Help with Atlanta to smoky mountain national park itinerary

Question

Hi,

Me and my wife are going to visit the SMNP late May for 3 days – except travel days. Reading through materials here in earlier posts, here is what I was thinking but any advice will be great:

May 28: Fly to Atlanta late evening, stay close to the airport overnight.

May 29: Leave early morning and drive to Bryson City - shall we make it a night stop? Or move to Townsend? We won’t be able to take the train ride though. What else can we do the rest of the day? Deep creek? Hikes near Blue Ridge parkway

May 30: Wears Valley, Townsend, Cades Cove, Clingsman Dome (stay in Townsend?)

June1: Roaring Fork Motor trail, Clayton, back to Atlanta by evening (can we add something?) – stay close to the airport.

June2: Fly back 7 AM

Happy to add/remove anything. We are more into nature and less into shops/dining and pretty much anything touristy and crowded, without disrespecting anyone who likes such things.

Any specific treks we must consider?

We are average Houston drivers – not reckless, over cautious and definitely not pro. So, any advice there will be super helpful.

Many thanks!

Answer

Your plan for a 3-day visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (SMNP) sounds wonderful! You're already on the right track, and I have some additional tips to help make your trip smooth and enjoyable. Here’s a detailed review of your itinerary with some additional suggestions and advice:

May 28: Arrive in Atlanta

Since you're flying into Atlanta late, staying close to the airport for the night is a great idea. It’ll make for an easy start the next morning when you begin your drive. The area near the airport has several hotels to choose from, and many offer free shuttle service to and from the airport.

May 29: Atlanta to Bryson City or Townsend

For the drive to Bryson City, it's about a 3.5-hour trip, and you'll have plenty of time to explore upon arrival. You could stay in Bryson City for the night, but if you prefer a more tranquil experience, Townsend could be a better option since it’s a bit quieter and closer to the heart of the park.

If you do choose to stop in Bryson City, you could check out Deep Creek—a beautiful spot for hiking and waterfalls, including the Juney Whank Falls and Indian Creek Falls. There are a few nice, easy hikes here, and it's a lovely spot for a quiet afternoon in nature.

Since you're missing the train ride in Bryson City, you could also explore some hikes nearby, such as the Fontana Lake Overlook Trail or visit the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Museum for some history.

Alternatively, driving to Townsend (another 1.5 hours) is a good choice if you prefer staying closer to Cades Cove and the scenic areas along Wears Valley. Townsend is a smaller, quieter town with a more laid-back atmosphere.

May 30: Wears Valley, Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome

If you're staying in Townsend, you’re in a great location to explore the best of the park. Cades Cove is one of the most famous spots in the park, known for its wildlife, historic buildings, and breathtaking views. Plan to take a leisurely drive around the Cades Cove Loop, which is a 10-mile scenic route. There are also several hiking options around Cades Cove, including the Laurel Falls Trail (easy 2.6 miles) and the Abrams Falls Trail (5 miles, moderate difficulty, but a beautiful waterfall at the end).

After Cades Cove, head toward Clingmans Dome—the highest point in the park at 6,643 feet. The Clingmans Dome Observation Tower offers stunning views, and it's accessible via a paved half-mile trail, though it’s steep. If you’re up for a longer hike, you can explore nearby trails, such as the Forney Ridge Trail.

Townsend would be a great place to stay for this night as it’s centrally located for these attractions, and it’s more peaceful than staying in a busy area like Gatlinburg.

June 1: Roaring Fork Motor Trail, Clayton, and back to Atlanta

After enjoying a morning drive along the Roaring Fork Motor Trail, which is a scenic one-way loop road through a beautiful forested area (it also has some great historic cabins and hiking options), you can head toward Clayton, Georgia.

The drive from Townsend to Clayton takes about 2.5 hours, and you can explore the lovely town of Clayton, which has charming local shops and restaurants. If you have time and energy, you could also check out some nearby waterfalls, like Tallulah Gorge State Park or Black Rock Mountain State Park, which are both beautiful and offer easy hiking options.

After Clayton, you can drive back to Atlanta (about 2 hours). Be sure to leave enough time to return your car and rest before your flight the next morning. You could stay near the airport again for convenience.

Additional Tips:

Hiking Recommendations: Some of the best trails in the park for nature lovers include Alum Cave Trail (5 miles, moderate to difficult), Grotto Falls (2.6 miles, moderate), and the Charlies Bunion Trail (8 miles, strenuous). If you want to add a longer hike, Mount LeConte is a challenging but rewarding trail.
Driving Tips: The roads in the Smoky Mountains can be narrow and winding, especially as you get higher in elevation. Take your time and drive cautiously, particularly on mountain roads. If you're uncomfortable with steep curves or tight turns, consider taking it slow and using pull-off areas to allow faster drivers to pass.
Wildlife: The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. Keep your distance and never feed the animals.
Weather: Late May is usually warm, but weather in the mountains can change quickly. Bring layers and be prepared for cooler temperatures at higher elevations, especially in the mornings and evenings.

Overall, your itinerary looks well planned! The combination of scenic drives, easy hikes, and time spent in nature will make for a wonderful trip. Be sure to take your time to enjoy the beauty of the Smokies, and don't hesitate to adjust your schedule if you feel like spending extra time in a particular spot.

Enjoy your trip, and safe travels!