Best Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most breathtaking and biodiverse national parks in the United States. Known for its rolling mist-covered mountains, abundant wildlife, and rich Appalachian history, the park draws millions of visitors each year.

Whether you're an avid hiker, wildlife enthusiast, history buff, or scenic drive lover, the park offers an array of incredible activities that cater to all interests. From panoramic mountaintop views to cascading waterfalls and historic settlements, here are the best things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains for an unforgettable experience.

1. Take in the Views from Clingmans Dome

• Elevation: 6,643 feet (highest point in the park)

• Trail Distance: 1.2 miles round trip (paved but steep)

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning for sunrise or evening for sunset

For breathtaking, panoramic views, a trip to Clingmans Dome is a must. As the highest peak in Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains, the observation tower at the summit provides unparalleled 360-degree views that can stretch up to 100 miles on a clear day.

The paved trail from the parking lot to the summit is steep but short, making it accessible to most visitors. At the top, you'll be rewarded with one of the most iconic views in the entire park.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Arrive early—the parking lot fills up fast, especially in peak season.
✔️ Bring a jacket—temperatures at the summit are much colder than in the valleys.
✔️ Check the forecast—fog can obscure the view on cloudy days.

2. Explore the Scenic Beauty of Cades Cove

• Type: 11-mile scenic loop (driving or biking)

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late evening for wildlife sightings

Cades Cove is one of the most visited and picturesque areas of the park. This lush valley, surrounded by towering peaks, offers a mix of wildlife, scenic beauty, and historical landmarks.

Visitors can drive or bike along the 11-mile loop road, which offers stops at well-preserved cabins, churches, and a working gristmill from the 1800s. The area is also one of the best spots in the park for wildlife viewing, with frequent sightings of black bears, deer, wild turkeys, and coyotes.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Biking is best on vehicle-free mornings (Wednesdays & Saturdays).
✔️ Keep a camera ready—wildlife sightings are common.
✔️ Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting and fewer crowds.

3. Drive the Newfound Gap Road for Stunning Overlooks

• Distance: 33 miles (connects Gatlinburg, TN to Cherokee, NC)

• Best For: Scenic driving and short roadside hikes

One of the most picturesque drives in the park, Newfound Gap Road takes visitors through a variety of elevations and landscapes, offering stunning overlooks, historic landmarks, and access to major trailheads.

Some of the best stops along the way include:

• Newfound Gap Overlook – The lowest drivable pass through the Smokies with breathtaking views.

• Clingmans Dome Road – A detour that leads to the highest point in the park.

• Oconaluftee Visitor Center – Home to a historic farmstead and frequent elk sightings.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Stop at multiple overlooks to capture the best views.
✔️ Check road conditions in winter—snowfall can cause closures.
✔️ Pack a picnic—there are scenic pull-offs perfect for a break.

4. Discover Hidden Waterfalls

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to over 100 waterfalls, each offering a unique and scenic experience. Some of the most popular include:

🔹 Laurel Falls

• Distance: 2.6 miles round trip (paved trail)

• Best For: Families and casual hikers

• Highlight: A stunning 80-foot waterfall with a safe viewpoint

🔹 Abrams Falls

• Distance: 5 miles round trip

• Best For: Moderate hikers

• Highlight: A powerful waterfall with a large pool (but no swimming allowed)

🔹 Deep Creek Waterfalls

• Best For: Waterfall lovers and tubing enthusiasts

• Highlight: Three waterfalls in one area (Tom Branch, Indian Creek, and Juney Whank Falls)

Insider Tips:

✔️ Go after a rainfall for the best water flow.
✔️ Start hikes early to avoid crowds.
✔️ Wear proper footwear—trails can be slippery.

5. Hike to Alum Cave Bluffs and Mount LeConte

• Hike Distance: 4.6 miles round trip to Alum Cave, 11 miles round trip to Mount LeConte

• Best For: Adventurous hikers looking for breathtaking views

For one of the most rewarding hikes in the Smokies, take the Alum Cave Trail. This scenic trail features unique landmarks like Arch Rock, Inspiration Point, and the massive Alum Cave Bluffs.

For experienced hikers, the trail continues to Mount LeConte, the third-highest peak in the park, offering unparalleled views from the summit.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Start early—this trail is popular and parking fills up fast.
✔️ Bring plenty of water—it’s a strenuous but rewarding hike.
✔️ Look for Peregrine falcons—they nest along the cliffs.

6. See the Elk in Cataloochee Valley

• Best For: Wildlife lovers and photographers

• Best Time to Visit: Dawn and dusk for the best chance of seeing elk

Tucked away in a more remote area of the park, Cataloochee Valley is one of the best places to see elk in the Smokies. The elk herd, which was reintroduced in 2001, is now thriving, and visitors often spot these majestic animals grazing in the meadows or crossing streams.

In addition to wildlife, the valley features well-preserved historic buildings, including a schoolhouse, barns, and churches from the early 1900s.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Stay quiet—elk are wild animals, so keep a safe distance.
✔️ Bring binoculars for the best viewing experience.
✔️ Drive slowly—the road is narrow and winding.