If you’re planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’re in for an unforgettable experience! With over 500,000 acres of lush forests, breathtaking waterfalls, scenic drives, and historic sites, it can be difficult to know where to start. To help you make the most of your visit, here are some of the must-see destinations in the national park that you won’t want to miss:
1. Cades Cove
Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering a blend of history, wildlife, and beautiful scenery! The 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road is perfect for a scenic drive or a bike ride through picturesque hills and valleys, with plenty of opportunities to spot deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and other Smoky Mountain wildlife. Along the way, you’ll find preserved log cabins, churches, grist mills, and cemeteries that allow you to step back in time and get a glimpse into early Appalachian life. Cades Cove is also home to a variety of hiking trails that lead to stunning vistas and impressive waterfalls!
2. Elkmont
Some of the most fascinating hidden gems in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park can be found at Elkmont. This section of the park is known for its historic “ghost town,” which was once a thriving logging community that later became a top vacation destination. Today, it’s home to a number of cabins and buildings that have been preserved by the National Park Service as well as the remains of old structures, giving this town a ghostly atmosphere. You can also find the hidden Elkmont Troll Bridge! Beyond its history, Elkmont offers access to beautiful hiking trails and stunning Smoky Mountain scenery, making this an excellent place to enjoy the great outdoors along with a unique historical experience!
3. Kuwohi & Newfound Gap
For panoramic mountain views, take the scenic Newfound Gap Road to Kuwohi. Standing at 6,643 feet, this is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Hike the short but steep paved path to the observation tower to enjoy stunning 360-degree views. On a clear day, visibility can stretch more than 100 miles in every direction! Make sure you stop at nearby Newfound Gap as well. This destination straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina and provides more breathtaking views. Both Kuwohi and Newfound Gap are also some of the best spots to watch a sunset in the Smoky Mountains!
4. Roaring Fork
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is one of the best scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains. This one-way paved loop winds through dense forests, over mountain streams, and past historic buildings. Along the way, you’ll find hiking trails that lead to incredible waterfalls, panoramic mountain views, and the famous Mount LeConte! Roaring Fork is nestled just outside of downtown Gatlinburg, but it tends to feel more secluded and offers a great escape from the crowds. While you soak in the scenery, you may even get the chance to spot wildlife like Smoky Mountain black bears!
5. Greenbrier
For a quieter experience in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, head to Greenbrier. This lesser-known section of the park is just a short drive from downtown Gatlinburg and is a perfect place for picnicking, fishing, swimming, and exploring quiet hiking trails! Multiple rivers and creeks run through the area, offering refreshing spots to cool off on a warm day. Along the hiking trails, you can also find colorful wildflowers as well as historical sites such as old homesteads and cemeteries, providing a well-rounded Smoky Mountain experience without the crowds!
Where to Stay Near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
After a full day of exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you need a comfortable place to relax and recharge. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or your significant other, staying in a cabin means you can enjoy the perfect mix of convenience and mountain charm! From cozy one-bedroom cabins to large group lodges with incredible views, we have a variety of options just minutes away from the park! Explore our selection of Smoky Mountain cabin rentals and start planning your stay today!
