Smoky Mountain Solitude

Secluded Vacation Getaways in the Smokies

Avoiding the Smoky Mountain Crowds



Secluded Smoky Mountain Vacations

Getaway to the Smokies for a Relaxing Smoky Mountain Vacation

Of course we want you to come and have a relaxing vacation in the Smoky Mountains. So how can you avoid the crowds in the Smokies? With our help and a little bit of planning.
Here are a few timely tips ...

Come to the Smokies When School is in Session

If you can, come while the kids are still in school. The least crowded time is before June or after the last week in August.


Avoid the University of Tennessee Home Game Weekends

Fall is a beautiful time to come to the Smoky Mountains, but you should stay away on University of Tennessee home game weekends.

The university stadium holds 104,000 and we'll give you one guess where most fans go after the game.


On Crowded Weekends, Use the Park's Back Entrances

Want some great advice? Don't approach the national park by way of I-40, exit 407. This will put you smack - dab in the middle of the outlet shops and the Smoky Mountain traffic jams.

A better route is to continue on Highway I - 40 and take exit 443 -- then enter Gatlinburg and the park by taking highway 321.

Get Up Early and Head for the National Park

That's right. If you enter the park before 8:30 am and drive to your destination early,
  • you'll avoid the traffic jams,
  • there'll be plenty of parking and ...
  • you'll have the trails to yourself.

Stay in Gatlinburg

If you're staying in Tennessee, stay in Gatlinburg. Yes, it may be a bit pricey, but you're close to the national park and you can get back to your Smoky Mountain cabin in no time.


Use the Gatlinburg Bypass

If you're coming from Pigeon Forge and you're headed for the national park, take the bypass and drive around Gatlinburg -- not through it.


Plan Ahead and Bring Your Lunch

Don't you dare drive back into town to each lunch -- just bring it along and you'll avoid our Smoky Mountain traffic jams.

Also, if you're hiking in the late afternoon, have a picnic dinner waiting for you in the car. Then, after hiking, you can relax and enjoy a leisurely dinner until the traffic thins out.


See Cades Cove by Bike

If you're fit and up for a great adventure, bring or rent a bike for touring the Cades Cove. You'll enjoy passing the masses of slow moving cars.

Even better, on Saturdays and Wednesdays, from May to September, the road is open to bicycles and pedestrians only -- until 10:00 am.


Drive the Newfound Gap Road Early in the Day

This is a very popular drive and almost everyone makes the drive from Gatlinburg to Clingman's Dome. So, hit the road early, then take your hike.

And finally, for your convenience, here's a map of the Smoky Mountain region.

Smoky Mountain Solitude.com

Getaway to the Smokies for a Secluded Smoky Mountain Vacation