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southeast starter trip

Smokies in fall color

Mid-elevation hardwoods peaking. Three nights, ridge views and creek-side trails.

TN 3 nights tent couple or family wildlife, photography

Pick your dates

These dates are open right now: Tue to Fri, 3 nights at Elkmont Campground. All 3 nights bookable. Change them if you like.

We'll match this trip's vibe against live campsite, trail, fire and weather data and return a real itinerary you can save.

What the trip looks like

Day 1, Cades Cove arrival

Cades Cove loop drive, deer and turkey at dusk, set up camp.

Camp
Cades Cove Campground, near the loop entrance.
Trails
  • Abrams Falls (5 mi RT)
  • Cades Cove loop drive
Activities
scenic loop drive, wildlife viewing, camp setup

Day 2, the high ridge

Clingmans Dome sunrise, then a ridge-line hike through the spruce-fir zone.

Camp
Same site.
Trails
  • Clingmans Dome (1 mi RT to tower)
  • Andrews Bald (3.6 mi RT)
Activities
sunrise at 6,643 ft, ridge hike, valley fog watch

Day 3, creek and color

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, easy creek hikes, drive home through the foliage.

Camp
Pack out morning.
Trails
  • Grotto Falls (3 mi RT)
  • Rainbow Falls (5.4 mi RT)
Activities
waterfall hike, scenic drive, head home

Day-by-day notes are curated starting points. Once you pick dates, Ranger pulls live availability, current trail conditions, active fire perimeters near the route, and a 7-day forecast at your anchor.

Pulling fresh data

Building your trip plan.

Working on it

Taking longer than usual. Reload and try again.