1. Hike to Clingmans Dome
At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest peak in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The short, paved trail to the summit is steep but accessible, making it a popular destination for visitors. From the top, you’ll have panoramic views of the Smokies and, on clear days, you can see up to 100 miles away.
2. Drive the Cades Cove Loop Road
The 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road takes you through a historic valley with abundant wildlife, including deer, black bears, and wild turkeys. Along the way, you’ll encounter picturesque meadows, historic cabins, and churches. This one-way road can get busy during peak season, so plan your visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best wildlife viewing opportunities and fewer crowds.
3. Visit the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont
The Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is an environmental education center that offers a variety of programs and workshops for visitors of all ages. From guided hikes and nature walks to photography workshops and summer camps, the Institute provides hands-on learning experiences that help visitors connect with the park’s natural and cultural resources.
4. Hike to Laurel Falls
Laurel Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the park, and the 2.6-mile roundtrip hike is well worth the effort. The paved trail leads through a lush forest and culminates at the 80-foot cascading waterfall. The trail can be crowded during peak season, so consider hiking during the week or early in the morning for a more peaceful experience.
5. Explore the Elkmont Historic District
The Elkmont Historic District is a collection of historic cabins and buildings that offer a glimpse into the park’s past. Once a thriving logging community and later a popular vacation spot, Elkmont is now a preserved area with many structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a self-guided tour of the area and imagine life in the Smokies a century ago.
6. Visit the Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Located at the park’s eastern entrance, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center offers exhibits, programs, and information about the park’s natural and cultural history. Learn about the Cherokee people who once lived in the area, the early European settlers, and the diverse flora and fauna that call the park home. The visitor center also serves as a starting point for several hiking trails.
7. Drive the Newfound Gap Road
The 33-mile Newfound Gap Road is a scenic drive that takes you to the highest point on the Appalachian Trail, offering stunning views of the park along the way. The road passes through a variety of forest ecosystems, from hardwood forests to spruce-fir forests, showcasing the park’s incredible biodiversity. Stop at the many overlooks for breathtaking vistas and photo opportunities.
8. Hike to Chimney Tops
Chimney Tops is a challenging 3.3-mile roundtrip hike that rewards visitors with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The trail climbs through lush forests before reaching the rocky summit, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the park. The final ascent is steep and requires scrambling, so this hike is best suited for experienced hikers and those with a good level of physical fitness.
9. Visit the Mountain Farm Museum
Located near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, the Mountain Farm Museum is an outdoor exhibit showcasing historic log cabins, barns, and other structures from the 1800s. The museum offers a glimpse into the lives of early settlers in the Smokies, and you can explore the buildings, learn about traditional farming practices, and watch demonstrations of historic crafts and skills.
10. Explore the Cataloochee Valley
The remote Cataloochee Valley is home to a historic church, several preserved buildings, and a herd of elk that were reintroduced to the park in the early 2000s. The valley offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, as well as several hiking trails that take you past historic sites and through beautiful forests.
11. Drive the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
The 5.5-mile Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a narrow, winding road that offers stunning views of waterfalls, historic buildings, and the surrounding forest. Along the way, you’ll encounter several trailheads for popular hikes, including the Rainbow Falls Trail and the Grotto Falls Trail. The road is closed during the winter months due to weather conditions, so plan your visit accordingly.
12. Visit the Sugarlands Visitor Center
Located near the park’s main entrance, the Sugarlands Visitor Center offers exhibits, programs, and information about the park’s wildlife and geology. Learn about the various ecosystems within the park, the plants and animals that call it home, and the geological forces that shaped the landscape. The visitor center is also a starting point for several hiking trails, including the popular Laurel Falls Trail.
13. Hike to Alum Cave Bluffs
The Alum Cave Bluffs Trail is a challenging 4.4-mile roundtrip hike that leads to a stunning rock formation. The trail passes through diverse forests, crosses streams, and offers impressive views of the surrounding mountains. The Alum Cave Bluffs, a large concave rock formation, serves as a popular destination for hikers and a resting point before continuing to Mount LeConte, one of the park’s highest peaks.
14. Go fishing
Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers plenty of opportunities for fishing in its 2,900 miles of streams and rivers. The park is home to native brook trout, as well as rainbow and brown trout, and you can fish year-round with a valid Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license. Be sure to check the park’s fishing regulations before casting your line.
15. Visit the Cades Cove Historic District
The Cades Cove Historic District is a preserved valley that offers a glimpse into the lives of early settlers in the Smokies. The valley is home to several historic buildings, including churches, log cabins, and a working grist mill. Take a self-guided tour of the area, and enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife that call Cades Cove home.
16. Take a scenic drive on the Foothills Parkway
The Foothills Parkway is a 33-mile stretch of road that offers stunning views of the park and the surrounding countryside. The parkway features several overlooks and pull-offs where you can stop to take in the vistas and snap photos. It’s a great
way to experience the beauty of the Smokies without venturing far from your vehicle.
17. Hike to Abrams Falls
The 5-mile roundtrip hike to Abrams Falls takes you through a beautiful forest and along a scenic creek before reaching the impressive 20-foot waterfall. The falls may not be as tall as some others in the park, but their high volume of water creates a stunning display. The trailhead is located along the Cades Cove Loop Road, making it a popular hike for those visiting the area.
18. Visit the Cataloochee Ski Area
Located within the park, the Cataloochee Ski Area is a popular ski resort that offers skiing and snowboarding opportunities for all skill levels. The resort features a variety of slopes and trails, as well as equipment rentals, lessons, and a cozy lodge for warming up after a day on the slopes. The ski season typically runs from mid-November to early April, depending on weather conditions.
19. Go horseback riding
Experience the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains from a unique perspective – on horseback! The park offers a variety of guided horseback tours that take you through forests, meadows, and along scenic streams. No experience is necessary, and rides are available for visitors ages 5 and up. Be sure to reserve your spot in advance, as tours can fill up quickly during peak season.
20. Explore the Deep Creek area
The Deep Creek area is a popular spot for hiking, fishing, and picnicking, with several trails that lead to beautiful waterfalls, including Juney Whank Falls, Tom Branch Falls, and Indian Creek Falls. You can also try your hand at tubing in the cool waters of Deep Creek during the summer months – a fun and refreshing way to enjoy the park’s natural beauty.
21. Visit the Mingus Mill
The Mingus Mill, a historic gristmill built in 1886, offers tours and demonstrations of traditional milling techniques. The mill is still operational, and you can watch as water powers the turbine to grind corn into cornmeal. Be sure to pick up some freshly ground cornmeal as a souvenir of your visit.
22. Hike to Ramsey Cascades
Ramsey Cascades is the tallest waterfall in the park, and the 8-mile roundtrip hike to reach it is both challenging and rewarding. The trail follows an old logging road and passes through old-growth forests before reaching the stunning 100-foot waterfall. The hike is strenuous and requires some stream crossings, so it’s best suited for experienced hikers.
23. Attend a ranger-led program
The park offers a variety of educational programs and guided tours led by knowledgeable park rangers. These programs cover topics such as wildlife, history, and the park’s unique ecosystems. Attending a ranger-led program is a great way to learn more about the park and enhance your overall experience. Check the park’s event calendar for a schedule of upcoming programs.
24. Take a scenic drive on the Little River Road
The 18-mile Little River Road takes you through the heart of the park, offering stunning views of the Little River and the surrounding mountains. Along the way, you’ll find several trailheads for popular hikes, including the Laurel Falls Trail and the Cucumber Gap Trail. The road is also a great place for wildlife viewing, especially during the early morning and late afternoon hours.
25. Go camping
Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a variety of campgrounds and backcountry camping options for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the park’s natural beauty. There are ten developed campgrounds within the park, each with its own unique setting and amenities. For those seeking a more remote experience, backcountry camping permits are available for over 100 designated sites throughout the park. Be sure to reserve your spot in advance, as campgrounds can fill up quickly during peak season.
