Smoky Mountains

The area of the Smoky Mountains in eastern TN includes Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Townsend, and Sevierville, as well as a number of smaller surrounding towns.

Gatlinburg, the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National park, is about a 4-hour drive east from Nashville along I-40. Nashville is also one of the nearest major international airports.

Closer to Gatlinburg, the McGhee Tyson Airport in Alcoa near Knoxville is located about 40 minutes away, serving Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier, and United.

Some of the best times to visit the Smoky Mountains are Summer (peak season), for all the festivals and activities, as well as October for leaf peeping and local events. However, each season provides a unique time to enjoy the Smokies, as some prefer fewer crowds in spring and winter. Of note, car enthusiasts flock to the Smokies for events mid-to-late Spring, as well as late summer.

• Spring (Mar–May): wildflowers, cool temps, lighter crowds.
• Summer (Jun–Aug): peak family season
• Fall (Oct–early Nov): foliage + busiest weekends.
• Winter (Nov–Feb): holiday lights, lowest crowds.

• Pigeon Forge Rod Runs & Car Shows: With dates starting in mid-March, rev up with Chevys in the Smokies to Corvettes, Mustangs, and more. Don’t miss the Pigeon Forge Rod Run (April), the area’s largest automotive get together.
• Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion (August)
• Smoky Mountain Bronco Stampede (August)
• Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival (generally April thru June) and Harvest Festival (Sept/Oct)
• Gatlinburg Fourth of July Midnight Parade
• Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair (July and October)
• Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade

Most roads are paved, but some cabins have steep driveways and sharp turns. We recommend AWD/4WD in winter or heavy rain, and arriving before dark the first night. Avoid low-clearance vehicles on mountain lanes.