3-Day Smoky Mountains itinerary

Have you ever thought of how it feels to wake up to bird songs and breathtaking views of mountains? Ever wished you had a day full of adventures waiting for you and your family? Well then, welcome to this 3-day Smoky Mountains itinerary for families! This can be your go-to guide to exploring the wondrous realm of the Great Smoky Mountains.

pick your ideal Smoky Mountain hotel

Pick Your Ideal Smoky Mountain Hotel

Choosing the perfect Smoky Mountain hotel sets the tone for your entire vacation. Here are three options that balance comfort, convenience, and captivating mountain charm.

Baymont Inn & Suites on the River

Baymont Inn & Suites on the River

Perched on the banks of Little Pigeon River, the Baymont Inn & Suites is your home away from home. Come for the panoramic river views, and stay for the cozy rooms and hearty complimentary breakfast. Kids can gravitate towards the outdoor pool, while parents appreciate the tranquil riverside seating. It’s the perfect base to kickstart your Smoky Mountains itinerary with genuine Southern hospitality.

Courtyard by Marriott, Pigeon Forge

Courtyard by Marriott – Pigeon Forge

Courtyard by Marriott in Pigeon Forge is your perfect haven, offering spacious rooms and indoor and outdoor pools with a lazy river! This Smoky Mountain hotel offers a resort-style experience. The nearby attractions make it a hit among children.

Econo Lodge

Econo Lodge

Budget-conscious travelers needn’t compromise comfort at Econo Lodge. With their affordable rates, you can still expect clean rooms, friendly service, and a complimentary continental breakfast. It is a centrally located hub that is ideal for your 3-day exploration.

Day 1 – Whitewater Rafting: A Day for the Outdoors

Day one of your Smoky Mountains itinerary is all about immersing yourself in nature. Awaken to the gentle rustle of the leaves and beauty of the Smoky Mountains. Embrace the exhilarating thrill of the outdoors and prepare to get your heart racing. Your spirits will soar as you set off for a day of adventure on the whitewater rapids of the Smokies. But first, fuel up with a hearty breakfast to energize yourself for the day ahead.

Reagan's House of Pancakes

Reagan’s House of Pancakes

Fuel up for your outdoor adventure at Reagan’s House of Pancakes! Indulge in their fluffy pancakes or try their wide variety of breakfast items. Pro tip: Try their cinnamon-spiced apple pancakes. It is a family favorite.

Smoky Mountain Outdoors

Smoky Mountain Outdoors

Buckle up for an exhilarating day of whitewater rafting at Smoky Mountain Outdoors. The excursion offers a memorable rafting experience for all ages. The adrenaline rush you get as you navigate the rapids is enough to have you riding on a cloud of pure excitement for the rest of the day. Children as young as three years old are welcome to enjoy the scenic river floats. However, kids need to be at least eight years old to participate in the whitewater trips. 

Wood Grill Buffet

Wood Grill Buffet

After a day of outdoor fun, head to Wood Grill Buffet for a hearty meal. This family-centered restaurant offers a diverse menu with a special kid’s section. Don’t miss their juicy rotisserie chicken and homemade mashed potatoes.

Day 2 – Rides & Games: A Day for the Kids

Welcome to the second day of your Smoky Mountains itinerary. This day is tailor-made for those young at heart. Today, we swap the adrenaline-fueled adventures for vibrant lights, catchy tunes, and playful energy. Day two offers the aroma of sweet treats and the sound of laughter echoing from fun. So, dive into a day designed to see those young faces light up joyfully.

Fannie Farkle's Food & Fun Parlor

Fannie Farkle’s Food & Fun Parlor

Fannie Farkle’s welcomes you to a fusion of fun and food in Gatlinburg. Step inside Fannie Farkle’s Food & Fun Parlor as the enticing aroma of their famous Ogle Dogs greets you. These aren’t your ordinary corn dogs. Using a secret recipe, each Ogle Dog comes dipped in homemade batter and fried to perfection. Served hot, these Ogle Dogs are quite a delight.

Fannie Farkle’s offers more than great food. It also features a fantastic arcade with a range of games, from classic skee ball to the latest arcade hits. This place is a kids’ paradise and an adults’ nostalgic retreat. Play games and win prizes. The prize counter overflows with everything from plush toys to electronics. It’s a treasure trove of souvenirs for your Smoky Mountain adventure.

Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud Show & Adventure Park

Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Show & Adventure Park

Next, visit Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Show & Adventure Park, where you’re guaranteed excitement! Lumberjacks compete during a theatrical show and display an entertaining array of skills. Kids have the option to play on the ropes course or play interactive games in the adjacent amusement park.

Mad Dog's Creamery

Mad Dog’s Creamery

End your day with a treat at Mad Dog’s Creamery. Enjoy their hand-dipped ice cream and freshly baked donuts for the perfect wind-down after an exciting day. Step inside as the scent of fresh waffle cones sets the mood. Mad Dog’s Creamery has 24 flavors of hand-dipped, homemade ice cream, sundaes, banana splits, and shakes. For soft serve fans, their creamy maple is a must-try.

Traveling with a pet? Mad Dog’s has you covered. They offer dog-friendly ice cream, so your furry friend won’t miss out on the fun. Remember to take a tub of your favorite flavor back to your Smoky Mountain hotel!

Day 3 – Shopping & Entertainment: A Day to Splurge

As the sun rises on the third day of your Smoky Mountains itinerary, it’s time to indulge in retail therapy. This is your day to explore charming boutiques, find incredible deals with discount coupons, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Dust off those shopping bags and tune in to the mountain vibes because it’s time to splurge, laugh, and end your holiday in style.

Anakeesta, Gatlinburg

Anakeesta

Begin your last day in the Smokies at Anakeesta. This mountain-top theme park offers scenic walking trails and spectacular views of the Smoky Mountains. Kids will love the treehouse village playground, while the quaint boutiques are irresistible for grownups in your party. 

Monster Discount Coupons

Monster Discount Coupons

Want tickets for Gatlinburg SkyLift Park or deals at Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Show & Adventure Park? Monster Discount Coupons are your key to savings for shopping and local attractions in the Smoky Mountains. Craving homemade pancakes or seeking a discount on a hearty Southern dinner? Monster Discount Coupons let you savor the Smokies without overspending with exclusive deals on local dining spots. Their website is easy to navigate and neatly sorted, a simple and easy way to hunt for local discounts.

Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show

Hatfield & McCoy

Round off your day at the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show. This theatrical adventure combines a hilarious family feud with a Southern homestyle feast. It is the perfect way to end your Smoky Mountain holiday.


This 3-day Smoky Mountains itinerary blends adventure, relaxation, and joyous fun. Day one embraces the thrills of the great outdoors. It begins with a hearty breakfast at Reagan’s House of Pancakes. The day continues with an adrenaline rush at Smoky Mountain Outdoors and rounds off with some comforting cooking at Wood Grill Buffet.

Day two turns the spotlight onto the kids with a playful start at Fannie Farkle’s Food & Fun Parlor. Then, it’s on to an exciting afternoon at Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Show & Adventure Park. Finally, top it off with a sweet treat at Mad Dog’s Creamery.

The final day of your Smoky Mountains itinerary is a day to let loose and enjoy the local shops. Don’t forget to use Monster Discount Coupons to make the most of your shopping spree and local attractions. Round off the day with laughter and a delicious feast at the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show.

This 3-Day Smoky Mountains itinerary is your family’s guide to adventure, fun and lasting memories. Want to customize your itinerary? Find more ideas for fun things to do in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville throughout the Mobile Brochure website!

Content on this page is subject to change. Please contact the locations mentioned to see if promotions, hours, pricing, etc. are still valid.

About Andy Rowe

Andy Rowe is an experienced Writer and Content Designer with a passion for storytelling. He earned his Masters of Business Administration while living abroad in Taiwan and has spent the past 6 years honing his skills in copy writing, social media content, and thought leadership. Andy has a talent for research and the ability to adapt this writing style to different audiences. When he’s not writing, Andy enjoys traveling, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and reading.

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