⛰️ Great Smoky Mountains Travel Guide

👏🏻 Preparation Tips 1️⃣ Download offline maps in advance — there’s almost no signal once you enter the mountains. 📵 2️⃣ No entrance fee is required, but you must purchase a Parking Tag online or at the visitor center. 🅿️ 3️⃣ For those Instagram-worthy shots, bring a CCD camera or instant camera — beauty filters won’t work in the mountains! 📸 4️⃣ For food and accommodation, I highly recommend staying in Gatlinburg. 🏡🍴 👏🏻 Must-Visit Attractions 1️⃣ You absolutely have to visit Cades Cove! Personally, I feel like a trip to the Smokies isn’t complete without it. I went in late May and arrived around 7:50 PM — the views along the way were absolutely breathtaking! 🌄🛣️ 2️⃣ Animal lovers, take note: You can spot large elk 🦌 on the road from Clingmans Dome to Cherokee — best viewing around 4:30 PM. On the way to Cades Cove, you might see bears 🐻 (around 6:55 PM), followed by deer and horses. 🐴 3️⃣ Other spots, while less stunning, still offer beautiful views. There are plenty of pull-off areas where you can stop and enjoy the scenery. 🚗💨 👏🏻 Food Recommendation I highly recommend The Baht - Thai Restaurant & Bar 🍜🌶️ — not only is the atmosphere lovely, but their Pad Thai is also delicious and stands out among other Thai restaurants! #USTravel #GreatSmokyMountains #USNationalParks #TennesseeTravel #TravelGuide