If you want to spend some time in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are several fun things you can do! From riding in the car to exploring hiking trails, you won’t run out of fun activities to try in the national park. Here are the top 3 things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
1. Go On a Scenic Drive
One of the most popular things to do in the Smokies is to go for a drive. It is especially popular for families with small children who can’t hike for long periods of time and older people who shouldn’t get out on the trails. It’s a great way to see the incredible beauty of the area. On several popular drives, you can see views of the mountains, and there are quite a few lookouts where you can stop and get out to enjoy the view.
Cades Cove is the most popular scenic drive in the Smokies. This 11-mile paved loop has several spots where you can stop and get out to explore or learn more about the history of the area. There are several historic buildings you can check out, and there are hiking trails all along the Loop. Other scenic drives you might want to try include Foothills Parkway, Newfound Gap, and Roaring Fork Motor Trail.
2. Hike in the National Park
Another fun thing to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is to hike. With over 850 miles of hiking trails, you have plenty to choose from! If you’ve never been hiking before, you can go on an easy hike or a family friendly nature trail. There are also moderate and difficult trails for more experienced people. You can choose trails based on certain features, including waterfalls, mountain views, and historic sights.
Laurel Falls is a popular waterfall trail that is considered easy. The path is paved, and the roundtrip length is 2.6 miles. Other waterfall trails that are popular include Grotto Falls and Rainbow Falls. Andrews Bald Trail is a moderate hiking trail that provides you with incredible mountain views once you reach the top. Other mountain view trails include Gregory Bald and Charlies Bunion.
3. Have a Picnic
Something else that’s fun to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is to have a picnic. Families, couples, and groups love to have picnics in the Smoky Mountains. There are several places where you can have a picnic in the park. Cades Cove has a picnic area right before you head into the Loop, and it’s one of the most popular spots to have a picnic. Other popular spots include Look Rock, Metcalf Bottoms, and Cosby.
These are just some of the fun things you can do when you visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Want to know about other fun activities there are in the area? Check out these attractions in Gatlinburg for more ideas of what to do when you stay with us!
