How to have a nature-filled weekend in East Tennessee

How to have a nature-filled weekend in East Tennessee

It’s no secret that East Tennessee offers beautiful outdoor views and adventures. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) has trails and hikes for all ages and skill levels, and some of the the towns housed around the mountains — Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Townsend — provide a refuge to refuel and recharge.

Here’s a short guide with suggestions on how to enjoy a nature-filled weekend in East Tennessee.

Friday

Hit the trails

The GSMNP is filled with hikes that vary in length and skill level. For those in need of a short and easy excursion, the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail in Gatlinburg provides a paved, half-mile long path into the park’s forested area as the Little Pigeon River flows near it. The trail is handicap accessible, and its entrance begins just a few hundred yards from the Sugarlands Visitors Center. For those looking for a longer adventure, the Middle Prong Trail will satisfy that desire with an 8-mile round-trip journey full of waterfall views and rock formations. The trailhead is located three miles from the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont in Townsend.

Don’t forget to refuel

After taking a hike, seek out a nearby restaurant to refuel. The Local Goat in Pigeon Forge is a fairly recent addition to the area. The eatery has a variety of burgers, salads and pastas along with deep fried deviled eggs ($7.50). Townsend’s Trailhead Steak and Trout House sits close to the GSMNP and offers hand cut steaks and seafood.

Home away from home

Traversing the Smoky Mountains will take a lot out of you, so it’s important to have a place to get refreshed and ready for the next adventure. Pigeon Forge’s Blue Mountain Mist Bed and Breakfast ($135+ per night) sits on top of a hill on a 60-acre farm and offers a variety of room styles and cottages, a spa and homemade breakfast each morning for guests. The Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge also have a plethora of cabin rentals available for those who want to be even closer to the mountains.

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Saturday

Hearty breakfast

Fill up for your next day of fun at an area breakfast eatery. Gatlinburg’s Pancake Pantry has traditional pancakes ($6.50) and other flavor combos like orange and walnut pancakes ($9.20) or wildberry crepes ($11.40).

Bikes, horses, ziplines

You don’t have to just walk or hike to experience the Smoky Mountains. They can be seen by bike, horse or if you’re feeling really adventurous, by zip line. Cades Cove Loop Road, an 11-mile one way road, provides bicyclists a chance to see some nature and wildlife. Guided horseback rides are available within the GSMNP, and guests can bring their own horses to ride in some areas and trails. Smoky Mountain Ziplines offers a 7-line canopy tour ($89.95), where guests can get an up close view of the forest for two hours.

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Treat yourself

After another day of exploring the mountains, reward yourself with a sweet treat from Gatlinburg’s Donut Friar. The dessert shop has pastries, eclairs and donuts including glazed and cake varieties.

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River Gorge Explorer’s Fall Color Cruises [1 Broad St., Chattanooga; 423-265-0698] The Tennessee Aquarium’s River Gorge Explorer boat will offer fall foliage views to guests along the Tennessee River Gorge with daily 2-hour cruises led by a naturalist.

Natchez Trace Parkway [800-305-7417] Take a drive down this highway that stretches from Tennessee to Mississippi to view some fall leaves. To get a closer look, take a hike along the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail [865-436-1200] This one-way road travels throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park providing views of foliage and Roaring Fork Creek. Note that this road is closed in the winter and not open to buses, motor homes and trailers.

Alum Cave Trail [Alum Cave Trailhead on US 441 S; 865-436-1200] This trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park takes hikers through an old-growth forest and provides some mountain views along the way. Keep in mind this trail gets steep in some areas.

Montgomery Bell State Park [1020 Jackson Hill Rd, Burns; 615-797-9052] Less than an hour away from Nashville, this park and its trails offer views of fall foliage with its dense forest.

For more information:

Sugarlands Visitor Center: 865-436-1200; nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm

Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont: 865-448-6709; gsmit.org

The Local Goat: 865-366-3035; localgoatpf.com

Trailhead Steak and Trout House: 865-448-0166; trailheadsteakhouse.com

Blue Mountain Mist Bed and Breakfast: 1-800-497-2335; bluemountainmist.com

Pancake Pantry: 865-436-4724; pancakepantry.com

Cades Cove Loop Road: 865-436-1200; nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/biking.htm

Smoky Mountain Ziplines: 865-429-9004; smokymountainziplines.com

Donut Friar: 865-436-7306; www.facebook.com/TheDonutFriar