Planning a girls’ weekend? The Smoky Mountains might be the perfect backdrop. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a bachelorette party, reuniting with old friends, or simply craving a well-deserved break, this cozy corner of Tennessee delivers charm, adventure, and relaxation all in one place.
With rolling mountain views, locally owned shops, fun attractions, and more outdoor beauty than you could explore in one trip, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg offer everything you need for a weekend of connection and carefree fun. And the best part? You can tailor your getaway to your group’s style, whether you want to hike and explore or kick back in a hot tub with wine and board games.
Before you can dive into the fun, you’ll need to pick a place to stay that sets the tone for your trip. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of options nearby, especially if you’re staying close to the heart of the action.
Stay in Style: Where to Book Your Home Base
When choosing where to stay, Gatlinburg is one of the most convenient and charming options. It gives you close access to the national park and a walkable downtown filled with attractions, restaurants, and entertainment. There are plenty of hotels Gatlinburg offers that make the perfect home base for a weekend with the girls. They are ideally located and full of cozy amenities to make your stay extra special.
Sidney James Mountain Lodge is a great example. It offers a peaceful mountain stream setting while keeping you close to all the downtown buzz. With both indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, creek-side picnic spots, and private balconies, it’s designed with relaxation in mind. Their comfortable rooms and suite options are perfect for groups of all sizes, and the on-site café makes grabbing breakfast before a busy day easy. It’s a great way to enjoy the best of both worlds: mountain tranquility and city convenience.
Explore the Great Outdoors Together
A visit to the Smoky Mountains isn’t complete without spending time in the great outdoors. Whether you and your crew are seasoned hikers or just in it for the fresh air and Instagram-worthy views, there are plenty of trails to choose from.
Laurel Falls Trail is an excellent pick for beginners. It’s an easy, paved hike that leads to a stunning 80-foot waterfall, a must-see photo spot. If you’re up for a little more challenge, try Alum Cave Trail or make the scenic drive up to Kuwohi, where a short walk takes you to one of the highest points in the Smokies with sweeping mountain views.
Pack a few snacks and find a picnic spot along the way. Many areas within the national park have picnic tables, creeks, and shady trees, perfect for resting and chatting between adventures.
Indulge in Local Eats and Drinks
No girls’ weekend is complete without some seriously good food. Gatlinburg and nearby Pigeon Forge are packed with places to satisfy every craving. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café, enjoy comfort food for lunch, and treat yourselves to a relaxed dinner with mountain views.
You’ll also find plenty of unique places to grab sweet treats, think homemade fudge, hand-dipped ice cream, and fresh donuts. If your group enjoys a little day drinking, visit one of the local wineries or moonshine tasting rooms. Many offer fun, low-cost tastings and have live music or outdoor seating that creates a great atmosphere for groups.
Shop, Stroll, and Snap the Perfect Group Pics
One of the best parts of a girls’ trip is just spending time together, and downtown Gatlinburg makes that easy and fun. Walk along the Parkway to explore boutique shops, artisan studios, and souvenir stores where you can pick up matching T-shirts or handmade candles.
If you’re into arts and crafts, don’t miss the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. It’s an 8-mile loop packed with local artisans offering handmade pottery, jewelry, and art you won’t find anywhere else. Even if you don’t buy anything, browsing is half the fun.
Of course, you’ll want to take a ton of photos while you’re here. Popular backdrops include the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, Anakeesta’s mountaintop garden walk, or just about any scenic overlook on a clear day.
Relax, Recharge, and Pamper Yourselves
After a day of hiking, shopping, and sipping, you’ll definitely want some downtime. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to wind down and relax together. Consider booking a group spa day with massages, facials, or a hot stone treatment to melt away any leftover stress.
If staying in is more your group’s vibe, you can also create your own spa-like experience back at the hotel. Bring along some face masks, snacks, wine, and a good playlist or movie lineup. Some accommodations even offer suites with private hot tubs or fireplaces ideal for long chats and late-night laughter.
You can also opt for easygoing outdoor moments like stargazing from a cabin porch or lounging by a stream with a good book and coffee in hand.
Try Something New and Memorable Together
To round out your weekend, add in an activity that’s a little different, something that brings out the laughter, surprises, or maybe even a touch of adrenaline. Ziplining over the trees, going horseback riding on a mountain trail, or trying a local escape room are all fun ways to shake things up.
You can also look into pottery or painting classes where you’ll get to create a keepsake from your trip. If your visit falls during a seasonal festival, take advantage of special events, parades, or themed attractions unique to the time of year.
And if you have time to explore beyond Gatlinburg, consider a scenic drive to nearby towns like Sevierville, where you’ll find additional spots for local eats, history, and shopping.
What makes a girls’ weekend unforgettable isn’t just the location. It’s the shared experiences, the laughter, and the memories made together. The Smoky Mountains offer the perfect setting for all of that and more. Whether you spent your time hiking scenic trails, enjoying moonshine tastings, unwinding by a stream, or snapping group photos on a mountain bridge, you’ll leave with stories to tell for years to come.
The key to a perfect trip? Keep things simple, mix a little planning with flexibility, and focus on enjoying each other’s company. With the right blend of adventure and relaxation, your Smoky Mountains girls’ weekend will be one to remember and maybe even a new annual tradition.
