Smoky Mountains: Hiking, Waterfalls & Mountain Views
We’ve been to the Smokies before, but this trip quickly became one of our favorites. Knowing what to expect made it easier to relax into the rhythm — busy gateway towns outside the park balanced with quiet trails once we were inside. I arrived excited and ready to explore, and by the end of the weekend, adventure felt like the perfect word for it.
👉 It was exactly the kind of trip we love sharing at Travel Well Together — easy to plan, full of real experiences, and proof that you don’t have to fly far to recharge.
Where We Stayed: The Wayback
The Wayback felt like a modern twist on a mountain lodge with retro charm. Our upgraded suite had two bathrooms and a separate bedroom and living area, which gave us plenty of space to spread out after long trail days.
Even without venturing off property, evenings felt like their own mini-getaway. The pool and hot tub became our routine, paired with a signature cocktail from the Vintage Airstream bar. Part of the Paloma Swim Club, this poolside hangout had the right mix of drinks, tunes, and people-watching. Small fire pits by the pool added a cozy finish — the perfect way to unwind after hiking.
🌟 Why We Loved The Wayback
Spacious rooms — our suite had two bathrooms and a separate living area.
Retro-modern style — a fun twist on a mountain lodge that still felt cozy.
Paloma Scratch Kitchen — scratch-made contemporary Mexican dining on-site.
Paloma Swim Club — pool, hot tub, and fire pits for evening downtime.
Vintage Airstream bar — cocktails and poolside vibes without leaving the property.
💡 Travel Tip: Don’t miss dinner at Paloma Scratch Kitchen or a drink from the Vintage Airstream bar — together, they make The Wayback feel like more than just a place to stay.
Separate living space made our suite feel more like a cozy mountain apartment than just a hotel room.
Retro style with mountain lodge comfort — our upgraded room at The Wayback gave us space to spread out after trail days.
Hiking the Trails
Hen Wallow Falls
We started with Hen Wallow Falls, a moderate trail that wound through quiet forest with only a handful of other hikers along the way. The path had a few rocky stretches but was easy to manage, and the steady rhythm made it a nice warm-up for the weekend. The payoff was worth it — a misty waterfall tumbling into the trees, the perfect spot to pause and soak in the peace.
💡 Travel Tip: Hen Wallow Falls is a great pick if you want a manageable hike with a rewarding view at the end. Go early in the day for lighter crowds.
Hen Wallow Falls — worth every step of the trail
Clingmans Dome
The next day we headed to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Smokies. Instead of taking the steep paved path up to the observation tower, we chose one of the connecting trails. It gave us more time in the forest and far fewer crowds, with shaded stretches and quiet overlooks before reaching the top. At the summit, the views didn’t disappoint — sweeping 360° mountains stretching across Tennessee and North Carolina.
💡 Travel Tip: If you want to avoid the crowds, skip the paved path and take a connecting trail instead. The extra time in the forest is worth it.
The view from Clingmans Dome — 6,600 feet up
Crossing into North Carolina at the state line
Newfound Gap & the TN–NC Border
On the drive back, we stopped at Newfound Gap, where the Tennessee–North Carolina state line runs right through the overlook. It’s an easy pull-off with big mountain views and a Roosevelt monument — plus the classic photo-op of standing in two states at once.
💡 Travel Tip: Newfound Gap is an easy add-on if you’re heading toward Clingmans Dome. Plan a few minutes here for both the views and the border marker.
Evenings & Meals
Instead of venturing into town, we stayed at The Wayback for dinner — and we were glad we did. The on-site restaurant, Paloma Scratch Kitchen, is a contemporary Mexican spot that’s part kitchen, part scene, and all scratch-made. From bold flavors to a lively dining room, it lived up to its reputation as one of the best restaurants in Pigeon Forge.
We loved being able to enjoy creative, chef-driven dishes just steps from our room — and then end the night with cocktails by the pool and fire pits. It was the perfect mix of flavor and convenience, and it made our evenings feel every bit as memorable as the hikes.
💡 Travel Tip: Don’t skip dinner at Paloma Scratch Kitchen. It’s not just hotel dining — it’s consistently rated among the best in Pigeon Forge for a reason.
If You Go
Stay: The Wayback (modern, cozy, close to the park, with on-site dining and poolside relaxation)
Trails to Try: Hen Wallow Falls (moderate waterfall hike), Clingmans Dome (iconic summit with sweeping views), Newfound Gap (state-line overlook), and short side trails for quiet forest walks
Best For: Couples who want a mix of active hiking, iconic Smoky Mountain views, and a comfortable, stylish stay
