Photo Credits to: Tom
The smoky mountains are perfect for a romantic getaway with your significant other. You can spend all day exploring the natural beauty of the Great Smokies National Park or check out nearby lively towns brimming with attractions and dining. Then, be sure to take advantage of those sultry southern nights to kick back and cuddle up with your partner. And, if you want to truly make your time in Tennessee unforgettable, our glamping domes in the Smoky Mountains provide the ideal spot for stargazing with someone special.
Quality time together awaits in Tennessee…You will definitely want to add these 10 top things to do as a couple in the Smoky Mountains to your getaway list.
1. Ride the Gatlinburg SkyLift
Photo Credits to: Pinterest
One of the top destinations in the Smokies is Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Its downtown is bustling, but once nestled in a cozy chairlift high above the city streets, it will be just you, your partner, and some seriously amazing sights. The Gatlinburg SkyLift has operated for over five decades and climbs to a lookout point atop Crockett Mountain. Snuggle close as the lift takes you to 1,800 feet above sea level, where you can take in perhaps the most picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and town. Gatlinburg SkyPark, including the lift, is open all year round, and the scenery is particularly romantic at night or in the fall.
2. Take a Carriage at Cades Cove
Photo Credits to: Pavel Bak
Cades Cove is high on our list of the top things to do in the Smoky Mountains because it is the most visited area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But while you can certainly take in some of the best waterfalls, peaks, and lush valleys on foot or by car, why not add some charm with a carriage ride? Cades Cove Riding Stables offers guided carriage rides in a “Bridgerton”-esque carriage that will have you swooning. Along your journey, drivers are happy to point out wildlife, natural features, and the historic buildings that dot the area. Each carriage ride is about 45 minutes long and occurs daily from spring through fall.
3. Take a Hike and Picnic in the Great Smokies National Park
Photo Credits to: Pinterest
Adventurous couples that prefer scrambling over rocks to a seated carriage ride can take full advantage of all the National Park has to offer. It’s a hiker’s dream, packed with trails of every difficulty and stunning natural features. During the spring and summer, many lush trails are dotted with vibrant Rhododendrons and Azaleas. The fall brings swathes of gorgeous color to the trees, while the winter opens up some of the most breathtaking views. After traversing some of the park’s 150 official trails, stop beside a splashy mountain stream for an idyllic picnic with your partner. Consider getting there early in the day to avoid crowds, as the park is one of the top things to do in the Smoky Mountains, and pull-offs are usually in high demand.
4. Stargaze While Glamping the Smoky Mountains
Photo Credits to: GLAMP X Stay Minty
Enjoy the best parts of “roughing it” without forgoing the luxuries of home. Located in Cosby, TN, a major benefit of our glamping domes is that they are close enough to major attractions but far enough away to feel peaceful and secluded. Our fully equipped Smoky Mountain glamping domes include a bathroom, shower, kitchen, and cozy bed so you can focus on each other instead of boiling water or making a fire. The spacious private deck and outdoor living space invite you to sneak away into the serenity of nature. At night, it’s just you, your beau, and the awe-inspiring stars. GLAMP X Stay Minty is the perfect Smoky Mountain romantic getaway for couples searching for privacy. We’re sure it will win your heart and claim a spot on your top things to do in the Smoky Mountains!
5. Explore on Horseback
Photo Credits to: Pinterest
A romantic Smoky Mountains trip wouldn’t be complete without a sunset horseback ride. Local stables like Walden Creek Stables and Douglas Lakeview Stables frequently offer sweetheart sunset rides. These hour-plus trail tours typically include a stop for dinner at a rustic table for two that ends in time just to view the sunset at the mountain’s peak. It’s a happy medium for couples not keen on hiking (especially during dusk) but also wanting something more adventurous than a carriage ride. Why disagree when you can compromise with a magical golden hour tour atop a noble steed?
6. Share a Kiss While Standing in Separate States
Photo Credits to: Pinterest
Ever wish you could test your relationship long-distance? The Great Smokies has the perfect opportunity for you and your significant other to be a state away! But did we mention you’ll still be close enough to kiss? An undiscerning sign in the middle of the parking lot on Newfound Gap Road identifies the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. Snap a picture and steal a kiss while each standing in a different state. While you’re there, we highly recommend checking out some of the breathtaking vista views. The 31-mile-long Newfound Gap Road features some of the best scenic overlooks in the park.
7. Watch the Sunset at Mount LeConte
Photo Credits to: Art of Travel
We know sunsets have factored into several of our top things to do for couples in the Smoky Mountains, but how can you pass up those sultry golden hour vibes? Mount LeConte is the Smokies’ third-highest peak, so the chances of seeing the day’s final pinks, reds, and oranges are in your favor. However, the 11-mile hike to the summit is one of the harder trails, which can also make it one of the most rewarding. It can be a late-night trip back to your glamping dome in the Smoky Mountains, but fortunately, LeConte Lodge, a rural lodge near the top of Mount LeConte, welcomes evening hikers. It’s a great place to catch the next morning’s sunrise before heading back down the mountain.
8. Go Zip Lining
Photo Credit to: Álvaro Arcelus
Not far from GLAMP in the Smoky Mountains are some of the country’s top ziplining experiences. For thrill-seekers, there’s nothing like stepping out of your comfort zone to take in the sights of the Great Smoky Mountains from a treetop grazing vantage point. Whether flying down zip lines side by side or traversing one of the many sky bridges, consider it a trust-building exercise that will definitely bring you closer together. The panoramic views and pulse-racing zipline rides are the absolute best mix of romance and excitement.
9. Lounge (Natural) Poolside at Midnight Hole
Photo Credit to: Zachary Staines
When you need a break from the hot tub at your glamping spot in the Smoky Mountains, take a dip in one of the Smokies’ hidden gems, Midnight Hole. Located about 1.5 miles from the Big Creek Trail parking area, the natural pool is cool and refreshing after a humid summer hike. You’ll want to keep a lookout for the subtle signs that you’re approaching Midnight Hole, as a small white circle painted on a tree is the only indicator that you’ve arrived. While it may be tricky to locate, the pool can be a popular spot, so we’d advise saving the skinny dipping for another time. Instead, you and your significant other can lounge on the large boulders surrounding the crystal-clear waters or take the plunge hand-in-hand.
10. Dive into Unique Dining
Photo Credits to: Pancake Pantry
There’s no shortage of entertaining, memorable, and romantic dinner spots in Pigeon Forge and nearby Gatlinburg. You can step back in time at The Old Mill Restaurant, enjoy a contemporary twist on Southern classics at the Local Goat, or sit down for a culinary experience at Gaucho Urbano Brazilian Steakhouse. If you find yourself too tired to whip up breakfast after a long night stargazing while glamping in the Smoky Mountains, be sure to check out the Pancake Pantry in Gatlinburg. It’s a cant-miss breakfast spot that has served up a dizzying array of hotcakes since the 1960s. Is there anything sweeter than sharing a fluffy stack of goodness with your SO?
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend together or a thrilling couple’s adventure, we hope that your Smoky Mountains getaway is full of romance. Summer is coming, and it’s the perfect time to take a glamping trip, get outdoors, explore, and embrace summer love! If one of these ideas sounds like it would be perfect for your itinerary, let us help you plan the whole trip. With our homes in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Cosby, and Nashville, Tennessee, we have just the spot for you and your significant other, so make sure to check out our comfortable and romantic rentals at www.stayminty.com!