Great Smoky Mountains National Park
May 2026
DAYS 1 – 2 Morgantown WV to Knoxville TN
In May 2026, Beth and I decided to drive down to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. This is the most-visited national park in America – yes, even more visitors than the Grand Canyon, Zion, or Yosemite. By visiting on Thursday and Friday, in May before school lets out, we hoped to avoid the worst traffic. We were semi-successful.
Our trip was divided into several sections: #1 ) Tuesday and Wednesday, we droved down to Johnsonville TN to visit friends and explore the area north of the park entrance and Knoxville. #2) Thursday and Friday, we explored GSMNP as we worked our way east to Pisgah Forest and Ashville NC. #3) On Saturday, we spent the entire day at the North Carolina Arboretum. #4) On Sunday, we started north on the Blue Ridge Parkway – BRP – and planned to see Natural Bridge VA as we headed home Monday.
After driving south past Charleston, Logan, and Williamson, we entered Kentucky and headed for Pikeville KY and Kingsport TN. Rt 23 is a beautiful drive. (Dashcam photo)
Driving through Kentucky and the far western tip of Virginia, there were several large cuts in the mountains needed to build this road. (Dashcam photo)
We pulled off the road for a little picnic near the Virginia/Tennessee border. This old railroad track caught my attention.
Welcome to Tennessee!
After checking in to our hotel in Johnsonville, we had a nice visit and dinner with Beth’s lifelong friends Patti and Bruce.
DAY 2 – Johnsonville to Knoxville TN
On Wednesday morning, the rain stopped long enough for us to hike with Patty and Bruce to Blue Hole, about 45 minutes from their house. We hiked down a steep and slippery trail to this beautiful, secluded waterfall and pond.
After our hike, we said our goodbyes and headed south 100 miles to visit the Knoxville Botanical Gardens.
We arrived at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and began our walkaround at the Visitors Center.
Knoxville Botanical Garden
Martha Ash Garden and Ford Family Azalea Garden
Knoxville Botanical Garden
View of Gardens through a stone passageway.
Knoxville Botanical Garden – Rose Garden
Knoxville Botanical Garden – Rose Garden
The Magnolia Trees were blooming. Beth’s hand shows how large they were!
Knoxville Botanical Garden
Knoxville Botanical Garden – I’ve always thought Crepe Myrtle trees have an interesting bark pattern.
Knoxville Botanical Garden – One of many walkways.
Knoxville Botanical Garden – Bamboo Forest
After an enjoyable time at the Knoxville Botanical Garden, it was time to drive to nearby Seviervill TN and check in to our hotel.
Sevierville is pronounced “SUH – VEER – VUL” by the locals. It is located about 10 miles west of the GSMNP entrance.
Tomorrow, we will start early and visit the Cades Cove area, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, and Foothills Parkway.