Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a treasure trove of natural beauty, cultural history, and outdoor adventure. With its stunning mountain views, waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and scenic hiking trails, the park offers countless opportunities to explore and connect with nature. Here are some of the top attractions you shouldn’t miss when visiting the park:
1. Cades Cove
- Why it’s great: Cades Cove is one of the most popular and scenic areas in the park, known for its historic buildings, abundant wildlife, and beautiful views of the Cades Cove Loop Road.
- What to expect: The 11-mile Cades Cove Loop is a one-way circular road that takes visitors past historic cabins, churches, and barns, as well as through lush meadows and wooded areas where black bears, deer, and turkeys are often spotted.
- Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and history lovers who enjoy a peaceful drive with opportunities to stop and explore.
Tip: Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times for wildlife viewing and to avoid the crowds.
2. Clingmans Dome
- Why it’s great: Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the park and offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the Smoky Mountains.
- What to expect: At 6,643 feet, the observation tower provides 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The drive up is beautiful, and the short, paved path to the tower is an easy walk for most visitors.
- Best for: Visitors looking for stunning views and those who want to experience the highest point in the park with minimal effort.
Tip: Try to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to catch the best lighting for photos and to avoid the crowds.
3. Laurel Falls
- Why it’s great: Laurel Falls is the most famous and accessible waterfall in the park, with a stunning cascade that makes for a great photo op.
- What to expect: This 1.3-mile round-trip trail is paved, making it accessible for families and those with limited mobility. The falls are 80 feet high, and the walk to the base offers great views of the surrounding forest.
- Best for: Families, beginner hikers, and anyone looking for an easy, rewarding waterfall hike.
Tip: Visit early in the morning or during the off-season to avoid the crowds, especially in summer.
4. Alum Cave Trail
- Why it’s great: The Alum Cave Trail is a popular and moderately challenging hike that takes you to a stunning rock formation known as Alum Cave Bluffs.
- What to expect: The trail is about 4.4 miles round-trip and ascends 1,000 feet in elevation. Along the way, you'll pass through a beautiful forest, past the Arch Rock, and arrive at the impressive Alum Cave Bluffs with views of the valley below.
- Best for: Hikers looking for a moderately challenging trail with rewarding views and unique geological features.
Tip: Bring plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes, and prepare for steep sections of the trail.
5. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
- Why it’s great: The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a one-way, 5.5-mile loop road that offers a peaceful, scenic drive through an old-growth forest.
- What to expect: The road is surrounded by lush forest, and the drive features historic cabins, streams, and opportunities for short hikes like the Grotto Falls Trail. It’s a wonderful place to immerse yourself in nature without venturing too far off the beaten path.
- Best for: Visitors who want a scenic drive with easy access to trails and historic sites.
Tip: Stop along the way to hike to Grotto Falls, a popular waterfall with a unique feature—you can walk behind the falls!
6. Alum Cave Bluffs
- Why it’s great: The Alum Cave Bluffs are one of the most striking features of the park, a large rock formation with impressive geological history.
- What to expect: The Alum Cave Trail will take you to the bluffs, where you’ll find dramatic views, expansive rock overhangs, and rich history about the area’s mining past. It’s a great way to experience the Smoky Mountains’ natural beauty.
- Best for: Those interested in geology, history, and a challenging yet rewarding hike.
7. Oconaluftee Visitor Center
- Why it’s great: The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is a great starting point for visitors to explore the park’s cultural heritage and wildlife.
- What to expect: The center features exhibits on the history of the park and the Cherokee Nation, as well as a living history museum with a recreated Cherokee village. It's also an excellent spot to learn about wildlife and plan your visit.
- Best for: History buffs and those looking to get a better understanding of the park's cultural significance.
Tip: Check out the Mingus Mill nearby, which is a historic, working gristmill where you can watch demonstrations and purchase ground cornmeal.
8. Cades Cove Historic Area
- Why it’s great: In addition to being a fantastic place for wildlife viewing, Cades Cove is home to several well-preserved historic buildings, including log cabins, churches, and barns that date back to the 19th century.
- What to expect: The Cades Cove Loop is a popular, one-way 11-mile road that takes you through the historic area. Along the way, you can stop and explore the historic homes, churches, and cemeteries, or take short walks to enjoy the scenic beauty of the cove.
- Best for: History enthusiasts and visitors interested in learning about the early settlers in the Smoky Mountains.
Tip: Arrive early or later in the day to avoid the crowds, especially in the summer.
9. Clingmans Dome
- Why it’s great: Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the park and offers one of the best panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains.
- What to expect: Visitors can drive to Clingmans Dome and take a short half-mile paved trail to the observation tower, which offers breathtaking views. The surrounding area is also a great spot for wildflower viewing and wildlife watching.
- Best for: Those who want to experience the highest point in the park with minimal effort.
Tip: The view is especially stunning at sunrise or sunset, and the area can get crowded in the summer, so plan accordingly.
10. The Roaring Fork
- Why it’s great: This quiet, wooded area provides a more serene, off-the-beaten-path experience in the park.
- What to expect: The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is perfect for visitors seeking a peaceful, scenic drive or a short walk through the forested landscape. It's especially beautiful in the fall when the colors of the leaves are changing.
Conclusion:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is filled with diverse attractions that range from easy, accessible experiences to challenging hikes and unique historical sites. Whether you're looking to experience the beauty of the waterfalls, the grandeur of the mountain views, or the serenity of the historic cabins and wildlife, the park offers something for every type of visitor. Be sure to explore both the well-known highlights like Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome, and Alum Cave, as well as some of the quieter gems, such as the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
