Great Smoky Mountains National Park Things to Do: Best Spots & Activities

Nestled between North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts. With its towering peaks, lush forests, and diverse wildlife, this iconic park offers a diverse array of activities and unforgettable experiences. If you're planning your trip and looking for Great Smoky Mountains National Park things to do, we're here to help.

From scenic drives that offer breathtaking vistas to hiking trails that lead to hidden waterfalls, the park has something for everyone. Read on as we delve into the best things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, helping you make the most of your visit to this national treasure.

6 Best Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

From must-see scenic spots and awe-inspiring drives to hiking trails and historical sites, there're a wide range of fun things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Without further ado, let's dive right in!

1. Must-See Spots

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is filled with iconic spots that showcase the beauty and diversity of the region. Here are the must-see spots that should be at the top of your list:

• Clingmans Dome: As the highest point in the park, Clingmans Dome offers an unparalleled 360-degree view of the Smoky Mountains. On a clear day, you can see up to 100 miles in every direction. The half-mile paved trail to the observation tower is steep but well worth the effort for the breathtaking scenery.
• Cades Cove: This scenic valley is a favorite among visitors, offering a mix of history and natural beauty. Cades Cove is home to abundant wildlife, including deer, black bears, and wild turkeys, making it a great spot for wildlife viewing. The 11-mile loop road provides easy access to the cove's historical structures, including churches, cabins, and a working grist mill.
• Newfound Gap: This mountain pass is one of the most scenic spots in the park, located along the main road between Gatlinburg and Cherokee. At an elevation of 5,046 feet, Newfound Gap provides stunning views of both the Tennessee and North Carolina sides of the park, and it's a great place for a picnic or to begin your Appalachian Trail adventure.

2. Best Scenic Drives

One of the most enjoyable ways to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is by taking a scenic drive through its winding roads, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and valleys. Here are a few of the best scenic drives to add to your itinerary:

• Newfound Gap Road (US 441): Stretching 33 miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to Cherokee, North Carolina, Newfound Gap Road is one of the most popular and scenic drives in the park. It takes you through a variety of ecosystems, from lush forests to high mountain elevations, offering plenty of scenic pull-offs for photos and short hikes. Highlights along the way include Newfound Gap Overlook, Clingmans Dome Road, and stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains.
• Cades Cove Loop Road:This 11-mile one-way loop road circles one of the park's most picturesque valleys, Cades Cove. The drive offers you the chance to see historic cabins, churches, and a working grist mill, all while enjoying the rolling green hills and surrounding mountain views. Wildlife such as deer, wild turkeys, and black bears are often spotted, making this drive a favorite among families and photographers.
• Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: For a peaceful and intimate drive through the park's dense woodlands, the 5.5-mile Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a must. This one-way loop winds past streams, waterfalls, and historic homesteads, offering a mix of natural beauty and cultural history. Be sure to take time for a quick hike to Rainbow Falls or simply enjoy the tranquility of the forest as you cruise along the shaded road.

3. Best Hiking Trails

Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers an up-close encounter with the park's natural beauty, from lush forests and cascading waterfalls to scenic overlooks and diverse wildlife. Here are some of the best hiking trails that showcase the magic of the Smokies: 

• Alum Cave Trail: This 5-mile roundtrip trail is a favorite for its variety of landscapes and rewarding views. The trail takes you through an old-growth forest, past Arch Rock, and up to the Alum Cave Bluffs, where the views are simply stunning.
• Charlies Bunion: For those seeking panoramic mountain views, the 8-mile roundtrip hike to Charlies Bunion is a must. This trail follows a section of the Appalachian Trail, offering high-elevation vistas along the way. The endpoint, a rocky outcrop known as Charlies Bunion, rewards you with sweeping views of the Smokies that stretch into the distance.
• Laurel Falls Trail: One of the most popular and accessible trails in the park, the 2.6-mile roundtrip hike to Laurel Falls is perfect for families and those looking for a relatively easy hike. The trail is paved and leads to a beautiful 80-foot waterfall that cascades down a rock face, making it a great spot for photos and a refreshing break.

4. Historical Sites

Besides its stunning natural beauty, the park is also home to several well-preserved historical sites that tell the stories of early settlers, native communities, and the Appalachian way of life. Here are some of the best historical sites to explore within the park:

• Mingus Mill: Located near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Mingus Mill is a historic grist mill built in 1886 that still operates today. This water-powered mill was an essential part of community life, where settlers brought their grain to be ground into flour and cornmeal. A short walk from the parking area leads to the mill, and demonstrations of its workings are often held during the tourist season, providing a fascinating look at traditional milling techniques.
• Mountain Farm Museum: Adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, the Mountain Farm Museum is an open-air museum featuring a collection of historic log buildings, including a barn, smokehouse, apple house, and a springhouse. These structures were relocated from various parts of the Smokies to preserve them, and they offer insight into 19th-century farm life in the region.
• Little Greenbrier School: The Little Greenbrier School is a one-room schoolhouse that was built in 1882 and also served as a church for the local community. Located near Metcalf Bottoms, this site provides a glimpse into the simple yet vital role that education and religion played in the lives of the early settlers. You can walk to the schoolhouse from the nearby picnic area and imagine the days when children of all ages gathered here to learn.

5. Wildlife Viewing

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is renowned for its incredible biodiversity. With over 65 species of mammals, 200 species of birds, and countless amphibians and reptiles, the park provides you with plenty of opportunities to encounter animals in their natural habitats. Here are some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the park:

• Cades Cove: Cades Cove is a prime spot for wildlife viewing, thanks to its wide, open fields and rich ecosystems. Early morning or late afternoon drives through this scenic valley often reward you with sightings of white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and even black bears.
• Cataloochee Valley:Cataloochee Valley is one of the best places in the park to see the majestic elk, which were reintroduced to the park in 2001. The valley's open meadows are ideal for elk, particularly during the fall rutting season when the bulls are most active and vocal. In addition to elk, Cataloochee is also a great spot for spotting wild turkeys, black bears, and a variety of bird species.
• Oconaluftee Visitor Center and River Trail: Near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, you'll find the River Trail, an easy, family-friendly walk that often provides sightings of elk grazing in the nearby fields. The riverbanks are also home to river otters, beavers, and a variety of bird species. This is a great spot for wildlife viewing, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon.

6. Best Camping Sites

Camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an immersive way to experience the natural beauty and serenity of this renowned destination. The park offers a variety of campsites that cater to all preferences, from developed campgrounds to backcountry spots for a more rugged experience. Here are some of the best camping sites in the Smokies that promise a memorable outdoor adventure:

• Elkmont Campground:As the largest and most popular campground in the park, Elkmont offers a central location and easy access to some of the park's top attractions. Nestled along the Little River, this campground is perfect for those who want to enjoy the sound of rushing water while camping under the stars. Elkmont has a variety of campsites suitable for tents, RVs, and groups, and it's a great starting point for hikes, including the Little River Trail and the historic Elkmont District.
• Smokemont Campground: Located on the North Carolina side of the park, Smokemont Campground offers a peaceful, wooded setting with access to the nearby Oconaluftee River. It's a great option for campers seeking a quieter, less crowded experience. The nearby Smokemont Loop Trail provides a scenic hike through lush forests, and the Oconaluftee Visitor Center is just a short drive away, offering opportunities to learn about the park's history and culture.
• Cosby Campground: Tucked away in the northeastern part of the park, Cosby Campground is a hidden gem for those seeking a more secluded camping experience. This quieter, less-traveled campground is surrounded by forest and offers access to several great hiking trails, including the challenging trek to Mount Cammerer, which rewards you with panoramic views.

Since most of the park's campsites do not offer electric hookups, it's essential to come prepared with alternative power sources to keep your devices charged and essentials powered up. One of the best ways to maintain a reliable power source during your camping trip is by bringing portable solar panels and power stations.

The Anker SOLIX PS200 Portable Solar Panel (200W) is an excellent choice for campers, offering four adjustable angles (30°, 40°, 50°, and 80°) to maximize sunlight absorption, no matter the season or time of day. Its IP67 waterproof protection ensures it can handle unpredictable mountain weather, while its foldable design makes it easy to transport and set up anywhere.

If you need extra energy to power multiple devices or plan to camp in your RV, the Anker SOLIX PS400 Portable Solar Panel (400W) provides more power. Both of these solar panels feature monocrystalline solar cells with up to 23% conversion efficiency, ensuring fast and reliable charging even in varying sunlight conditions.

With these efficient and eco-friendly power solutions on hand, you can keep your devices charged, capture stunning photos, and stay connected with nature—all while reducing your environmental impact.

Conclusion

As we've seen, no matter what type of adventure you seek, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has something for everyone. Whether you're marveling at the panoramic views from Clingmans Dome, driving through Cades Cove, or hiking the scenic Alum Cave Trail, you'll be immersed in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region. By including some of these Great Smoky Mountains National Park things to do in your plans, you're sure to leave with unforgettable memories of one of America's most cherished national parks.

FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

The best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park is in the fall (late September to early November) when the foliage is at its peak, offering stunning autumn colors. Spring (April to early June) is also popular for wildflower blooms and mild weather. Summer brings warm temperatures, but can be more crowded, while winter offers fewer visitors and serene, snowy landscapes.

How long should you spend at Smoky Mountain National Park?

The recommended time to spend at Great Smoky Mountains National Park depends on what you want to do. For a quick visit, 1-2 days is enough to explore some scenic drives and short hikes. However, if you want to experience more trails, wildlife, and historic sites, plan for 3-5 days or more.

What not to miss in Smoky Mountains National Park?

Be sure not to miss Clingmans Dome, Cades Cove, and a drive along the Newfound Gap Road for some of the most iconic experiences.

How long is the Great Smoky Mountain Train Ride?

The Great Smoky Mountain Train Ride typically lasts between 4 to 5 hours, depending on the specific route you choose. Some excursions may be slightly shorter or longer.