If you love beautiful mountains, enchanting forests, amazing animal life, and peaceful waterfalls, you’ll love adventuring in the Smokies. There are so many things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and I can’t wait for you to get out and explore America’s most visited national park!
My name is Ash, and I’m a former park ranger. You’ll find me out hiking in this park any chance I get, and I’m excited to help you plan your epic trip to the Great Smoky Mountains.
This article includes information on family activities, hiking, biking, winter activities, and so much more.
Keep reading (or if you want to fast-forward, click on the links below) to find the perfect activities for your specific interests!
The Top 10 Things To Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
When you visit the Great Smokies for the first time, you want to be sure to see all of the highlights! Combat your fear of missing out with this list of the top things to do in the park.
If you make it through this top ten list, you can relax knowing that you’ve had a well-rounded, complete tour of Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
When you are ready for more detailed information on these top things to do, including driving directions and trip planning help, click over to this list of things you can’t miss on your first visit to the Smokies.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a 5.5-mile scenic drive near the town of Gatlinburg. I love this road because the scenery is gorgeous, and it quickly takes you into the mountains for some fabulous hiking! Grotto Falls and Rainbow Falls are some of my favorite trails along this route.
Laurel Falls
The hike to Laurel Falls is one of the most popular hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This trail provides beautiful mountain views as it travels up to the waterfall.
When you reach the falls, you can admire them from a picturesque bridge that crosses over the upper and lower falls. This is one hike you don’t want to miss!
Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome)
The Kuwohi Observation Tower is the highest point in the Great Smokies, which means you can look out over the park for up to 100 miles on clear days!
You’ll drive along the Kuwohi Road for 7 miles before a 0.5-mile hike to the tower, with chances to stop at scenic pullouts the whole way up. I highly recommend you make the trip to the observation tower during your trip!
Alum Cave Bluffs
The Alum Cave Trail to the bluffs is such a fun route and has some of the best views of the Smokies! You’ll hike for 2.5 miles through rocky arches and peaceful forests until you reach the “cave.”
Cades Cove
Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations in the park, but for a good reason! This stunning valley is full of historic buildings, wildlife, and iconic Smoky Mountain views. You can explore Cades Cove by driving, biking, or horseback riding the 11-mile one-way loop road that circles the valley.
Elkmont Historic District
Touring the 19th-century log cabins in the Elkmont Historic District (also known as the Elkmont Ghost Town) is one of my favorite things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
You can also hike the Jakes Creek and Little River Trails in the Elkmont area to see remnants of the community that once stood in Elkmont.
Mingus Mill
Mingus Mill is a unique stop on the North Carolina side of the park that you don’t want to miss on your trip to the Great Smokies! You can step inside this historic grist mill and learn more from the miller. Be sure to walk along the millrace for a moment to get a beautiful vantage point of the mill.
If you want to learn more about the area’s history beyond the mill, head to the nearby Mountain Farm Museum to look through 19th-century log cabins and see lots of preserved artifacts from the park’s early settlers.
Grotto Falls
The trail to Grotto Falls is a fun, family-friendly adventure that ends at a waterfall you can walk behind! Enjoy the stunning mountain views as you travel through the forest to Grotto Falls along a 3-mile trail.
Newfound Gap Road
I highly recommend driving the 33-mile Newfound Gap Road, which takes you over beautiful mountaintops and through massive forests!
This road climbs up to the Newfound Gap, a mountain pass at the Tennessee-North Carolina border. You can stretch your legs here while enjoying the stunning Smoky Mountain views or hiking the Appalachian Trail.
Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail is one of the most famous long-distance trails in America! It is over 2,000 miles total, but it runs for 71 miles through Great Smoky Mountains National Park, connecting Fontana Dam and the Davenport Gap with stops along the way at several of the park’s popular spots, such as Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) and the Newfound Gap.
I highly recommend taking some time to hike a portion of this trail at some point in your trip — you could spend anywhere from a couple of hours to several days hiking along this epic trail!
For more trip-planning information (including driving directions) on each of these stops, check out this list of things you can’t miss on your first visit to the Smokies.
How long does it take to see the top ten things in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
You’ll want no less than three days of sightseeing to get through this list, but you’ll have to move fast! If you’re able to give yourself four full days, you’ll be able to get through this top ten list with ease.
If you’d like more help, I have a whole article devoted to helping you figure out how many days to spend in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Planning a trip to the Smokies can be overwhelming.
How do you make a solid plan if you’ve never been to the park before? How do you keep everyone in your group excited and engaged?
You can spend hours on the internet searching for things to do, but you still won’t find the insider tips and first-hand knowledge that I’ve gained from working as a park ranger.
If you’re hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people, check out this Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary.
You will see all of the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips!
Now that we’ve covered the top 10 things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s time to dig deeper into your own personal interests.
Things to Do in the Great Smoky Mountains With Kids
Hiking is a great way to help children explore nature and enjoy their time at the Great Smokies, and there are tons of great hikes for your whole family to enjoy in the park! Check out this family-friendly list of my favorite easy hiking trails in the Smokies.
Stop by one of the historic areas of the park to learn about the early settlers in the Smokies. I particularly love visiting Cades Cove, Mingus Mill, or the Mountain Farm Museum for a dose of history!
If you’re looking for a fabulous way to help your kids explore the Great Smoky Mountains, be sure to pick up a Jr. Ranger book from any visitor center. This book encourages people of all ages to explore and learn in the Smokies, and when you complete the activities, you get a fun ranger badge!
One great experience your kids will never forget is riding around Cades Cove in the back of a horse-drawn carriage! Another unique activity is river tubing in the nearby town of Townsend.
Things to Do in the Great Smoky Mountains if You Love to Hike
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has miles and miles of epic hiking trails. If you love to hike, here are some of my favorite day hikes in the park!
The Alum Cave Trail is a fantastic hike that has everything — a beautiful forest, a babbling stream, picturesque bridges, a rock arch, and gorgeous mountain views.
You don’t have to stop hiking when you reach Alum Cave. If you love to hike, consider continuing on the trail and spending a night or two at the LeConte Lodge. This is the only lodge in the national park, but you have to hike to the top of a mountain to stay here!
Chimney Tops is another popular hike along the Newfound Gap Road — it’s fabulous! If you’re looking for something a little less popular near the Newfound Gap Road, check out the trail to Andrews Bald.
If you love waterfalls, be sure to complete a longer trail to a beautiful waterfall like Rainbow Falls or Abrams Falls. Both of these hikes are well worth the time and effort it takes to get there.
Every list of best hikes in the Smokies should include the epic Appalachian Trail! This trail is over 2,000 miles long, but you can hike a portion of it as it runs through the park. This area’s most popular section of the Appalachian Trail is the hike out to Charlie’s Bunion.
Do you love to have a plan?
Get the inside scoop for your upcoming vacation —> this itinerary is the most detailed, epic, and easy-to-follow guide to the park!
Things to Do in the Great Smoky Mountains if You Don’t Want to Hike
There are plenty of fun things to do in the Great Smokies other than hiking, so let’s look at your options for outdoor activities if you’re not looking to hit the trail.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has plenty of amazing scenic drives that will take you to some incredible points of interest and breathtaking viewpoints.
I highly recommend driving the Newfound Gap Road, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, the Cades Cove Loop Road, and the Foothills Parkway while you’re here. If you have some extra time, be sure to add in the amazing Blue Ridge Parkway, a epic 469 mile scenic drive which travels from the Smokies up to Shenandoah National Park!
The park also offers a wide selection of ranger programs that change seasonally. Check the park calendar or stop in at any visitor center for a current schedule of what programs they offer.
Be sure to stop by some of the historic sites in the park, including Mingus Mill, Cataloochee, Cades Cove, and the Mountain Farm Museum. Each of these stops is fascinating and will teach you more about the early homesteaders in the Smokies.
Winter Activities in the Great Smoky Mountains
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open year-round, and visiting during the winter provides a unique opportunity to see the park covered in snow without all the crowds!
All hiking trails are available year-round, but some may close throughout the year due to inclement weather, wildlife activity, or maintenance. Check the trail updates page for any current or expected closures. You’ll love hiking in the winter if you want unobstructed views of the park’s waterfalls while the trees are bare!
Try visiting the nearby town of Pigeon Forge for the famous Holiday Lights, which usually start in November and run through February.
If you’re looking for traditional winter snow fun, stop by Ober Mountain for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing!
Things to Do in the Smokies if You Love Ranger Programs
Participating in ranger programs can greatly enhance your experience in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You’ll learn interesting facts, meet other travelers, and connect with someone who loves the park and knows it well!
It can be difficult to find out what ranger programs are running (they don’t post much on the official NPS site), but you can stop by any visitor center to find out what ranger programs are available during your visit.
You’ll find guided hikes all over the park almost every day during the spring, summer, and fall. These hikes vary in length and difficulty, and you’re guaranteed to learn something new as you explore the park with a ranger.
Park rangers and volunteers demonstrate so many interesting aspects of living as an early homesteader in the region! Some of my favorite historical demonstrations are at the Little Greenbrier School, Cades Cove, and Mingus Mill.
You can join a hayride where a park ranger provides information during your adventure. Times vary, but check out the Cades Cove stables for more information.
Evening programs are often held at the various campgrounds around the park. These programs can range in topics, and you’re guaranteed to learn something interesting. Stop in at the visitor center to see the schedule and topics available while you’re there.
Wheelchair-Friendly Things to Do in the Great Smoky Mountains
If you are exploring the Smokies in a wheelchair, you’ll be able to enjoy the gorgeous views and have a lot of fun!
Many viewpoints, trailheads, and picnic areas in the Smokies have handicapped parking stalls and ramps. The official park website has detailed information about each area of the park and its accessibility.
Although most hikes in the park are steep and unpaved, the Sugarlands Nature Valley Trail is a completely paved trail that includes interactive exhibits that tell the park’s history. Look for this trail on Newfound Gap Road just south of the Sugarlands Visitor Center. You can find out more about this trail and a few others in this article (near the end).
The park has plenty of amazing scenic drives that will take you to some of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the Smokies. Be sure to drive the Newfound Gap Road, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, the Cades Cove Loop, the Foothills Parkway, and the Blue Ridge Parkway if you have time!
I also highly recommend stopping by Mingus Mill and the Mountain Farm Museum for a unique chance to explore 19th-century log cabins and preserved artifacts from the park’s early homesteaders. Many of these buildings are accessible via ramps or single steps, and the pathway that leads to each structure is hard-packed gravel that is wheelchair accessible with assistance. The Cable Mill and Becky Cable House near the Cades Cove Visitor Center are also historic structures that are wheelchair accessible.
Things to Do in the Smokies With Your Dog
Due to the large amount of wildlife and efforts to protect them, you won’t find many places to take your dog in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For more information on things to do with your dog in the park, check out this detailed article: Is Great Smoky Mountains National Park Dog-Friendly?
High Adventure Activities in the Great Smoky Mountains
If you’re looking for a unique activity that will push you out of your comfort zone, consider backpacking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, or fishing in the Smokies.
Backpacking is always an adventure! You can go the traditional route and reserve a backcountry campsite, or if you’re looking for a unique experience, try staying in the LeConte Lodge for a night or two.
Horseback riding is a fun activity that you can enjoy in many different sections of the park. You’ll find several stables and miles of trails for equestrian use in the park and several other options in the nearby towns.
Whitewater rafting will get your adrenaline pumping and add some excitement to your trip! Check out this list of companies running the river outside the park.
Fishing isn’t going to get your heart rate going, but if you’re looking for a lovely day in the water, you might find this to be more your speed. Any of the 2,900 miles of streams in the park are open for fishing, and the streams are often near capacity at all times of the year.
Things to Do in the Smokies if You Love to Bike
If you love to bike, you’ll find some great options in Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
Most roads in the park are suitable for biking, but Cades Cove is my favorite place to bike in the park. This popular loop road closes to vehicles every Wednesday during the summer to provide a fun and safe route for bicycles and horses!
There are no mountain biking trails in the park, but there are some trails that you can take your bike on if you’d like, such as the Gatlinburg Trail, the Oconaluftee River Trail, and the lower Deep Creek Trail.
Things to Do Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
You can find so many amazing places near Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Check out the nearby towns, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Big South Fork, or Cumberland Gap while you’re in the area.
Visit Gatlinburg, a tourist hotspot right next to the park, complete with shopping malls, tourist attractions, and adventurous activities. You can also swing by Townsend for some water activities. Visit Cherokee on the southern side of the park if you want to get a taste of the cultural Cherokee history by visiting the Oconaluftee Indian Village. Finally, plan a day at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge to enjoy a roller coaster or waterslides!
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a beautiful driving route that connects Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. You don’t have to drive the whole thing to enjoy it, so take some time to explore this area while you’re visiting the south side of the Smokies.
Big South Fork National River is a lesser-known but incredibly adventurous area just 60 miles from the Smokies. Paddling, mountain biking, and rock climbing are popular activities here.
Another stunning place to visit close to the Smokies is the Cumberland Gap. Enjoy the vistas, waterfalls, historic buildings, and even a cave at this national historic park about two hours from the Great Smoky Mountains.
I hope you have an amazing time working your way through these things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Happy trails!
More Great Smoky Mountains Trip Planning Information
Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary — a detailed hour-by-hour sightseeing schedule.
How to Get to the Smokies — the best airports and roads in the area.
How Many Days Should I Spend in the Great Smokies? — itinerary ideas.
The Best Time to Visit — what to expect during each month of the year.
Weather, Hours, and Closures — important weather info and common closures.
Where Should I Stay? — the best options in and around the park.
All About Camping — learn about the park’s campgrounds and how to get a site.
12 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Great Smoky Mountains — the top 12 spots.
The Best Easy Hikes — the perfect trails for kids, wheelchairs, and beginners.
The Ultimate Smokies Trip Planning Guide — everything you need to know.
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Hi, just downloaded your Smoky Mountain itinerary – planning on the 4-day (driving only, maybe really short hikes) but stretching it a little longer. :)
One question… I saw something about the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad that departs from Bryson City. Are you familiar with it? They have two excursions… Nantahala Gorge and Tuckasegee River. Any recommendations?
Thanks!
I’ve never taken the train, but we enjoy the Bryson City area. If you have an extra day, I recommend spending some time in Bryson City and hiking to the waterfalls that are in the park right there!
Great, thank you! I was actually thinking of an AirBnB in that area too. You rock!
Yeah, it’s nice. I wouldn’t stay there the whole time though…too far away from the main stuff in the park. But it’s nice to be in the thick of things for a few days and then head to a quieter spot like Bryson City after that!