The Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park in the country. Every year, people come from all over the country to see the beautiful sights of this national park. Of course, during their trip, these people will want to experience the very best the Smoky Mountains has to offer. To guarantee that you get to experience the very best places to visit in the Smoky Mountains and here is how.
1. Cades Cove
When you are in the most visited national park in the country, you need to visited the most visited area of the park. In the Smoky Mountains, that is Cades Cove. There are many great things that you can experience along the 11-mile loop that consists of Cades Cove. There are plenty of road pull-offs, where you can view beautiful mountain views. There are also various hiking trails where you can explore the Smoky Mountains up close and personal making Cades Cove one of the best places to visit in the Smoky Mountains. Along these hiking trails, you will get to see gorgeous waterfalls and amazing mountain views that you won't get to experience anywhere else in the world. On top of all that, Cades Cove is home to many historical sites that will bring you back in time to when the settlers were living in the area.
2. Alum Cave Trail
The majority of the people that visit the Smoky Mountains come to see amazing views and to hike the over 100 trails that are in the park. The Alum Cave Trail begins by crossing 2 streams on log bridges, leading hikers through an old-growth hardwood forest. Hiking through the narrow tunnel of Arch Rock is a highlight of this hike. As the trail climbs up Peregrine Peak, it approaches a heath bald full of mountain laurel and rhododendron, finally reaching a rocky outcrop known as Inspiration Point after 2 miles, which is the perfect place to view the rugged valley while surrounded by mountains. The Alum Cave Bluffs are 2.3 miles from the trailhead. Many visitors turn around at this point, but continuing on the trail to the summit of Mount LeConte will reward you with sweeping vistas seen from exposed cliffs that the trail follows from the top.
3. Clingmans Dome
At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Smoky Mountains, making one of the must-see places to visit in the Smoky Mountains. The observation tower on the summit of Clingmans Dome offers spectacular 360-degree views of the Smokies and beyond for visitors willing to climb the steep half-mile walk to the tower at the top. On clear days, views expand over 100 miles.
4. Chimney Tops
Chimney Tops is one of the most popular trails in the Smoky Mountains because of 2 reasons, its length and spectacular views. The trail gains 1,400 feet in 2 miles which makes for a steep climb. The trail begins by crossing rushing streams three times before ascending the side of the mountain. A steep climb over a rocky trail and follows along the side of Sugarland Mountain. A ridge offers a view of Mount LeConte, and the trail descends for the first time as it reaches the rocky pinnacle, the top of which is the first “chimney”, where you can see some of the most amazing views in the Smoky Mountains.
To guarantee that you get to see all of these great places to visit in the Smoky Mountains, book one of our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals today.
