Looking for a breathtaking escape into nature? Head to the Great Smoky Mountains! Spanning Tennessee and North Carolina, this iconic national park is known for its misty peaks, abundant wildlife, scenic drives, and miles of hiking trails. Whether you crave solitude, family-friendly adventure, or Appalachian culture, the Smokies offer something unforgettable.
Great Smoky Mountains Highlights:
- For Hikers: Trek to Clingmans Dome – Hike to the highest point in the park for panoramic mountain views.
- For Nature Lovers: Spot wildlife in Cades Cove – Drive or bike through a valley rich in deer, bears, and historic cabins.
- For Photographers: Explore Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail – Capture waterfalls, log cabins, and scenic mountain streams.
- For Families: Visit Sugarlands Visitor Center – Learn about park wildlife, watch a short film, and get hiking recommendations.
- For Couples: Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway – Take in romantic overlooks, blooming wildflowers, and mountain tunnels.
When I like to visit the Great Smoky Mountains
The best time to visit is during spring (April–May) for wildflowers, and fall (late September–October) for vibrant foliage. Summer offers lush greenery and festivals, while winter provides quieter trails and snow-dusted peaks.
My tips for getting to the Great Smoky Mountains
- If you are traveling by car: The park has multiple entrances. Gatlinburg, TN and Cherokee, NC are the most popular access points, located off U.S. Routes 441 and 321.
- By Air: Fly into McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) near Knoxville, TN (about 45 miles from Gatlinburg), or Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) in NC for eastern access.
- By Bus: Regional buses service towns near the park, but a car is essential for exploring within the park itself.
Where I like to stay Near the Great Smoky Mountains
- Recommended for Families: Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort (Pigeon Forge, TN) – Family-friendly with a pool, playground, and shuttle to Dollywood and nearby trails.
- For Couples: The Lodge at Buckberry Creek (Gatlinburg, TN) – Romantic mountain lodge with private balconies and rustic luxury.
- For Campers: Elkmont Campground – One of the park’s most popular camping spots, set near rivers and hiking trails.
Best Things to Do in the Great Smoky Mountains
1. Cycle or Cruise Scenic Loops for Wildlife at Cades Cove
Cades Cove is a popular destination in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, accessible via a loop road that circles the area.
This gorgeous valley is surrounded by the high mountains of the Great Smokies and offers some spectacular views for visitors, who often spot wildlife such as black bears, coyotes, deer, and turkey while they are sightseeing.
The road to the cove is open to vehicles except when posted, and along the drive visitors may find old churches, barns, mills, and houses from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Hikers will enjoy the trek to Abrams Falls or Thunderhead Mountain, or a short jaunt along the Cade's Cove Nature Trail.
2. Hit the Slopes Early for Fresh Powder at Cataloochee Ski Area
The Cataloochee Ski Area is located in the southwestern region of North Carolina, with 18 slopes and trails for skiers and snowboarders of varying abilities.
The resort also has areas for snow tubing and offers lessons for kids and beginners all season long.
Visitors can purchase day passes or season passes for the ski area, and lodging is offered there as well.
Many of the slopes are outfitted with lights so that skiers can continue their activities into the dark evenings of the winter, and all are rated by level of difficulty.
1080 Ski Lodge Rd, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, Phone: 828-926-0285
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
3. Conquer the Climb and Catch Epic Views on Chimney Tops Trail
The Chimney Tops Trail is one of the most popular in the entire park, and although the going is tough, the views at the end make it all worth it.
A round trip from the trailhead and back again is only 4 miles, but the elevation gain during the 2-mile trek out is about 1,400 feet, with a steep scramble over rocks that can get quite slippery in wet or icy weather.
The Chimney Tops Trail extends over flowing streams, rocky terrain, and switchbacks along the slopes of the mountain before reaching the rocky pinnacle known as the Chimney, where hikers will be treated with rewarding views.
4. If You Want 360 Degree Mountain Views, Trek to Clingman's Dome
Clingman's Dome is located inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is the highest point in the state of Tennessee.
This tall mountain reaches 6,643 feet at its summit, which is accessible by a paved trail that leads to the observation tower at the top.
From there, visitors can see amazing 360-degree panoramic views of the park and the surrounding mountains, which on a clear day can expand for over 100 miles.
The paved trail is half a mile long and quite steep, and temperatures at the top can be quite extreme. The observation tower can be reached by car or via the Appalachian Trail.
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
5. Step Back in Time and Explore Elkmont’s Mysterious Ghost Town
Along the Little River Trail within the Great Smoky Mountains lies Elkmont, an abandoned town where old buildings have lain in disrepair for decades. Once "the Appalachian Club" of the early 20th century, Elkmont played a huge part in the very creation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The citizens of the town sold their property to the government in exchange for a lifetime lease, and most of those leases expired in the 90s and early 2000s, leaving all of the structures empty.
Today, Elkmont Ghost Town stands as a ghostly reminder of the past, and although most of the structures are slated for removal, visitors in the area now can see something truly extraordinary.
6. Journey Underground to Discover Hidden Wonders at Forbidden Caverns
The Forbidden Caverns, beneath English Mountain in the eastern part of the Great Smokies, are not so forbidden as the name implies.
Numbered among the over 8,000 caves in the state of Tennessee, the Forbidden Caves are open for visitors who want to see the gorgeous underground caverns lit up with colorful and eerie lights.
Over the centuries, these caves have been used as shelter from extreme weather, as the location of illegal moonshine stills during Prohibition, and now as a tourist attraction.
Forbidden Caves is home to some beautiful rock formations, deep, quiet pools of water, a cold, clear stream, and a large wall of cave onyx.
455 Blowing Cave Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876, Phone: 865-453-5972, Map
7. If You Crave Endless Outdoor Adventure, Dive into Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located along the border between the states of North Carolina and Tennessee and is the most popular national park in the U.S.
Encompassing over 800 square miles of forest, mountains, rocky ridges, rivers, and more, Great Smoky Mountain National Park is well known for the diversity of nature found within its borders.
Guests can hike, drive, and explore the park to reach the summits of mountains, view gorgeous waterfalls, or learn about history from the old structures on the property.
The park is beautiful in any season, and is home to many spectacular destinations for hiking, biking, or horseback riding, including the Alum Cave Bluffs, Charlies Bunion, and Rainbow Falls.
8. Hike to Grotto Falls and Walk Behind a Cascading Waterfall
Grotto Falls is accessible via the Trillium Gap Trail, the trailhead of which can be found on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
On the 3-mile round trip, which is of moderate difficulty, hikers will traverse old hemlock forests in a peaceful atmosphere until they reach the falls.
The trail actually leads directly behind the cascading water of Grotto Falls, offering a unique and gorgeous point of view for visitors, and the 25-foot-tall waterfall is a cool and beautiful destination.
For the safety of everyone, climbing on the rocks near the waterfall is expressly forbidden as these rocks can get incredibly slippery.
9. Roll the Dice on Entertainment and Luxury at Harrah’s Cherokee
Harrah's Cherokee Hotel and Casino is located in Cherokee. With over 150,000 square feet of floor space for slot machines, poker, blackjack, and roulette, among many others, Harrah’s Cherokee is a premier destination to try your luck and maybe even go home a little richer than when you left.
The casino also offers concerts and shows by well-known bands and artists, and a great buffet with food options from all over the world.
There is also a night club, pool, spa, and shopping, so guests to Harrah’s will find a one-stop shop for all their vacation needs.
777 Casino Dr, Cherokee, NC 28719
Where to Eat Near the Great Smoky Mountains
- Recommended for Families: The Old Mill Restaurant (Pigeon Forge, TN) – Southern comfort food served in a historic 1830s gristmill.
- For Mountain Dining: Cherokee Grill (Gatlinburg, TN) – Upscale lodge-style steakhouse perfect for couples.
- For a Casual Meal: Smoky Mountain Diner (Hot Springs, NC) – Down-home Appalachian fare in a cozy, no-frills setting.
If you are interested in local events:
- For Music Fans: Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales (June–August) – Live street performances of music and storytelling in downtown Gatlinburg.
- For Families: Dollywood’s Harvest Festival (September–October) – Celebrate fall with crafts, music, and glowing pumpkin displays.
- For Holiday Cheer: Winterfest (November–February) – Enjoy sparkling lights and seasonal displays across Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of the Smokies:
- For Thrill Seekers: Dollywood (30 min from Gatlinburg) – Theme park packed with roller coasters, crafts, and shows.
- For Shoppers: Sevierville, TN (25–30 min) – Hit Tanger Outlets or browse antique and artisan shops.
- For Scenic Strolls: Gatlinburg Trail (5–10 min) – One of the few pet-friendly park trails, offering river views and historic remnants.
- For History Buffs: Mingus Mill (10 min from Cherokee, NC) – Restored 1886 gristmill with live demonstrations.
- For Wildlife Lovers: Oconaluftee Visitor Center & River Trail (5 min from Cherokee, NC) – Great spot to see elk at dawn or dusk.
- For Culture Seekers: Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center (30 min from Townsend, TN) – Learn about the region’s Native American and pioneer history.
I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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What are the Great Smoky Mountains?
- The Great Smoky Mountains are a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains, which run down most of the East Coast of the United States.
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Where are the Great Smoky Mountains located?
- They straddle the border between North Carolina and Tennessee and are largely the home of Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
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What activities can visitors enjoy in the Great Smoky Mountains?
- In this vast region, visitors can enjoy a wealth of activities, from hiking trails up mountains and beneath waterfalls to experiencing the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge.
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What makes the Great Smoky Mountains a unique destination?
- It’s a wonderland for nature, featuring beautiful caverns, craggy mountain peaks, and old log cabins and barns tucked away into the wilderness for history buffs.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers.
Blackberry Farm (Tennessee) – A luxurious mountain retreat with breathtaking views.
See the Wildflower Bloom – Visit trails like Porters Creek and Whiteoak Sink for stunning floral displays.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and lush, perfect for outdoor adventures.
The Lodge at Buckberry Creek (Gatlinburg, TN) – A rustic yet elegant stay with easy park access.
Hike Clingmans Dome – Enjoy panoramic views from the highest point in the Smokies.
Fall (September-November) – Cool air and breathtaking autumn foliage.
Blue Mountain Mist Country Inn (Sevierville, TN) – A charming bed & breakfast surrounded by fall colors.
Drive the Cades Cove Loop – Witness stunning fall foliage and abundant wildlife.
Winter (December-February) – Quiet and snowy, great for a peaceful retreat.
Snowbird Mountain Lodge (North Carolina) – A cozy and secluded winter getaway.
Visit Newfound Gap – Experience snow-covered mountain landscapes with breathtaking views.
Map:
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