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Most people miss out on some of the most amazing views in Smokies, but that doesn’t have to be you! Check out this itinerary before you go.
7. Elkmont Historic District
Discover a beautiful “ghost town” tucked into the woods of Great Smoky Mountains National Park! The Elkmont Historic District was built starting in 1910 for elite and wealthy families to spend their summers socializing in the mountains. You’ll feel like you have been transported back in time as you explore this area!
What You Need to Know
This area was once a thriving vacation club and consisted of many individual cottages as well as the Wonderland Hotel and the Appalachian Clubhouse. These buildings have fallen into disrepair (thus the “ghost town” sentiment) over the years.
The National Park Service is currently restoring many of the buildings in this area, as well as documenting and demolishing some of the buildings that are in terrible shape. Should you visit this area, you will likely see some work being done.
Walk the main road and enjoy a trip back in time. The cottages are lovely, and the Historic District offers another glimpse into the past of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, you can find the instructions for a “secret” hike near Elkmont in this itinerary!
Getting Here
From the Sugarlands Visitor Center, head west on the Little River Road (toward Cades Cove) for approximately 7 miles. Turn left into the Elkmont area and continue driving for 4 miles until you are near the Elkmont Campground. Just before reaching the campground, turn left onto the road that leads to the Elkmont Nature Trail and the Jakes Creek Trail. Continue driving all the way to the last parking lot where the road dead-ends.
Park at the very end of the road in the parking lot. You can see the old buildings from here, as well as some signs with information about the area. Walk down along the road if you want to get a closer look!
8. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Delight in every twist and turn of this narrow road as you explore the stunning beauty of the Great Smokies from your car! During your short drive along this winding one-way loop, you’ll enjoy some of the park’s most fabulous hiking trails, historical buildings, and mountain scenery.
What You Need to Know
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is about 6 miles long and is a one-way loop road. The road is narrow, so buses, trailers, and motorhomes are not permitted along this route.
Along this road, you’ll find a few fun points of interest such as the Ogle Farmstead, the trail to Rainbow Falls, the trail to Grotto Falls, and the Place of a Thousand Drips. A booklet detailing each stop is available for a small fee at the beginning of the road, and I highly recommend picking one up so that you can more fully appreciate your driving tour.
The Roaring Fork road is closed from December-March.
Getting Here
From the main parkway in Gatlinburg, turn at traffic light #8 and drive down the Historic Nature Trail Road. When the road splits, veer right to continue driving along what is now called the Cherokee Orchard Road. Stay on this road until you reach the entrance to the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
9. Alum Cave Trail
If old-growth forests, rock tunnels, and sweeping views from a mountainside “cave” are your thing, then a hike to Alum Cave may just be the highlight of your trip!
What You Need to Know
This moderately strenuous trail is approximately 4.6 miles roundtrip and gains 1175 feet of elevation. This hike is incredibly scenic — you’ll pass through Arch Rock and marvel at Inspiration Point before finally reaching the Alum Cave Bluffs.
The trail is steep and follows the edge of the ridge in a few different spots. If you continue hiking past the Alum Cave Bluffs, you’ll reach the top of Mount Le Conte, one of the Smokies’ steepest and highest mountains!
Special Note: I try to keep a hiking trail under 3 miles if it’s included in my list of things to do on a first visit, but some of the best trails in the Great Smoky Mountains are longer than that and deserve a mention. Aside from Alum Cave, a few other fantastic longer trails I recommend are Chimney Tops, Abrams Falls, and Rainbow Falls.
Getting Here
From the Sugarlands Visitor Center, drive 8.6 miles south along the Newfound Gap Road to the Alum Cave Trailhead. The area is well-signed, and there are two large parking areas for this trail.
10. Cades Cove
No trip to the Great Smoky Mountains is complete without a tour of Cades Cove, the park’s most popular section. The scenery of this vast, flourishing valley situated amidst a beautiful mountain backdrop steals the show, but the wildlife viewing and historic cabins here are phenomenal!
What You Need to Know
An 11-mile loop road circles Cades Cove and provides access to many points of interest. A few of our favorite stops along the way include the John Oliver Place, Abrams Falls, Cable Mill Historic Area, and the Carter Shields Cabin. Stop at the Orientation Shelter on your way into the Cove and pick up a Cades Cove Booklet for $1.
Because the loop road is open to one-way traffic only, expect to spend 2-4 hours here to make the full loop. You’ll likely run into traffic as you drive along the road and approach the points of interest.
During the summer, the Cades Cove road is closed to cars on Wednesdays to allow for bicycle and foot traffic only.
For more specific recommendations on navigating the busy Cades Cove area, take a look at this itinerary.
Getting Here
From the Sugarlands Visitor Center, drive approximately 25 miles west along the Little River Road to reach Cades Cove.
11. Spruce Flats Falls
Spruce Flats Falls is a true treasure amidst some of the busiest areas of the park — you won’t even find it on the map! Enjoy a quiet hike through the trees to this spectacular 30-foot waterfall.
What You Need to Know
The hike to the falls is 2 miles roundtrip and is moderately strenuous, due mostly to a few steep sections of trail including the descent to the waterfall itself. Most kids/families will be fine on this trail, but you’ll want to keep a close eye on your little ones.
Pets are not permitted on this trail.
Getting Here
The trail to Spruce Flats Falls begins at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. To get here, drive about 18 miles west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center along the Little River Road. Shortly after passing the turnoff to Townsend (Highway 73), look for a left turn onto Tremont Road. Turn here and drive for approximately 2 miles, following the signs for the Institute at Tremont. Park your car at the Institute and walk to the back corner of the parking lot, towards the lodge buildings (crossing the road you drove in on). The trail is well-marked from here.
12. Mountain Farm Museum
Explore this unique collection of historical mountain farm buildings! Learn all about what it was like to live in the Great Smoky Mountains one hundred years ago — you can even see real pigs!
What You Need to Know
This picturesque outdoor museum is located right on the banks of the Oconaluftee River and is a lovely place to get out of the car and stretch your feet. The nearby Visitor Center also has a great display about the history of the area.
Getting Here
The Mountain Farm Museum is adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, located at the south end of the park near the town of Cherokee.
Enjoy your time at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Happy Trails!
Click NEXT to see the Ultimate Guide to the Great Smoky Mountains.
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!