How to Enjoy the Smoky Mountains When It’s Crowded

Living so close to the Smoky Mountains, I understand what the late John Muir meant when he wrote, “The mountains are calling, and I must go.” There is something about the mountains that draws me there and provides solace for my soul. Unfortunately, over 12 million other people feel the same way which can make a trip to the Smoky Mountains a logistical nightmare. But don’t despair. Here’s how to enjoy the Smoky Mountains when it’s crowded.

For years, hubby and I have gone to the Smoky Mountains in February. The weather is so uncertain (think snow one year and temps in the 70’s another) that many people avoid traveling at that time of year. Up until recently, Gatlinburg, where we stayed, was basically a ghost town after the weekend. While the tourist traffic has increased over the past few years, February is still a great time to go to the Smoky Mountains and avoid the hordes.

But who wants to only go to the Smoky Mountains once a year especially since we live so close to them. For years, I’ve avoided the Smokies during the summer because I just don’t want to deal with the crowds. Who wants to spend two and a half hours in traffic just to try to get to the mountains to relax? And everybody knows most tourists can’t drive the mountain roads, and many of them use very interesting hand gestures. All of which makes me want to avoid the mountains I love during the summer.

But we had some points we were going to lose (yes, we purchased a time share years ago…don’t get me started), and I decided the time had come to venture to the Smoky Mountains in the summer.

When I found out the temps were going to be in the 90’s during my brief stay, I wanted to cancel. But I also just recently purchased a mirrorless camera, and I wanted to try it out in the mountains, so I decided to go for it. What I didn’t realize was that those high temps were the best thing that could have happened.

The crowds were so much lighter during the time we were there because it was so hot and muggy.

A perfect example of this is Cade’s Cove, one of the most popular places to visit in the Smoky Mountains. During the summer, Cade’s Cove resembles a parking lot with cars inching forward only to stop when any sign of wildlife is spotted. Tourists and locals alike ignore the signs imploring them to only park in the pullouts as they slam on the brakes and crane their necks for a glimpse of a bear in a tree, or a deer munching grass by the side of the road.

But in the early morning moments after dawn, Cade’s Cove can be different. Time seems to slow down. Most tourists are still snuggled in their beds, or only just beginning to stir after late-night activities. Many will only head this way after their appetites are satiated by stacks of fluffy pancakes drizzled with syrup, flaky biscuits smothered in gravy, and strips of bacon sizzling on their overflowing plates. And who would blame them? Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are home to some of the best breakfast restaurants in the state.

Arriving at the Cove when it first opens provides a few moments of serenity, as you watch deer grazing on the verdant pastures unbothered by their human audience. You can listen to the soothing sound of birds chirping out an early morning call as shafts of morning light pierce through the ethereal, low-lying fog.

People here this early are generally photographers searching for that elusive “perfect” shot. At this hour, no one is in a hurry unless it is to get to that coveted space before they “lose the light”.

And “the light” is why people descend on Cade’s Cove early in the morning. They’re here to capture that moment when the sun wraps the Cove in golden hues and caresses the surrounding mountains.

Even if you aren’t a photographer, you’ll find the Cove is at its most beautiful in the early morning hours and the hours right before sunset. The morning hours simply provide you with a more serene setting, with less traffic.

If families are planning a long weekend in the mountains, they’ll usually arrive on Friday and leave late Sunday afternoon. That means the crowds will die down a little during the week.

In February, hubby and I go to the Smoky Mountains during the week of President’s Day, so we avoid Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge on Sunday and Monday morning. This is our time just to rest and relax. Once everyone leaves on Monday afternoon, we hike our favorite trails, and we head out to our favorite restaurants without having to wait for hours.

Of course, during the summer months that doesn’t help as much, but I’ll take what I can get.

Everyone wants to go to the Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge. After all, what’s not to love about a restaurant with great food that overlooks the Little Pigeon River and features a water wheel and a 200-year-old mill. Of course you want to eat there. But remember, everybody and their brother is headed for that same restaurant.

This summer while wandering around the Old Mill area taking pictures, I came upon a restaurant that didn’t seem as popular. So, I utilized tip number two above, choosing a time during the day that most people wouldn’t be eating, and staked out a table on the patio of the Pottery House Café.

If you haven’t been here, you have got to give it a try. Count yourself lucky if you score a table on the secluded patio where a tiny waterfall cascades into a tranquil pond surrounded by lush greenery and stocked with brilliantly colored koi.  

At one point I was the only person on the patio. Not only did I receive stellar service, but I didn’t want to leave this peaceful oasis. In addition, my strawberry spinach salad and chicken almond quiche were amazing.

While Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have an abundance of dining establishments and activities, they also have an over abundance of tourists. That’s why I usually make my way to the Smoky Mountains through Townsend, what’s called the peaceful side.

From there, it’s easy to access Cade’s Cove without fighting the traffic in Gatlinburg. In addition, if you’re really wanting some peace and quiet, take a left turn about three miles from the entrance to the Smoky Mountains in Townsend and drive along the Tremont trail. Originally a logging settlement before becoming part of the Smoky Mountains National Park, Tremont offers areas to fish, hike, and just relax. (If fishing, make sure you have a valid fishing license).

Somehow this tranquil, yet picturesque, drive along the Middle Prong Little River gets ignored by the majority of visitors to the Smoky Mountains. Although the visitors to this area seem to have increased over the past few years, it is still a relatively unvisited portion of the park.

Along this road, there are numerous pull-offs where you can park and watch the shimmering water tumble over polished rocks and boulders. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can hike to Spruce Flat Falls. Click here for directions. It’s been years since I hiked this trail, but I’m planning on returning with hubby later this year, probably in the fall.

If you’re not up for hiking, Foothills Parkway is easily accessible from the peaceful side of the Smokies and has great views for sunrises and sunsets. You can read more about that in a previous post about the Foothills Parkway.

After a relaxing afternoon at Tremont a few weeks ago, I had no desire to battle the traffic in Gatlinburg, so I headed back to the peaceful side of the Smokies and enjoyed lunch at The Abbey.  Winner of the Trip Advisor’s Top Ten Percent of Restaurants in the World, The Abbey offers great food in an idyllic setting and welcoming atmosphere.

Formerly a wedding chapel, The Abbey is one of the most interesting restaurants I’ve eaten at lately. When you first arrive, you place your order at the counter and then choose your seat. You can sit inside or out.

As I’ve said before, I love a good outdoor dining area, and The Abbey excels at this partly because it is located on the river. While there is patio with a number of tables, The Abbey also offers a few more secluded tables.

I chose one of these and enjoyed watching as bright yellow inner tubes floated down the river. As I waited for my meal, I watched several groups formed bands of inner tubes clustered together like a chain of golden marigolds sailing down the river. This peaceful setting made me long for more time to enjoy my final moments away from the hustle and bustle of Knoxville.

Dining on my award-winning brisket sandwich and tater tots, I savored not only the meal but also the setting. I knew I would be returning here soon.

After spending a couple of days in the Smoky Mountains during the summer, I was determined I would not allow the crowds to deter me any longer. I plan on spending much more time in the Smokies now that I’ve figured out how to enjoy the Smoky Mountains despite the crowds.

How about you? Do you enjoy visiting the Smoky Mountains, or do the crowds keep you away?