I have been to the smokies upteen times and though I must admit that the traffic at times gets on your nerves especially on long weekends, it is still a good retreat. It is considered to be the most visited national park in the US even beating Grand Canyon, AZ. Most of it has to do with the fact that it is within driving distance of half the population of the US.
Check out Gatlinburg, if this is your first time here. It has enough options to keep the honeymooners or the general visitor interested. The aquarium in Gatliburg is one of the largest in the US. Other things to check out within Gatlinburg are Ober Gatlinburg, the helicopter rides which provide a great view of the smoky mountains. Plus there are other amusements like the Horror House, Ripley’s Believe it or not. In short the town with its quaint atmosphere has enough things to sustain your interest.
Other than that one thing which one must not miss out are the hikes and the drive through Cades Coves, try to make it when it is not a weekend or a holiday, it is a great drive and if you are lucky you may spot a few bears. If you have a night to spare , try to hike along one of the cross country trails and find a nice place to camp. The fire wood is supplied and there are great spots along the river. You may have to enquire at the Cades Coves visitor centre.
Drive all the way upto the Newfound gap, and then onto Cling man’s dome, which is the highest point in the smokies. If you decide to go all the way, you may as well drive to Cherokee, NC. Take the US441S.
Log cabins are available for about 100-200$ per night and trust me, it is one experience you don’t want to miss. There are lots of them around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. You may have to book them pretty much in advance though. They are fully firnished with a well equipped kitchen, hot tub etc. In short, lots of fun in the midst of nature.
Best time to visit the smokies is in the fall. Around Oct-Nov, when the trees are draped in all shades of red, yellow, crimson and what not. It is a treat for the eyes as well as the photographer in you.
Main Spots : Cades Coves, New Found Gap, Abrahms falls , Clingman’s dome, Gatlinburg