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

Sedona, Arizona: Hiking, Wine & Red Rock Views

We’ve been to Sedona several times, but this trip gave us a fresh perspective. By staying in Cottonwood, we avoided Sedona’s traffic, kept lodging costs down, and had the flexibility to hike Sedona’s classic Devil’s Bridge trail and take in the wide-open views from the Birthing Cave. Add in a scenic train ride, a hilltop winery, and evenings catching up with family, and the whole trip struck the energizing balance we always look for — adventure by day, connection and relaxation at night.

Where We Stayed: SpringHill Suites Cottonwood

The SpringHill Suites by Marriott Cottonwood was the perfect hub for this trip. Clean, comfortable, and with a free breakfast spread that made it easy to fuel up before long hikes, it gave us everything we needed without fuss. The location was another win — just minutes from Old Town Cottonwood and less than half an hour to Sedona’s trailheads.

💡 Travel Tip: If Sedona lodging feels too busy or expensive, base yourself in Cottonwood. It’s quieter, more affordable, and still close to the trails.

A Ride Through Verde Canyon

One of our traditions when visiting family nearby is riding the Verde Canyon Railroad. Every seat is indoors, but the real magic comes from stepping out onto the open-air cars, where the red canyon walls and winding Verde River surround you.

The four-hour ride moves at an easy pace, giving you plenty of time to take in the scenery. Along the way, guides point out cliff dwellings, remnants of old mining sites, and the wildlife that calls the canyon home.

Each ride includes snacks and drinks — the perfect pairing for hours of red rock views.

The Verde Canyon Railroad winding along the river — best seen from the open-air cars.

Even though we’ve done it before, we’re always surprised by how relaxing it feels. Between the slow rhythm of the train and the canyon views, it’s an experience that lets you see Arizona from a completely different perspective.

💡 Travel Tip: Don’t worry about booking an “outdoor” seat — every ticket gives you access to the open-air cars. The best photos are outside, but it’s nice to retreat indoors when the sun gets strong.

Hiking the Red Rocks

Birthing Cave

We started with the Birthing Cave, a short but steep trail that leads to one of Sedona’s most unique viewpoints. The cave’s wide opening frames the red rock cliffs beyond, creating a natural picture window that feels almost otherworldly.

To get the famous photo looking out from inside, you have to shimmy up a steep, slick wall with no real grooves for your feet or hands. Once at the top, there’s a little cave ledge where you can sit and soak in the view — but even if you don’t make the climb, the outlook from the cave floor is still spectacular.

💡 Travel Tip: This hike is under two miles roundtrip, but parking is limited. Go early or later in the day to snag a spot and enjoy some quiet inside the cave.

Devil’s Bridge

No trip to Sedona feels complete without the iconic Devil’s Bridge. The trail winds gradually upward, and the payoff is a sandstone arch that stretches out over the valley below. We started early to beat the crowds, which meant we had time to enjoy the views without feeling rushed. Standing on the bridge never loses its wow factor, no matter how many times you’ve been.

💡 Travel Tip: Parking fills up quickly, and there’s often a line for photos. Aim to arrive before 8am or consider the shuttle option to save time.

Classic Sedona — Devil’s Bridge never loses its wow factor.

Merkin Vineyards Hilltop

Perched above Cottonwood, Merkin Vineyards Hilltop is worth a stop for the views alone. The sweeping panoramas pair perfectly with a glass of wine, and the outdoor patio is where you really want to be if the weather cooperates.

We ordered a charcuterie board and pizza to share. Both were fresh and flavorful, though I’d say the views are what make the experience stand out most. Sitting outdoors with a glass of wine in hand, watching the sunset colors shift over the Verde Valley, felt like the true highlight.

Charcuterie at Merkin Vineyards Hilltop — fresh, flavorful, and best enjoyed outdoors.

For us, the best part wasn’t just the food or the views — it was sitting around the table with family. Merkin gave us the space to linger, catch up, and laugh together, which is exactly the kind of memory we like to take home from a trip.

💡 Travel Tip: If you can, time your visit for golden hour. The warm light over the valley makes the views even more stunning, and it’s the perfect backdrop for wine and food on the patio.

Sedona Beer Co.

For something more casual, we headed to Sedona Beer Co., where tacos and a couple of local brews hit the spot after a day of hiking. We’ve tried both their downtown location and their newer outpost near the trailheads, and both are worth a stop depending on your plans.

Casual, flavorful, and local — Sedona Beer Co. is our go-to for post-hike refueling.

💡 Travel Tip: If you want a quieter vibe, check out Sedona Beer Co.’s newer location outside the downtown bustle.

Final Thoughts

If I had to sum up this trip in one word, it would be energizing. Staying in Cottonwood gave us a calmer base, while still letting us enjoy Sedona’s big-name hikes and unique cave views. Between the train ride, a hilltop winery, and time with family, this getaway reminded us that Sedona doesn’t have to feel overwhelming — it can be simple, memorable, and exactly what you make it.

If You Go

• Stay: SpringHill Suites Cottonwood (clean, comfortable, free breakfast, less traffic than Sedona)

• Trails to Try: Birthing Cave (short but steep with unique views), Devil’s Bridge (iconic arch)

• Don’t Miss: Verde Canyon Railroad (scenic + relaxing), Merkin Vineyards Hilltop (wine with a view), Sedona Beer Co. (casual tacos + local brews)

• Best For: Couples who want a mix of adventurous hikes, classic Sedona views, and a relaxed base away from the crowds

Hocking Hills, Ohio: Hiking, Caves & Waterfalls

Arrival & Stay

I’ve made it to Hocking Hills twice now — once on a girls’ weekend and once with my husband for a short getaway.

On the girls’ trip, we stayed in a rustic Airbnb cabin that felt like something out of a Michigan “up north” cottage — cozy, woodsy, and perfect for late-night hot tub chats after long days on the trails.

When I returned with my husband, we stayed at one of the few hotels near Hocking Hills. It wasn’t fancy, but it was clean, included free breakfast, and sat right by a local brewery and BBQ spot. Nothing that stole the show, but it was practical and convenient for hitting the trails.

Either way, lodging here was just a basecamp — the trails were always the real star.

Hiking the Trails

We covered a lot of ground across two trips, from the popular highlights to some less-traveled paths. Here’s how they stacked up:

Rock House Gorge Trail

Inside Rock House — the only true cave in the park, with its towering sandstone walls and ‘windows’.

This one was the standout for my friends. Rock House is the park’s only true cave, with massive sandstone walls and natural “windows.” The hike does require navigating plenty of stairs down into the gorge, but once inside, the payoff is worth it. At the end, the bridge was out, so we had to climb a muddy incline — a bit of a challenge for some in the group.

Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail

Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail — the views are worth the climb.

A tougher hike compared to the gorge trail option here, but still manageable. The rim offers sweeping views and rocky ledges, and hiking sticks came in handy for our group. If you’re short on time, the gorge trail is easier and still beautiful.

Ash Cave

Ash Cave’s waterfall makes even a short hike feel rewarding.

Ash Cave is a favorite for good reason — a short, flat walk leads to a massive recess cave and a thin waterfall dropping from the rim. You can add the rim trail for a little more challenge, but the highlight is the waterfall itself.

💡 Travel Tip: Go early if you can — Ash Cave gets very busy by mid-day.

Old Man’s Cave

Upper Falls at Old Man’s Cave — one of the park’s most photographed spots.

Packed with stone bridges, waterfalls, and winding trails, Old Man’s Cave is the park’s most popular stop. The hike is short but steeper in spots, so take your time. We accidentally continued onto the 3-mile connector trail to Cedar Falls, which made for a longer trek than planned. If you’d rather skip that, you can always drive over to Cedar Falls instead.

💡 Travel Tip: This is one of the busiest spots in the park — go early or later in the day to avoid the peak crowds.

Cedar Falls

Cedar Falls — one of the most dramatic waterfalls in Hocking Hills.

One of the most dramatic waterfalls in the park — framed by sandstone cliffs and surrounded by hemlocks. An easy walk down makes this a quick but rewarding stop.

Saltpetre Cave Nature Preserve

Just steps from our cabin, this preserve has four caves and a rugged trail that’s less traveled. A free online permit is required, though we never saw anyone checking. Our group rated it a favorite thanks to the massive rock formations.

Where to Eat & Drink

Wine flight at Hocking Hills Winery — charcuterie and live music made it a group favorite.

• Hocking Hills Winery – Charcuterie boards, a wide variety of wines, and live music on weekends. A group favorite.

• Le Petit Chevalier Winery – Pretty setting, but the wines weren’t our favorite

• Ale House 1890 (Lancaster) – A solid meal if you’re venturing outside the park.

• The Lodge at Hocking Hills – Make reservations if you want to dine here; walk-ins fill up quickly.

Travel Tips for Hocking Hills

💡 Pack hiking sticks. They can be especially helpful at Conkle’s Hollow and the steeper stair sections.
💡 Go early for the popular spots. Ash Cave and Old Man’s Cave get very crowded mid-day.
💡 Check trail conditions. Bridges and stairs can be closed, which may mean muddy or steep detours.
💡 Plan Cedar Falls. Decide if you want the 3-mile connector hike from Old Man’s Cave or to drive straight there.
💡 Make reservations for meals. The lodge fills up fast, and local restaurants can be limited at peak times.

Final Thoughts

In Hocking Hills, your lodging is just a basecamp — the real star is the trail system. With everything from easy waterfall walks to more rugged rim trails, there’s something here for every level of hiker. Add in a winery stop or two, and you’ve got the makings of a perfect Ohio getaway.