1Step 1 · Aviasales
Flights to TYS
Compare arrival dates before fixing your first night.
Find flights to TYS
Road trip · Tennessee & North Carolina
Smokies & Blue Ridge Loop
4 stopsAbout 11 daysTrip snapshot
Arrival airport- TYS
Suggested stay- About 11 days
Reservation demand- 4 stops · check each guide
The loop
Great Smoky Mountains, Asheville, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Boone.
Book this loop from TYS
Fly into McGhee Tyson Airport, pick up your car or RV, then drive the loop.
Book in this order
2Step 2 · Motorhome Republic
Est. from $120/night · typical rate
- ✓ Compare RV & campervan suppliers
Motorhome or campervan
Professional fleets; check pickup hours and park vehicle limits.
Compare RVs near TYS
2Step 2 · Airport Rentals
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
- ✓ Compare suppliers at TYS
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Car or SUV at TYS
Choose TYS pickup, dates and a standard car or SUV.
Compare cars at TYS
3Step 3 · Vrbo
Est. from $120/night · typical rate
Stays near McGhee Tyson Airport
Choose your overnight stops and check dates on Vrbo.
Find cabins & homesBefore you go · Airalo
Mobile data for the U.S.
Check phone compatibility; download maps before entering the parks.
Get a U.S. eSIMStop by stop
- 1
Gatlinburg
Suggested: 3 days (full guide: 3–4 days)
Great Smoky Mountains Parking Tag and Activity Reservations
~4 mi straight-line from Gatlinburg
2Great Smoky Mountains
Suggested: 3 days (full guide: 3–5 days)
Parking Tag and Campground Booking Official Check
~54 mi straight-line from Great Smoky Mountains
3Asheville & Blue Ridge Parkway
Suggested: 3 days (full guide: 3–4 days)
~65 mi straight-line from Asheville & Blue Ridge Parkway
4Boone
Suggested: 2 days (full guide: 2–4 days)
Viator
Tours & experiences near Gatlinburg
Explore guided activities around Gatlinburg. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Smokies & Blue Ridge Loop
Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Travel documents & cards
Crossbody Card Holder
Keep cards close on sightseeing days; check dimensions for what you want to carry.
Eye protection
Polarized Cycling Sunglasses
Wrap-around cycling sunglasses with polarized lenses and a lightweight TR90 frame, according to the listing.
Wildlife & night viewing
Hawknite 1 4K Night Vision Binoculars
52MP photo · 1,200m range · full color at night. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$299.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
Quick answers
How many days do I need for the Smokies & Blue Ridge Loop?
Plan about 11 days to give each of the 4 stops its suggested minimum time, plus extra if you add rest days.
Which order should I visit the stops in?
Gatlinburg, then Great Smoky Mountains, then Asheville & Blue Ridge Parkway, then Boone. The order keeps each leg as short as possible.
Do any stops on this loop need reservations?
Check booking rules early for Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountains. Each stop's guide links to the official source.
More road trips
Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip Loop Grand Canyon & Northern Arizona Loop California Sierra Parks Loop Yellowstone & Grand Teton Loop Colorado Rockies Loop Black Hills & Badlands Loop From the airport: Great Smoky Mountains & Blue Ridge Loop from Atlanta From the airport: The Grand Circle from Las Vegas From the airport: California Icons Loop from San Francisco From the airport: Florida Tropical & Keys Loop from Miami From the airport: Pacific Northwest Loop from Seattle From the airport: Colorado Rockies Loop from Denver