- Hike a new trail in the national park. We know, we know. You’ve been to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park before. In fact, you’ve been to the national park so many times you think you’ve seen it all: Charlies Bunion, the Alum Cave Bluffs, Andrews Bald, Rainbow Falls.
But guess what—this national park holds nearly 900 miles of hiking trails, so even if you’ve hiked a new trail every summer, you still haven’t seen everything these mountains have to offer!
We recommend checking out the GSMNP’s online bookstore, operated by their nonprofit partner, the Great Smoky Mountains Association. There, you can purchase inexpensive maps and hiking guides that will show you everything you’ve been missing. We think you’ll be surprised by all the waterfalls, historic sites, old-growth forests, and wildlife you have yet to explore!
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Take a guided tour of the Smokies. If checking out new trails in the park isn’t something you want to do on your own, try a guided hike with one of our Cabins For You partners, Smoky Mountains Guides! They know the ins and outs of hidden gems in the park and offer a variety of historical walks, wildflower hikes, and trips across the Appalachian Trail.
Even if you’ve hiked a trail before, you’ll get to see it in a brand new way with your Smoky Mountain guide, who can fill you in on the history of the hills as you soak in their beauty. Other adventures offered by Smoky Mountain Guides include backpacking trips and auto tours to Clingmans Dome. Be sure to ask our reservation specialists about discounts you’ll receive from Smoky Mountain Guides simply by staying at one of our Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge cabins!
- Try to Escape from one of the newest attractions in the Smokies. For a truly unique way to experience the Smokies, try one of the newest attractions at Pigeon Forge’s The Island known as The Escape Game. Basically, you and your team (6 to 8 people) will be locked in a room and given an hour to try to escape. You’ll look for clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes to try and find your way out.
You can attempt to break out of prison, prevent an art theft, go on the hunt for gold, or OTHER ESAPE GAME. It’s a great hands-on challenge for groups, and you’ll leave planning your next escape!
- Get a taste of one of the area’s newest restaurants. Another new attraction, which opened at The Island in Pigeon Forge just over a year ago, is Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen. If you want to “put some South in your mouth” while you’re in the Smokies, this is definitely the restaurant to try.
With Deen family recipes and family-style seating, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen is as homey as it is delicious! Another new place to try, this time in Gatlinburg, is Crockett’s Breakfast Camp. Although The Pancake Pantry and the Doughnut Friar will always be on our list of favorites, Crockett’s Breakfast Camp is holding its own with authentic Smoky Mountain cooking for breakfast and lunch. Enjoy mouthwatering recipes served in portions fit for Davy Crockett himself at this new joint!
- Treat yourself to something new. Especially if your return trip to the Smoky Mountains is in honor of a special occasion, it’s time to splurge a little and try something new! Did you know about our in-cabin massages, which can be booked as part of your Cabins For You experience in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge? What about our in-cabin chef? We also sell gift baskets especially made with your occasion in mind.
Having a girls’ trip? Try a Java Time basket. Celebrating an anniversary? Lavender Temptations and the Hearthside Basket are great choices. Keep things interesting in the Smokies this year by trying one of our special add-ons! For more information, ask our reservation specialists by calling 1-800-684-7865 or starting a chat online.
- Stay in a new cabin. At Cabins For You, we’re adding new cabins to our program nearly every week! With that kind of versatility, there’s simply no reason to stay in the same cabin year after year. Instead, look for a new cabin with an amenity you’ve never tried—maybe this is the year to book a cabin with its own pool! Or choose a cabin in a different location.
If you always stay in Pigeon Forge, try Gatlinburg instead or book a cabin on the water or choose one with impressive mountain views. Perhaps mixing it up is as simple as choosing one of our pet-friendly cabins and bringing along the family dog. The great news is, no matter what new cabin you choose, you’ll have another amazing vacation in the Smoky Mountains to look forward to this year!