4 Fun Day Trips to Make While Staying at our Hotel in Pigeon Forge TN

Cades Cove, Pigeon Forge, Vacation in Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge has no shortage of fun things to do throughout the day. But sometimes you may want to spend the day away from those loud, wild attractions. Our hotel in Pigeon Forge TN knows some great day trip destinations for you to make when you’re ready for a change up in your vacation routine.

1. Cades Cove

Cades Cove is a the most visited place in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The “cove” is a naturally formed limestone valley that offers beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains around it. Cades Cove has an 11 mile nature-filled loop that can be navigated by car, bicycle, or even horseback! Along the loop you will come across rustic cabins, primitive churches, and other historical Appalachian structures. The Cove is typically a great place to see native wildlife as well. It’s possible to spot deer, turkeys, chipmunks, and even bears! This is great place to spend the day exploring our national park!

2. Max Patchon top of max patch with AT trail marker

Max patch is a “bald” on top of a mountain that has the Appalachian Trail running through it. You must drive to reach the base of Max Patch, and then it’s a short walk uphill to the mountain bald. Max Patch sits just across the North Carolina border. However, from the top of the bald you will be treated to wonderful views of the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee in the distance. This is a great place to have a picnic, play frisbee, fly a kite, or even do yoga! This a fantastic day trip when staying at our hotel in Pigeon Forge TN.

3. Townsend

Townsend is a small town not far from Pigeon Forge. Here you can find several rafting companies, which are great summer activities! You can find a couple of wineries and distilleries, and small, local restaurants with great home cooked food. This is a great place to go find a perfect, shady spot to have a family picnic without much traffic around. You could easily map a entire day’s worth of fun when you explore Townsend.

Mt. Leconte Lodge4. Mt. Leconte

Mt. Leconte is the third highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s elevation is 6,593ft! This is a unique destination because it is a hiking trail. It cannot be navigated by car. There are several trails that lead to the top of Mt. Leconte each vary in length and difficulty. This is a hike that could take you all day to go up and come back down. However, this is one of the prettiest and most rewarding destinations inside the national park. Before you reach the rocky bluff of the top of the mountain you will come across the Mt. Leconte Lodge. You are welcome to explore this area, use the bathroom, and take a picture with the elevation sign!

Tip: Pack a jacket, bring plenty of water, and bring snacks.

 

Spend your day having fun at one of the day trip destinations, you won’t regret it. And when you finally need a place to rest your head and feet, check out the rooms at Willow Brook Lodge, a hotel in Pigeon Forge TN.