Labor Day Weekend Itinerary: How to Spend Labor Day in the Smoky Mountains

Are you planning a Labor Day weekend getaway? The Smoky Mountains are the perfect destination for adventure, family fun, and natural beauty! If you need help deciding what to do during your long weekend, we’ve put together this itinerary with the best ways to spend Labor Day weekend in the Smoky Mountains:

Friday: Arrive & Explore

Kick off your Labor Day weekend in the Smoky Mountains by immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the area and exploring some of its popular attractions.

• Take a Scenic Drive: When you arrive in the Smoky Mountains, settle in at the place you’re staying and then embark on a scenic drive. Consider routes like the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail for wildlife viewing and historical sites or the Foothills Parkway for a leisurely drive with panoramic vistas. These roads allow you to experience the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains from the comfort of your car!

• Visit Anakeesta: As evening approaches, head to Anakeesta in Gatlinburg. This mountaintop adventure park offers a unique blend of thrills and relaxation. Ride the scenic Chondola or Ridge Rambler to the top, where you can walk among the tree canopy, race down mountain coasters, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy breathtaking mountain views from the observation tower. This is a great spot to watch the sunset over Gatlinburg, perfect for unwinding at the end of a long day!

Saturday: Outdoor Adventures

For your first full day in the Smokies this Labor Day weekend, prepare for an action-packed day filled with adrenaline-pumping activities and unforgettable outdoor experiences.

• Zipline at CLIMB Works: Start your morning with a zipline adventure at CLIMB Works! Located just outside Gatlinburg, CLIMB Works offers one of the best ziplining experiences with side-by-side lines that send you soaring above the trees, providing incredible views of the Great Smoky Mountains. There are also suspended bridges high above the forest floor as well as a controlled rappel for an exciting end to your adventure!

• Go White Water Rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors: After your zipline tour, get ready to cool off with white water rafting at the best rafting outpost in the Smokies! At Smoky Mountain Outdoors, we provide thrilling guided rafting trips on the Pigeon River. You can enjoy a mix of rapids and calmer stretches, and we have trips that are perfect for both seasoned rafters and beginners. This is an excellent way to experience the beauty of the Smokies from a unique perspective!

• Visit Titanic Museum Attraction: In the evening, cool off after your outdoor adventures with an indoor attraction in Pigeon Forge. Step back in time at the Titanic Museum Attraction. This immersive museum gives you the chance to walk through the famous ship’s interior, see real artifacts, and learn about the stories of the passengers and crew. There are plenty of interactive elements that make this an engaging and educational experience for all ages!

Sunday: Family Fun

Spend a day during Labor Day weekend exploring classic Smoky Mountain attractions that are perfect for families to enjoy hours of entertainment and make lasting memories together.

• Experience Dollywood: Spend the majority of your day at Dollywood, Pigeon Forge’s can’t-miss theme park. This popular attraction offers a wide selection of rides, live entertainment, delicious food, and handmade crafts. From thrilling roller coasters to heartwarming shows and tributes to Dolly Parton, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy!
• Try Zorbing at Outdoor Gravity Park: Cool off in the afternoon with a one-of-a-kind experience: zorbing. Located in Pigeon Forge, Outdoor Gravity Park is one of the Smoky Mountain attractions you need to experience! Climb inside a giant inflatable ball along with 10 gallons of water, then slip and slosh as you roll down the hillside. It’s a fun and surprisingly thrilling activity that’s sure to leave you laughing!

Monday: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Before heading home, dedicate your Labor Day to embracing the peaceful beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

• Hike a Trail: There are so many great hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains to explore! These trails range from easy, short paths like the Gatlinburg Trail to more challenging treks leading to Smoky Mountain waterfalls or panoramic views. Some of the most popular hikes include Grotto Falls, Alum Cave, and Andrews Bald.

• Have a Picnic: Pack a picnic lunch and find a beautiful spot within the national park to enjoy the serene surroundings! You can find picnic areas with tables and grills where you can prepare a meal while you relax and soak in the natural beauty. Great picnic areas can be found in areas like Cades Cove, Greenbrier, and Metcalf Bottoms.

• Go Fishing: For those who enjoy fishing, the streams and rivers of the Great Smoky Mountains offer excellent opportunities for catching fish! The Pigeon River is an especially popular choice. Be sure to check local regulations and get the right fishing license before casting your line. This is a peaceful way to connect with nature on your last day!

Start Planning Your Labor Day Weekend in the Smoky Mountains

As you can see, the Smoky Mountains provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable Labor Day weekend! To enjoy multiple activities for a lower cost, check out our discount attraction packages that combine white water rafting with other Smoky Mountain attractions. These packages are the best way to save on popular things to do in the area!