I'm doing some early planning for the A&M/Tennessee game this fall. I've never been to this area.

Bringing the family (including 2 boys, ages 13 and 10). Our plan will be to spend most of our time exploring Great Smoky Mountains NP, and then probably just spend the day of the game in Knoxville.

We would probably stay closer to Great Smoky Mountains NP (near Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge area), rather than closer to Knoxville.

Any tips on lodging locations/recommendations and tips on the park (can't miss spots and great hikes to do for a fairly active family).

Really looking forward to this trip!

SMNP is spectacular. If you're up to camping, stay in the park. Plenty of cabin options around the park.. Gatlinburg is a spectacle. Biggest tourist trap I've ever seen.

I'd plan for Gatlinburg before or after the game and wouldn't try to drive in for the game. Traffic in and out of the park can make Houston look tame at times, particularly if it's leaf season.

Besides, Knoxville is an interesting place to spend a day, especially on gameday.

If driving, make sure to hit the aquarium in Chattanooga on your way up, plus all the stuff around Lookout Mountain if you have time. It's a neat place.

Smokey Mountain Knife Works is worth seeing. There's a great Cuban restaurant up there, (Smokey's Cuban Cafe).

We are flying in from SLC, so camping not an option as we don't want to haul all that gear on a flight. Otherwise, would have definitely looked into camping if it was a road trip.

Good to know about Gatlinburg crowds and traffic. Will definitely not stay in the town. I'm looking at some VRBO cabins around the area, but outside of the town.

Let me know if there are any hikes recommended in the park. When we go to busy national parks, we typically get in the park very early to get a spot at the trailheads. We are an active family and a 5-10 mile hike should be doable.

Definitely do Clingman's Dome. Not a difficult hike, and a great view.

I'd suggest staying a night in LeConte Lodge, but without gear, that's a non starter. Good hike though.

Laurel Falls is a great short hike.

If I recall correctly, Clingmans dome is great for sunsets

Can look into staying at KOA or other type campground and just rent a cabin to avoid bringing all the camping stuff.

Were taking our pop up to Little Arrow Outdoor Resort in Townsend this May.

I haven't been there before, but pictures and reviews look spectacular.

They have tiny houses and cabins for rent, and pretty sure i am going to be slumming it in our pop up.

Right outside cades cove so easy access to SMNP.

Have stayed at Gatlinburg Falls several times in the past. Lots of different cabins to choose from

Been to Gatlinburg and also camped in the Nat Park. Going back this early summer to camp in Cherokee Nat Forest. One of the absolute best places to see wildlife is an early morning trip through the Cades Cove Loop. It's popular so you'll be in line with a bunch of other cars, but when my son and I did the loop last Spring we saw a mamma black bear and her cubs and plenty of deer and turkey.