11/09/2025
Here is the itinerary ChatGPT put together for us today!
This is my FIL Tom. We went sightseeing while Scott spent the day at the Nascar racetrack.
We did most of this including a quick snack at the Chimney Tops picnic area as pictured below.
Perfect! 🌄✨ Here’s your One-Day Scenic Drive Itinerary through the Smoky Mountains — starting right from Gatlinburg / Westgate Resort and looping you through some of the most beautiful overlooks, waterfalls, and quiet drives in East Tennessee. 🏞️🚗
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🌤️ Smoky Mountain Scenic Drive Itinerary
Total time: ~6–7 hours (leisurely pace with stops)
Ideal start: Around 8:30–9:00 AM
What to bring: Snacks, drinks, a light jacket, your camera, and your scripture journal 📖✨
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🚗 Stop 1: Gatlinburg Bypass Overlook (8:45 AM)
• Distance: ~10 minutes from Westgate
• Why: Start the morning right! Panoramic views of downtown Gatlinburg with Mount LeConte rising in the background.
• Tip: Bring your coffee and do a short devotional here — peaceful and quiet early in the morning. ☕🌄
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🌲 Stop 2: Sugarlands Visitor Center (9:15 AM)
• Distance: ~5 minutes from the Bypass exit
• Why: A quick rest stop and great spot for trail maps, restrooms, and local info.
• Optional short walk: The Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail is flat, easy, and beautiful — perfect for a quiet 15-minute stroll or a little scripture writing break. 🍃
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🏞️ Stop 3: Newfound Gap Overlook (10:00 AM)
• Distance: ~13 miles up U.S. 441 from Sugarlands (~30 minutes)
• Why: One of the most famous spots in the Smokies! You can literally stand with one foot in Tennessee and the other in North Carolina.
• Tip: The air is cooler here — bring a light jacket. Take a few scenic photos and enjoy the view. 📸🌤️
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🌸 Stop 4: Clingmans Dome Road (11:00 AM)
• Distance: Turn right just past Newfound Gap — ~7 miles to the parking area
• Why: The highest point in the Smoky Mountains (6,643 ft)! Even if you don’t hike all the way to the top, the drive and vistas are unforgettable.
• Tip: Usually open April through late November (check before going).
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🧺 Stop 5: Chimneys Picnic Area (12:30 PM)
• Distance: Drive back down toward Gatlinburg (~30 minutes)
• Why: Beautiful picnic spot beside a rushing mountain stream.
• Bring: Sandwiches, fruit, or snacks — this is the perfect lunch stop. 🍎🥪
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🌳 Stop 6: Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (2:00 PM)
• Distance: Back through Gatlinburg — enter at Historic Nature Trail Road
• Why: 5.5-mile one-way scenic loop with creeks, old cabins, and tiny waterfalls.
• Bonus Stop: Grotto Falls Trailhead (optional short hike ~1.5 mi each way).
• Tip: Roll the windows down — you’ll hear birds, water, and leaves rustling. 🍂💧
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🌅 Stop 7: Foothills Parkway (4:00 PM)
• Distance: About 30 minutes from Gatlinburg via Wears Valley
• Why: End your day with wide open mountain views and sunset light glowing over the Smokies. 🌄
• Best pull-off: “Look Rock Overlook” for a sweeping 360° view if you go farther down the parkway.
• Tip: Perfect spot for your evening reflection or another scripture entry. 🙏🩵
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🏡 Return to Westgate Resort (~6:30 PM)
• Head back through Wears Valley or Pigeon Forge — you’ll pass plenty of dinner options if you’d like to stop for a cozy meal. 🍽️
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✨ Bonus Tips:
• Gas up early. Once you’re in the park, there are no gas stations inside.
• Bring layers. It can be 10–15° cooler at higher elevations.
• Pack a small trash bag for picnic stops — keep the Smokies beautiful! ♻️
• Download a playlist with some soft worship or mountain tunes — no service in many areas. 🎶
