There are so many fun things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains! From relaxing activities to exciting adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! If you’re looking for ways to spend time surrounded by the beauty of nature, check out these fantastic outdoor things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains:
1. Explore Hiking Trails
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to more than 850 miles of hiking trails! These trails range from easy, short strolls to long, challenging treks. You can hike to breathtaking Smoky Mountain waterfalls, panoramic vistas, historical sites, and more! In the spring, you’ll see colorful wildflowers lining the trails, and in the fall you’ll be surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage! No matter which trail you choose or the time of year, you’re sure to be awed by the beauty of nature all around you as you walk through the woods!
2. Take a Scenic Drive
Are you looking for relaxing outdoor things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Explore one of the beautiful Smoky Mountain scenic drives! Popular drives include Cades Cove Loop Road, Newfound Gap Road, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, and Little River Road. During your drive, you can see lush forests, picturesque mountain views, historical structures, and more, all from the comfort of your car! These roads offer plenty of chances to pull off and get out of your car to admire the scenery and capture photos.
3. Go Horseback Riding
Want to experience nature from a unique perspective? One of the best outdoor things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains is horseback riding! There are three riding stables that offer guided horseback rides in the national park, including Cades Cove Riding Stables, Smokemont Riding Stables, and Sugarlands Riding Stables. Enjoy a scenic ride through the woods on horseback to see the local flora and fauna in a whole new way! The experienced guide will point out the sights and provide interesting facts about the area, making this a fun and educational experience in the great outdoors!
4. Fish in a Stream
Fishing is one of the best things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains! There are approximately 2,900 miles of streams in the national park, and fishing is permitted in all of them! This gives you incredible access to the wild fish that call the Smokies home, including species of trout and bass. Just make sure you follow the daily catch limits and have a valid Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license to fish within the national park limits.
5. Spot Wildlife
One of the most popular outdoor things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains is wildlife spotting! The national park is home to a wide variety of incredible animals, including about 65 species of mammals, more than 80 types of reptiles, and hundreds of bird species! You could spot black bears, white-tailed deer, salamanders, wild turkeys, and a variety of other native wildlife. Great places to see wildlife in their natural habitat include Cades Cove, Roaring Fork, and Cataloochee Valley. Bring some binoculars and a camera so you can get a fantastic view of the animals while keeping a safe distance!
More Outdoor Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
These are some of the best outdoor things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains! If you’re staying in a Gatlinburg cabin or a Pigeon Forge cabin, you’ll be happy to know you can also enjoy the fresh mountain air without leaving town! Check out these awesome outdoor things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge to enjoy all that the area has to offer!
