11 amazing activities to experience in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a paradise for nature lovers.

With towering hardwood trees, serene streams, and the occasional black bear wandering through, the park is enveloped in a soft, rolling fog created by the native flora—hence the name 'Smoky.' Straddling the border between East Tennessee and North Carolina, it boasts 150 trails, over 2,200 streams, and more than 520,000 acres of wilderness to explore. It’s no surprise that this is the most visited national park in the US, welcoming up to 14 million visitors in recent years.

One of the reasons for its appeal is that entry is completely free. The park features hikes to peaks over 6,000 feet, peaceful walks to waterfalls, and picturesque drives through vibrant foliage and historic mills. And that’s just within the park itself, not to mention the charming gateway towns just outside.

Get ready for a diverse adventure with these top experiences in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

1. Conquer the highest peaks in the park

Within the Smoky Mountains, three peaks stand out: Clingmans Dome (6,643 ft), Mt Guyot (6,621 ft), and Mt LeConte (6,593 ft). Each summit offers its own stunning views awaiting your arrival.

Clingmans Dome features a steep half-mile trail to its summit, rewarding the determined with panoramic views stretching 100 miles on clear days. Mt Guyot is a challenge for dedicated hikers, showcasing a lush forest that guarantees a workout. Meanwhile, the Alum Cave Trail leads to Mt LeConte, one of the park's most popular hikes, where stone steps guide you through Arch Rock and blooming rhododendrons in the spring.

2. Hike a segment of the Appalachian Trail

Stretching nearly 2,200 miles from Maine to Georgia, the Appalachian Trail offers a must-do hike for outdoor lovers, with over 71 miles winding through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Beginning at Fontana Dam—a popular kayaking spot by a tranquil lake—the trail heads northeast to Davenport Gap. Along the way, hikers can tackle peaks like Mt Cammerer and Clingmans Dome.

Planning tip: If you opt for the entire inner-park segment of the Appalachian Trail, be prepared for a six- to seven-day trek.

3. Enjoy the allure of a roadside 'quiet walk'

Scattered along many of the park's roads—including the main Newfound Gap Road—are signs marking 'Quiet Walk' or 'Quiet Walkways,' accompanied by charming parking areas. With a total of 14 quiet walks, each under a half-mile, visitors can quickly immerse themselves in nature. A popular choice is the 0.6-mile round-trip Hickory Flats Quiet Walkway, which leads to a small creek.

4. Trek to a waterfall

The refreshing mist of a waterfall is particularly delightful during spring and summer in the Smoky Mountains. In spring, the cool mist from melting snow cascading down from nearby peaks adds to the experience. Families can enjoy the 2.6-mile round-trip hike to Laurel Falls, which features a mostly paved path, while the longer 8-mile trek to Ramsey Cascades rewards hikers with the park's tallest waterfall, reaching nearly 100 feet.

5. Explore the park's rich history and local tales

While the four visitor centers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer valuable insights into the area's terrain, wildlife, and history, you can further enrich your experience by visiting nearby museums. This region is steeped in Cherokee Indian heritage, architectural wonders, and geological significance. Check out the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend for a deeper understanding, including access to a historic cabin compound featuring 15 buildings. For a closer look at Cherokee history, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian offers life-sized exhibits and interactive videos for an educational experience.

Side Trip: If you're in Cherokee, consider a detour to Pisgah National Forest, located about 70 miles northeast. Here, you'll find Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River.

6. Enjoy a scenic drive through vibrant sunsets and autumn colors

Driving through Great Smoky Mountains National Park comes with its advantages. It’s an easy way to navigate popular routes like Cades Cove and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, while also offering breathtaking views of lush green spruce and fir-clad mountains in spring, and stunning red and orange foliage in September and October. For a perfect scenic stop or sunset view, don’t miss the Ben Morton Overlook, which boasts 360-degree vistas of Newfound Gap.

Tip for Planning: October tends to be one of the park's busiest months. To enjoy the best views from the overlooks, consider an early morning visit to beat the crowds.

7. Discover a historic European settlement

Cades Cove is well-known for its scenic drive around the Cades Cove Loop or for hiking to Abrams Falls. If you venture into this western part of the park, take time to explore its historic settlement, featuring buildings and remnants dating back to the 1820s, when the first European settlers arrived. Today, you can visit their historic gristmill, churches, and cabins.

8. Explore the park's waterways by canoe, kayak, or fishing

Great Smoky Mountains National Park features over 2100 waterways, ranging from tranquil creeks to rushing rivers. Canoe enthusiasts will find plenty of winding routes at Fontana Lake in Bryson, North Carolina, which is free of rocky obstacles. For kayakers, the Nantahala Gorge to the south offers thrilling whitewater adventures. Fishing is allowed in all park streams from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset daily. If you’re looking to catch trout, head to Little River Road, where the Little River runs alongside with several convenient pull-offs for fishing.

9. Reserve a stay at LeConte Lodge

If you wish to stay in the park but aren't fond of camping, LeConte Lodge is your sole option, accessible only by hike. It boasts the title of the highest guest lodge in the Eastern USA, located on the upper slopes of Mt LeConte.

Planning tip: The lodge complex features three multi-room lodges and seven cabins, resulting in limited availability. To secure a stay at LeConte Lodge, you'll need to make reservations several months ahead. For those seeking last-minute options, check the lodge's website for any late cancellations.

10. Venture beyond the park to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

If you want to blend nature with a dash of modern flair, there are several gateway towns to the Smoky Mountains worth exploring, particularly in East Tennessee. In Gatlinburg, you can find exciting zip line adventures at Anakeesta Mountain, enjoy moonshine tastings at Sugarlands Distilling Co and Ole Smoky Moonshine, and visit eight Ripley's Believe It or Not attractions, including a unique aquarium featuring stingrays and sharks.

Pigeon Forge is a fantastic destination for families. The Island complex features the impressive 200-foot Ferris wheel, The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, alongside the Alcatraz East Crime Museum, SkyFly: Soar America, and various carnival-like attractions. Music lovers should check out Downtown Sevierville, which boasts a statue dedicated to country music icon and local legend Dolly Parton.

Detour: Knoxville, known for the University of Tennessee, Zoo Knoxville, and a plethora of local barbecue spots, is just under 30 miles northwest of Downtown Sevierville.

11. Choose to stay in a tiny house, a historic lodge, or even at Dollywood

While camping has its charm in the park, there are also luxurious options nearby for those seeking comfort. Tiny house enthusiasts can enjoy Little Arrow Outdoor Resort in Townsend, which features a large pool, hot tub, fire pits, and a pickleball court. Located conveniently between Knoxville and Gatlinburg, RT Lodge is a premier wedding venue in the state, complete with an Instagram-worthy outdoor fireplace and patio. Don’t forget to try the farm-inspired charcuterie board from its on-site restaurant led by Chef Trevor Stockton.

And then there's Dollywood, brimming with its signature twang and thrilling roller coasters. For a hassle-free trip to the park, consider staying at the DreamMore Resort just down the road, which offers nightly s'mores and a display of records celebrating Dolly Parton.

Planning tip: During winter, late fall, and early spring in the park and nearby towns, watch out for icy roads, especially at night. While there may be roadside signs from the park to warn you of freezing conditions, it's important to remain vigilant.