40 Best Stops Between Erie and Chattanooga (2024)

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Loved the mountains!!! If you have time wished I did would loved to explore the surrounding trails. Very beautiful place. Peaceful and relaxing. We came through on a week day so traffic was good. If you see people with cameras and huddled you may be in for Elk seeing!!!

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park provided my family and me with an unforgettable experience of natural beauty and tranquility. As we entered the park, we were immediately captivated by the breathtaking vistas of rolling mountains, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. The park's serene atmosphere created the perfect setting for us to bond and reconnect with nature.Exploring the park's numerous hiking trails allowed us to immerse ourselves in the peaceful surroundings. Each step we took revealed a new wonder, whether it was a hidden stream, a vibrant wildflower, or a majestic wildlife sighting. The diversity of the park's ecosystem was awe-inspiring, and we were constantly amazed by the wonders that unfolded before our eyes.One of the highlights of our visit was witnessing the sunrise from Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park. Standing atop the observation tower, we were treated to a panoramic view of the mountains as they were bathed in golden hues by the first light of day. It was a moment of pure serenity and a memory that will forever be etched in our hearts.Overall, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park provided us with a remarkable and memorable experience. Its beauty and tranquility rejuvenated our spirits and allowed us to forge lasting memories. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or quality time with loved ones, I highly recommend visiting this extraordinary park.

Been through here many times. We rode one of our motorcycles from Pigeon Forge TN to Cherokee NC yesterday. Always a beautiful drive. We saw 3 different Elk on our ride. To all of the people complaining about the traffic, don't come here, you will be one less addition to the problem. Only thing I can say is Cherokee NC needs to install some portable toilets cause none of their businesses have public restrooms.

It was so spectacularly beautiful! Cade's Cove was awesome! We saw a couple of bears, deer, and other small critters. Loved the stops at the churches, cemeteries, and home/farm remnants from the 1800s settlement. My old phone doesn't do it justice. Can't wait to return to this part of Tennessee!

Absolutely breathtaking views. This totally made our vacation special seeing the Great Smokey Mountains. The bears were amazing and soooo CUTE. I love this place and YOU will too. GOD BLESS THE USA we sure are blessed to live in this country ❤️🤍💙.

Due to its size, this national park offers so much to do and explore. From quick hikes and glamping for weekend warriors to more rugged outdoor activities for more experienced people. There is really something for everyone, provided you are even remotely interested in the outdoors.Please click the Like button if you found this review helpful.

I didn't want to leave. It has to be one of the most beautiful, peaceful places I've ever been. I cannot say enough about the place. The only wildlife that we saw were a few turkeys and geese but it was still a beautiful place and experience. If you haven't been, you should plan to go. ❤️❤️

Awesome place. It was bit crowded but the we were on the perfect time. It got all colors and awesome views and weather. Was able to see bears live. Enjoyed a lot with family

Popping fall colors! Spent Halloween at a cabin, tucked away in the Smoky Mountains. Beautiful scenery!Def recommend the hiking trail to Laurel Falls, easy for beginners and families. So happy we saw Mama bear & 3 cute cubs close to our cabin!

Besides the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, we encountered a herd of 23 female Elk who just crossed a nearby stream to graze in the nearby freshly growing grass. My Grandson, wife, and 2 young children stood behind that old rugged fence watching quietly and in awe of these beautiful animals. At one startlingly moment, I turned around, and not 6ft. from in back of us, stood this gigantic male bull staring at us. We all froze hanging onto the fence, and prayed, as the3 and 5 yr old sat on their parents shoulders. I had on a bright green jacket and could feel and hear him breathing on it. Thank God, the kids were warned in time to be extremely quiet. 🙏🏼 Thankfully, the big guy left as quietly as he came. My Grandson was in tears as he explained that through the corner of his eye he could see the big Elk back up behind me and put his head, huge antlers down in an attack mode. THANK GOD, I guess he realized we weren't a threat to his Harem of some pregnant females,and slowly walked away. I asked my Grandson if he was able to get a picture of him. He said, Gram, I didn't dare move an inch. I thought we were going to have to take you to the hospital, or worse!!!!! SMART THINKING 🤔 👍 SO, as you enjoy the beauty of the land, also be aware of the dangers that could creep up on you!!!!! God Bless!!!!!

The views were good but when we reached there the peak was over. So I could not see the best of fall colors. We did not go to top of mountain we covered half way. In some places there is elevation.There are small walkway bridges which are very good and best for taking our pictures.

Very crowded on the weekend and crawled through the loop as many people stopped their vehicles in the road when a bear was spotted. I recommend coming on a week day because it was awesome. The store had really great merchandise and great bargains like $5 off just walking in the door and some with added 20% off the price. Great little store.

Ramsey Cascade is a beautiful waterfall even when there's not a lot of water. It's an 8 mile roundtrip, strenuous hike with quite a few stairs. I think the last 1/2 mile is the toughest. Also, they've been working on the trail, so check for closures before you go.

The Smoky Mountains are truly one of the most amazing places I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. The stunning views alone are worth the trip—every turn of the trail offers a new panorama that leaves you in awe. The park’s long trails meander through some of the most beautiful nature you can imagine, with lush forests, vibrant wildflowers, and pristine streams.

Somewhat crowded, but still plenty of places to pull over and have some family time in the woods and creek. Most pull overs are not huge but there are a LOT of them. I found plenty with no one there. So, if you are driving through and see a pull over that's crowded, just keep driving, there are plenty of them, eventually you will find one that's not crowded at all.

This is one of my favorite national parks to visit. It has many hiking trails with beautiful views. The drive through the mountains alone is amazing and relaxing. It has some nice swimming spots for you and old. It also has camping, and stables for horseback riding. Stop by the Sugarland visitors center for information and a nice walk

I was passing through on the scenic route but what a beautiful place ! The scenic overlooks were mind blowing. This will definitely be on my list for places to check out in the future. Here’s some photos for people who haven’t been here.

Such amazing views- worth all the hassle, the hike, the drive- all of it was worth it. It feels like you are driving and walking in the mountains. The drive is a bit rocky so drive carefully. Overall, highly recommended. Mesmerizing views and lots of memories made in the mountains. Now we know why it’s called “The smokies”!

Beautiful sights everywhere. Great trails from easy to hard. So much to see and do. Also Gatlinberg city is a great place to spend a day.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a stunning and expansive national park straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. Known for its misty, rolling mountains, it offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the eastern United States. Whether you’re into hiking, wildlife watching, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, this park has it all.Driving along scenic routes like the Newfound Gap Road is another great way to experience the park’s beauty, with plenty of pull-offs for taking in the vistas or capturing that perfect photo. Cades Cove is another must-see, offering a glimpse into the area’s history with preserved cabins and churches, alongside opportunities to spot wildlife.One downside is that the park can get very crowded, especially in peak seasons like fall when the foliage is at its most vibrant. Early morning or late afternoon visits help avoid the crowds. Weather can also be unpredictable, so it’s wise to pack layers and be prepared for changes.Overall, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers. Its beauty, diversity of experiences, and accessibility make it a top destination for both casual visitors and serious outdoor enthusiasts. Just be sure to plan ahead, as the park’s popularity means it can get busy, but the stunning views and peaceful moments are well worth it.

During our recent stop in Pigeon Forge as we full time RV travel around the country, my husband and I paid a couple visits to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With over 520,000 acres, time feels inadequate to explore everything the park has to offer. Multiple visits would be necessary to take in all of its expanse tranquility and beauty. But we have only so much time and we are pleased with what we were able to see. We drove to Sugarlands Visitor Center, Cataract Falls, and Cades Cove, with multiple stops to a from each of these destinations. We thoroughly enjoyed what little we experienced and we hope to put the Great Smoky Mountains on our list of future travels.

The national park has a variety of trails, hiking trails, attractions, and beautiful scenery. You can stop the car and take pictures of wonderful memories.

GSM is an absolutely beautiful preservation of the mountains. The trails, picnic videos and ranger stations we visited were all maintained, clearly marked, accessible and fun to visit. Trails along the creeks were especially beautiful. Driving, walking or hiking are all great ways to experience the views. Most trails and wildlife areas in the region are park of the park, so buying a parking or visiting pass is a good idea. They are mostly reasonable at around $5.

I went to the visitor center with the kids, and it was awesome. Staff is super friendly, small museum with wildlife of the smokies taxidermied and set up in realistic scenarios. Nice little walk around and learning bits for us adults and for the kids. Greatly enjoyed, nice walking paths all around. Kids took their shoes off and walked in the creek. Also saw some bears! Barely got this photo before the cubs dipped into the woods after mom.

Beautiful park. Easily one of the most crowded National Parks I've been too. Their parking lots/pulloffs are quite small compared to similarly popular National Parks out west. Some silly drivers too. But generally a beautiful park with plenty of opportunity to get away from the crowds.

Driving on a loop through the park came upon a family of bears, just like a human family kids of playing while adults watch on. Plenty of streams with clean clear water,did not have the time to make it io the falls. The falls give us an excuse to come back.

Beautiful national park and surprisingly not as crowded as I was expecting for the most visited national park in the country. Just get up early and you'll be fine. Entry system is strange but all other aspects are excellent

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