Planning a big group trip to the Smokies takes a little more coordination than a solo getaway, so here’s what we tell our guests before they pack the car.
Getting here
Most of our guests fly into McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) near Knoxville, about 45 minutes from Gatlinburg, and rent a car for the drive in. If you’re road-tripping, know that the Parkway through downtown Gatlinburg can slow to a crawl on busy weekends and during fall color season — building in extra time on arrival day saves everyone’s patience.
What to pack
Mountain weather changes fast, so layers matter more than any single “right” outfit. Even in summer, evenings on the deck can turn cool once the sun drops behind the ridgeline. If you’re planning to hike, bring real shoes rather than sandals — trails like Cataract Falls start paved but turn to gravel, and rain can make rocks slick fast. Swimsuits are a year-round packing item thanks to the indoor pool at Eagles Landing.
Building your itinerary
Don’t over-schedule the first day. Most groups land, settle into the lodge, and don’t leave the property until the next morning — the decks and game rooms have a way of keeping everyone put. From there, we’d suggest balancing one big outing a day (the national park, Dollywood, downtown Gatlinburg) with slower afternoons back at the house. Big groups especially benefit from not trying to do everything together every single day.
Grocery runs
Every home has a fully stocked gourmet kitchen, so a single grocery stop after you land covers most of the trip. Stock up early — Gatlinburg’s stores get busy during peak season, and once you’re settled in for the week, nobody wants to make a second trip.
Once your dates are set, the easiest next step is to lock in your home. Check availability and start building your Smoky Mountain itinerary around it.
