Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN - Great Smoky Mountains National Park Attractions
Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Clingmans Dome, Hiking Trails, Waterfalls. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Clingmans Dome, Hiking Trails, Waterfalls. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Historical Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)$85- fromper adult$97
Adventure Toursfrom$17per group (up to 4)$16- fromper adult$65
- fromper adult$100
Historical Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)$150
Adventure Toursfromper group (up to 4)$15
Adventure Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)$170
Historical Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)$150
Bus Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)$85
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Scenic mountain drive with historical homesteads, wildlife encounters, and cascading waterfalls. Ideal for photography, the route has pull-off spots for serene nature appreciation.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Mountains
Challenging yet rewarding hike up a steep, paved path to an observation tower with panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains from the highest point in the park.
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Nature & Wildlife Areas
Hiking Trails
Challenging trail through lush terrain, ideal for early morning hikes. Features unique geological formations and scenic views, with highlights like the "Arch rock".
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Waterfalls
Scenic Drives
Scenic drive through mountainous landscapes, with numerous overlooks for wildlife and vibrant foliage viewing. Features educational exhibits and opportunities to explore wooded areas.
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Hiking Trails
Mountains
Scenic hiking trail through diverse terrain, featuring narrow paths, staircases through "caves," and cliff top views. En route, hikers can visit iconic Myrtle Point for panoramic vistas.
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Scenic Drives
Scenic mountain drive through vibrant foliage with ample photo lookouts and wildlife spotting; winding roads offer a relaxed pace, not recommended for height-sensitive visitors.
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Hiking Trails
Strenuous 1.8-mile uphill hike through beautiful scenery, culminating in rewarding panoramic views. Trail includes built-in stairs and picturesque waterfalls.
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Visitor Centers
Scenic national park with diverse walking trails, interactive visitor centers, and wildlife viewing, including elk. Features a riverside trail and a mountain farm museum.
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Other Top Attractions around Great Smoky Mountains National Park
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travelers are saying
- BamajorCross Lanes, WV90 contributionsOnly thing I like more is cades cove!
My wife and I take everyone on this trail when they come to town.
Best pictures in the fall.
We have stopped at all the history spots and enjoy just walking around taking it all in. Typically see bear on this trail but that is not guaranteed.
Grab a map with info at the start of the trail.Written September 15, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Barbara BFort Mill, SC22 contributionsI would definitely recommend hiking to the top. May need to take a break or 2 due to the altitude but it is a great experience.Written September 13, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- William RAuburn, AL67 contributionsLoved driving cades cove loop. 11 miles of nature and scenic views. The mountain views were stunning and we made sure to take plenty of pictures. The traffic was stop and go for a while, but we went on a weekend. It didn’t take away from the experience though. We even saw a bear!Written September 12, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ruth M11 contributionsAbsolutely stunning trail. Perfect for a family with older children. The views are spectacular. Moderate in difficultyWritten August 16, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- RooActonLondon, UK632 contributionsThis is an easy trail with a made pathway to the falls. It takes 20-30 minutes to get to the falls and I grade it as a simple walk. You follow the trail (you can’t get lost) which leads to the falls.
We visited in September, knowing the falls would be lighter than in the spring but still good to see them.
There is a small (20-25 places) car park at the entrance to the trail, I’d recommend arriving early to get a spot. We arrived at 8.30am and the car park was only half full. As you approach the trail (coming up the mountain) there are a couple of small car parks 0.3 - 0.5 miles from the trail entrance if needed.
I’d recommend taking water with you as you enjoy the views and falls as your reward.Written September 1, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - HollywoodRikLos Angeles, CA55 contributionsDecember 14, 2023 the road had been closed overnight but opened up just as I was making my way from Gatlinburg to Atlanta. Road was clear and easy to drive for this So.Cal guy not accustom to driving in snow. So beautiful that I stopped at almost every lookout point.Written September 9, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Deb_travellerBethany Beach, DE351 contributionsWe were there in mid-August and finding parking was a bit difficult, but the trail was well maintained and the falls were really lovely. The trail climbs gradually and is almost completely in the shade. Everyone loved the rocks and the little pools of water below the falls. It was worth the hike to get there!Written September 4, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- amysublackNashville, TN4 contributionsMy husband and I took our teens to LeConte for two nights. The hike up Alum Cave trail was challenging but the views were worth it. The lodge is quite rustic and the food is basic. We enjoyed unplugging and connecting as a family. I would definitely go again.Written August 4, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- strengthj77Georgia24 contributionsWe spent the day riding around the mountains in our Jeep. There are several places to pull off and see the views. It was a peaceful drive and the traffic was non existent. It was an enjoyable drive with the family.Written June 26, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LeSteveOLexington, KY66 contributionsThis is a steep uphill trail with lots of steps. Kicked my butt on a hot afternoon. The views at the end are great though, and gravity works in your favor on the way back down. Enjoyable hike.Written September 1, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Rita SMelbourne, FL1,920 contributionsClean restrooms. Friendly, cheerful employees. Crowded parking area. Gift shop well stocked. Displays & exhibits. National Park passport stamps here.Written July 31, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- megsk5Colgate, WI44 contributionsGreat stop if you get there early enough! We stopped on our way to Spruce Flats Falls around 9:30/10 am and very few people and enjoyed ourselves. Then were going to swing by on our way back around 2 pm and it was bumper to bumper trying to get into the small parking lot. So very there early and enjoy it! Otherwise maybe not worth it.Written August 9, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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