Have you been planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee for your next family vacation? This trip planner is your guide for planning an unforgettable experience in the Smokies! Picture yourself hiking through dense forests, gazing at rushing waterfalls, and soaking in panoramic views from the peaks. Grab your gear, pack your sense of adventure, and plan your trip to the Smokies with this helpful guide to the best outdoor attractions in the area.
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The Smoky Mountains are a hiker's paradise. If you’re looking for a hike that will showcase the diversity and beauty of the area, you’ll want to add one or two of these hiking options to your Smoky Mountains trip.
Clingmans Dome was officially renamed as Kuwoki in 2024 after a formal request to give the original Cherokee name back to the mountain. A steep half-mile trail leads to an observation tower where you’ll find a 360-degree view of the Smokies. This paved trail is too steep to be wheelchair accessible and is typically closed from December 1st to April 1st.
Grotto Falls is a 2.6-mile, moderately challenging hike. Families with older children (and sturdy shoes) will enjoy this scenic trail that lets you walk behind the falls. The trail is part of the Trillium Gap Trail, tucked into an old-growth hemlock forest. The road to the trail is off-limits for buses and RVs and is closed in winter.
You don’t have to commit to the entire 2,181-mile hike to enjoy the Appalachian Trail! A portion of the famous trail runs through the Smokies, with a 7.5-mile stretch that runs between Kuwohi/Clingman’s Dome and Newfound Gap.
This 2.6-mile round-trip hike is among the most popular in the Smoky Mountains National Park. Laurel Falls's partially paved trail makes it accessible for families with young children. The highlight is the beautiful 80-foot waterfall named after the laurel shrubs that bloom in May.
If you’re seeking a bit more adventure, the Alum Cave Trail is a moderately difficult 4.4-mile hike that will take you to the Alum Cave Bluffs and back. The trail runs through an old-growth forest, allowing you to walk through Arch Rock. More serious hikers can extend their trek to a 10-mile hike if they want to reach Mount LeConte.
This moderate-to-difficult 5-mile round-trip trail takes you to Abrams Falls, known for its impressive water flow and the deep pool at its base. The trail can be slippery after rain and takes about 3-4 hours round-trip. Start your morning hike to ensure you can return before dark.
This trail is popular due to its access to Grotto Falls at the 1.3-mile mark, but adventurous hikers can extend their hike up to the summit of Mount LeConte. The entire 13.9-mile round trip to the summit, while a more strenuous hike, is whole of scenic spots to rest. This area may be inaccessible during winter months.
The Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail is a short, paved, wheelchair-accessible trail near Gatlinburg. If you’re looking for a quick, easy hike to enjoy with the family, stop at this historic trail. You’ll be able to enjoy nature and see several historical chimneys and stone fences left behind from the days of the Sugarlands Settlement.
These scenic drives allow you to take in the views, spot local wildlife, and access some of the most iconic locations in the Smokies. Rent a UTV with Ridge Riders with the family for a fun, open-air ride with the best views of nature on the trail of your choice. The experienced team will make sure you have the offline maps you need to take your chosen tour with ease.
Newfound Gap Road, also known as US-441, runs from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to Cherokee, North Carolina. During this drive, you’ll enjoy the beauty of the Smokies and have the chance to stop at several iconic locations, including the Newfound Gap Overlook. While the road is technically open year-round, weather conditions can sometimes cause temporary closures.
The Cades Cove Loop Road is an 11-mile one-way loop that circles the cove. This drive provides visitors with the chance to sightsee at a leisurely pace. Wildlife sightings are common, so keep your camera ready! Note that the loop is closed to vehicles on Wednesdays from May through September.
This nature trail is a 5.5-mile one-way loop that invites drivers to slow down and enjoy historic buildings, rushing mountain streams, and old-growth forests. This road is seasonal and typically closed in winter. The trailhead for Grotto Falls is also accessible from this route.
The Foothills Parkway gives visitors the opportunity to stop and enjoy some of the most unobstructed views in the region. This 16-mile section of road is ideal for sunrise or sunset drives, with multiple overlooks to stop and view the Tennessee Valley to the north and the Smokies to the south. The road is open year-round, weather permitting.
The Smoky Mountains region is full of fun activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. Don’t forget to add some of these family-friendly destinations to your family’s vacation to-do list.
Head to Legacy Mountain Ziplines for an unrivaled ziplining experience that the whole family will enjoy. Soar over the treetops and take in stunning views of the Smoky Mountains as you glide through the air on this highly-rated zipline tour. This zipline outfitter is known for its long lines and best views of the Smokies! You’ll surely find an excellent team committed to giving you a safe, exhilarating experience. Reserve your zipline at Legacy Mountain now!
Step back in time as you explore the Elkmont Historic District—known as the ghost town of the Smoky Mountains; it is a charming area filled with old cabins and buildings that tell the story of the Smokies' past. It's a fascinating glimpse into the early 20th-century life in the mountains and an engaging educational experience for history enthusiasts of all ages.
Located behind the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, the Mountain Farm Museum houses a collection of historic log buildings that have been moved from their original locations throughout the Smokies and preserved to look like they did at the time they were built. Wander through the farmstead on the self-guided walking tour and see authentic equipment, gardens, and livestock for an immersive history lesson.
A trip to the Smokies wouldn't be complete without a visit to Dollywood. This famous theme park in Pigeon Forge is full of thrilling rides, entertaining shows, and of course, tributes to the great Dolly Parton. Head to one of the theme parks for a day of fun, or stay at one of the Dollywood resorts for a longer visit.
Spend an entertaining, educational, and at times just plain odd, day in Gatlinburg when you visit Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum. The aquarium features an impressive array of marine life, including sharks and stingrays, while the Museum houses a quirky collection of unusual exhibits that will delight visitors of all ages.
The Island in Pigeon Forge is an extensive entertainment complex full of shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. You’ll find itineraries to fill a half day, full day, or weekend with activities for the whole family when you visit The Island.
Just a short drive from Cherokee, Mingus Mill is a fully operational grist mill built in 1886. Take a fascinating look into the past and learn how corn is ground into meal with the water-powered turbine. The grounds are open daily, and a miller is on-site for demonstrations from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from mid-March through mid-November.
Hiking isn’t the only way to enjoy the outdoors in the Smoky Mountains. Round out your Smoky Mountains trip with these seasonal outdoor activities.
Rent bikes and hit the trails of the Smoky Mountains for an outdoor experience that will take you further than walking while keeping you up close and personal with nature. Serious cyclers can sign up for a 6-Day, 5-Night biking tour of the Great Smoky Mountain area with Lizard Head Cycling Guides. More casual cyclers can rent bikes for a leisurely afternoon of sightseeing with the family.
Cool off and have fun in the summer with a day of tubing. For beautiful scenery and clear water, check out Little Pigeon River near Sevierville or Little River near Townsend. Rent tubes for the whole family with Five Rivers Adventures for a float that combines relaxing waters with a few gentle rapids to add to the excitement.
Kayaking is a great way to explore the Smoky Mountains from a new perspective and take a break from hiking the trails. The Little River and Fontana Lake are popular spots for novices and experienced kayakers. Book a half or full-day Flatwater Kayak Tour tour with Smoky Mountain Guides and kayak through some of the peaceful waters of the Smokies.
Ober Gatlinburg, located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a premier destination for winter vacations. You’ll find skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing at the resort, a scenic aerial tramway, and an indoor ice skating rink.
Making your Smoky Mountains trip plan can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your adventure in this beautiful part of Tennessee.
While there are plenty of things to do year-round, some of the best months to visit Smoky Mountains are during the fall and spring. In the fall, you’ll find cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and breathtaking foliage. Spring comes with wildflower blooms and milder weather, which make hiking especially enjoyable.
Summer is great for family vacations, but can be crowded at times. Snow lovers might enjoy the quieter experience of winter and the chance for snow sports, but some roads and trails may be closed due to weather.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a short drive from several major cities such as Knoxville, Tennessee, and Asheville, North Carolina. If you're flying, the closest airports are McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville and Asheville Regional Airport. If you want to stay close to the National Park area while having access to plenty of activities, consider a stay in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.
A car is a necessity when exploring the vast expanses of the Smokies. While some areas are accessible by foot or bike, most activities require a bit of driving. Be mindful of seasonal road closures and check for current conditions on the National Park Service website. Public transportation is limited, so driving in or renting a UTV when you get there is your best bet.
For travelers who love nature and rustic accommodations, LeConte Lodge atop Mount LeConte is available to reserve through the National Park Service from mid-March through mid-November. There are also numerous campgrounds available in the area for tent and RV camping.
We recommend The Lodges at Legacy Mountain, which are rentals that aren't your average cabin stay. They include indoor pools, outdoor patios, outstanding views of the Smokies, and fully stocked amenities.
You’ll find a wide range of year-round accommodations in nearby towns like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Vacation rentals, camping spots, and comfortable hotels are all just a short drive away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park area.
Since most trips to the Smoky Mountains include lots of time outdoors, make sure to include sturdy hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a good-quality backpack. Don't forget sunscreen, insect repellent, and a refillable water bottle. If you plan on doing lots of hiking and exploring, pack or download a detailed map and a first aid kit. And of course, don’t forget the camera and battery charger!
This Smoky Mountains trip planner shows just how many things there are to do in the Smokies, no matter how old (or young) you are. Why not start planning your trip to the Smoky Mountains today? For more information about things to do and see in Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Gatlinburg, and the area, check out our monthly blog packed full of helpful tips.
