Days in the Smokies call for exploring downtown, hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, riding the trolley, shopping at the outlets, checking out family-friendly attractions, picnicking, or just relaxing in the cabin. What do all these have in common? You want SNACKS on hand for all of them – especially if you’re traveling with kids.
So in honor of today – National Trail Mix Day – we’ve found some of the tastiest trail mix recipes around. They’re crunchy, salty, sweet, and best of all, so easy to make and take along. Before you hit the trails or start heading into town, be sure you have a few bags of these on hand. When you’re between meals or burning some extra calories, you’ll appreciate the extra boost!
Kiddos Favorite Trail Mix | food.com | 15-20 servings
Ingredients
1 cup toasted oat cereal
1 cup goldfish or cheese crackers
1 cup cherry-flavored dried cranberries
1 cup cashews
1 cup miniature M&Ms chocolate candies
1 cup peanut butter chips or 1 cup butterscotch chips
1 cup miniature pretzel twists or 1 cup pretzel sticks
Favorite Trail Mix | allrecipes.com | 24 servings
Ingredients
1 cup sweetened dried cranberries
½ cup dried tart cherries
½ cup dried blueberries
½ cup dried pineapple pieces
1 cup candy-coated dark chocolate pieces
2 ½ cups salted deluxe mixed nuts (without peanuts)
Breakfast Trail Mix | pinterest via MomOnTimeOut
Ingredients
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup pistachios, shelled
1 cup dried banana chips
2 cups Honey Nut Cheerios
1 ½ cups yogurt-covered pretzels
Simple & Sophisticated | greatest.com
Ingredients
Almonds
Sea salt
Dried cherries
Cinnamon
Chocolate chips
Peanut Butter Friend | greatest.com
Ingredients
Almonds
Peanuts
Chocolate and Peanut Butter Chips
Banana Chips
A few of our own mixes…
Movie Night Munchies
Butter popcorn | M&Ms | Buncha Crunch | pretzel sticks | mini marshmallows
Trolley Trail Mix
Kettle corn | dark chocolate chips | deluxe salted nuts mix | dried cranberries
Hawaiian Days
White chocolate chips | macadamia nuts | coconut flakes | dried pineapple | dark chocolate chips | banana chips
Morning Boost
Chocolate-covered coffee beans | banana chips | dried cranberries | granola | almonds
Hitting the Trails
Sunflower seeds | almonds | pumpkin seeds | granola | dark chocolate chips | dried blueberries | walnuts | banana chips
Toddler Time
Cheerios | pretzel sticks | banana chips | goldfish | M&Ms
The Health Nut
Dried cranberries | almonds | walnuts | pecans | pumpkin seeds | dark chocolate chunks
The Poser
Mini marshmallows | M&Ms | dark chocolate chips | mini pretzel twists | Chex Muddy Buddies
What would a good trail mix be without somewhere fun to enjoy it?! From great trails to fun attractions, there are plenty of places to explore with trail mix in hand. Here are a few ideas for a fun National Trail Mix Day in the Smokies!
Playing in Patriot Park
Picnicking after a scenic drive through Cades Cove
Riding the Pigeon Forge Trolley to explore the city
Hiking up to Mt.LeConte via the Alum Cave Trail
Logging a few miles on the Appalachian Trail
Watching The Island Show Fountain
Playing games in your cabin – that’s loaded with pool, foosball, and more!
Listening to live music at the Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler
Finding great deals on brand-name goods at the Tanger Outlets
Strolling along the Parkway to check out candy, gifts, and more
Cozying up in your private home theater for movie night
Our Pigeon Forge cabins
When you’re done exploring, you’ll want a cozy place to call home. Our Pigeon Forge cabins offer just that, with options ranging from intimate 1-2 bedroom cabins to spacious large group lodges for reunions and retreats. We have pet-friendly cabins for those who like to bring their pups along, luxury rentals that boast high-end finishes and amenities throughout, and cabins that offer gorgeous views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Plus, our cabins are loaded with amenities, including:
Private home theaters
Private indoor pools
Big screen TVs and Blu-ray players
Wi-Fi
Fully equipped kitchens
Bunk beds and king-size beds
Spacious living rooms
Decks with hot tubs and rocking chairs
Community pool and miniature golf access
Pool, foosball, air hockey, and shuffleboard tables
Arcade games
Indoor jetted tubs
Wood-burning fireplaces, and much more!
