Five Days in the Great Smoky Mountains
Updated: 3 days ago
"You are not IN the mountains. The mountains are in YOU." - John Muir
Family adventures, riverside camping, and memorable hikes in Tennessee
We returned to one of our favorite campgrounds near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, for five wonderful days of hiking, sightseeing, and family adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains. With the grandkids along, there was plenty of activity, a little adventure, and just enough relaxation to remind us why we love returning to the Smokies.
Greenbrier Campground
Greenbrier Campground makes the most of its beautiful natural setting, offering a camping experience that's hard to beat. The river winding through the campground creates some wonderful campsites, complete with nature's own entertainment. The gentle current and inviting swimming holes keep the kids busy while the adults relax nearby, enjoying the sights and soothing sounds of flowing water.
Securing our favorite campsite took some planning and persistence. Our daughter carefully studied the reservation guidelines and was on the phone the minute the booking window opened. Her diligence paid off, and we were fortunate to land two side-by-side sites right on the river.
The grandkids wasted no time getting reacquainted with their favorite spot. Almost as soon as they arrived, they made a beeline for the water and were soon wading, splashing, and exploring the cool, gentle flow of the Pigeon River. It was exactly the kind of scene we'd hoped for.
Greenbrier is just a few miles from Gatlinburg, making it convenient for dining, amusements, and exploring the national park. Getting there, however, deserves a word of caution, particularly if you're arriving from the north in a larger RV.
One option is to travel through Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg before continuing east on Highway 321 to the campground. Unfortunately, that route can involve plenty of time sitting in traffic. There's also the added danger of having shoppers aboard who may be tempted by the seemingly endless retail establishments and factory outlets. I speak from experience, having fallen victim to a few of those temptations myself!
Your GPS may suggest bypassing much of that congestion by heading east of Sevierville and taking Highway 416 south to Highway 321. We've used this route on previous visits, and while it avoids the worst of the tourist traffic, it comes with its own challenges. The road is winding and hilly, requiring extra attention behind the wheel, especially in a larger motorhome. It may look like a shortcut on the map, but don't expect it to be a quick one.
A Campground Worth Returning To
Greenbrier's rates are a bit higher than those of some other campgrounds, but we think the added cost is justified. The restrooms and showers were exceptionally clean, and the laundry facilities were adequate to serve a busy campground.
We also noticed the attention given to maintaining the grounds. Staff members were regularly tending to the property, and landscaping improvements were underway during our stay. There had been noticeable upgrades since our previous visit, which is always encouraging to see.
Add in the beautiful riverfront sites, the convenient location, and the opportunity to enjoy a meal at nearby Hungry Bear BBQ, and it's easy to understand why Greenbrier remains one of our favorites.
We certainly look forward to returning.
Gatlinburg and Area Attractions
We come to the Smokies primarily for the hiking, but sometimes the weather has other plans. And occasionally, even the most enthusiastic hikers appreciate a change of pace—or perhaps a really good meal.
With rain in the forecast, we took advantage of some of the area's indoor attractions. Our adventures included an escape room, some high-wire climbing fun, and a visit to the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge. Each offered something different, and all proved enjoyable.
Of course, no visit to Gatlinburg would be complete without sampling some of the local restaurants.
Breakfast at Crockett's Breakfast Camp was a highlight. The portions were enormous, the food was excellent, and once we were seated, the service was surprisingly quick. A word of advice: arrive hungry! One of their giant cinnamon rolls could practically qualify as breakfast for the whole table.
We also tried The Local Goat in Pigeon Forge. The restaurant had strong reviews and a packed parking lot, both usually encouraging signs. The menu offered plenty of choices, but unfortunately, my selection missed the mark.
My son-in-law and I both ordered bleu cheese burgers. We practically needed a search party to locate the bleu cheese, and the burgers themselves were rather bland. Perhaps we simply made the wrong choice from an otherwise appealing menu.
Fortunately, the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area offers more dining options than anyone could sample in a single visit. You're bound to find something that suits your taste.
The Great Smoky Mountains
With the grandkids getting a little older, we decided this was the year to tackle a more challenging family hike.
Our destination was the formidable Alum Cave Trail, one of the most popular hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 2.3-mile climb to Alum Cave Bluffs offers a wonderful combination of mountain scenery, rushing streams, footbridges, and interesting rock formations.
The trail was both scenic and peaceful, although it certainly gave our legs a workout. Our six-year-old granddaughter kept right up with the group, while some of the adults were beginning to feel the effort by the time the impressive bluffs came into view.
We encountered plenty of other families and hiking groups with the same destination in mind. Fortunately, the length of the trail helped spread everyone out, so it rarely felt crowded.
Sue conducted an informal survey of fellow hikers along the way and discovered that the oldest person on the trail that morning was 78. That's encouraging news for those of us who hope to keep enjoying these mountain trails for many years to come!
After taking in the scenery at the bluffs, we turned around for the 2.3-mile return hike, making it a respectable 4.6-mile outing for the family.
For more ambitious hikers, the trail continues to the summit area of Mount LeConte. On previous visits, we've made that longer trek and enjoyed the rustic charm of LeConte Lodge, with its cluster of cabins and simple dining facilities tucked high in the mountains. It's a memorable destination, but definitely a more demanding day on the trail.
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One Advantage of a Smaller Motorhome
One of the features we appreciate about our Leisure Travel Vans Wonder RL is its compact size. At approximately 25 feet long, it can fit into places that would be off-limits to many larger RVs.
On this outing, we found a roadside parking spot that put us conveniently close to the trailhead. At another location, we were able to pull into a regular parking space with only a modest overhang.
It's one of those practical advantages that makes traveling in a smaller motorhome particularly enjoyable, especially when exploring national parks where parking can be at a premium.
A Gentler Hike and an Unexpected Visitor
On another day, we opted for a much easier hike just south of downtown Gatlinburg.
From the downtown Parkway, we followed Historic Nature Trail Road, turning uphill near The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar, across from Five Guys. The road eventually becomes Cherokee Orchard Road and winds gracefully up the mountainside toward the one-way loop.
Just before reaching the loop, there's a parking area for the historic Noah "Bud" Ogle Cabin.
The surrounding nature trail was a delightful change of pace from our Alum Cave adventure. Rock formations, small creeks, wooded paths, and historic structures offered plenty to explore without the strenuous climbing of our earlier hike.
It was just the right combination of history, nature, and gentle exercise to keep everyone in the family interested.
And as if the Smokies wanted to provide one final bit of entertainment, we spotted a black bear right alongside the road on our drive back down the mountain. That's the kind of unexpected encounter that makes a visit to this park especially memorable—best enjoyed from the safety of your vehicle, of course!
There's Always a Reason to Return
We never seem to tire of the Great Smoky Mountains. No matter how many times we visit, there's always another trail to explore, a new experience to enjoy, or a familiar place that calls us back.
Admittedly, the crowds in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge can test both your patience and your blood pressure. Navigating the traffic and the swarms of tourists is sometimes an adventure in itself.
But venture just a little beyond the retail frenzy, and you'll discover what makes this region so special: extraordinary natural beauty, invigorating trails, peaceful mountain streams, and fellow hikers who share an appreciation for the great outdoors.
For us, the best part is sharing those experiences with family and watching a new generation discover the joy of being outside.
We're already planning our return and perhaps we'll find you there . . . Along the Pooka Trail.
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