The most visited National Park in the United States, the Great Smoky Mountains are nothing short of spectacular. Here’s just a few of the things you can do and see in this area.
Climb Clingmans Dome at Sunset
This 6,643-foot round-top peak sits at the top of the park—and the state of Tennessee. To tag the high point, drive the scenic access road (closed December through March) from Newfound Gap and walk a half-mile to the summit. Don’t miss the view from the spaceship-like observation tower up top. The peak is popular, so go early in the day to beat the crowds. Strong cross-country skiers and snowshoers can also hit the high point in winter for guaranteed solitude.
Go Autumn Leaf-Peeping
The Smokies are famous for their colorful trees in fall. Drive or hike to the higher elevations for sweeping views over the park’s 100-plus tree species painting the hills in bright oranges, yellows, and reds; target mid-September for higher-elevation colors and mid-October for lower ones.
Stop to Smell the Wildflowers
The Great Smoky Mountains have an explosion of wildflowers in spring and summer. More than 1,500 flowering plants can be found in the region, including delicate spring beauties, several types of trillium, trout lilies, wild geranium, and orchids; visit from mid-April to mid-May for the best blooms. The park’s showy flame azaleas and rhododendrons also burst to life starting in April in the low elevations and into June up high.
Paddle Fontana Lake
A dam on the Little River forms Fontana Lake along the park’s southern border, a long, skinny lake with 240 miles of shoreline that beckon kayakers, canoeists, anglers, and stand-up paddleboarders. Rent a boat in Fontana Village or from the Nantahala Outdoor Center for a day trip, or load up a touring kayak for a multiday backcountry camping trip linking the remote campsites on the lake’s north shore.
Touch Pioneer History
Before it became a national park, this landscape was home to many settlers who farmed and milled in its hidden valleys. Today, more than 90 historic buildings remain in the park. In Cades Cove, you’ll find the greatest variety of churches, mills, barns, and cabins dating back to the early 1800s. Head to Oconaluftee to tour the Mountain Farm Museum, a collection of structures from the late 1800s, or visit nearby Mingus Mill. Cataloochee houses a school, church, and frame homes from the late 1800s
Go Auto Touring on Historic Park Roads
Driving the 11-mile one-way loop road through Cades Cove takes you through a lush valley surrounded by mountains. Stop to visit historic buildings, a grist mill, and watch wildlife. For a quieter ride, head to the Roaring Forks motor nature trail with views of rushing streams, old log cabins, another mill, and forested wilderness. Other beautiful drives include the 18-mile Little River Road from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to Townsend, and the Blue Ridge Parkway (outside of the park).
Get Sprayed by a Waterfall
Over 100 prominent cascades and waterfalls can be found inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park plus numerous smaller cascades and falls on the 2,000 miles of streams and rivers. Hike the well-worn trails to view Grotto, Laurel, Abrams, or Rainbow Falls or drive to Meigs Falls, The Sinks, or Place of a Thousand Drips.
Walk the Appalachian Trail
Seventy-one miles of this famous trail bisects Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Most vacationers don’t have the time (or willingness) to through-hike the entire run but there are some sections of the trail that can be done in a day. Take the trailhead from Newfound Gap Road 7 miles to Clingmans Dome (the trail parallels Clingmans Dome Road). Have more energy? Hike to Silers Bald 5 miles one-way west from Clingmans Dome.
Visit the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community
The largest group of independent artisans in North America, this historic 8-mile loop has been designated a Tennessee Heritage Arts & Crafts Trail. Established in 1937, these artisans whittle, paint, sew, cast, weave and carve to create original collectibles such as candles, baskets, quilts, brooms, pottery, jewelry,
dolls, ceramics, scrimshaw, silver smithing, leather, stained glass, wearable fashions, fine photography, frameable art, oils, watercolors, and also lodging, restaurants, cafés, tea room, soda fountain and candy
shops.
https://www.gatlinburgcrafts.com
Be an Unapologetic Tourist
Surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park are gateway towns with attractions and sourvenirs for the traveler. After a retreat to nature, emerge into town and enjoy aquariums, rides, museums, and Dollywood, an amusement park and resort founded by country singer and actress Dolly Parton. A bit farther down the road you’ll enter Asheville. There you can tour the Biltmore Mansion built by George Vanderbilt, and sample wine from their estate winery.
