Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Time Needed: multi-day
Experience Type: national park, outdoor adventure
Welcoming more than 12 million visitors each year, Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans 500,000 acres of Appalachian wilderness. Enjoy scenic drives, waterfalls, rare firefly displays, and historic homesteads while experiencing natural beauty and deep cultural history.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Drive or Bike Cades Cove Loop – Explore this 11-mile scenic loop by car, or bike on Wednesdays from early-May through late-September when it’s vehicle-free.
- Visit Kuwohi (Formerly Clingmans Dome) – Rising 6,643 feet, Tennessee’s highest peak features a steep paved trail leading to an observation tower with 360-degree mountain views.
- See the Synchronous Fireflies – Head to Elkmont in late-May or June to watch fireflies illuminate in unison. Entry requires a lottery-issued parking pass from Recreation.gov.
- Hike to a Waterfall – Trek trails to popular waterfalls, like Laurel Falls and Grotto Falls. Each hike rewards with cascading waters and quintessential Smoky Mountain scenery.
- Enjoy Scenic Drives and Overlooks – Cruise Newfound Gap Road, the main park road, for sweeping overlooks and mountain forests, stopping at the famous Newfound Gap Overlook.
Recommended Reading: Moon’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers guidance for planning your visit, from flexible itineraries and top hikes to wildlife viewing, scenic drives, and area attractions. It’s a wonderfully helpful companion for exploring the Smokies.
Photo Credit: Joshua Burdick/Unsplash