Going to the Smoky Mountains does not always have to be an expensive trip. Although a lot of the area attractions and museums can add up quick, there are many options that are budget friendly and sometimes even free. Going to Gatlinburg on a budget is our secret to traveling to the mountains multiple times a year. Here are my top 5 suggestions for a trip to the mountains that will not break the bank.
Lodging on a Budget
Picking your lodging or type of accommodation for your stay is the first component of planning your budget friendly trip. The range of hotels offered go from budget to luxury. Occasionally a splurge is nice, but usually going to Gatlinburg on a budget requires thought and planning. There are so many other factors that play into this decision depending on the season. For example, in the Summer time an outdoor pool is important when picking our hotel or campground. When traveling with kids, we know that we will spend hours at the pool. It is equally important that our accommodation have an indoor pool during the Winter months. Playgrounds, fire pits, or hotel-sponsored activities are other possibilities to consider.
Another reason that lodging is a huge factor when traveling on a budget is the cost of food. The price tag for eating out, for many, is the largest expense while traveling. Seriously, spending a minimum of $100 for lunch everyday adds up quick. That money could go to more adventures or be saved! Complementary breakfast is a deal breaker for some families, and usually a great, cost-effective way to start the day. Having the option to cook on a grill or kitchenette is a game changer, especially on a longer trip. Cooking in a dutch oven on an open campfire is a personal favorite.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The next significant cost saver is to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during your trip. There are so many different things to do within the park. Cades Cove and Clingmans Dome are our frequently visited spots. The Cades Cove area even has grills for public use. Remember, eating out less saves money. See my previous blog for more information on Cades Coves and Clingmans Dome: https://takemetothesmokymountains.com/5-best-activities-with-kids-when-visiting-the-smoky-mountains/. The parking tag fee is $5 a day, $15 weekly, or you can purchase an annual tag for $40.
The Roaring Fork Motor Trail is a 5.5 mile, one way loop off the Gatlinburg parkway. The Roaring Fork Motor Trail has popular trail heads, historic buildings, waterfalls, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Another family-favorite is creek swimming. Whether you choose the Townsend Wye or another swimming hole, no doubt this very low-cost activity (parking tag needed) will be a hit for the kids and adults too! What a great way to take in the mountain air and save some money.
Downtown Gatlinburg on a Budget
Spending the day on the Gatlinburg strip can get expensive quick, but it does not have to be! The sights and sounds of downtown Gatlinburg are classic. If you love people watching, this is your place. The kids will love the opportunity to cool down in the water fountain on the Gatlinburg parkway. We do a lot of window shopping and hit the photo opportunities. Wine, cider and moonshine tasting have become a popular tourist destination. Although not free, these are relatively inexpensive things to do in Gatlinburg. If you visit the Ole Smoky Distillery for moonshine, you likely will find some live music in the Ole Smoky Holler. The performers of the Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales group are also performing nightly through July 27 at different areas throughout Gatlinburg. If planned just right, Gatlinburg on a budget will be a great time!
Pigeon Forge
Just a short, scenic drive away from Gatlinburg is the Pigeon Forge area. Similar to Gatlinburg, it can be very easy to drop several hundred dollars in Pigeon Forge in a short amount of time. Again, it does not have to be like that. The Island is a great example. There are many shops and restaurants but also an amazing water fountain show that your family can enjoy while relaxing in the rocking chairs. Oh yea, more people watching and window shopping too. A new discovery my family made recently is the Pigeon Forge Riverwalk Trail. This is a walking trail which runs parallel to the Little Pigeon River. Here you can walk, run or bike the paved trail with the sounds of local go-cart tracks and the Pigeon Forge Parkway hustle and bustle, with the nice view of the flowing river and passing ducks. The walkway is lined with Christmas lights during the holiday season.
Cherokee, North Carolina
A day trip to Cherokee, North Carolina is a great low-cost option. From Gatlinburg, you will drive Newfound Gap Road as the gateway to Cherokee. A must-see stop on the way across the mountain is the Newfound Gap overlook. Here you can stand with one foot in the state of Tennessee, and the other in North Carolina. Perfect photo opportunities here for a beautiful mountain overlook, especially if you are there on a clear day. Don’t forget your picture with the signage there too! You will pass Clingmans Dome, which is the highest peak in the Smokies, not far past the Tennessee and North Carolina state line if you wish to add that to the itinerary. As you start to approach the Cherokee area, keep your eyes out for the elk tribe, especially near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Once you enter Cherokee, you will start seeing signs of Cherokee history, and shopping! Mingo Falls is beautiful waterfall located in Cherokee. The hike up to the beautiful waterfall only takes about 30-minutes round-trip, it consists of steep stairs.
Final Thoughts for your Smoky Mountain Vacation on a Budget
It is possible to go to Gatlinburg on a budget. I recommend that you do your homework ahead of time, especially if you have specific museums or must-do activities. Some attractions offer tickets at a discounted price if purchased ahead of time. The Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is actually running a great deal right now if you purchase tickets in a combo deal with the aquarium and 4 other affiliated attractions. Here is the link: https://www.ripleys.com/attractions/ripleys-aquarium-of-the-smokies. As always, week days are going to cost you less than weekends, in general, on your Smoky Mountain vacation. Planning ahead is key if that is an option, especially with dining arrangements and lodging! Happy planning!