If you are considering a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains, check out my 7 Ways to Plan the Ideal Family Trip to the Great Smoky Mountains!

The Great Smoky Mountains is one of the top vacation spots in the United States and is officially the most visited National Park in the United States. Mostly because it’s affordable and very family friendly, and there really is something for everyone.

Whether it be white water rafting, hiking on nature trails, fishing, tubing, scenic drives through the vistas, or chowing down on delicious barbecue - you can find it all in the Great Smoky Mountains.

7 Ways to Plan an Ideal Family Trip to the Great Smoky Mountains

Make a List of Things to Bring

Headed to the Great Smoky Mountains? The last thing you want to do is forget to bring something that you really need on your trip. Making a list can help you remember exactly what you need to bring. Think of what you will actually be doing while on your Great Smoky Mountains vacation. Hiking? Camping? Fishing? Photographing Nature? Check out these picks on Amazon and be prepared!

Make a List of Things to Do

There are TONS of things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains. In fact, if you don’t make a list of what you want to do, you might get distracted by everything there is to do while in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Things To Do On Your Great Smoky Mountain Vacation

Go hiking!

Visit the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC

Go White Water Rafting

Go Tubing in the River

Go Fishing

Swim in a Waterfall

Visit Sliding Rock in Pisgah Forest

Know What You’ll Eat and Where You’ll Sleep

It’s a great idea to book your sleeping accommodations in advance. Cabins and hotels book up fast, so you don’t want to get there and then miss out on a decent place to stay. Also, keep in mind where you’d like to eat. Keep a list of places kids can eat for free or for cheap. I personally love Fontana Village in North Carolina, which is in the Nantahala National Forest, and the Tapoco Lodge near Robbinsville, NC. 

Map Out the Trails You’ll Hike

Walking and hiking the trails is a huge part of going into the Great Smoky Mountains. Take the time to map out what trails you’d like to walk or hike. (Trust me, there are a lot of miles to cover).

Know What the Weather Holds for You

The weather in the Great Smoky Mountains can be unpredictable. It’s important to know what the weather might hold, so you can plan accordingly. You don’t want to wind up disappointed because it rained and you couldn’t get done what you wanted done.

Have a Safety Plan in Mind

Accidents happen and no one knows what can go wrong. In case your vehicle breaks down or someone gets hurt, make sure you have a safety plan in mind. It’s wise to have a car emergency kit in your vehicle and to also have emergency numbers on hand.

Take Lots of Pictures

Last but not least, make sure you take lots of pictures during your trip to the Great Smoky Mountains. You went through all of the trouble of planning a great trip, so make sure you take some pictures to remember it.

Heading into the Great Smoky Mountains does take some plan, timing, and effort, but hopefully these tips will make your family trip to the Smokys ideal.