Hidden Pines Guide to the Quiet Side of the Smokies
Scenic Drive and Picnic Spot
Cades Cove is a popular 11 mile driving or biking loop that offers visitors the opportunity to see the beauty of the mountains as well as various kinds of wildlife. If exploring on foot is not for you, this is a great alternative. Consider stopping at the historic cabins and churches along the scenic drive to learn about the history of East Tennessee.
There is a lovely hike off of the loop called Abram's Falls. Take a picnic or plan to swim in the pool at the base of the falls.
Before entering the loop, plan to eat lunch at the picnic tables nestled in the tress. Several tables sit next to the bubbling river. Great for kids or for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.
During weekends and the busy vacation season, plan 2 to 3 hours for the loop. There are some short cuts if you want to cut down on the drive time. Look for the signs.
761 paikallista suosittelee
Cades Cove
Cades Cove is a popular 11 mile driving or biking loop that offers visitors the opportunity to see the beauty of the mountains as well as various kinds of wildlife. If exploring on foot is not for you, this is a great alternative. Consider stopping at the historic cabins and churches along the scenic drive to learn about the history of East Tennessee.
There is a lovely hike off of the loop called Abram's Falls. Take a picnic or plan to swim in the pool at the base of the falls.
Before entering the loop, plan to eat lunch at the picnic tables nestled in the tress. Several tables sit next to the bubbling river. Great for kids or for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.
During weekends and the busy vacation season, plan 2 to 3 hours for the loop. There are some short cuts if you want to cut down on the drive time. Look for the signs.
The entrance to Foothills Parkway is only 15 minutes from the cottage and offers beautiful views of the mountains. The lovely scenic drive provides places to park for pictures or even a picnic. (Be sure to take some chairs or a blanket.) If you are traveling in the fall, be sure to schedule this into your trip. The autumn colors are amazing!
64 paikallista suosittelee
Foothills Parkway
Foothills ParkwayThe entrance to Foothills Parkway is only 15 minutes from the cottage and offers beautiful views of the mountains. The lovely scenic drive provides places to park for pictures or even a picnic. (Be sure to take some chairs or a blanket.) If you are traveling in the fall, be sure to schedule this into your trip. The autumn colors are amazing!
The Metcalf Bottoms picnic area is located on the scenic Little River Gorge Road about 20 minutes from Townsend (40 minutes from the cottage) on the way to Gatlinburg. Enjoy a beautiful scenic drive and stop for lunch and spend some time relaxing by the river.
54 paikallista suosittelee
Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion
Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area Road NorthThe Metcalf Bottoms picnic area is located on the scenic Little River Gorge Road about 20 minutes from Townsend (40 minutes from the cottage) on the way to Gatlinburg. Enjoy a beautiful scenic drive and stop for lunch and spend some time relaxing by the river.
Food scene
We started visiting Burger Master over 10 years ago just to get their ice cream cones! When our kids were little, we often stopped here on our way home from a day in the mountains since it is only 20 minutes from us! Get lunch or just ice cream! Either way, it's a fun stop. All the seating is outdoors so it's great for social distancing, too!
29 paikallista suosittelee
Burger Master Drive In
8439 TN-73We started visiting Burger Master over 10 years ago just to get their ice cream cones! When our kids were little, we often stopped here on our way home from a day in the mountains since it is only 20 minutes from us! Get lunch or just ice cream! Either way, it's a fun stop. All the seating is outdoors so it's great for social distancing, too!
If you're looking for a quick bite to eat, Apple Valley Cafe is cute and quaint. Their fried apple pies are great or get a burger or sandwich. They also offer gluten free items.
Right next store is a wonderful gift shop with a great selection of various souvenirs. I have gone there on several occasions looking for gifts for friends and family that live out of the area.
42 paikallista suosittelee
Apple Valley Mountain Village & Cafe
7138 E Lamar Alexander PkwyIf you're looking for a quick bite to eat, Apple Valley Cafe is cute and quaint. Their fried apple pies are great or get a burger or sandwich. They also offer gluten free items.
Right next store is a wonderful gift shop with a great selection of various souvenirs. I have gone there on several occasions looking for gifts for friends and family that live out of the area.
Crockett's offers a unique dining experience with a rustic pioneer theme. You better come prepared to eat because they serve huge portions and it's all delicious! Parking is limited so we usually make an experience of the event. We park at the Sugarlands Nature Center and take the 2 mile Gatlinburg trail, walking to the restaurant. It helps to work up and appetite and burn the calories. :) Crockett's is popular so be prepared to wait; however, the wait is worth it!
It will take you an hour driving through the mountains to get to Sugarlands and only a couple minutes longer if you plan to drive straight to the restaurant. The scenic mountain drive is beautiful so it only adds to the enjoyment of the excursion.
153 paikallista suosittelee
Crockett's Breakfast Camp
1103 ParkwayCrockett's offers a unique dining experience with a rustic pioneer theme. You better come prepared to eat because they serve huge portions and it's all delicious! Parking is limited so we usually make an experience of the event. We park at the Sugarlands Nature Center and take the 2 mile Gatlinburg trail, walking to the restaurant. It helps to work up and appetite and burn the calories. :) Crockett's is popular so be prepared to wait; however, the wait is worth it!
It will take you an hour driving through the mountains to get to Sugarlands and only a couple minutes longer if you plan to drive straight to the restaurant. The scenic mountain drive is beautiful so it only adds to the enjoyment of the excursion.
Hot Rods is a unique little diner next to the library and across the river from down town Maryville. The burgers are really yummy, and I personally love the fries. It's not very big, but the atmosphere is fun, the servers are friendly and the food is great. Definitely a fun place to eat if you are looking for something a little less ordinary.
17 paikallista suosittelee
Hot Rods 50's Diner
373 Hannum StHot Rods is a unique little diner next to the library and across the river from down town Maryville. The burgers are really yummy, and I personally love the fries. It's not very big, but the atmosphere is fun, the servers are friendly and the food is great. Definitely a fun place to eat if you are looking for something a little less ordinary.
Fun Activities
Spend a lazy day tubing down the river in Townsend, only 20 minutes from the cottage. The River Rat has it down to a science, from dropping you off up river to helping you out when your done. It's great for families or large groups. Check out their website for more information!
27 paikallista suosittelee
Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing Outpost B
8435 TN-73Spend a lazy day tubing down the river in Townsend, only 20 minutes from the cottage. The River Rat has it down to a science, from dropping you off up river to helping you out when your done. It's great for families or large groups. Check out their website for more information!
Walking/Biking Trails
The Maryville Greenway is a 9 mile paved trail for walking, jogging, or bike riding. It winds through downtown Maryville, and much of the trail follows the lively Little River. Bring a picnic, feed the ducks, take a leisurely walk, or enjoy a bike ride with the whole family. It is peaceful and beautiful and only 10 minutes from the cottage.
7 paikallista suosittelee
Maryville Greenway
122 McCammon AveThe Maryville Greenway is a 9 mile paved trail for walking, jogging, or bike riding. It winds through downtown Maryville, and much of the trail follows the lively Little River. Bring a picnic, feed the ducks, take a leisurely walk, or enjoy a bike ride with the whole family. It is peaceful and beautiful and only 10 minutes from the cottage.
The Gatlinburg Trail is a fairly level walking/biking path that is approximately 2 miles one way. It lies between the Sugarlands Visitor Center and the entrance to Gatlinburg, about an hour from the cottage.
If we are in the mood to get outside but don't want to hike, we enjoy parking in the Sugarlands parking lot and walking into Galinburg. It is a lovely shaded trail that follows a beautiful little stream. Sometimes we make a morning or afternoon of it by taking the trail into Galinburg and eating at one of the restaurants just past the end of the trail. For breakfast we head to Crockett's and for lunch/dinner we'll choose The Park Grill. (Check the restaurants out at the "Food Scene."
19 paikallista suosittelee
Gatlinburg Trail
Gatlinburg TrailThe Gatlinburg Trail is a fairly level walking/biking path that is approximately 2 miles one way. It lies between the Sugarlands Visitor Center and the entrance to Gatlinburg, about an hour from the cottage.
If we are in the mood to get outside but don't want to hike, we enjoy parking in the Sugarlands parking lot and walking into Galinburg. It is a lovely shaded trail that follows a beautiful little stream. Sometimes we make a morning or afternoon of it by taking the trail into Galinburg and eating at one of the restaurants just past the end of the trail. For breakfast we head to Crockett's and for lunch/dinner we'll choose The Park Grill. (Check the restaurants out at the "Food Scene."
The Townsend Bicycle Trail is a fairly level, paved, 4.5 mile trail that runs along both sides of highway 321 through the middle of Townsend. It passe in front of the Townsend Visitor Center as well as restaurants, shops, and motels. There is parking on both sides of the highway, one for the north path and one for the south.
On the south side the parking lot is opposite the camp ground and located just before you enter the Smoky Mountain National Park. Riding on this side of the highway places you a bit further from the road and offers a few twists and low hills. The North side begins at the cover bridge just as you enter Townsend with a small parking lot to the right of the bridge. The trail on this side runs alongside the Little River and keeps you closer to the road in a more direct, flat, straight ride.
Townsend Historical Trail
Townsend Historical TrailThe Townsend Bicycle Trail is a fairly level, paved, 4.5 mile trail that runs along both sides of highway 321 through the middle of Townsend. It passe in front of the Townsend Visitor Center as well as restaurants, shops, and motels. There is parking on both sides of the highway, one for the north path and one for the south.
On the south side the parking lot is opposite the camp ground and located just before you enter the Smoky Mountain National Park. Riding on this side of the highway places you a bit further from the road and offers a few twists and low hills. The North side begins at the cover bridge just as you enter Townsend with a small parking lot to the right of the bridge. The trail on this side runs alongside the Little River and keeps you closer to the road in a more direct, flat, straight ride.
Scenic Hikes
Look Rock Tower Trail is about 20 minutes from the cottage, and it is a quick and easy hike about 1/4 of a mile one way. The views are amazing! You can clearly see both the Smokey Mountain National Park as well as Maryville on the other side. It's a great picture spot and definitely worth the time, especially if you are already planning to drive Foothills Parkway.
Be sure to explore around the base of the tower as there are some giant rocks to climb. It's especially fun for older children.
9 paikallista suosittelee
Look Rock
Look Rock Tower Trail is about 20 minutes from the cottage, and it is a quick and easy hike about 1/4 of a mile one way. The views are amazing! You can clearly see both the Smokey Mountain National Park as well as Maryville on the other side. It's a great picture spot and definitely worth the time, especially if you are already planning to drive Foothills Parkway.
Be sure to explore around the base of the tower as there are some giant rocks to climb. It's especially fun for older children.
The Alum Cave Trail offers a lovely scenic view at the top and also at points on the way up. It is a bit more difficult than Abram's Falls because you are climbing almost the entire way. The hike is about 4.5 miles round trip and shares the trail with the Mount Le Conte trail, which is another 2.5 miles further.
It is located about an 1 hour and 10 minutes from the cottage, but it is worth making the trip. On your way to the trailhead you will pass the Sugarland Visitor Center, so plan to stop in and check out the gift shop and small museum. The hike is only about 10 minutes from Gatlinburg, so you could always head there for a quick bite to eat and to check out the city.
56 paikallista suosittelee
Alum Cave Trail
Alum Cave TrailThe Alum Cave Trail offers a lovely scenic view at the top and also at points on the way up. It is a bit more difficult than Abram's Falls because you are climbing almost the entire way. The hike is about 4.5 miles round trip and shares the trail with the Mount Le Conte trail, which is another 2.5 miles further.
It is located about an 1 hour and 10 minutes from the cottage, but it is worth making the trip. On your way to the trailhead you will pass the Sugarland Visitor Center, so plan to stop in and check out the gift shop and small museum. The hike is only about 10 minutes from Gatlinburg, so you could always head there for a quick bite to eat and to check out the city.
Waterfall Hikes
The Abrams Falls trail-head is located off of the Cades Cove scenic drive loop. We have hiked this trail multiple times since living in East Tennessee. It is a moderate, 5 mile round trip hike with a lovely waterfall and swimming hole at the end. Much of the path parallels the river, so it offers a peaceful and serene setting. It's a busy hike, so you may want to get started early to beat the crowds an the heat.
39 paikallista suosittelee
Abrams Falls Trailhead
Abrams Falls TrailThe Abrams Falls trail-head is located off of the Cades Cove scenic drive loop. We have hiked this trail multiple times since living in East Tennessee. It is a moderate, 5 mile round trip hike with a lovely waterfall and swimming hole at the end. Much of the path parallels the river, so it offers a peaceful and serene setting. It's a busy hike, so you may want to get started early to beat the crowds an the heat.
We love this hike because it is a less advertised, shorter, fairly easy hike, close to the cottage (only 30 minutes away), and yet still an "authentic" hike, meaning that you are still hiking up a narrow mountain trail. The falls at the end are lovely, and we have often packed our lunch to eat when we arrive at the falls.
Note: The trailhead is not always well marked. Currently, the Treemont Institute where the hike begins is closed, so there are signs for the hike posted on orange cones, which are easy to follow. When the institute opens again, they may remove the temporary signs, so just ask for directions at the office. Also, since the institute is closed, the restrooms are closed.
21 paikallista suosittelee
Spruce Flats Falls
We love this hike because it is a less advertised, shorter, fairly easy hike, close to the cottage (only 30 minutes away), and yet still an "authentic" hike, meaning that you are still hiking up a narrow mountain trail. The falls at the end are lovely, and we have often packed our lunch to eat when we arrive at the falls.
Note: The trailhead is not always well marked. Currently, the Treemont Institute where the hike begins is closed, so there are signs for the hike posted on orange cones, which are easy to follow. When the institute opens again, they may remove the temporary signs, so just ask for directions at the office. Also, since the institute is closed, the restrooms are closed.
Kaupunkia koskevat ohjeet
Mitä kannattaa pakata mukaan
Extra shoes if you plan to be outdoors.
If you get caught in the rain while you are hiking, there is a good chance your shoes will get soaked. It's always a good idea to have a backup pair.
Mitä kannattaa pakata mukaan
Bring a rain jacket if you plan to be outdoors.
The weather here can be unpredictable, particularly in the summer. Thunderstorms can spring up out of nowhere and take you by surprise. Always carry something to keep your phone dry, even just a Ziploc baggie. Also, you may want to grab a plastic poncho for a dollar at Walmart. Better to be safe than sorry. :)