10 Best Things to Do in the Great Smoky Mountains

The tallest mountain in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Kuwohi offers outstanding 360-degree views from its peak. Access the observation tower via a steep, half-mile trail from the parking area. Formerly known as Clingmans Dome, the mountain has returned to its Cherokee name, given for the many mulberry trees in its spruce-fir forest.

On a clear day, views from Kuwohi reach as far as 100 miles (160 km) over the blue-green ridges of the Smokies and across state lines. Dress in layers to keep warm at the chilly altitude and arrive early or late in the day for ease of parking. The access road is open from April 1 through November 30. 

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a scenic 6-mile (10 km) drive on the north side of the national park. The trail starts and ends in Gatlinburg, winding south in a loop through young and old-growth forests. Be sure to stop off at the Noah “Bud” Ogle farmstead at the start of the trail to see a well-preserved 19th-century log cabin, barn, and grist mill. 

This loop offers access to 3 waterfalls: 2 via moderately challenging hikes, and one accessible by car. To see the trail at its best, visit after heavy rainfall when the waterfalls and mountain streams gush over mossy rocks.

Cades Cove, a rolling valley surrounded by misty mountains, is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to the Smokies. Admire the area’s gorgeous landscapes and abundant wildlife with a drive along the valley’s 11-mile (18 km) scenic road. Cruising at low speed, you’ll likely spot deer, coyotes, and even black bears wandering the fields and woodlands. 

Stops on the loop include a 5-mile (8 km) hike to Abrams Falls and a cluster of typical Appalachian buildings at the Cable Mill Historic Area. Spend the better part of the day at Cades Cove, so pack a lunch and make use of the barbeques at the large picnic area. Visit on car-free summer Wednesdays to explore by bicycle. 

Mingus Mill is a historic grist mill on the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Opened in 1886, the turbine-powered mill is the largest in the region, at one point serving more than 200 local families. From March through November, a miller demonstrates how to operate the mill and sells freshly ground cornmeal.

The mill is in a peaceful woodland just north of Cherokee. To explore more of this picturesque area, hike the Mingus Creek Trail, a 6-mile (10 km) out-and-back that follows the winding creek and fills with wildflower blooms in spring. 

Newfound Gap Road is a 33-mile (53 km) mountain pass straddling the border of North Carolina and Tennessee that offers heavenly views from its 5,000-foot (1,500 meters) elevation. Start your drive from the Sugarlands Visitor Center, where you can get information on what to expect along the route, then make your way southeast to Cherokee. 

The treetops nearly touch the clouds along this scenic drive, which is especially stunning during the turning of the fall foliage. Overlooks peppered along the route provide a place to stretch your legs and appreciate the view. Be sure to dress in layers as the gap is considerably cooler than the surrounding area. Visit in the warmer months to avoid closures for winter snowfall. 

Not your typical visitor center, the Oconaluftee center includes exhibits on the cultural history of the region, a preserved 100-year-old farmstead, and a serene riverside walking trail. This is a great first stop in the Smokies, as the center provides maps and trail guides, plus information on the cultural legacies of the Cherokee people and early European settlers.

Get a glimpse into old Appalachian farm life at the Mountain Farm Museum, a collection of log buildings from across the region that includes an apple house, corn crib, and blacksmith shop. Be sure to take a walk by the meadows near the farmstead, where wild elk can often be seen calmly grazing.

The Abrams Falls Trail is one of the most popular forest hikes in the Smoky Mountains, and for good reason. The 5-mile (8 km) out-and-back trail is a picturesque walk through pine-oak forest alongside Abrams Creek. A moderately challenging route, it rewards trekkers with views of the powerful 25-ft (8 meters) waterfall as it tumbles over moss-covered sandstone. 

The trailhead is accessible via the popular Cades Cove Loop Road, so arrive in the early morning to avoid the usual traffic. The trail is open year-round, although visitors should traverse with caution during wet and icy conditions.

The Gatlinburg Trail is one of the only dog-friendly trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 4-mile (6 km) woodland route is a great introductory hike, as it’s a flat, easy path and is conveniently located just outside of Gatlinburg. 

The trail starts from Sugarlands Visitor Center and follows the bends of the Little Pigeon River through the forest. Remnants of homesteads left behind by early settlers are just visible from the trail, and deer can often be spotted through the trees. Summer is an ideal time to enjoy the Gatlinburg Trail, as it offers several access points to the river, great for a dip on a hot day.

See the Smokies from a different angle with an afternoon tubing down the Oconaluftee River. Known to be one of the cleanest and most beautiful rivers in the southeastern United States, the Oconaluftee runs through the national park beneath the towering green forest. Enjoy a ride that is both relaxing and thrilling, with calm stretches as well as type I and II rapids.

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, several outfitters near Cherokee provide tube rentals and monitor river conditions to ensure tubers have a safe and fun experience. While some patches of the river are shaded, tubers should still slather on sunscreen and bring a pair of water shoes.

The hike to the peak of Mount Cammerer is not for the faint of heart, but it rewards with one of the most spectacular views in the Smokies. 5.5 miles (9 km) each way, the trail follows a rocky path through dense hardwood forest. It leads to an old fire tower, constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, which offers views of the mountains rolling miles into the distance. 

Few hikers take on this steep and strenuous climb, which means those who do will have the woodland and the mountain views all to themselves. Hikers will want to bring sturdy shoes, plenty of food and water, and a pair of binoculars.