing Cave Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876
Phone: (865) 453-5972
Book Your Vacation Rental Today
SkyView Rentals offers a variety of luxurious, custom-built homes and log cabins in the heart of Pigeon Forge, adjacent to the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These rentals are ideally located to provide easy access to the area’s attractions, shopping, and restaurants, while still offering a peaceful retreat where you can relax and unwind.
Imagine staying in a cozy log cabin or a spacious home with breathtaking mountain views. Each property is designed to make you feel right at home, with features like fire pits for roasting marshmallows, game rooms, and massive outdoor decks. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg offer a variety of activities and attractions, making them perfect for a week-long vacation. Contact our reservation team today to secure your mountain getaway!
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Gatlinburg Itineraries
Do I need a parking pass for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Yes, any vehicle parked for more than fifteen minutes within the national park boundaries must display a valid parking tag. You can purchase these at any major visitor center.
What is the temperature inside Forbidden Caverns?
The temperature inside the caverns stays at a constant fifty-eight degrees Fahrenheit all year long. It is highly recommended to bring a light jacket even during the hot summer months.
FAQs About SkyView Rentals
Are the indoor bowling alleys open to the public?
No. The authentic duck pin bowling alleys are private amenities reserved exclusively for the guests renting those specific homes.
Do your cabins provide full kitchens for preparing meals?
Yes, every luxury cabin features a modern, fully equipped kitchen. This makes it incredibly easy to pack picnic lunches and prepare hearty breakfasts before hitting the hiking trails.
Do you provide property management for mountain cabins?
Yes! Our professional property management team handles everything from local marketing and dynamic pricing to round-the-clock guest support, ensuring maximum return on investment for cabin owners.