Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Ashville

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a well-known destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering diverse landscapes, hiking trails, and rich wildlife. While many visitors use Nashville as their base, we opted for Asheville. We wanted to experience a new town, and Asheville’s proximity to the Smokies made it an excellent alternative.

Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains and Asheville gave us the flexibility to enjoy both the natural beauty of the Smokies and the unique character of a new town. Whether you’re planning a trip to the Smokies or just looking for inspiration, keep reading to see how you can make the most of a weekend visit.

Summary

This weekend itinerary is perfect for those looking to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Asheville, North Carolina. Over the course of three days, you’ll experience the park’s diverse landscapes, from lush forests to panoramic mountain views, while enjoying peaceful hikes along its iconic trails. Staying in Asheville for three nights provided the ideal balance—days spent exploring the natural beauty of the Smokies, followed by evenings immersed in Asheville’s lively food scene, local arts, and culture.

It is totally possible to condense this itinerary into two days or modify it depending on how much time you have, making it flexible for any schedule

• Duration – 3 nights, 4 days
• Best Time to Visit: The Smoky Mountains are beautiful year-round, but we visited in early September. Which was an ideal time to avoid the crowds and enjoy mild weather.

We arrived in Asheville in the late afternoon and picked up a rental car to get ready for the days ahead. We booked an Airbnb just 5 minutes from downtown, which was very convenient. There are also plenty of hotels downtown if you prefer to be within walking distance of restaurants. Airbnbs were more cost-effective when we looked, so we opted for that.

After settling in, we grabbed snacks and essentials for our road trips, then headed straight to dinner. Asheville’s food scene is vibrant, with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. From casual spots to more refined dining experiences, Asheville has something for everyone. We chose Plant, a fantastic vegan restaurant. The food was excellent, and if you’re looking for something different, I’d definitely recommend this place. Afterward, we had a drink at a nearby bar but didn’t stay out too late, as we wanted to start the day early the next day.

We started early, driving from Asheville to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The route is incredibly scenic, with rolling hills and lush greenery, making for a pleasant drive. Our main focus for the day was exploring Cades Cove, a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains with a popular scenic loop. The 11-mile loop is a favorite for wildlife viewing, with the chance to see deer, black bears, and even moose.

Before heading to Cades Cove, we did a short 4-mile hike in Townsend, which is along the way. Since you spend a lot of time in the car, it’s a great way to break up the trip. There are plenty of hikes in the area, so there’s no shortage of options.

We stopped for lunch near Tuckaleechee Caverns at Little River Pub and Deli, which offers a laid-back atmosphere and hearty sandwiches. There are a few other dining options nearby, depending on what you’re in the mood for.

After lunch, we headed to Cades Cove Loop, taking our time driving through, stopping at various points to take in the views, capture photos, and explore smaller trails along the way. We were lucky to see four bears and a few moose, which caused a bit of traffic. Keep in mind that accidents or wildlife sightings can cause delays, so plan for extra time.

after returning to Asheville we went to Chai Pani, a restaurant known for its unique take on Indian street food. While the drinks were excellent, I found the food to be just okay. It could have been the timing, as we arrived an hour before closing and had to wait 30 minutes for a table. The restaurant was packed, which might have impacted the overall experience. Although it wasn’t my favorite Indian food, the atmosphere was lively, and I’d still recommend going for the experience.

Tip: Parking downtown can be tight, so if you have the time, I’d suggest using Uber to avoid the hassle.

We were up early again, ready for another day in the Smokies. This time, we set our sights on the Road to Nowhere, a unique and slightly eerie trail leading through an unfinished tunnel into the wilderness. The hike combines history and nature, making it both intriguing and scenic. The path is relatively easy, with a few gentle climbs, and offers a sense of solitude and peace.

After the hike, we drove to Bryson City, a charming town perfect for a lunch break. We took time to explore the quaint streets and local shops, which was a nice contrast to the rugged outdoors. Bryson City has several dining options, from Southern comfort food to lighter fare, offering a variety of choices.

After lunch, we visited some popular spots in the Smokies, including Clingman’s Dome, Andrews Bald, Waterrock Knob Overlook, and Richland Balsam Overlook. There are short but steep hikes at some of these stops, which offered great views. After these hikes we were pretty tired, but if you have time, there are other trails in the area worth exploring.

We headed back to Asheville for dinner and tried the White Duck Taco Shop which ended up being my favorite place on the entire trip. I absolutely loved it! They can also make any taco vegetarian or vegan. it’s a must-visit if you’re in the area.

On our last day, we took it easy. We had brunch in Asheville and spent the morning strolling around downtown, exploring the local shops. Depending on your flight time, you may want to consider a morning hike near Asheville. We had a lot of time to kill and spent about two hours at a café since we didn’t have much else to do.