The Best Dallas to Smoky Mountains Road Trip Itinerary
A few years ago, we did a Dallas to the Smoky Mountains road trip at the beginning of June. It was our first trip to the Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most popular national parks in the United States.
If you follow our road trips around the country, you will remember that we liked to make stops along the way. Sometimes we stay for an hour or half a day, and other times we spend a night or two. So it was on our road trip from Dallas to the Smoky Mountains.
Our Dallas to the Smoky Mountains road trip lasted seven days. I knew we should go on a ten-day trip, but our son had a summer camp a week later. We wanted him to rest before another one-week summer camp with the Boy Scouts.
Therefore, I added two more days to spend at the Smokies to this itinerary. Three to four days are the ideal minimum days to spend at the park and nearby Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. In my opinion.
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What to Prepare Before Dallas to Smoky Mountains Road Trip
– Get your America the Beautiful National Park Pass. While the Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee, there are places of interest on this trip where you will need the passes.
– Book hotels, campgrounds, or Airbnbs early because the Smokies is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the southern Appalachians.
– Watch for groceries discounts before your departure if you plan to cook meals during the trip. It is also perfect for buying snacks and treats. Usually, we do it in April. Look for the expiration dates.
Dallas to Smoky Mountains Road Trip Itinerary
If we google the driving directions from Dallas to the Smokeys, it will show 12 hours and 45 minutes of driving time. That’s without the stop. For road-tripper veterans like us, it is doable with leaving early in the morning, several pit-stops, and lunch on the road.
But on this trip, we wanted to do other things and see new places.
When searching for things to do between Dallas and the Smokys, we found several stops we wanted to see. Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and Chattanooga in Tennessee were some of them.
So, the 12 hours and 45 minutes Dallas to the Smoky Mountains drive stretched to a few days.
Here’s my suggested itinerary for Dallas to Smokey Mountains road trip. Of course, you can adjust it to your preference for things to do or places to see.
Day 1 – Dallas to Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Approximately non-stop driving time: 5 hr. 15 min. You will go on I-20 E through Shreveport and Monroe in Louisiana.
Once you cross the Mississippi River from Louisiana to Mississippi, stop at the Mississippi Welcome Center on the left. It’s the best place to get information on Vicksburg tourism and other parts of Mississippi. The view of the Mississippi River and Vicksburg Bridge from here is gorgeous.
After check-in at the hotel, go to Vicksburg Military National Park. Vicksburg is one of the most pivotal grounds during the Civil War. It’s a large park, and two days’ visits are not enough.
Your first stop is the Visitor Center to pay your entrance fee. Or, use your America the Beautiful National Park passes.
Watch the exhibition and the movie in the Visitor Center before leaving for a self-guided tour in your vehicle.
If you travel with children, take their Junior Ranger Program book. When your dog is with you, grab the B.A.R.K. ranger program. We had these two books for our son and our dog.
You will drive and stop at monuments and memorials that attract you. The park has more than 1,400 monuments, tablets, and markers.
From the park, go to the historic district of downtown Vicksburg. Have a stroll around town before dinner at one of the restaurants here.
Historic downtown Vicksburg reminded me a little of the Old Town Alexandria in Virginia.
Accommodation: hotels in the historic district (Mulberry Vicksburg) or along I-20 E. Dogs are always staying for free in Red Roof Inn.
Day 2 – Vicksburg to Huntsville, Alabama.
Approximately non-stop driving time: 5 hr. 30 min. You will continue on I-20 E through Jackson, Mississippi, to Tuscaloosa and Birmingham in Alabama, where you turn to I-65 N.
But first, go back to the National Military Park to visit USS Cairo & Museum.
Tuscaloosa is home to the Alabama Crimson Tide. If you are a fan of theirs, you might want to make a quick detour to the University of Alabama.
You will need a different visit to explore Birmingham. Or, add one more day to this Dallas to the Smoky Mountains road trip itinerary.
Arrive at Huntsville, check in at the hotel, and find a place to eat dinner.
Accommodation: Hotels near the Space & Rocket Center.
DALLAS TO SMOKY MOUNTAINS ROAD TRIP
Day 3 – Huntsville, Alabama.
Today you will visit the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. If you bring a dog like us, arrive before they open to secure a space for your dog at their kennel service.
You will need more than half a day here because you want to see and do everything they offer.
If you or your children are into space science, you will love this place. Otherwise, it’s a fun experience.
Then drive to downtown Huntsville. Enjoy your late afternoon visit and have dinner at one of the restaurants there.
You may want to get this Huntsville Rocket City Smart Phone Self Guided Audio (GPS/APP) Walking Tour when in town. It’s like having your personal tour guide, only it’s on your phone.
Day 4 – Huntsville to Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Approximately non-stop driving time: 1 hr. 50 min. It is the fastest way to get to Chattanooga in a fun driving direction. You will get to Tennessee and go to Georgia before arriving at Chattanooga in Tennessee. Your destination is in a different time zone.
I had planned three places to visit during this trip, and they were all outdoor, nature, and history related. When we entered Tennessee for the second time, there was a Visitor Center not too far from the state line. After talking with the attendant at the Visitor Center, we flipped our itinerary in the city.
The first stop in town is Point Park Battlefield at Lookout Mountain. It is the site of a Civil War battle signified as “The Battle Above The Clouds.” You will need your America the Beautiful National Park passes here.
Then drive to Oglethorpe, Georgia, to visit the Chickamauga National Military Park. Take the Car Caravan Tours to learn about the battle here. Admission to the park is free.
To end your visit to Chattanooga, go to Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge.
With this time frame, we could drive around downtown Chattanooga and visit the Chattanooga Choo Choo. It is a historical terminal that has welcomed passengers for decades. The train cars now turned into bars, hotel rooms, and an escape experience. You might want to spend a night here.
You can always check downtown Chattanooga by helicopter, segway, or trolley.
There are so many things to do in Chattanooga that it can be a final destination for a road trip in Tennessee. You can find the famous Ruby Falls and Rock City Gardens on your way to Point Park Battlefield. But these places are always packed with tourists during the high season. That’s why we opted for Point Park Battlefield, and the views from the top of Lookout Mountain are amazing.
Accommodation: Lots of hotels to choose from that fit your budget.
DALLAS TO SMOKY MOUNTAINS ROAD TRIP
Day 5 – Chattanooga to the Smokys.
Approximately non-stop driving time: 3 hr. Google Maps showed three different driving directions with six to nine minutes longer from one direction to another. You can choose the first two, but don’t choose the one through Knoxville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. There will be traffic. We chose the first exit because we didn’t want to stick in the traffic if any. Both directions will take you through Townsend Entrance to the Smokys.
You will drive through small towns and once you get to Townsend, stop at Townsend Visitors Center for some info and a restroom break.
On the way to the park, you will start to see the smoke above the park. Fog rose from the mountains’ vegetation and made an incredible view!
Today you will explore the Cades Cove area.
It is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. You will drive your vehicle, driving an 11-mile, one-way loop road that circles the cove. Expect traffic when you visit during the high season (summer and fall) and on weekends year-round.
You will see churches, gristmills, barns, log houses, and other restored eighteen and nineteenth centuries structures. White-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, turkeys, and other wildlife are frequent in the open field of Cades Cove.
We had three black bears spotting during our visit, and it meant very long traffic.
If able, I suggest you hike the 5-mile round-trip trail to Abram Falls.
Be aware that every Wednesday from early May to late September is a vehicle-free day in Cades Cove. It is open only to pedestrians and cyclists.
We went to Townsend for a late lunch at the Burger Master Drive-In.
After meals, check-in at your accommodation and have a rest.
Accommodation: Hotels in Townsend, Gatlinburg, or Pigeon Forge areas. I think staying in Townsend will be cheaper. You can also stay at Cades Cove campground. Wherever you will stay, you must book the accommodation early. This area is a favorite place for vacation.
DALLAS TO SMOKY MOUNTAINS ROAD TRIP
Day 6 – The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Spend all day in the Smokys. Lots of waterfalls and hiking trails for you to explore. Start early in the morning to beat the crowds at the first place you want to visit.
You may want to go to Clingmans Dome first. It is where you will see the spectacular 360 degrees views of the Smokies. If you are a morning person, go catch the sunrise here.
Then continue to Laurel Falls and Roaring Fork. If time permits, go to Deep Creek, too.
Day 7 – Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge
Enjoy tourist attractions in both cities. I heard Dolly Parton’s Dollywood is one of the best water parks.
Check out other activities or attractions in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge that suit you.
Day 8 – The Smokys to Oak Ridge, west of Knoxville
Approximately non-stop driving time: 1 hr. 30 min. Start your way home to Dallas. You will go through Knoxville.
You will visit The Manhattan Project in Oak Ridge, west of Knoxville. It was the first and biggest of the three Manhattan Project sites built to produce the world’s first atomic weapons. Join the 3-hour behind-the-fence guided tour by the Department of Energy starting from the American Museum of Science & Energy.
After the guided tour, drive around to visit other historical places. Historic Jackson Square, Alexander Inn/Guest House, Chapel on the Hill, and Oak Ridge History Museum are some of them.
Don’t miss the International Friendship Bell. It is an 8,000-pound bronze bell cast in Japan, a testament to the hope for everlasting peace and goodwill in the world.
Accommodation: One of the hotels that fit your budget in Oak Ridge.
Day 9 – Oak Ridge to Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Approximately non-stop driving time: 8 hr. 15 min. The destination is in a different time zone. You will go on I-40 W through Memphis in Tennessee and Little Rock in Arkansas.
We didn’t stop in Memphis or Little Rock because we’d been to these two cities before.
You can spend a night in Memphis or Little Rock on this last night of this Dallas to the Smoky Mountains road trip. Our family prefers to stay closer to home. That way, we don’t have to drive long the next day.
Accommodation: Lots of hotels in Hot Springs. Choose one that fits your budget. Traveling with your dog? Dogs stay for free at Red Roof Inn Hot Springs.
Day 10 – Hot Springs to Dallas.
Approximately non-stop driving time: 4 hr. 20 min. You will drive via I-30 W to Dallas.
Spend some time around downtown Hot Springs, and don’t forget to drive to Hot Springs Mountain Tower. Then visit Anthony Chapel.
Don’t forget to fill your water jugs with the hot springs water at the Hot Springs Jug Fountain. You can find it at the Hot Springs Visitor Center parking lot. It’s better to do it early in the morning to beat the crowd.
Once in Texas, you can make a quick detour to downtown Sulphur Springs to use the see-through restroom at the square.
I hope this Dallas to the Smoky Mountains road trip travel guide will help you make your trips to the Smoky Mountains unforgettable. A road trip from Dallas to the Smoky Mountains is worth it.
Excellent itinerary – every day looks so filled with unique activities. I would never miss a visit to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Thanks for sharing!
A visit to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center is a must when you are in Huntsville, Alabama.
The “America the Beautiful” annual National Parks pass is a really great investment so I’m glad that you mentioned it. You can use it at every national park and I’ve even used it at some state parks as well!
Smokey Mountains National Park is on my list for this year. I’ll keep your post in my bookmarks for when it’s time for a visit.
We have the pass for years, but I didn’t know you can use it at state parks as well. Where did you use it?
I hope you will have fun at the Smokeys.
That is quite the road trip! We have enjoyed both Dallas and GSM but never in the sme trip.. Gatlinburg is a great spot to stop and enjoy the museums and dining options.
I hope to spend more time at Gatlinburg next time we go to the GSM.
Wow, nice itinerary! Especially loved the space and rocket center
This sounds like an excellent trip for a family! I love hiking and waterfalls, so this would be a perfect trip for me. Love the picture of the bear. How often can one expect to see bears on this trip?
From what I read, you can expect to see bears every day around Cades Cove areas. Isn’t it cool?
This Dallas to Smoky mountains road trip is filled with gems to The view of the Mississippi river from the Vicksburg bridge is awesome. The Space and Rocket center in Huntsville Alabama is a great place to explore for kids. I have been to the Great Smokies and visited a theme park in Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg is a beautiful downtown similar to Switzerland .I also enjoyed the nature trails in Cades Cove but I would also love to see the Rock City Gardens and famous Ruby Falls.And nothing compares to finish your trip with a visit to the Hot springs in Arkansas and soak in the benefits of mineral rich waters.
Great itinerary idea. We’d love to stop at Vicksburg and the Arkansas hot springs. I love them on any trip but especially when staying in a car for multiple days. It’s the perfect way to unwind along the way. Our plans for a road trip to the smoky mountains has just added two new stops.
This Dallas to Smoky Mountains guide is going to be extremely useful for a first timer like me. Starting off at Mississippi with view of the Mississippi River and Vicksburg Bridge sounds so appealing. I can feel the excitement.Your 10 day plans is dreamlike with so many interesting stops to recharge. Huntsville should be nice and would love to visit the Space & Rocket Center.
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This detailed post is super helpful. We also love making stops when having a road trip. Will definitely make a stop in Huntsville. We have always wanted to visit the US Space and Rocket Center. I am pretty sure that my boys would be thrilled. Thank you for sharing this.
So fun to read your post, as we did a road trip last year to Gatlinburg and the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. We actually started in Savannah, GA and made our way through central Georgia, the corners of SC and NC, into TN through Great Smokey Mtns NP. I loved every bit of it, except maybe not Gatlinburg. It was a bit too touristy for me — same with Pigeon Forge. But, oh, the hiking in the National Park was amazing!
I found Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge were too touristy for me, too. I chose to spend more time in the Smokys.
Although I’ve read a few Dallas to Smoky Mountains road trip itineraries, this one is certainly the best. You get to travel to various amazing locations every day on your 10-day trip, which is a wonderful experience. I would adore traveling to Chattanooga. The US Space & Rocket Center seems intriguing and entertaining. I must say that the vacation as a whole was awesome!
We like to make stops on our way to the final destination. I think it’s one of the advantages of doing a road trip.
This sounds like a great road trip. I like that you didn’t drive more than 5 hours each day, and that was just in the first couple of days. You had plenty of time to explore. I agree with you, I would give the Smokey Mountains more time, especially if you want to explore more and do some hiking. It’s great that you told us about the traffic as well, and when different places have restrictions for cars. That is very helpful.
Your trip from Dallas to the Smoky Mountains is very inspirational. I love this idea and your itinerary, with exciting stops. Vicksburg Bridge and Vicksburg Military National Park seem exciting spots. I also want o take a photo of Chattanooga from Lookout Mountain. Also, Hot Springs, Arkansas, is on my bucket list.
Judging from your pictures, for me, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park would be the highlight of this roadtrip. And I do not know much about the civil war, apart from some basic knowledge, but I think a road trip like this would be a very good opportunity to learn more about it.
You are right, Natascha. I wasn’t born and studied in the U.S., so this trip was a learning opportunity for me.
While the entire trip sounds fun and so….American, I think I’d like the part from Cades Cove onwards best. Already the fact that there is a vehicle-free day in Cades Cove amazes me. Also, I’m deeply impressed by the wildlife – the bear seems to stand so close to you! The whole part in the Smokys sound absolutely amazing.
Yes! The Smokys is amazing! I want to revisit the park.
We sadly have not yet visited the Smoky Mountains National Park. It looks like the road trip from Dallas to the Smoky Mountains was great even before you hit the park. I love that you always find interesting stops to keep the family engaged on your road trips. Great to find active places for the kids to run off some energy when sitting all day. I may have to plan to visit the Cades Cove area when we finally get this planned. Love the tip about filling your water jug at the hot springs.