Smoky Mountains Weekend Getaway: Scenic Drives, Waterfalls & Mountain Views
Planning a trip to the Smokies? We share our favorite trails, a unique stay at The Wayback in Pigeon Forge, and tips for making the most of your time — from quiet waterfalls to iconic overlooks.
Our Smoky Mountains weekend gave us exactly what we needed: fresh air, quiet trails, mountain overlooks, waterfalls, and long scenic drives that felt good for the soul. This trip is ideal if you want activity without anything too strenuous — and you prefer variety in your days. Between viewpoints, short hikes, and peaceful forest time, the Smokies are easy to enjoy at your own pace..
Trip Snapshot
When: Mid Summer
Length: 2–3 nights
Vibe: Peaceful, scenic, a mix of drives + quick hikes
Good for: Couples, families, and anyone who wants nature without long or technical hikes
Highlights: Clingmans Dome, Newfound Gap, Hen Wallow Falls, Lower Gap trails, scenic roads, mountain views
Best pace: Slow mornings, scenic midday drives, and light hiking blocks
Where We Stayed
We stayed at The Wayback in Pigeon Forge, a retro-inspired boutique hotel that ended up being one of the most memorable parts of the trip. It’s not close to the trailheads, but the playful design, cozy rooms, and fun atmosphere made evenings feel relaxed and different from the typical hotel experience.
Even with a bit of a drive into the park each morning, we didn’t mind — The Wayback’s mood and downtime vibe made it a great place to return to at the end of the day. If you want to be closer to the park entrances you’ll find options in Gatlinburg, but staying here added a unique touch to the trip.
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.
What We Did
Hen Wallow Falls
This was our longest hike of the weekend. The trail is moderate with some narrow, rocky sections, but the waterfall at the end is peaceful and worth the effort. The mix of forest paths and small streams made the hike especially enjoyable.
Note: Shoes with good traction help — the rocks near the falls can be slick.
Lower Gap Trail
A quieter option and great if you want calm time in the woods. The terrain is manageable, and the forest is beautiful in a simple, steady way. It’s a nice balance to the more popular spots.
Hen Wallow Falls — worth every step of the trail
Clingmans Dome
A short but steep paved walk to one of the best views in the Smokies. On a clear day, you can see layers of blue ridgelines stretching across Tennessee and North Carolina. It’s the perfect way to begin a Smokies trip.
The view from Clingmans Dome — 6,600 feet up
Crossing into North Carolina at the state line
Newfound Gap + Scenic Drive
From Clingmans, we followed the Newfound Gap Road for more panoramic views. The pull-offs are easy, frequent, and offer postcard-worthy overlooks without needing to hike at all. A slow drive here is a must.
Evenings & Meals
We kept things simple in the evenings and stayed at The Wayback for dinner — and honestly, it was the right call. The on-site restaurant, Paloma Scratch Kitchen, is a contemporary Mexican spot with bold flavors, a lively atmosphere, and everything made from scratch. It’s consistently listed as one of the best restaurants in Pigeon Forge, and it lived up to the hype.
The best part was the convenience. We could enjoy creative, chef-driven dishes just steps from our room, then end the night with cocktails by the pool and fire pits. It made our evenings feel relaxed and memorable without needing to drive into town after long hiking days.
Travel Tip: Make time for dinner at Paloma Scratch Kitchen. This isn’t just “hotel dining” — it’s one of the standout spots in the area.
Favorites & Highlights
Best overlook: Clingmans Dome — iconic views that go on forever
Most relaxing moment: The Newfound Gap scenic drive
Best hike: Hen Wallow Falls — moderate effort, great payoff
Quietest trail: Lower Gap — calm, shaded, and peaceful
Easiest views: Roadside overlooks throughout the park
Tips / What to Know Before You Go
Parking fills up quickly at Clingmans Dome — go early
Wear shoes with traction, especially near waterfalls
Weather changes fast at higher elevations — bring layers
Fog is common and can roll in quickly
Cell service is limited in most areas
A scenic drive is worth building into your itinerary
What We’d Do Differently Next Time
We’d pack a simple picnic to enjoy at one of the overlooks. There were several spots that would have been perfect for a slow lunch with mountain views.
Practical Details
When we went: Mid Summer
Trail difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best for: Nature-focused weekends with manageable hikes
Crowds: Busy mid-day; quieter earlier or later
Gear: Layers, hiking shoes, water, small backpack
Parking: A parking tag is required for most stops within the national park. You can buy a daily, weekly, or annual tag online or at kiosks near the entrances.
The Smokies offer an easy mix of beauty, simplicity, and calm — the kind of place where you can do a lot without ever feeling rushed. With scenic drives, waterfalls, and quiet trails, the weekend left us refreshed and grateful for uncomplicated time in nature. It’s a getaway we’d gladly repeat.
Sedona, Arizona: Hiking, Wine & Red-Rock Views
A Cottonwood base, Sedona hikes, a scenic train ride, and wine with a view — this getaway had the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Sedona offers a perfect mix of rugged red-rock adventures and laid-back evenings. We based ourselves in nearby Cottonwood, Arizona to avoid traffic and high lodging costs — which meant more time for hiking, canyon views, and quiet nights after busy days. This trip proved you don’t need a fancy resort to enjoy Sedona’s best: just a plan, a good base, and an appetite for exploration.
Sedona in December: What to Know
Visiting Sedona in December gives you cooler temperatures and quieter trails — a nice change from peak-season crowds. Daytime highs are usually in the upper 50s, but mornings and evenings drop into the low 30s, so layers are key. The cooler air made our hikes more comfortable, and parking was easier at most trailheads compared to busier months.
Trails can be a little slick early in the day if there was overnight frost or light rain, so good traction shoes help. Sunsets come early this time of year, so we planned our hikes in the morning and saved the slower activities — wine, dinner, or relaxing back at the hotel — for the late afternoon and evening.
If you like crisp air, quiet mornings, and fewer people on the trails, December is a great time to go.
Trip Snapshot
When: Early Winter (or whenever the weather is mild)
Length: 4 nights
Vibe: Active days with nature, relaxed evenings with family, wine, and views
Good for: Couples, friends, or families who want a mix of hiking, scenic rides, and downtime
Highlights: Devil’s Bridge hike, Birthing Cave views, scenic train ride through Verde Canyon, quiet Cottonwood base, easy access to trail-heads
Where We Stayed
We stayed at SpringHill Suites Cottonwood, a bright, tidy hotel just minutes from Old Town Cottonwood and under 30 minutes from most of Sedona’s major trailheads. The complimentary breakfast helped us fuel up before long hikes, and the convenient location kept mornings and evenings stress-free.
Pro tip: If Sedona lodging looks crowded or expensive, Cottonwood (or similar nearby towns like Camp Verde) offers a quieter, more budget-friendly base without sacrificing access to all the red-rock magic.
What We Did
Ride the Verde Canyon Railroad
On a slower-paced day, we took the scenic four-hour train ride through red canyon walls and along the winding Verde River. The open-air cars offered up-close canyon views and glimpses of cliff dwellings and wildlife. The railroad moves at a relaxed pace, giving plenty of time to soak in the views — a great contrast to the hikes.
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.
Hike: Devil’s Bridge + Birthing Cave Viewpoint
We tackled the classic hike to Devil's Bridge. Starting early helped us beat the crowds and enjoy the glowing desert light on the red rock trail. The payoff is worth it — that natural sandstone arch and the sweeping vistas are unforgettable.
We also visited the lesser-known Birthing Cave. A shorter trail, but the viewpoint — a natural frame of red cliffs — felt like a hidden gem, and offered a peaceful stop away from the main crowds.
Classic Sedona — Devil’s Bridge never loses its wow factor.
Relaxed Evenings + Wine Time
After active days, we enjoyed slow evenings with family, including a visit to a nearby winery. It felt good to mix in quiet moments, wine, and conversations after long hikes — the balance made the trip enjoyable without feeling rushed.
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.
Favorites & Highlights
⭐ Top hike: Devil’s Bridge — iconic red-rock arch and beautiful surroundings
🏞️ Hidden gem: Birthing Cave viewpoint — less crowded, big payoff for small effort
🚂 Best slower option: Verde Canyon Railroad — relaxing, scenic, great for a rest day
🍷 Best unwind moment: Wine + dinner under the desert sky after a long hike
Tips / What to Know Before You Go
Trails get busy — start hikes early if you want smaller crowds and better light
Even “short” hikes can be steep — wear sturdy shoes and bring enough water
Lodging in Cottonwood can save you money and avoid Sedona traffic surges
Check weather! Even in mild seasons, midday sun can be strong — bring sun protection
Train rides are a calm contrast to hiking days — great if you want a slower pace
What We’d Do Differently Next Time
We’d stay one more night — there’s so much to explore that 4 nights only scratches the surface. I’d love to mix in another hike or ride, and spend more time just soaking up the red-rock scenery before heading home.
Practical Details
When we went: Winter
Trip length: 4 nights
Trip type: Hiking, nature, easy-going travel
Best for: Travelers who like a mix of active days and laid-back nights
Accessibility: Easy to moderate hikes; good base options if you don’t want to stay in downtown Sedona
Sedona reminded us that travel doesn’t have to be a sprint. With a cozy base in Cottonwood, a mix of hikes and scenic rides, and evenings spent unwinding with loved ones — it felt like the kind of trip that recharges you. If you’re craving red rocks, wide skies and small-town ease, this getaway gives you big beauty with little stress.
Hocking Hills Weekend Getaway: Caves, Waterfalls & Forest Trails
From waterfalls and caves to cozy evenings with wine, Hocking Hills turned out to be the perfect Ohio getaway. Here are the hikes we loved most and a few tips we picked up along the way.
Hocking Hills is one of those easy weekend escapes that feels far from home without a long travel day. We wanted a trip with hiking, waterfalls, and a cozy place to slow down after exploring — and this part of southeast Ohio delivered. Between cave trails, shaded forests, and scenic drives, the weekend felt full but never rushed.
Trip Snapshot
When: Fall and early spring (both ideal for moderate temps)
Length: 2–3 nights
Vibe: Outdoorsy, scenic, peaceful
Good for: Couples, friends, and anyone who likes manageable hikes, waterfalls, and nature-focused weekends
Highlights: Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, Ash Cave, rock shelters, forest trails, winery stop, scenic drives
Where We Stayed
I’ve been to Hocking Hills twice — once on a girls’ weekend and once with my husband — and both trips had very different but equally practical lodging setups.
On the girls’ trip, we stayed in a rustic Airbnb cabin tucked into the woods. It felt like an Up North cottage: cozy, quiet, and perfect for long trail days followed by late-night hot tub chats.
When I returned with my husband, we stayed at a simple hotel near the main road. It wasn’t anything fancy, but it was clean, included breakfast, and sat right next to a local brewery and BBQ spot. It worked well as an easy, no-frills base for exploring the trails.
Lodging here doesn’t need to be the highlight. In Hocking Hills, the trails are always the main event — everything else just supports the days you spend outdoors.
What We Did
Old Man’s Cave
This is the most popular hike in Hocking Hills for good reason. The combination of bridges, rock formations, and canyon views makes it a great first stop. The trail can be busy, but it never loses its sense of place — especially if you go early.
Cedar Falls
An easy, peaceful hike that leads to one of the region’s most recognizable waterfalls. Even with light crowds, this area feels relaxed. The trail is short, scenic, and perfect as a mid-morning or afternoon stop.
Ash Cave
This was our favorite of the three major trails. The large recessed cave is impressive, and the walkway leading in feels calm and quiet. It’s the easiest trail in the park — flat, accessible, and great for all levels.
Rock Shelters & Short Trails
Between the major spots, we explored a few smaller trails and rock shelters. These were less crowded and gave us a chance to slow our pace and enjoy the quieter parts of the park.
Pro tip: Parking lots at main trailheads fill early. Starting before 9 a.m. makes a big difference.
Inside Rock House — the only true cave in the park, with its towering sandstone walls and ‘windows’.
Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail — the views are worth the climb.
Ash Cave’s waterfall makes even a short hike feel rewarding.
Upper Falls at Old Man’s Cave — one of the park’s most photographed spots.
Cedar Falls — one of the most dramatic waterfalls in Hocking Hills.
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 We Ate & Drank
After hiking, we stopped at Hocking Hills Winery for wine and a relaxed atmosphere — perfect after a day on the trails. We also grabbed simple, hearty meals in the area to keep things easy. Dining here isn’t fancy, but it fits the vibe: cozy, friendly, and low-stress.
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.
Favorites & Highlights
Favorite trail: Ash Cave for its easy walk and dramatic scenery
Best waterfall stop: Cedar Falls
Most fun to explore: Old Man’s Cave bridges and rock formations
Best relaxing moment: Wine tasting after a full hiking day
Unexpected highlight: The quiet side trails between the major stops
Tips / What to Know Before You Go
Parking fills early at Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave
Trails can be muddy depending on season
Cell service is inconsistent — download maps ahead of time
Bring good hiking shoes; stairs and rocks can be slick
Plan meals ahead if visiting in off-season (restaurants sometimes close early)
What We’d Do Differently Next Time
We’d pack a small picnic to enjoy on one of the quieter trails. There were several spots that would’ve made an easy scenic break.
Practical Details
When we went: Fall and early spring
Trail difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best for: Nature-focused weekends with manageable hikes
Crowds: Heaviest midday — early starts help
Gear: Hiking shoes, layers, small backpack, downloaded trail maps
Hocking Hills gave us exactly what we wanted — fresh air, waterfalls, quiet trails, and an uncomplicated weekend surrounded by nature. It’s close enough for a quick getaway and filled with enough variety to make the days feel full without being tiring. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with beautiful scenery, this one is an easy yes.