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.
Go Whitewater Rafting on the Pigeon River
Whether you're a first-time or experienced rafter, the Smokies offer great whitewater options for all skill levels. The region is rightfully famous for its stunning natural landscapes and diverse river systems, making it an ideal destination for rafting.
For beginners, I highly recommend checking out a local outfitter. Our family had a great time with Big Bear Rafting. Experienced guides lead this rafting tour. In addition to helping prepare for safety, they also provide transportation to the river, trained guides, and safety equipment. With a variety of half-to-full-day routes available, beginners can enjoy a worry-free whitewater rafting trip.
Read this guide, "Whitewater Rafting in the Smoky Mountains" for tips to plan your whitewater rafting trip in Tennessee.
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 from mid-March through late November. A variety of rides are available including hayrides, carriage rides, and wagon rides.
One of the highlights of our family getaways to Tennessee was a trail ride through the National Park. Each experience offers a unique way to explore the stunning landscape, and I’ve learned that arriving early in the morning is the best strategy to secure a spot for the first ride of the day. The trained guides are incredibly knowledgeable, helping to pair each rider with the perfect horse, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and excited for the journey ahead.
Riding through the woods, we enjoyed seeing wildlife, learning the history of the area, and experiencing the forest of the Smokies. These rides are some of my favorite Smoky Mountain memories with our family.
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.
Our family experienced "God's Fireworks" in the Smokies summer of 2024. Their synchronous flashes created a beautiful light show illuminating the darkness of the forest.
Drive Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains
Cades Cove Loop Road is one of the most popular drives in GSMNP, and rightfully so. Driving the one-way 11-mile Cades Cove loop is one of our favorite things to do in the Smokies. Every time we drive the loop, we've been fortunate to see black bears, deer, wild turkeys, and more.
It is important to remember that when observing wildlife in Cades Cove visitors should prioritize safety and respect for the animals and their habitat. Keep a safe distance from all wildlife; binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens can help you get a closer look without disturbing them. Never feed animals, as this can alter their natural behavior and lead to dangerous situations. Stay in your vehicle when viewing larger animals like black bears, and always follow park regulations to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the wildlife. In Cades Cove, visitors often see a variety of animals, including black bears, deer, wild turkeys, and even the occasional fox. The best times for wildlife viewing are early in the morning or late in the afternoon when animals are most active.
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 *Kuwohi / 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. We love Chimneys Picnic Area with tables, grills, and a nearby creek. Many of our favorite Smoky Mountain Hiking Trails are in this area as well.
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 *Kuwohi / 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!
Seeing black bears is one of the highlights of a trip to the Smoky Mountains. Our family has had the incredible experience of spotting these majestic animals right from the comfort of our cozy Airbnb deck. On our last Smoky Mountain vacation, a large black bear would roam the property each morning. The bears are even known to explore Gatlinburg.
We've also enjoyed watching them in Cades Cove, and throughout the National Park, where the bears roam freely. Seeing them in their natural habitat is truly amazing. It is important to follow the guidelines posted by the NPS, keeping a safe distance, safely storing food in bear-proof containers, and not feeding bears human food. 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, or class, or purchase a sightseeing 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.
Extra Resources for Planning Your Smoky Mountain Escape:
Smoky Mountain Bucket List Inspiration:
Why Are They Called the Smoky Mountains? A Love Letter to America's Most Visited National Park
The Ultimate Guide to Sunrise and Sunset Spots in the Great Smoky Mountains
11 Best Smoky Mountains Hiking Trails: Complete Guide [with Difficulty Ratings]
Best Time to Visit Smoky Mountains: A Mom's Month-by-Month Guide
Whitewater Rafting on Pigeon River: A Family Adventure Guide
Experience Synchronous Fireflies in the Great Smoky Mountains: A Guide
Where to Stay in the Smoky Mountains:
What are your favorite things to see and do in the Smoky Mountains?
*On September 18, 2024, the U.S. Board of Geographic Names decided to rename Clingmans Dome to Kuwohi, the mountain's original Cherokee name. The name change was authorized following a formal request by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). This article was initially published before the name change. Both names are used for historical reference and current information.
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I would totally love to see the fireflies!
I love this whole area! So much to do outdoors with family for sure.
We visited during the firefly event and it was just incredibly magical. I want to go back and see them again with hopefully some improved photography skills so I can get better shots.