Honeymoons in Great Smoky Mountains

The Smoky Mountains are a world of their own, with mysterious mountains ranges receding into the blue haze. Make this storybook setting the location of your romantic getaway, at any time of the year. The Smoky Mountains are a destination for outdoor adventures, cozy cabin rentals, and the rich local culture with country music, car shows, craft stores, comfort food and visits to moonshine distilleries.

What will you do on your romantic getaway in the Smoky Mountains? You can hike the forest trails, marvel at the cascades and waterfalls, and learn about the biodiversity of this designated International Biosphere Reserve. The park contains the largest stand of old growth forest east of the Mississippi. It’s also home to a large population of black bears, and they’re every bit as full of mischief as their northern cousin Yogi Bear.

In the spring you’ll see vistas of wildflowers. Summer is playtime in the Smokies, and there’s so much to do – hiking, fishing, camping and just driving along the Foothills Parkway to take in the scenery. Take a romantic walk through the fall woods and warm up with a mug of hot cider afterwards, before joining in a harvest festival celebration. Celebrate the holidays and new year with winter lights, music and shows.

You’ll find a wide range of accommodations. You can get cozy in picturesque log cabins in traditional style but with al modern comforts, or in romantic B&Bs. When you need a break from the wilderness, there’s plenty to do in the nearby resorts and towns – Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. There are theme parks, craft stores, spooky tours and year-rounds events and celebrations to join in. Southern comfort food and hospitality will add a special touch to your time together.

About Honeymooning in Great Smoky Mountains

At a Glance

• The Great Smoky Mountains National Park was created in 1934. The mountains get their name from the blue hazy mist that hangs over them, giving them the look of something out of a story book.
• The highest point in the Smoky Mountains is Clingmans Dome with an elevation of 6,643 feet or 2,025 m.
• The area has become a favorite vacation and honeymoon spot for outdoors enthusiasts. Favorite activities include hiking the forest trails, spotting wildlife like elk, deer, turkey and black bears, and cooling off at unexpected beaches. The Smokies are a bird-watchers’ paradise with over 200 species recorded.
• Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can head for the family-style restaurants serving southern comfort food. Or start your day with a typical country breakfast featuring a stack pancakes or hearty omelettes.
• The mountain town of Gatlinburg is your gateway to the Smoky Mountains and also a good base to explore nearby attractions including dining, shopping, and arts and crafts.
• Country music legend Dolly Parton was born in the town of Sevierville and came back to establish the Dollywood theme park in the town of Pigeon Forge.

Honeymoon Hints

• With their central location in the middle of the country, Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains are an easy day’s drive from two-thirds of the U.S. east of the Mississippi River. McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, Tennessee, is nearby and visitors can also land at Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge Airport.
• The weather tends to be temperate year-round, which makes the Smoky Mountains a great year-round destination. However, when heading out to the mountains make sure you check the weather forecast.
• If you’re lucky enough to be there at the right time of the year, don’t miss the synchronous fireflies display in the mountains. This remarkable natural display, when thousands of fireflies flash in unison or in waves on the mountainside, occurs for about two weeks each year, usually in the month of May.
• Give your feet a break and take a horseback ride through the forest trails for a change.
• This is true hillbilly country and it’s all good fun. You can catch themed comedy bus tours and dinner shows – be prepared to laugh a lot and eat a lot.
• For a quiet romantic interlude, check out the local wineries and spas.
• Take a drive on the Foothills Parkway for some spectacular views of the mountains. Bring a picnic and stop at one of the overlooks to take pictures of the start of your new life together.
• Respect the wilderness and exercise basic caution when in the mountains. And remember: Do not feed the bears.