Misty peaks, roaring falls, and quiet ridge trails.
Misty peaks, roaring falls, and quiet ridge trails.
Black Mountain, NC 28711Dahlonega, GA 30533
Trip overview
Embark on an unhurried, 5-day mountain escape through the ancient Southern Appalachians, winding from North Carolina's High Country through the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains to Georgia's forested foothills. Journey along ridge-top parkways, hike to mossy cascades, and immerse yourself in misty valley vistas.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Black Mountain
Craggy Gardens Overlook
Perched along the Blue Ridge Parkway, this high-elevation overlook features sweeping 360-degree views of blanketed mountain ridges often swirling with early morning fog.
Blue Ridge Parkway MP 364.4, Black Mountain, NC 28711
Linville Falls Trailhead
A classic Appalachian hike leading through hemlock forests to spectacular gorge viewpoints of the multi-tiered Linville Falls.
Blue Ridge Parkway MP 316.4, Linville Falls, NC 28647
Grandfather Mountain Mile High Swinging Bridge
Cross America's highest suspension footbridge for breathtaking panoramic views of the rugged High Country landscape.
2050 Grandfather Mountain Heights, Linville, NC 28646
Julian Price Lake Campground
A tranquil lakeside campground tucked under a dense canopy of hardwoods and conifers along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
5572 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
Day 2 — Marion
Wiseman's View Overlook
Known as the Grand Canyon of the East, this dramatic cliffside vantage point peers directly into the deep, wild Linville Gorge Wilderness.
Wiseman's View Rd, Marion, NC 28752
Waterrock Knob Visitor Center
One of the highest elevations on the Parkway, offering striking sunrise and sunset vistas across layered mountain horizons.
Blue Ridge Parkway MP 451.2, Maggie Valley, NC 28751
Oconaluftee Visitor Center & Mountain Farm Museum
Explore an authentic collection of historic log structures alongside the Oconaluftee River, where wild elk frequently graze in the open meadows.
1194 Newfound Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719
Smokemont Campground
A lush, forested park campground bordering the pristine Bradley Fork stream within Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Smokemont Campground Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719
Day 3 — Cherokee
Clingmans Dome Observation Tower
Stand at the highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains to watch rolling blue ridges disappear into infinite layers of mist.
Clingmans Dome Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719
Alum Cave Trailhead
Hike through narrow rock portals and natural stone archways on one of the most iconic wilderness trails in the Smokies.
Newfound Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Cades Cove Loop Road
Drive an 11-mile scenic loop through a verdant valley ringed by mountains, renowned for black bear sightings, historic cabins, and early morning mist.
Cades Cove Loop Rd, Townsend, TN 37882
Day 4 — Townsend
Spruce Flat Falls Trailhead
Tucked away in the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, this hidden gem trail leads to a cascading 30-foot waterfall away from the crowds.
Tremont Rd, Townsend, TN 37882
Foothills Parkway Walland Overlook
Enjoy sweeping views of the northern Smoky Mountain crest from this newly completed, elevated section of scenic parkway.
Foothills Pkwy, Walland, TN 37886
Fontana Dam Visitor Center
Walk across the tallest dam in the Eastern United States, where the Appalachian Trail crosses over Lake Fontana's striking turquoise waters.
Fontana Dam, NC 28733
Toccoa Valley Campground
A cozy riverfront campground shaded by massive hardwoods along the banks of Georgia's scenic Toccoa River.
1148 Blue Ridge Dr, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
Day 5 — Cherry Log
Fall Branch Falls Trailhead
A short, pleasant hike through lush mountain laurel thickets leading to a series of mountain cascades in the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Stanley Creek Rd, Cherry Log, GA 30522
Amicalola Falls State Park
Marvel at the highest waterfall in Georgia, plunging 729 feet through a mountain forest with stairways and overlooks offering close-up views.
418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534
Historic Dahlonega Square
Wrap up your journey in Georgia's historic gold rush town, filled with charming local shops, artisan bakeries, and historic brick architecture.
1 Public Sq, Dahlonega, GA 30533
Experiences & guides
Bookable tours and stops worth a detour along this route.
Guide content may not reflect current conditions. Always verify information before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
The Smoky Mountains road trip covers about 541 mi and roughly 17h 16m of driving, comfortably spread across about 5 days.
This itinerary maps out 18 stops from Black Mountain, NC 28711 to Dahlonega, GA 30533. Highlights include Craggy Gardens Overlook, Clingmans Dome Observation Tower, and Cades Cove Loop Road.
It begins in Black Mountain, NC 28711 and ends in Dahlonega, GA 30533, following a mapped, road-following route the whole way.
The estimated cost is around $624, covering fuel, lodging, food, and activities. Your actual total varies with the season, your pace, and the choices you make along the way.
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