Feb 21, 2022

Start Planning Your Spring Trip

Springtime in the Smokies is one of the most beautiful times of the year, so this is the perfect time to start planning your spring trip. Whether you want to four-wheel in the mountains or cozy up with the family in a cabin- we’ve got ideas to ensure you make the most of your time here.

The Adventurous Spring Breaker

Bouldering in the Smokies

What is Bouldering? It’s a form of free climbing performed on small rock formations without the use of ropes or harnesses. An ideal place for bouldering on the Peaceful Side is Look Rock, off Foothills Parkway. The climbing options are short, with the difficulty level topping out at about 5.10. In total, you will find five climbs at Look Rock; 40% boulder (below Look Rock Tower) and 60% top rope. This sandstone crag is the perfect spot to refine your skills or learn your ropes for traditional rock climbing. With amazing views and parking close by, this is a superb spot for a day’s adventure.

Bouldering on Look Rock
McKay Savage

UTV/Motorcycle Rentals

Experience your spring trip through the Smokies with the wind in your hair. Rent a Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV), Slingshot, or motorcycle for a scenic drive through Cades Cove, River Road, or the infamous Tail of the Dragon. Go off-roading

Rental Information

Little Arrow Outdoor Resort

Pictured: Little Arrow Outdoor Resort Cabin

This outdoor resort has accommodations for every kind of nature lover. Whether you need nothing more than a tent and a campsite or prefer to sleep in the comforts of a cabin, Little Arrow has you covered. There are campsite spots for tent campers and RV owners. Or folks who enjoy their outdoor living in a little more luxury, glamping tents, tiny houses, and cabins are available. 

Family Trip Ideas

Tuckaleechee Caverns

See Tuckaleechee Caverns on your spring trip to the Smokies.

Journey 150 feet underground to see the tallest subterranean waterfall in the Eastern United States at Tuckaleechee Caverns. The Caverns are open March – November and a great all-weather option for your Smoky Mountain Vacation.

Biking

spring trip biking through the Smokies

Vee Hollow is a new addition to the Peaceful Side, offering 14 miles of biking trails at the base of the Smoky Mountains. The trails are open year-round, seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset, with trail ratings from beginner to expert. This bike trail is a must-do while planning your spring trip.

Cades Cove is a lush, isolated area surrounded by 4000-foot mountains. One of the best ways to see the park is to hop on a bike and ride around with the family. The bike paths are as smooth as the views are rugged and there’s always so much to see

Horseback Riding

Photo Courtesy of macimccarley on Instagram

The Peaceful Side offers riding experiences for first-time riders and seasoned riders who want to bring their horses to the Smokies. Experience the trails in much the same manner as the early explorers did when they first discovered the area by traversing the trails on horseback. See below for local riding stables and lodging that includes stables for your horse.

Cabin Rentals

Pictured: Little River Tiny House

The Peaceful Side of the Smokies has perfect cabin rentals for all family sizes and budgets. You can find cabins with breathtaking mountain views, places along the Little River, or secluded lakeside retreats. We’ve listed several popular cabin rentals to get you started for the perfect family trip.

Rental Information

Find a complete list of cabin rentals in our Townsend Vacation Guide.

Whether young or old, traveling alone or with family, the Peaceful Side of the Smokies is the perfect place to plan your next spring trip. We look forward to seeing you this Spring! Until then, check out the blogs below for more spring planning ideas:

Visit These 3 Picnics Spots in the Smoky Mountains This Spring

Cardinal in Cades Cove
Photo by Randy Ratliff

The Fish are Biting in the Smokies’ Many Streams and Rivers

Crane in stream in the Smokies
Photo by Randy Ratliff