Smokies Grand Loop.
Five days, two base camps, most of what the park has to offer. Start at Elkmont on the west side for old-growth forest and river trails, cross the spine of the mountains at Newfound Gap, then finish at Cosby on the quiet east side for waterfalls and a real fire-tower climb.
The Plan
Day 1 — Set Up at Elkmont
Arrive at Elkmont Campground, level the teardrop, and get camp set up. Walk the Elkmont Historic District — a ghost town of early-1900s vacation cabins slowly being reclaimed by the forest — before dinner.
Day 2 — Little River & Cucumber Gap
A full day on foot: hike the Cucumber Gap Loop through old-growth hardwoods, or push further up the Little River Trail if you're after more miles. Cool off in the river back at camp.
Day 3 — Over the Mountain to Cosby
Break camp and drive Newfound Gap Road, stopping at Newfound Gap itself (the state line and an Appalachian Trail crossing) and, if you're up for a steep mile, the Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) observation tower — the highest point in the park. Continue on to Cosby Campground on the far side and set up your second base camp.
Day 4 — Cosby's Waterfalls & Fire Tower
Cosby is the quietest developed campground in the park — use it. Hike to Hen Wallow Falls for a moderate morning out, or commit to the full Mount Cammerer fire-tower push for one of the best views in the Smokies.
Day 5 — Easy Morning & Home
Walk the lower, easy stretch of Gabes Mountain Trail or just relax at camp, then break down and head back to Knoxville.
Hikes Along the Way
Cucumber Gap Loop
Old-growth trees and creek crossings on a shaded loop out of the historic Elkmont area.
Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome)
A short but steep, steady climb to a spaceship-like observation tower at 6,643 feet — the highest point in the park.
Hen Wallow Falls
A rolling trail out of Cosby to a tall, narrow waterfall that fans out over a rock face.
Mount Cammerer Fire Tower
A long, steady climb from Cosby to a stone-and-timber lookout tower with a sweeping 360-degree view.
Meal Plan
Five days means restocking the cooler at least once — plan a grocery stop in Gatlinburg on the drive between campgrounds.
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Trail Snacks
- Trail mix and dried fruit for the long climbs to Cammerer and Kuwohi
- String cheese and crackers for a quick midday refuel
- Jerky and nuts — light, filling, and won't melt in a warm pack
- Fresh fruit early in the trip, dried fruit once the cooler ice starts to go
- Electrolyte drink mix, especially on the Mount Cammerer day
Around Camp
Elkmont History Walk
Explore the fenced-off but visible remains of the old Appalachian Club cabins right from the campground.
Cosby Stargazing
Cosby is one of the least-visited, least-lit campgrounds in the park — bring a blanket and look up.
Cornhole & Card Games
Both campgrounds have open sites with room for lawn games — pack them in the trailer and set up between camps.
Creek Wading
Both Elkmont and Cosby sit right on cold mountain streams — a free way to cool off after a hike.
Seasonal Events
Synchronous Fireflies
Elkmont hosts one of the few places in the world to see synchronously flashing fireflies. The park runs a lottery for parking access during the peak window — apply well in advance at the NPS fireflies page ↗.
Ranger Programs
Both Elkmont and Cosby host evening ranger talks in season — check the visitor center boards when you arrive.
Fall Color at Elevation
Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) and the high-elevation stretch of Newfound Gap Road often turn first — plan the crossing day accordingly.
Two Camps, One Trailer.
Relocating base camp mid-trip is a lot easier when everything's already packed. A KnoxDrops teardrop breaks camp fast and keeps your kitchen ready to go the moment you're set up again.
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Everything for the campfire, dual-burner stove, and cold/no-cook meal plan above. Split this into two stops if you'd rather buy fresh for each base camp.
Produce
- Bananas
- Lemon
- Bell peppers
- Onion
- Fresh fruit (assorted)
- Watermelon
Meat, Fish & Dairy
- Breakfast sausage
- Bacon
- Trout or salmon fillets
- Bratwurst or grilling sausage
- Sliced turkey
- Sliced cheese
- String cheese
- Cream cheese
Pantry & Dry Goods
- Biscuit mix & sausage gravy mix
- Tortilla chips
- Shredded cheese
- Pancake mix
- Pasta & jarred sauce
- Instant pudding cups
- Bagels
- Sandwich bread
- Chips
- Crackers
- Trail mix
- Dried fruit
- Mixed nuts
- Electrolyte drink mix
Other
- Marshmallows
- Chocolate bars
- Jerky
- Barbecue (pick up in Gatlinburg — no shopping needed)