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Get the inside scoop for your upcoming vacation —> this itinerary is the most detailed, epic, and easy-to-follow guide to the park!
1. Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome)
Discover some of the best views in Great Smoky Mountains National Park from its highest point, Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome). On a clear day, you can see up to 100 miles in every direction from the observation tower at the summit!
What You Need to Know
Bring a jacket with you and expect temperatures that are 10-20 degrees colder than at the park’s lower elevations. Because of the weather and fog, you may have to attempt this trail several times before you’ll get a clear view. You can find my specific timing recommendations in this itinerary.
The trail to the top of the observation tower is 1-mile roundtrip and is moderate in difficulty. It is paved but not considered wheelchair accessible because of the steep incline — you’ll gain almost 350 feet in elevation along this short trail. Pets are not permitted.
The road to Kuwohi is closed from December-March.
Getting Here
The turn-off to the Kuwohi Road is located 0.1 miles south of the Newfound Gap Overlook, along the Newfound Gap Road. After traveling 7 miles along the Kuwohi Road, you’ll find a small parking lot where the trail begins.
2. Grotto Falls
For a fun adventure, Grotto Falls is the place to go. Not only is this waterfall beautiful, but it is also the only one in the park that you can walk behind! Enjoy a gorgeous walk through an old-growth forest to this natural oasis.
What You Need to Know
This trail is 2.6 miles roundtrip and steadily gains an elevation of 585 feet. You’ll cross four small streams along the way (without the use of a bridge).
Grotto Falls is a great place to look for salamanders, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for these little creatures! Pets are not permitted on this trail.
Getting Here
The trail to Grotto Falls is located along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. From the parkway in Gatlinburg, turn at traffic light #8 and follow the signs for Roaring Fork to enter the national park. While driving along the Roaring Fork Road, look for stop #5 and a large parking area. This is where the Grotto Falls Trail begins.
3. Mingus Mill
Enjoy a piece of Great Smoky Mountain history at Mingus Mill, the park’s largest (and most picturesque) grist mill. Take a walk around the millrace, view the sizeable water-powered turbine, and learn about the importance of the mill as you visit this lovely area.
What You Need to Know
Mingus Mill is located at its original site, and demonstrations by the miller are provided daily (March-November) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cornmeal, and other related items are also available for purchase at the mill.
Because of the trees that surround the mill, this area is a fabulous place to visit to see gorgeous fall colors.
Getting Here
Mingus Mill is located 0.5 miles north of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, NC.
4. Newfound Gap Road
Take in the views from the seat of your car as you drive along the Newfound Gap Road. This road is the main artery through the park and provides fabulous scenic pullouts, picturesque picnic areas, quiet walkways, and top-notch hiking trails.
What You Need to Know
The Newfound Gap Road traverses through the Smokies from Gatlinburg to Cherokee and is 33 miles long. Because it gains about 3,000 feet in elevation, the weather and temperatures can fluctuate 10-15 degrees as you drive.
A few highlights along the way include the Campbell Overlook, Chimney Tops, Alum Cave Bluffs, Newfound Gap Overlook, Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome), and Mingus Mill.
Getting Here
From Gatlinburg, drive US-441 south out of town and towards the park. This road turns into the Newfound Gap Road.
5. Appalachian Trail
If you love to hike, chances are you’ve heard of the famous Appalachian Trail. This spectacular trail travels right through the middle of Great Smoky Mountains National Park! While you might not have time to complete all 2,180 miles of it, you can jump on the opportunity to get a taste of the trail while visiting the park.
What You Need to Know
You can find several places to access the Appalachian Trail within the Great Smokies, the easiest being from Newfound Gap along the Newfound Gap Road. Hiking east from this parking area will take you along one of the park’s most popular trails, Charlie’s Bunion (8 miles roundtrip). If you can, I highly recommend hiking all the way out to Charlie’s Bunion.
If you aren’t interested in hiking that far, you can just hike until you’re ready to turn around. Even a short distance along the Appalachian Trail is an exciting accomplishment!
Pets are not permitted on this trail.
Getting Here
Drive along the Newfound Gap Road until you reach the Newfound Gap Overlook. Park here and access the trail near the restrooms and overlook.
6. Laurel Falls
In a park famous for its spectacular waterfalls, Laurel Falls is perhaps the most well-known of them all! Hike among the beautiful trees and enjoy the stunning vistas as you make your way to this gorgeous 80-foot waterfall.
What You Need to Know
The trail to Laurel Falls gains 314 feet in elevation and is 2.6 miles roundtrip. While technically “paved,” the path is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs because the pavement is in disrepair.
This hike is kid-friendly, but there are some steep drop-offs along the route. This is also a popular area for black bear sightings, so it’s wise to stay together as a group.
Pets are not permitted on this trail. For specific details on navigating through this busy area of the park (and for some nearby hidden gems!), take a look at this itinerary.
Getting Here
The Laurel Falls Trail begins along the Little River Road. From the Sugarlands Visitor Center, take a right onto the Little River Road and drive for approximately 3.5 miles to the well-signed trailhead.
Click NEXT to see stops 7-12 (including an exciting ghost town).
Love your article. so helpful. We are staying in pigeon forge for a few days then down to Cherokee Worth it to do to go to Cades cove? I do plan on visiting Roaring Fork area. Thank you so much!
Yes, for sure! It’s beautiful!
We are going in December and I know we may be limited. What do you recommend that should be open? And what should we be prepared to be closed. Thank you!
You’ll find all of that info here: The Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Just got a waitlist reservation for LeConte! It’s March 21, which is their first day of operation. Will it be too cold / rainy (snowy?!) to make it worth it? Any advice would be great!
It’s usually pretty nice in March, but snow is definitely not unheard of. Have an amazing time!
This is an amazing blog! I really appreciate all of the details.
I am considering going to the Smokys later this month/November. Will it be freezing? I’m having a hard time finding information on weather on the mountain during this time. thank you!
Thanks Ali! November does get a little chilly and sometimes it snows, but the weather typically holds well enough to get out and explore most areas of the park. They don’t start closing down roads for the winter season until the end of the month, but temporary closures are possible if a storm rolls through. Bring lots of layers and enjoy the views and solitude!
Please update the Cade’s Cove info on days closed to vehicles. They are currently closing on Wednesdays and only hiking or bicycling allowed in the Cove on Wednesdays. Thanks for a great article!
Thanks Jeannie! I thought I got that updated everywhere, so I appreciate you letting me know that I missed it!
Hi! Thanks for all the great info! We will be coming mid October this year, dress in lots of layers??
Thanks!!
Yes, layers are best! That way you can be ready for any weather. Have fun!
Is the 2nd week of November a good time to visit for hiking and outdoor activities?
Generally, yes! Though snow closures are possible at that time of year, so just be prepared for that.
What a great article! My husband and I are going in mid November for our anniversary before Thanksgiving for a weekend. Its our first time there. What kind of clothing should we have. I’m trying to buy a parka and like artic gear lol I just hate being cold! My husband on the other hand is ok with a light jacket. Please advise.
Bring lots of layers! The weather can be a little moody this time of year, so it’s much easier if you can add and subtract layers depending on the temps. Have fun!
What a great detailed break down of the park!! We will be in the area mid March, will probably only have one day…what are the top things you recommend to do. (because of knee issue hiking max would be around 1 mile)
Hi Jenn,
You’ll find my recommendations in the Great Smoky Mountain Itinerary found here: https://dirtinmyshoes.lpages.co/great-smoky-mountains-itinerary/ Have fun!