Ultimate List Of Things To Do In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Appalachian Trail (AT) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers approximately 71 miles, providing a segment of the iconic 2,200-mile-long trail that stretches from Georgia to Maine and features some of the most stunning and diverse scenery in the park including high mountains, ridges, deep valleys, and lush forests. 

The trail is famous for its challenging terrains, inviting seasoned hikers to connect with the history and culture of the Appalachian region. The main highlights of this trail are the Charlie Bunion, Rocky Top, and Thunderhead Mountain where hikers can enjoy a variety of landscapes from the dense woodlands of lower elevations to the stunning view at higher plateau.

Cade Cove is a scenic valley surrounded by mountains south of Townsend, Tennessee. The area is famous for its popular 11-mile one-way loop road enriching the valley and providing access to hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and chances to explore the many historic homesites, cemeteries, and churches. 

The drive is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bears, and wild turkey, often visible from roads. This combined with the historic building of the 19th century makes Cade Cove a haven for nature lovers and history enthusiasts. Whether driving, cycling, or hiking, Cade Cove offers a scenic and peaceful experience of the Smokies.

Standing at 6,645 feet, the Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the third-highest peak east of the Mississippi River.

The panoramic view from the Dome can extend over 100 miles on a clear day. Accessed via a steep half-mile paved trail, the observation tower provides a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

The Clingmans Dome highlights stunning vistas, distinctive flora and fauna, and provides a sense of accomplishment in reaching the highest point in the park making it a prime destination for many nature enthusiasts. The area is also known for its unique high-altitude spruce-fir forest, which is home to a variety of rare plants and animals.

The Alum Cave Trails begins by crossing Walker Camp Prong and Alum Cave Creek on log bridges, leading hikers through an old-growth hardwood forest. The main highlight of the trial is hiking through the narrow tunnel of Arch Rock, created by natural erosion.

This 5-mile round-trip hike offers a rich variety of natural and geological features, making it one of the most scenic hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Through the Arch Rock, hikers reach Inspiration Point, which offers stunning views of the valley below.

The trail's namesake, Alum Cave Bluff, is a massive rock overhang that provides a distinct and awe-inspiring landscape. The trail further continues to the summit of Mount LeConte, one of the highest peaks in the park offering a glimpse into the park's natural history.

Laurel Falls is one of the most stunning and picturesque places in the Great Smoky Mountains. The falls spill over a blocky rock outcrop in the Nantahala National Forest, the headwaters of the Nantahala River Cascade immersing the visitors in the breathtaking view of the fall.

The hike to Laurel Falls is a popular and accessible trail in the Park and extends over 2.6 miles of round-trip. The trail is paved, making it suitable for families and visitors of varying fitness levels.

The hike offers stunning views of the surrounding forest and a serene view of the park's natural beauty making it one of the things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Synchronous fireflies are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They are one of only a couple species in North America known to synchronize their flashing patterns and is an iconic Great Smoky Mountains attractions.

The flashing patterns of Photinus are a series of 5-8 flashes followed by an 8-second pause. Initially, it might seem random but as more males start to join in, the flashing begins to synchronize and the entire section of the forest will be pulsating with light.

Witnessing the synchronous fireflies is a memorable and awe-inspiring experience, highlighting the rich biodiversity of the Smokies and offering a profound connection with the natural world.

The Sugarland Visitor Center is the perfect spot to begin your Smoky Mountain vacation! The visitor center features knowledgeable rangers, maps, restrooms, animal exhibits, an informative museum, and a free movie that provides information about the different hikes and terrains of the region. 

The Sugarland Visitor Center also features engaging exhibits on the park's wildlife, plant life, and geology. The visitor center also has a bookstore and gift shops with educational materials and souvenirs.

Nearby, the easy, self-guided Cataract Falls Trail offers a pleasant introduction to the park's scenery. The Sugarland Visitor Center is the perfect place to start your Smoky Mountain journey. 

The Roaring Fork Motor Trail is a 5.5-mile long one-way loop road that offers a peaceful and scenic drive through the lush forest and bubbling stream of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The narrow, winding road is closed in winter but is a popular destination during the warmer months.

Named after the fast-flowing mountain stream that runs alongside it, the drive allows visitors to explore historic log cabins, grist mills, and other remnants of early Appalachian settlers. The trial also features several pull-offs including the Grotto Falls trail, where visitors can walk behind a waterfall.

The Elkmont Campground is the largest and busiest campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located eight miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The place is 2150 feet from the ground and enjoys a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers.

The Eklmont Campground has over 200 campsites with tent and RV camping sites. It features different outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing along with the rare synchronous fly sighting.

Accessible via Little River Road, the Elkmont Campground is a popular camping area because of its beautiful natural setting blended with numerous outdoor activities. 

What better way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains than Horseback riding? Enjoy the numerous guided and self-guided horseback riding stables in the Mountains that allow you to immerse in the beautiful setting and diverse landscape of the mountains and valleys. 

Some popular ones are the Smoky Mountain Riding Stable featuring guided horseback riding and  Anthony Creek Trail featuring self-guided adventure. Some of the stables offer overnight stays with the horses. The major trails of the Great Smoky Mountains are the Anthony Creek Trail and Boogeran Trail featuring the blend of mountains and open fields.  

Cataloochee Valley in the Great Smoky Mountains is now a popular recreation and historic area within the National Park. It was once home to a substantial Appalachian community and Cherokee hunting grounds that resided there for fishing and hunting.

The Cataloochee Valley is famous for its picturesque view and preservation of history highlighting the Cherokee hunting grounds and the residents of the valley before it was taken as National Park in the 1930s.

You can also enjoy the sighting of the Elk, which was released after 2001 in the area while tasting the organic and farm-grown apples of the valley. 

Located within the Cade Cove areas, the hike to Albram Falls is one of the popular activities in the Great Smoky Mountains. This 5-mile round trip features a great scenic view of the creek and takes around 4-5 hours.

With an elevation of almost 675 feet, the hike starts at the Albrams Fall trailhead and ends with a scenic view of the 20 feet of Abrams Falls that plunges into the deep and picturesque pool beneath.

This spot is popular for resting and taking photos. This combined with the serenading sound of the falls makes it one of the best places to go in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Located near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, the Mountain Farm Museum is a unique and historical attraction of the Great Smoky Mountain featuring a glimpse into the agricultural history and traditional rural life of the Appalachia region during the late 19th and early 20th century.

Unique to this place is the John Davis Cabin made in 1900, featuring a classical log cabin that demonstrates the typical living conditions of a mountain family.

The museum also features barm, apple houses, corn cribs, and blacksmith shops, all built in the 1900s. Visitors can also enjoy a guided tour or a hike to the scenic 1.5-mile trail, that runs along the Oconaluftee River.

Alum Cave Bluffs Trial is one of the things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains. Located near the Newfound Gap Road and about 8.6 miles south of the Sugarland Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, TN, this scenic trail features stunning views of old-growth forests and geological formations. 

The trial is 4.4 miles long (5 miles if you include the Inspiration Point) and takes you around the Alum Cave Bluffs with an estimated elevation of 1,125 feet. The trail features three major spots, the Arch Rock, the Inspiration Point, and the Alum Cave Bluffs (a large rock overhang offering the perfect spot to rest and enjoy the scenery).

Featuring a breathtaking view, historical significance, and a variety of outdoor activities, the Newfound Gap in the Great Smoke Mountains is one of the most notable and scenic mountain passes.

Located on the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, the pass is accessible through the Newfound Gap Road and features an elevation of 5,046 feet. The key feature of the Newfound Gap is its scenic panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains and Valley, and the famous Appalachian trail that passes through the gap offering visitors a hiking opportunity.

It is also the site where the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in 1940 and features a stone monument commemorating the moment. 

Offering a moderate and relaxing hike through lush forests and beautiful waterfalls, the hike to Grotto Falls is a rewarding activity in the Great Smoky Mountain. The main highlight of the hike is to culminate in the picturesque waterfall, that you can walk behind.

Located in the Trillium Gap trailhead, this 2.6-mile round trip features an elevation of approximately 585 feet and takes around 2-3 hours. Starting from the spot, the trail is mostly shady and features a mix of dirt paths, rocky sections, and tree roots.

Along the trails, you will be introduced to the faunas of the area like black bears, white-tailed deer, and various bird species. Moreover, you can enjoy the beautiful and relaxing Grotto Falls.

Fishing allows anglers to serenade themselves in the scenic and charming streams and rivers of the Great Smoky Mountains. It is a relaxing experience, that allows you to immerse in the tranquility of the park's streams and rivers. 

The park features over 2,900 miles of streams and rivers available for fishing, including famous waters like Little Lake, Abram Creeks, and Cataloochee Creek. This spot offers you to blend fishing with other activities like camping in Elkmont Campground and hiking in Little River Trails or the Deep Creek Trail. 

Don't know where to start or are new to hiking and camping? Attend one of many ranger-led programs in the Great Smoky Mountains that will introduce you to some of the most popular and engaging hikes and sceneries of the Mountains.

Whether it is fun outdoor activities or relaxing indoor activities, the ranger-led program in the Great Smoky Mountains offers something for everyone.

Some popular hike offers you sunset views of the Great Smoky Mountains and moderate hikes to the different hiking trails. Moreover, you can get hands-on with different faunas and sceneries of the mountains. So, if you are new to adventure and hikes, attending is one of the things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains. 

The Great Smoky National Park features some of the most diverse wildlife and wildflowers in the state. From the rare synchronous flies to the different exotic bears and white-horned deer, you will be able to get hands-on with them. 

Photograph those moments, so that you can indulge yourself in the experience of the Great Smoky Mountains when you look through your gallery. Exploring the wildlife of the mountains along with the scenic wildflowers like Trillium, Rhododendron, and Goldenrod is the sight of a lifetime that you can find nowhere. 

Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, the Walker Sister Place, also known as the Walker Sisters' Cabin is a historic site providing visitors a glimpse into the lives of the Walker sisters, who were well-known residents of the area.

The place features a cabin that showcases the living conditions of the Walker Sisters and the Appalachian homestead. Nearby, there are remnants of other structures such as corn cribs and spring houses.

You can find your way here or attend a ranger-led program that will run you through the historic significance and the major highlights of the area like nearby picnic areas, hiking trails, and different scenic falls.