Planning your first Great Smoky Mountains vacation is an exciting time! There are endless possibilities when it comes to all the different things to do and see. If you’ve never visited before, you may have a bit of anxiety thinking you’re forgetting something or making the wrong choice. There are a handful of mishaps in the planning stage that can turn your dream escape into a stressful experience. That’s where we’re happy to lend a helping hand! Check out some mistakes to avoid when planning a Great Smoky Mountains vacation:
1. Underestimating Travel & Crowds
Keep in mind that Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited national park in the United States. Crowds both in the park and the surrounding area are often large, particularly during peak seasons. Don’t plan to simply “show up and figure it out.” Doing so can mean you’ll find yourself in traffic jams, struggling to find parking, and missing some of the most magical moments. Simply knowing that you may run into long lines and heavy crowds is half the battle in keeping a positive attitude.
2. Overlooking Accommodations & Location
Where you decide to stay in the area significantly impacts your overall experience during a Great Smoky Mountains vacation. Many visitors underestimate how important the location of your home away from home is. Staying along the Parkway is great for convenience but also means more crowds and noise as opposed to a secluded cabin. Pick a place to stay that provides the right balance of accessibility and atmosphere for your group.
3. Not Planning for Weather & Elevation Changes
Weather in the Smoky Mountains can shift on a dime. If you visit during the summer, don’t only pack t-shirts and shorts. Rain can strike or wind can emerge at any time so be sure to bring a jacket or rain gear. Keep in mind that elevation greatly influences temperatures. Higher elevations are usually more chilly than the city. Bring layers of clothing, rain protection, and keep up with Smoky Mountain weather on your trip.
4. Over-Scheduling
One of the most common mistakes people make when planning a Great Smoky Mountains vacation is jamming too much into the itinerary. It’s tempting to try to do and see everything, but it often causes unnecessary stress and fatigue. Many guests find some of their favorite memories from vacation come from downtime spent with loved ones or unexpected stops. Leave free time in your itinerary to make the most of your getaway.
5. Not Researching Enough
As a general rule of thumb, the more you research the Smoky Mountains, the better prepared you are to take them on. Not all hikes are created equal, not all restaurants offer the kind and quality of food you’re looking for, and not all attractions are worth the money. Our blog page has all sorts of information to help you plan an unforgettable Great Smoky Mountains vacation!
6. Only Visiting Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are the 2 towns that immediately come to mind when you think of the Smoky Mountains. Yet, the region offers all sorts of unforgettable adventures in other, lesser-known areas. Sevierville is a great place to visit if you’re looking for more fun with fewer crowds. Don’t be afraid to get out and explore what the area has to offer outside of the city limits. You never know what you might come across!
Avoiding these common mistakes when planning a Great Smoky Mountains vacation can help you have an unforgettable experience. As you put together your plans, make sure to check out all the different Smoky Mountain attractions you can choose to add to your itinerary!
