Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited National Park in the United States for many reasons. With its proximity to several Tennessee and North Carolina cities, free admission (pay for a parking pass) easy highway access, beautiful scenery, and numerous entrances, there are many reasons this park and the surrounding area is a popular vacation destination.
The Smokies are a favorite for our family because they are famous for their blue smoke, beautiful vistas, black bears, waterfalls, fireflies, and cozy Southern charm. You can enaloneies on your own, or a GSMNP tour.
Go Whitewater Rafting on the Pigeon River
Whether you're a first-time or experienced rafter, the Smokies offer great whitewater options for everyone. For beginners, we recommend checking out a local outfitter. Local companies provide transportation to the river, trained guides, safety equipment, and a variety of half-to-full-day routes. We recommend Big Bear Rafting with packages on both the Upper and Lower Pigeon River.
Go Horseback Riding in Cades Cove
Guided horseback rides through Cades Cove, Smokemont, and Sugarlands are offered at Great Smoky Mountains National Park through the NPS. They also offer hayrides and carriage rides. and wagon rides. Rides are offered March-November, on a first-come, first-serve basis. We recommend arriving early in the morning for the first ride of the day. Trained guides help pair riders with horses, leading groups through the woods. On the ride, you'll see the wildlife and sights not seen by car. This is one of our favorite Smoky Mountain memories.
Watch the Synchronous Fireflies of Elkmont Campground
For those "in the know," seeing the Synchronous Fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains is a lifelong dream and such a draw that the National Park Service conducts an annual lottery to regulate the number of attendees, protecting both the insects, and the wonder of the ANNUAL summer event for spectators. Learn how to see the synchronous fireflies in GSMNP here.
Drive Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains
Cades Cove Loop Road is one of the most popular drives in GSMNP, and rightfully so. Along the way, you may see black bears, horses, foxes, deer, and other wildlife. Visitors drive the one-way 11-mile road that circles the famous cove. A drive may take a half-to-full day depending on traffic and the amount of time you take for photographs, hiking, and stops. The historic village in the cove showcases historic buildings including churches, a mill, and more. The visitors center offers information and souvenirs.
Extra tip: Experience Cades Cove with this self-guided audio tour that provides insights similar to having a park ranger with you in the car. Gain knowledge about the site's history and interesting facts about the wildlife. Reserve the audio tour on Viator.
Drive Roaring Fork Motor Trail in GSMNP
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is another beautiful drive through the park. This scenic drive offers beautiful scenic pull-offs, a drive to Clingman's Dome (the famous steep overlook in the North Carolina portion of the park), and numerous waterfalls. For waterfall enthusiasts, this is one of the best routes in the park. Additionally, you'll find great picnic spots in the forest with grills and tables.
Cross the Longest Pedestrian Cable Bridge in North America
The Gatlinburg SkyBridge holds a record as the longest pedestrian cable suspension bridge in North America. Guests ride the 1,800-ft SkyLift (a ski-lift style ride) to the SkyDeck where you can then walk almost 700 feet across the SkyBridge. The bridge offers panoramic views of the Smokies and its famous 30-foot glass bottom at the halfway point. The bridge, 500 feet above Gatlinburg, Tennessee, offers beautiful views of the mountains year-round. In addition to the bridge, guests have the chance to climb the Tulip Tower and enjoy views from the Sky Deck.
Drive Morton Mountain Tunnel through the Smoky Mountains
The Morton Mountain Tunnel is located on Hwy 441 on the way to Clingman's Dome from Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Kids love driving through the mountains and this is one of the longer mountain tunnels in the Smokies.
See the Bears, but Don't Feed Them!
Black bears are one of the main attractions in the Smoky Mountains. Over the years, we have spotted bears on the back deck of our Airbnb cabins, in Cades Cove, throughout the National Park, and in Gatlinburg. Take photos, keep a safe distance, keep your food safe, and remember not to feed the bears. Follow these bear tips from the NPS.
Eat at Frizzle Chicken Cafe & Enjoy Mountain Fun
Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are both home to good old-fashioned Southern hospitality and fun. My youngest daughter loves the kitschy experience of Frizzle Chicken Cafe a Pigeon Forge restaurant known for their home cookin' and singing chickens. Yes, you read that right. This restaurant boasts the world's largest collection of singing animatronic chickens. The performance delights kids and grandparents alike. Yes, it's cheesy, but it's also fun! Additional favorite attractions include Paula Dean's Lumberjack Attraction & Feud, Titanic Museum, Dollywood Theme Park, Dolly's Stampede Dinner Show, Three Bears General Store (where you can feed black bears), Old Mill Restaurant in Gatlinburg, zipline through the mountains, and numerous mountain coasters. Or book a jeep tour, seasonal tour, class, or purchase a sight-seeing pass using a discount from Viator.
Pro Tip: Discount on Smoky Mountain Attractions
Save up to 30% off admission costs at top attractions in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the Smoky Mountains with a Sightseeing Flex Pass. Explore Tennessee your way with a 3- or 5-attraction pass. Purchase the Smoky Mountain Flex Pass.
One of my favorite memories in the National Parks was seeing the synchronous fireflies in the Great Smoky Mountains. I first learned of these amazing fireflies through the photography of artist Radim Schreiber. Schreiber's book is a masterpiece capturing the beauty of this natural phenomenon. Learn How to See the Synchronous Fireflies in the Smoky Mountains here.
What are your favorite things to see and do in the Smoky Mountains?
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