15 Best Things to Do in Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the US year after year. With trails for every level of hiker, historic buildings, and scenic roads that bring you through the mountains and forest, it’s clear to see that this park has something for everyone. And it’s one of the few US national parks with no entry fee (although since 2023 there is a parking tag fee; see below for more details).

Located along the North Carolina – Tennessee border, the beautiful Smoky Mountains (part of the Blue Ridge Mountain Range) have some of the most diverse plant life in the nation, mesmerizing waterfalls, and spectacular scenic views.

To help you figure out what activity is right for your next visit, this list has the best things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Jump To Sections In This Article:

Parking Pass for GSMNP

Since 2023, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) has started to require a parking tag for all vehicles parking longer than 15 minutes at GSMNP.

There is still no fee to enter the park. If you are not stopping for more than 15 minutes at each spot, then you don’t have to pay for a parking tag.

If you plan to stop and park your vehicle for 15 minutes or longer, then you can buy your GSMNP parking pass in advance or at the park. There are three options available: $5 daily, $15 weekly, or $40 annual.

1. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Enjoy a beautiful scenic drive on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

This 5.5 mile road is a perfect introduction to the Great Smoky Mountains. On this one-way scenic drive you can leisurely explore the beauty of the Smoky Mountains.

The road will take you past lush vegetation, historic log cabins, grist mills, and of course the Roaring Fork stream. After a heavy rain the stream lives up to its name!

You can pull over to take photos and admire the scenery or venture out on one of the trails. The Rainbow Falls Trail and Trillium Gap Trail are the most popular, and both have waterfalls.

Roaring Fork is easy to get to from Gatlinburg Tennessee; turn off the main parkway at traffic light #8 and follow Historic Nature Trail Road to the Cherokee Orchard entrance to the national park.

2. Foothills Parkway Scenic Drive

Foothills Parkway Scenic Drive is another incredible drive in the Smoky Mountains National Park.

Similar to the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, this road is a great way to see much of the beautiful sites of the Smoky Mountains without having to leave your car, but you’ll want to stop at a few of the scenic viewing points.

The thing that sets the Foothills Parkway apart from the others is that it’s not as heavily visited.

NOTE: There is a repaving project on the Foothills Parkway from Tallasee TN (US 129) north to Walland TN (US 321) that is scheduled for completion in 2023.

To avoid the roadwork, you can hop on the Foothills Parkway from Walland, TN to Wears Valley, TN; this section of the drive is about 30 miles in total. Plan on about an hour minimum—without stops.

On the Walland to Wears Valley section of the Foothills Parkway, you can stop at several pullouts with scenic views of the Smoky Mountains.

Foothills Parkway view of the Smoky Mountains

Take the scenic Foothills Parkway for beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains

3. Clingmans Dome

From Clingmans Dome you’ll have a 360-degree view and be able to see for miles into the distance on a clear day.

Perched 6,643ft up, it’s the tallest mountain in Tennessee and the third tallest east of the Mississippi.

With a panoramic view like this, you should definitely check it out.

You can reach Clingmans Dome by driving there or while hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT).

There are great views from the parking area, but to make it even better, walk up to the observation tower. It’s a bit of a steep incline but once you arrive your reward is a view you’ll never forget.

Plan on spending about an hour hiking from the parking area to the observation tower at Clingmans Dome.

4. Cades Cove

Cades Cove is one of the most popular things to do in the Smoky Mountains National Park.

This gorgeous valley is a great wildlife viewing area in the Smokies. Surrounded by the mountains, the view is picturesque in pretty much any direction you look.

An 11-mile loop road will bring you through Cades Cove, which you can drive, walk, or bike.

Since this is such a popular thing to do, cars often line up waiting for the park to open so they can drive the loop.

This year, the road is closed to cars every Wednesday from May 1 to September 25, 2024, so that folks can walk and bike this scenic path without congestion.

Cades Cove grist mill at Smoky Mountains.

Cades Cove historic grist mill built by John Cable around 1870

5. Laurel Falls

Laurel Falls is a main event for visitors to the Smoky Mountains.

To reach this gorgeous 80-foot-high waterfall in the Smokies, you’ll hike through the beautiful forest for just over a 2.6-mile round trip.

Although it’s a paved trail, the pavement is rough, uneven, and broken down in some places now.

The trail can be uneven and get steep at times, so make sure you’re ready for the climb and bring the ten essentials for your hike, including plenty of water to rehydrate.

A word to the wise: Laurel Falls is super popular. And parking is limited.

It can get packed during the summer months and on the weekends, no matter the time of year.

So, plan ahead and consider going early in the morning (before 8 am) since it is probably the most popular hike in Smoky Mountains National Park.

Laurel Falls Smoky Mountains National Park.

Get up early to hike the Laurel Falls Trail – one of the most popular hikes in the Smokies

6. Alum Cave Trail

Alum Cave Trail is a favorite for its beautiful views and super cool crossing over a log bridge and through the narrow tunnel of Arch Rock.

The Alum Cave hike is 4.6 miles round trip with 1,100 ft elevation gain and is rated moderate.

You’ll reach Inspiration Point after about 2 miles, and as the name suggests, it has an absolutely gorgeous view.

Alum Cave is a work of mother nature and well worth the trek to get there. From here you can turn back, which a lot of folks do.

But if you’re a hardcore hiker, consider continuing to Mt. LeConte for even more breathtaking views of the park. Note that the hike to Mt LeConte is strenuous and increases the hike to a total of 11 miles round trip with a total elevation gain of over 2,700 ft.

You’ll find Alum Cave Trailhead 12 miles south of Gatlinburg, TN via Newfound Gap Road (US Hwy 441).

Alum Cave Trail in Smoky Mountain National Park.

Hike the Alum Cave Trail – 4.6 miles out and back for a great day hike

7. Newfound Gap Road

The Newfound Gap Road (US Hwy 441) will take you up and over the Great Smoky Mountains.

This 30-mile roadway will take you from just south of Gatlinburg, Tennessee to Cherokee, North Carolina. It’s basically from Sugarlands Visitor Center in Tennessee to Oconaluftee Visitor Center in North Carolina.

As the lowest point of the mountain, the road was constructed here as it’s the best spot to cross the mountain. Luckily for us, this road is one of the best ways to enjoy the park.

The ideal time to do this drive is during the fall when the foliage is at its best, but it’s beautiful any time.

You’ll be glad to stop at any of the lookouts to get that picture perfect shot.

8. Oconaluftee Visitor Center

The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is a great place to stop when visiting the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Yes, there are handy things like restrooms and maps, but there’s more to this visitor center.

Just 2 miles north of Cherokee, NC the Oconaluftee Visitor Center features a picnic area, gift shop, Oconaluftee River Trail, and the historic Mountain Farm Museum (free admission) with a bunch of cool log buildings.

Learn about life in the Smoky Mountains at the on-site exhibitions or join a ranger talk. Buy books and souvenirs and get stamps for your National Parks passport too.

Right by the visitor center you’re likely to see elk as they are known to graze in the surrounding fields.

Oconaluftee Visitor Center is the place to watch for elk – seen here crossing the Oconaluftee River

9. Chimney Tops Trail

Avid hikers will want to put Chimney Tops Trail on their bucket list for the Smoky Mountains.

A word to the wise, it is a challenging and strenuous hike because even though it’s a short hike at 3.6 miles round trip, there is 1,400 ft elevation gain.

Although the summit is currently closed due to unstable terrain from a fire a while back, there is an observation deck near the top.

Enjoy the creeks, small waterfalls, and bridges along the trail. There are plenty of places to cool off and rest along the hiking trail.

Bring snacks and plenty of water and lots of energy for the sharp incline (and over 360 stone steps!) on this hike. But know that view at the end is worth every step it takes to get there.

10. Elkmont Ghost Town

Elkmont Ghost Town gives us an eerie look into the past of the Great Smoky Mountains.

The small community of Elkmont was established in the 1800s, first with the prosperity of logging in the area and then as a resort destination for folks from nearby cities like Knoxville.

With the establishment of the National Park the town faded out, with people selling their homes to the government. Its last inhabitants left in the 1990s and early 2000s. All that remains are the abandoned structures.

Super cool place to visit in Smoky Mountains Park!

11. Grotto Falls

See what it’s like to hike behind a 25-foot waterfall at Grotto Falls.

You can reach this incredible perspective on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. The 2.6-mile hike will bring you right to the falls and actually directly behind the falling water.

This is a special place any time of year, but in the hot summer heat, the nice mist from the waterfall will cool you down and recharge you for the hike back.

Grotto Falls is definitely one of the must-see attractions in the Smoky Mountains.

12. Mountain Farm Museum

You’ll love the Mountain Farm Museum. It’s a great way to get a glimpse into pioneer life in the Smoky Mountains, and there’s no admission fee to the museum.

This open-air museum is home to a number of structures from the 19th century, including a cabin, barn, and blacksmith shop. The historic log buildings make for some cool photo opportunities.

Most of these buildings were originally located elsewhere but were moved here for preservation.

Items at the museum, like a corn crib and an icebox, give it a real authentic feel. The Mountain Farm Museum is one of the best educational things to do in the Smoky Mountains National Park.

Historic log house at Mountain Farm Museum in Smoky National Park.

Visit the Mountain Farm Museum when you go to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center

13. Ramsey Cascades Waterfall

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains National Park is Ramsey Cascades Waterfall. With water flowing over the 100-foot fall, it’s Mother Nature in all her glory.

Ramsey Cascades hike is 8 miles round trip (out and back trail) with an elevation gain of over 2,000 ft, so it’s a difficult and strenuous hike, not for the casual hiker.

NOTE: Ramsey Cascades waterfall trail is closed Monday through Thursday (except federal holidays) for trail renovations and improvements. So put this one down for a weekend trip and remember to bring all the essentials for hiking.

14. Fontana Lake

If you’re looking for fun in the outdoors, Fontana Lake is the right place for you.

This beautiful lake is created by the Fontana Dam, which creates a deep lake that’s calm, clear, and full of fish and wildlife.

Hiking trails on the shores of the lake are a great way to get into the woods. Out on the lake you’ll find watersports like fishing and kayaking.

Fontana Lake is the kind of place where you can find peace and serenity, making it one of the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains National Park.

Hike the trails or go kayaking at Fontana Lake

15. Tuckaleechee Caverns

The Tuckaleechee Caverns take you down under the Smoky Mountain Range to explore caves that are over 20,000 million years old.

You’ll be impressed by the stalactites and stalagmites, some of which reach 24 feet tall.

The beautiful clear stream that runs through the caverns and over waterfalls is a delight to see, and it keeps the whole place nice and cool.

Perfect in the hot summer, Tuckaleechee is one of the coolest things to do in the Smoky Mountains.

You’ll find Tuckaleechee Caverns in Townsend, Tennessee, and this Smoky Mountains attraction is open to visitors from March through November.

FAQ Great Smoky Mountains National Park

How many days to spend in Smoky Mountains National Park?

To explore a good bit of the park and do some hikes and scenic drives, plan on spending 2 to 3 days at GSMNP. But if you’re really into camping and want to make it your summer vacation, then a week or two in the park is going to be even better.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, pets are allowed in most places but must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times. If you want to hike with your dog, please note that only two trails allow pets: Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail. All of the other trails do not allow pets. But you can bring your furry friend to picnic areas, campgrounds, etc.

Are there hotels or cabins in the park?

No, the only lodging in the park is the LeConte Lodge that is at the summit of Mt LeConte, so it requires hiking 5 to 9 miles (depending on the trail) to get to the lodge. While there are no cabin rentals in GSMNP, there are plenty of accommodations in towns close to the Great Smoky Mountains, such as Bryson City, Cherokee, and Waynesville in North Carolina, and Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Townsend in Tennessee.

Where can I camp at GSMNP?

There are 10 developed campgrounds, 5 horse camps (reservation required), as well as shelters and campsites in the backcountry. It is recommended that you make a reservation for the developed campgrounds. You can do this by calling 877-444-6777 or visiting the national parks reservation site at www.recreation.gov. A permit is required for overnight stays in the backcountry, and you need to make a reservation for all the shelters and most campsites.

Can I ride my bike through the park?

Yes, you are allowed to ride a bicycle on any of the park roads open to vehicle traffic, but you can’t ride bikes on the trails.

Is fishing allowed at the park?

Yes, with a valid fishing license (either Tennessee or North Carolina will do), you can fish in any of the dozens of streams in the park 30 minutes before (official) sunrise to 30 minutes after (official) sunset. Three are limits and what-not, so get all the fishing rules info from NPS before your visit.

Final Thoughts

There are so many things to do in the Smoky Mountains National Park it’s hard to list them all. No wonder it’s the most visited National Park in the US. But whatever you choose from this list, you’ll definitely be rewarded with the natural beauty of America.