A Local's BUDGET Guide to the Smokies
If you're on a budget, planning a vacation can be tough, even if you're staying at a cheap motel and eating pb&j sandwiches. In touristy places like Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg (two of the biggest, closest towns to the National Park), there isn't a lot advertised for those of us who try to travel cheap. The Knoxville airport is an hour away and it's practically impossible to get to the National Park without a car. So what can we do when we're spending so much money on transportation and lodging?
1. Scenic Drive
There is no entrance fee to Great Smoky Mountain National Park, but be aware the National Park has a parking fee of $5/day or $10/week if you plan to park longer than 15 minutes. While there is no entrance fee, the new parking fee helps keep up with the influx of visitors in the park by adding funds to facilities and staff to keep the park running for everyone.
You can enjoy miles and miles of beautiful scenery from the comfort of your car, though be aware, during peak seasons of summer and fall, parking can be hard to come by. If you want to stop and look around and have a disability that prevents you from walking very far, try to get to the park earlier because even though there is designated disability parking, sometimes it's all taken.
2. Camping
If you're super outdoorsy and don't mind roughing it for a few days, you can save some money by camping in one of the Smokies' campgrounds. Back country camping is $8/night and most of the campgrounds, which include bathroom facilities, are $30/night. Many of the campgrounds have hiking trailheads at or near their location.
3. Wine and Moonshine Tastings
If you're a fan of alcohol, there are a ton of local wineries and moonshine distilleries. Tastings are as cheap as FREE and no more than $10 and usually include discounts on the product. Below are some of my favorite tastings, but please DRINK RESPONSIBLY!
4. Hiking
I am compiling a guide for the best hikes in the Smokies, but in the meantime, if you want to do your own research, there's hundreds of miles to explore! Below, I'll include a couple popular trails with easy access. Again, just be aware of the parking pass required for stopping longer than 15 minutes.
5. Swimming
The Little River runs throughout the park, so feel free to stop at any of the pull-offs to stick your feet in. However, the best place for a dip is at the Wye. The Wye is on the opposite side of the typical tourist entrance. There's low current and perfect for people of all ages. USE CAUTION anytime you aren't at a designated swimming spot because certain parts of the river can turn into rapids.
6. Cade's Cove
This is a beautiful, scenic driving (or biking) loop at the Townsend entrance of the park. If you're interested in the history of the Appalachian settlers, there are beautiful cabins from the original settlers in amazing condition. This part of the park has tons of wildlife, from bears to deer, but keep a respectful distance from them all.
7. Alpine Coaster
There's several alpine coasters I've gone on in the Pigeon Forge area, but below I've included my favorites. Prices for adults range $10-$18 and kids are around $6. For less than $50 a family of four can have some fun riding down a mountain! For an extra thrill, go down at night with only the lights of the tracks guiding you.
8. Tennessee Museum of Aviation
For the aviator or aviation lover in your life, visit this unique collection of old warbirds! Located near the Gatlinburg airport, this museum may be small but packs a ton of history. For a family of four, this can cost less than $50. General Admission: $15.75, Senior Admission (60+): $12.75, Child Admission (6-12 years): $9.75, Children Under Age 6: Free, Military Admission: $10.75
9. Summer Fireflies
During June, the most amazing thing happens in the Smoky Mountains: synchronous fireflies. Each year, there is a viewing ceremony of sorts held at Elkmont campground, but the parking slots are extremely limited. A lottery will open up in April for applications. Unfortunately, most people that apply won't get a spot, but for those that do, it's only $25 for the parking pass for a single car (bring a minivan with your whole family). If you don't win the lottery, don't worry! Throughout June and most of July, the 18 species of fireflies will be visible throughout Tennessee.
10. Arts and Crafts Community
Something else I didn't include officially, but if you get an airbnb or stay in a cabin with a hot tub, that is an easy way to keep from spending additional money, and who doesn't like a hot tub (especially during winter)?
Safe travels!
Tori
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