Smoky Mountains Weekend Getaway: Scenic Drives, Waterfalls & Mountain Views

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.