Peaks, Pints, and Fireflies: 7-Day NC Road Trip

Escape to the mountains and explore some of North Carolina's best destinations on this 7-day road trip through Asheville, Charlotte, and Bryson City.

From a city regularly competing for the title of Beer City, USA…

To one that’s fit for a crown, nicknamed “Queen City”…

To a third that offers alluring, laid-back vibes despite sitting next door to the most visited national park in the United States…

This North Carolina Road Trip will take you through some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery on the East Coast. Here we go!

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Best Time of Year for this Road Trip

The best time of year to plan your North Carolina Road Trip depends on what you most want to experience.

The Firefly Phenomenon in the Great Smoky Mountains?
Beautiful fall foliage?
Christmas at the Biltmore?

Late May to early June is our pick for the best time of year to road trip to Charlotte, Asheville, and the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina. Enjoy the sights in Charlotte, then check out Beer Week Festival in Asheville, then fingers crossed you win the lottery to see the firefly phenomenon in Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

Otherwise, if you’ve got your sights set on a beautiful fall foliage road trip instead, then the fall months, from late September to early November, are also an amazing time for this NC Road Trip. (One of our favorite travel activities is a hike followed by a cidery; mid-October is probably the best time of year for this!)

This said… We’re also big fans of road-tripping during the summer when you can take advantage of longer days and more daylight to explore. So, there’s no bad time of year to visit North Carolina; Just be sure to check road conditions before heading out on a trip in the winter.

Author’s Note: I know it’s wildly annoying to ask when is the best time to visit a destination and get an “it depends…” response 😭🫣

But the more we travel and talk to locals, guides, and park rangers, this really is true for many places. Some of the best destinations in the world offer something different for each season, so the best time to visit is during whichever season offers the thing that piques your interest most.

As we visit Yellowstone National Park all four seasons this calendar year, we’re realizing this more and more, and it’s inspiring us to share the FULL scope of a destination with you as much as we can. So, please forgive us for the semi-annoying answer and also trust us that it’s true!

Where to Stay

For this road trip, we recommend two or three nights in Charlotte (depending on travel plans; you may want two nights at the beginning of your trip and one night on the backend of your trip), two nights in Asheville, and two or three nights in Bryson City or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (you may want to head back to Charlotte after your final day in Bryson City or spend one extra night then drive to Charlotte for your flight).

Camping

Charlotte: Check out Copperhead Island, McDowell Nature Preserve, or Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort.

Asheville: Check out Lake Powhatan Recreation Area and Campground in the Pisgah National Forest.

Bryson City: Check out Deep Creek Campground.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: There are 10 front-country campgrounds in GSMNP. Cades Cove and Smokemont Campgrounds are open year-round. Other campgrounds are open on a seasonal basis. Elkmont Campground is great for firefly viewing. Learn more about camping in GSMNP here!

Hotels

Charlotte: Consider Charlotte Marriott City Center or Courtyard Charlotte City Center.

Asheville: Consider Aloft Asheville Downtown or Courtyard by Marriott Asheville Biltmore Village.

Bryson City: Consider Fairfield Inn & Suites Cherokee.

(Note: We’re partial to Marriott, so that’s who we tend to recommend when it comes to hotels. We picked these specific Marriott hotels for their proximity to one or more of the itineraries listed below. One of our top tips for planning and budgeting road trips is to take advantage of hotel loyalty programs - same thing with flight loyalty programs, gas programs, rental cars, etc. - so even if Marriott isn’t your choice, we highly recommend sticking to one brand as much as possible for the best long-term deals and offers!)

Luxury Stays

Charlotte: Consider the Ritz-Carlton in uptown Charlotte.

Asheville: Consider staying at the Biltmore Estates.

Bryson City: Check out Watershed Cabins. We stayed here for two months during our 2020 Travels, which was an absolute mountain cabin dream!

man on deck of wooded mountain cabin — Watershed Cabins, Bryson City, NC

Day 1: Charlotte, NC

Start your road trip in Charlotte, North Carolina. (If you’re flying, then renting a car, fly into Charlotte Douglas International Airport.)

There are MANY fun things to explore in Charlotte. (We spent a month here during our 2020 Travel Season, and, depending on the day, Charlotte still tops our list of places we would happily move to in the far future.)

Here are three must-consider adventures for your stop in Charlotte:

Visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame: Charlotte is often referred to as the "home of NASCAR," and the NASCAR Hall of Fame is a great attraction for racing fans. You can learn about the history of the sport, see iconic cars up close, and even test your own driving skills in a racing simulator.
Explore the U.S. National Whitewater Center: This outdoor recreation center is located just outside of Charlotte and offers a variety of activities, including whitewater rafting, kayaking, zip-lining, and mountain biking. It's a great spot to exercise and enjoy the area's natural beauty.
Check out the food and drink scene: Charlotte has a fun culinary scene, with a variety of options ranging from southern comfort food to international cuisine. There are also plenty of breweries and bars to explore, making it a great spot for foodies and beer lovers. Some popular areas to check out include NoDa, South End, and Plaza Midwood.

Downtown Charlotte Itinerary

Downtown Charlotte is a lively area with several distinct neighborhoods, each offering its own unique character and attractions. In our opinion, the best way to get a feel for the city is to walk through as much of it as possible.

Here’s an idea for a one-day itinerary focused on exploring various parts of downtown Charlotte.

Start your day at Freedom Park, one of Charlotte's most popular parks, with over 98 acres of green space. Take a morning stroll around the lake or grab a coffee and relax on one of the park's many benches.

Then head to Discovery Place Science, a hands-on science museum located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, or the NASCAR Hall of Fame. (If you’re walking, consider following the Little Sugar Creek Greenway from Freedom Park.)

After working up an appetite, head to the 7th Street Public Market and browse the many vendors selling fresh, locally-sourced foods.

Spend your afternoon exploring one or more of Charlotte’s museums, with attractions such as the Levine Museum of the New South, the Mint Museum, or the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art.

For a pre-dinner cocktail, head to Fahrenheit Rooftop for stunning city views from the 21st floor of the Skye Condos building.

For dinner, head to the historic Elizabeth neighborhood to enjoy authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine at Cajun Queen Restaurant.

If you’re up for dessert, check out the nearby Elizabeth Creamery or Villani’s Bakery.

Foodie Tour Itinerary

Food is always a fun way to enjoy a new city, and that’s true in Charlotte, too! Here’s a food-focused itinerary to consider.

Start your day off with a delicious breakfast at Midnight Diner.

Walk through downtown Charlotte, maybe checking out First Ward Park, Discovery Place Science, or one of the museums at the Green.

For lunch, consider Sabor Latin Street Grill. (If you’re picking one itinerary over the other vs. mixing and matching, head instead to the 7th Street Public Market. Both options should offer you options for various levels of hunger.)

Then, walk through Charlotte’s Third and Fourth Ward (past Romare Bearden Park, the Bank of America Stadium, or, again, the museums at The Green) to enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Sycamore Brewing Co.

For dinner afterward, there are several options nearby (including Living Kitchen, Yunta, Bang Bang Burgers, and Rhino Market & Deli). But our recommendation, if you can drive here safely, is to head to Cowfish, a Sushi Burger Bar. Jon and I particularly enjoyed Cowfish because he could get one of his favorite meals, sushi, and I could get mine- a burger!

If you stay near South End, grab ice cream for dessert at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream.

Want to swap out an idea? Check out this list with Charlotte’s “Best in the Nest” for food and drink in 2022!

Nearby Attractions Itinerary

Downtown Charlotte is not only a great destination in itself, but it also offers easy access to many nearby attractions.

Here’s a possible day trip itinerary to explore the surrounding areas and experience all that Charlotte has to offer.

Start your day by heading to the U.S. National Whitewater Center, located just 30 minutes outside of Charlotte. The center offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including whitewater rafting, ziplining, rock climbing, and more.

If you’d prefer to explore a state park instead, head to nearby Crowders Mountain State Park for a scenic hike, some of which offer beautiful views of the city on a clear day.

After your hike, head back to Charlotte and stop by Red Clay Ciderworks, a local cidery that offers a variety of craft ciders made with locally sourced ingredients. Try a flight or enjoy a pint while relaxing in the cozy taproom.

(In full transparency, Red Clay Ciderworks made this list in part because it once was home to the “You’re Killin’ Me, S’mores Wafflewich,” an incredibly delicious toasted marshmallow, graham cracker, and Nutella waffle sandwich that was once featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. It was phenomenal. But despite 30 minutes of research for where these Wafflewiches are now, I’ve got nothing. If you find them when in Charlotte, please come back and let us know!!)

Finish your day by heading to the CLT airport overlook. Watch planes take off and land while enjoying the Charlotte skyline in the distance. (To avoid backtracking, you may wish to do this before Red Clay Ciderworks.)

For dinner, Charlotte has several great places for BBQ, but one of the most popular is Midwood Smokehouse.

And, of course, since you’ve still got room for dessert (it’s a separate stomach, after all), head to Amélie's French Bakery. Amélie's French Bakery is open 24 hours and serves fresh-baked pastries, macarons, and other sweet treats to satisfy your sweet tooth.

For an easy evening stroll, check out Evergreen Nature Preserve.

Day 2: Charlotte, NC

We recommend a second day in Charlotte on the front end of your trip, or you may wish to bring this day (or add another day) to the back of your itinerary before your flight home.

Either way, there’s so much to do in Charlotte that you’ll probably want at least one more day to explore. Look at the three suggested one-day itineraries above for inspiration! Follow them as they are, or mix and match them to create your perfect trip.

Day 3: Asheville, NC

You’ll drive about two hours to Asheville for your next stop.

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a fun city known for its natural beauty, arts and music scene, and world-class dining and craft beer culture.

If you love hiking and/or you love craft beer and cider, there is no shortage of great things to see and do in Asheville!

Beer City Itinerary

Asheville, North Carolina has earned a well-deserved reputation as a regular contender for the title of "Beer City, USA."

The city boasts one of the highest numbers of breweries per capita in the United States, offering an array of beer styles and flavors, from IPAs to rich stouts, refreshing sours, and creative experimental brews.

(And if you’re more of a cider fan, you’ll find plenty of delicious cideries in Asheville, too!)

Asheville is also home to numerous beer festivals and events, including the popular Asheville Beer Week (generally toward the end of May or early June). Beer tours and pub crawls are popular activities in Asheville year-round, making it easy to explore multiple breweries and sample a variety of brews.

Here’s a suggested itinerary for exploring “Beer City, USA”.

Start your day with a coffee and pastry at Vortex Doughnuts, a unique doughnut shop that offers delicious made-to-order doughnuts and local coffee.

From there, head to the South Slope neighborhood and start your brewery tour at Green Man Brewery or the Wicked Weed Funkatorium.

Green Man is one of Asheville's oldest breweries, known for its award-winning English-style ales and its outdoor beer garden. The Funkatorium is the East Coast’s first sour beer dedicated taproom and a must-visit for fans of sour and funky beers.

Next, head to Urban Orchard Cider Co. This cidery produces small-batch, handcrafted hard ciders made from locally sourced apples and other fruits. You can try their flagship ciders or some of their more unique flavors, like the Bananahemian Rhapsody or the Mango Habanero. (My favorite was their flagship Sweet English Cider.)

Stop at one of Asheville's many food trucks to eat or grab a bite at Burial Beer Co.

If you have time for one more stop, head to Noble Cider, Asheville’s first cidery, in the River Arts District. This cidery produces crisp, refreshing hard ciders made from locally grown apples. You can sample their ciders in their tasting room or grab a pint to relax on their outdoor patio.

flight of ciders on bar — Flight from Urban Orchard Cider Co.

Outdoor Adventure Itinerary

Asheville also offers access to great nearby hiking trails. Our favorite way to spend a day in Asheville is by hiking in the morning and then relaxing in the afternoon at a brewery or cidery!

Here’s a suggested one-day itinerary for enjoying the hikes and trails around Asheville.

Start your day early and head to Chimney Rock State Park, located about 25 miles southeast of Asheville. Hike to the top of Chimney Rock for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Or hike to Hickory Nut Falls Trail, which takes you to the base of the park's 404-foot waterfall.

After your hike, continue your outdoor adventure by visiting DuPont State Recreational Forest. This expansive forest is known for its beautiful waterfalls, pristine lakes, and scenic trails. Visit Triple Falls or Hooker Falls, or explore the trails around Lake Julia or High Falls.

As you make your way back to Asheville, enjoy a drink at Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, located just outside of Asheville. Take a brewery tour to learn about their brewing process and sample a variety of their award-winning beers.

Eat at Sierra Nevada’s Taproom or keep driving to one of Asheville’s many restaurants, such as The Marketplace Restaurant or Farm Burger.

After refueling, wind down by enjoying a relaxing stroll through downtown Asheville. Explore the vibrant streets filled with eclectic shops, art galleries, and live music venues.

Stop by the Grove Arcade, an indoor shopping arcade, for a unique shopping experience, or head to the Asheville Pinball Museum, a fun and interactive museum that features over 80 vintage pinball machines and classic arcade games. Play to your heart's content, and enjoy a drink from the museum's bar!

Note: There are MANY amazing hikes near Asheville. Swap out one or more of the above ideas for one of the following hikes that pique your interest.

The Appalachian Trail - Want to hike a section of the Appalachian Trail? The Appalachia Trail is a 2,200-mile hiking trail that runs from Georgia to Maine. Since it passes through Asheville and offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, adding a hike along the Appalachian Trail could be a fun way to spend a day along your North Carolina Road Trip. (Consider “Lemon Gap to Max Patch,” “Lemon Gap to Hot Springs,” or the “Max Patch Loop” on AllTrails. Or look at “Carvers Gap to Roan High Bluff” via Appalachian Trail.)
Pisgah National Forest - Some of the above hikes are in Pisgah National Forest, but you’ll find plenty of other trails too! Consider the popular Looking Glass Rock Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Craggy Gardens - Located just 20 miles north of Asheville, Craggy Gardens offers beautiful views of the Appalachian Mountains and is home to a variety of hiking trails, including the popular Craggy Pinnacle Trail. (The Craggy Pinnacle Trail is actually along the Blue Ridge Parkway but in the opposite direction of your upcoming drive. Consider adding this to your road trip if you’d like to drive more miles along the Blue Ridge Parkway.)

Bit of Everything Itinerary

No first visit to Asheville is likely to feel complete without a trip to the Biltmore Estate, one of the most famous attractions in Asheville. This 8,000-acre estate features a magnificent chateau built by George Vanderbilt, gardens, and a winery. Take a guided tour of the house and learn about the Vanderbilt family and the history of the estate.

For a little bit of everything Asheville has to offer, grab breakfast at the Well-Bred Bakery & Café in Biltmore Village, and start your day with a visit to the Biltmore Estate.

Afterward, grab a drink at the nearby One World Brewing (Patton Ave), a unique hidden brewery located three flights below downtown Asheville.

Then head to the River Arts District, a vibrant neighborhood that's home to over 200 artists and craftsmen. Stroll through the studios and galleries, watch artists at work, and pick up some unique souvenirs to take home.

Grab something to eat at one of the many restaurants in the area, such as All Souls Pizza, The Bull and Beggar, or 12 Bones Smokehouse.

Then end your day with a visit to another one of Asheville's many breweries, such as Highland Brewing Company (Downtown Taproom), Hi-Wire Brewing RAD Beer Garden, or New Belgium Brewing Company.

Day 4: Asheville, NC

With so much to see and do, we highly recommend planning for at least two full days to explore Asheville.

Follow the suggested one-day itineraries above, or mix and match to create your perfect trip!

Day 5: Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic byway that stretches 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains, connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.

This scenic road offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and forests, and is one of the most popular destinations in the eastern United States for road trips, hiking, and camping.

Along the way, you can explore historic sites, waterfalls, and hiking trails, or simply take in the stunning scenery from the comfort of your car.

Begin your drive at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center near Asheville. There, you can grab a map for your trip.

welcome sign for blue ridge parkway — This is actually the Blue Ridge Parkway Welcome Sign near Cherokee, NC, where you’ll end your drive.

The best time of year to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway

The best time of year to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway is generally from mid-September through October when the leaves on the trees are changing colors and the scenery is at its most beautiful.

However, the Parkway can be crowded during this time, so if you prefer quieter roads and fewer crowds, you may want to consider visiting in the spring or early summer. During this time, the Parkway is still beautiful, with blooming wildflowers and lush greenery.

Plus, longer hours of daylight in the summer mean more time to explore!

RTL Tip: If you’re planning your trip around the Great Smoky Mountains Firefly Phenomenon, then the best time to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway will be during the week of the firefly event, sometime between late May and mid-June.

Particularly if you’re planning your trip during winter months, make sure to check here and confirm the sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway you want to drive are open. The Blue Ridge Parkway is open year-round; however, weather and road maintenance can lead to temporary closures.

Where does the blue ridge parkway start and end?

The entirety of the Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 469 miles. It begins at Milepost 0 near Waynesboro, VA, and ends at Milepost 469 near Cherokee, NC. You can enter the Blue Ridge Parkway from Interstates 64, 81, and 77 in Virginia and Interstates 40 and 26 in North Carolina.

Since you’re driving the Blue Ridge Parkway starting from Asheville, you’ll drive about 86 miles from Asheville (Milepost 382) to Cherokee (Milepost 469). Grab a map for your drive from the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center near Asheville.

man and dog watching sunset — Sunset along the Blue Ridge Parkway near the Visitor Center in Asheville.

How long does it take to drive blue ridge parkway?

The driving time for the entire length of the parkway takes, on average, about 10-12 hours (without any stops).

But since you’re just driving part of the Blue Ridge Parkway (about 86 miles), your drive should take, on average, about three hours just for the drive.

Of course, you’ll want to do more than just drive as you traverse one of the most gorgeous highways in the world! The Blue Ridge Parkway is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, so plan extra time for stops at overlooks, attractions, and hiking trails.

We recommend planning a full day to explore!

Best Stops Along the Blue Ridge Parkway (Asheville to Cherokee)

The Blue Ridge Parkway between Asheville and Cherokee offers several beautiful overlooks and stops where you can take in the scenery.

Here are some to consider:

Mills River Valley Overlook (Milepost 404): This overlook is unique in that it offers views on both sides of the road. Because of this, the Mills River Valley Overlook is a popular spot for sunrise and sunset. It’s about 35-40 minutes from Asheville.
Looking Glass Rock Overlook (Milepost 417): This is one the best places to view Looking Glass Rock along the Blue Ridge Parkway. You’ll also find Skinny Dip Fall Trailhead here, which leads to Skinny Dip Falls, a popular swimming hole in the area.
Graveyard Fields Overlook (Milepost 418.8): This overlook is a great spot to take in the Blue Ridge Parkway's rolling landscape and scenic beauty, making this stop particularly great for viewing fall foliage. Here you’ll also find the Graveyard Fields Loop Trail, a 3.2-mile loop trail that takes you through a unique high-elevation meadow, past waterfalls, and along the banks of streams.
Devil's Courthouse (Milepost 422.4): A short but steep hike leads to the summit of Devil's Courthouse, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. On a clear day, you can see as far as four states from this overlook (North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee).
Cowee Mountains Overlook (Milepost 430.7): This overlook offers sweeping views of the Cowee Mountains and the surrounding countryside. It's a serene spot for picnicking and is one of the few overlooks that provide you with unobstructed 180-degree views.
Richland Balsam Overlook (Milepost 431): Richland Balsam is the highest point along the Blue Ridge Parkway motor road (the highest point along the parkway that you can drive to). The overlook is named after the nearby Richland Balsam Mountain, which is known for its lush vegetation, including dense stands of Fraser fir trees. The area is also home to the Richland Balsam Trail, a popular hiking trail that leads to the summit of Richland Balsam Mountain.
Waterrock Knob (Milepost 451.2): Waterrock Knob boasts the Parkway’s highest visitor center at 5,820 feet in elevation. A short, steep hike leads to the summit of Waterrock Knob, which is the highest point along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Oconaluftee Visitor Center (Milepost 469): Located near the end of your Blue Ridge Parkway drive, this visitor center provides information about the surrounding area and serves as a gateway to your next adventure: the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

Many other overlooks and scenic pull-offs along the Blue Ridge Parkway between Asheville and Cherokee offer stunning mountains, valleys, and forest vistas. Be sure to keep an eye out for signs indicating overlooks, and take the time to stop and enjoy the breathtaking views as you drive.

dog in front of rolling mountains — Lincoln at an overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Cherokee, NC.

Day 6: Bryson City, NC

Bryson City is a laid-back town next door to one of the most visited national parks in the United States.

For the next few days, this will be your gateway to outdoor adventure galore!

Bryson City Itinerary

This one’s for nature lovers!

Start your day with a hike on the Pinnacle Trail near Sylva, NC (challenging), Wesser Bald Fire Tower via Appalachian Trail (moderate), or the Deep Creek Waterfall Loop (easy).

Then, cool off with a refreshing float along Deep Creek. Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground is a fun recreational spot near Bryson City, offering the perfect way to beat the summer heat. Rent an inflatable tube for $7/day and let the gentle current carry you downstream.

After your tubing adventure, you can stay at Deep Creek to explore the nearby hiking trails or have a relaxing picnic by the creek. (Note: The tubing season is from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend.)

Once you’ve had your fill of fun, head into the town of Bryson City for a bite to eat. While in town, check out the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and consider booking a “Steam of the Smokies” train ride for the following day. (Or skip the hike and start your day with a train ride before spending the afternoon at Deep Creek.)

Finally, if you’re up for a short drive, nearby Lake Fontana is a great place to watch the sunset. Find a spot along the shoreline or rent a kayak or paddleboard to venture out onto the water.

Smoky Mountains Itinerary

This one’s a mini road trip that takes you through a little bit of everything, from scenic drives to fun hikes to top national park sights!

First, drive about 40 minutes from Bryson City to Deals Gap on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. Here, you’ll find one of the most exciting roads in the United States, the Tail of the Dragon.

Featuring 318 curves in just 11 miles, this drive is well-known for its challenging twists and turns, making it a mecca for motorcycle riders and sports car drivers. (Prepare for various photographers to snap your picture along the way; this is a bucket-list adventure for automotive enthusiasts!)

Coming soon, we’ll share more on driving the Tail of the Dragon, plus our experience of randomly ending on this road 🥴

Continue driving to Gatlinburg. Consider a ride on the Gatlinburg SkyLift and enjoy a walk across the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America. Or head to the main street of Gatlinburg, known as the Parkway, where you'll find an array of shops, restaurants, and attractions.

If you’re traveling with a dog, consider getting out of the car at the Sugarlands Visitor Center to hike the Gatlinburg Trail. (We actually saw a bear on this hike!) This is one of two dog-friendly hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Next, drive Newfound Gap Road, one of the most scenic drives in the Great Smoky Mountains, to Clingman’s Dome, one of the most popular viewpoints in the Great Smoky Mountains. Drive the 7-mile Clingman’s Dome Road, then consider making the half-mile hike to the Clingman’s Dome Observation Tower.

Note: Clingman’s Dome Road is closed seasonally, generally from early December through late March. (For the 2023 Season, it’s open from 4/1 – 11/30 as long as the weather allows.)

On your way back to Bryson City, you could make one final stop at the Oconulaftee Visitor Center and hike the dog-friendly Oconaluftee River Trail. (The second of the two hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that’s dog-friendly.)

smoky mountains road trip route — Mini Road Trip Route

Day 7: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

You can stay in Bryson City or its next-door neighbor, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the US. (In 2021, its annual visitation topped out at 14.1 million visitors, and in 2022, close to 13 million!)

Here are our recommendations for when to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as part of your North Carolina Road Trip and some of the most popular things to do and experience during your trip (in addition to the suggestions in the itinerary above).

great smoky mountains national park welcome sign

The Firefly Phenomenon

Coming soon, we’ll share a post dedicated to GSMNP, when to visit, and more of the best things to do.

But for the purposes of this road trip, we’re going to suggest two specific times of year to visit, (1) during the Firefly Phenomenon from late May to mid-June or (2) early to mid-October for beautiful fall foliage (both of which we think pair perfectly with peaks and pints!).

Spring is already a popular time to visit GSMNP, as the weather is mild and the wildflowers and trees are blooming, but sometime between late May to mid-June specifically is when the Synchronous Firefly Display occurs.

The synchronous fireflies are unique to GSMNP and offer visitors a stunning natural light show, where thousands of fireflies flash their lights in unison.

Because synchronous fireflies are sensitive to light pollution, park rangers limit the number of visitors during peak season and offer shuttle buses to the viewing area to reduce traffic congestion and minimize the impact on the fireflies' habitat. You can learn more and enter the firefly viewing lottery here.

If you win, we highly recommend entering the lottery and planning your North Carolina Road Trip around this event!

Otherwise, fall (September to November) is also an amazing time of year to visit the park and enjoy gorgeous fall foliage. Plus, the weather is cooler and less humid, and crowds are generally thinner than in the summer.

GSMNP Itinerary

Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a wide range of activities, from scenic drives to hiking trails to wildlife and waterfalls.

Here’s one possible way to spend your day in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

Start your day early with the scenic hike of your choice. Choose an easier hike like the 2.4-mile Laurel Falls Trail, a more moderate hike like the Peregrine Peak via Alum Cave Bluff Trail or the Rainbow Falls Trail, or a more challenging hike such as the Charlies Bunion Trail or the Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte.

Spend your afternoon enjoying Cades Cove, one of the best places to view wildlife in GSMNP. Drive the 11-mile, one-way Cades Cove Loop, circling the cove, and/or take a break to enjoy a picnic in one of the designated areas within Cades Cove.

Later in the afternoon, head back and make your way toward Elkmont Campground to the designated firefly viewing area for the synchronous firefly display. (Note: Only if you’re visiting during the firefly event and have obtained a ticket via the lottery in advance.)

Once it’s dark, enjoy as thousands of fireflies synchronize their flashing lights, illuminating the forest. (Bring lawn chairs, a red flashlight, and a picnic dinner to sit and enjoy for a while. We read the fireflies generally start around 8 or 8:30pm and peak between 9 and 11pm, so prepare to be there for a while.)

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has the best spots in the area for star gazing, so if you aren’t headed to the firefly display, consider finding a cozy spot to sit and star gaze instead. Clingmans Dome is one of the best spots for star gazing in GSMNP, as it’s the highest point in the park.

Happy Road Tripping!

Make your way back to Charlotte or your starting destination. Consider taking the scenic route back for a few more looks at beautiful mountain vistas (and maybe one final pit stop in Asheville for a six-pack of your favorite beer or cider to-go).

Whether you're a beer aficionado, history buff, nature lover, or just looking for a fun, laid-back adventure, this North Carolina road trip has something for everyone. Enjoy!

Plan Another Road Trip

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Plan your next great road-tripping adventure here!

Your turn!

We’re always looking for inspiration and would love to hear about your adventures, too!

What are YOUR favorite stops near Charlotte, Asheville, and Bryson City, or which of these activities would you most love to do? Please share with us in the comments below!

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