47 Reasons You MUST Visit the Smoky Mountains During Your Lifetime
When you’re planning your vacation or even a short weekend getaway, it’s hard to figure out what destination to choose. There are so many places to visit, and where you go comes from a decision of timing, location, and budget.
Of course, we might be slightly biased, but we’d like to make a case for the Smoky Mountains. Even if you don’t make it to our corner of Eastern Tennessee right away, these things to do in the Smoky Mountains should definitely be on your list.
A Spectacular Spectacle From Max Patch
It’s one of Western North Carolina’s most accessible and stunning views, with access to the famous Appalachian Trail. The more than 4,000-foot bald mountain offers excellent 360-degree views, so make sure to bring your camera.
A Stunning View From Mt. Cammerer
Be sure to climb this old stone fire lookout tower for one of the best vistas anywhere in the Smoky Mountains. This is a great 12-mile roundtrip hike that allows you to see picturesque mountainsides and valleys.
Savoring a Moonshine Tasting
No, it’s not illegal, and it’s actually something tasty that the locals proudly craft in various distilleries around Gatlinburg. Many distilleries offer free samples and plenty of flavors, so you can indulge before you buy some to take home.
Marveling at Synchronous Fireflies
Nature’s own summertime light spectacular takes place in Elkmont each year in early June. These fireflies light up a section of Smoky Mountains National Park that delights roughly 12,000 visitors who are chosen by lottery to see the show.
Hiking Up to Mt. LeConte
If you want a little bit of everything in your Smoky Mountains hike — geology, history, and a wow factor view — don’t miss this trek. This is a popular route, but don’t be turned off by that. You’ll see some amazing sites and may even make some new friends.
Visiting Kuwohi (FKA Clingmans Dome)
The highest point in the national park (6,643 feet) is one of the easiest views to appreciate from its towering observation platform. Viewing the Smokies from this height affords you fantastic panoramic views as well as magnificent splashes of color if you visit in the fall.
Seeing an Abundance of Wildlife
Visitors to the Smokies see over 200 species of birds, all kinds of woodland creatures, and yes, black bears. Whether you’re going for a hike or a scenic drive, you’ll get a chance to see some amazing creatures up close. Keep your distance, but make sure to take some pictures.
Being Surrounded by Amazing Fall Foliage
If you love seeing fall colors, few places are more beautiful in the fall than the Smokies. The astonishing spectrum of color rolling down the Smokies is truly a sight to behold, and there are so many great spots to see the majesty of the fall colors.
Zipping High Above the Smoky Mountains
Ready to soar nearly 500 feet over Dunn’s Creek? Take on this adrenaline-pumping activity. This zip line, the highest in the Smokies, is known as the Goliath, but there are several more ziplining spots in the Smokies worth checking out.
Fishing in a Smoky Mountain Stream
You just can’t beat angling for trout in one of the area’s countless waterways. In the Smokies, the chances of hooking into trout, bass, and other species are almost endless.
Fishing in the Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament
Fishing in Smoky Mountains streams is such a great way to pass the time, but if you really love to fish, the annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is an awesome way to get in on the fishing.
Before the tournament, 10,000+ trout are released in streams across the Smokies, so there’s plenty out there for you to hook into.
Attending the Pigeon Forge Rod Run
Car shows are all the rage in the Smokies, and the annual Pigeon Forge Rod Run in April is the perfect event for die-hard fans of classic cars. If you have a classic car, bring it to the LeConte Center to be shown off.
Experiencing White Water Rafting in the Smokies
Whether you’re planning a long vacation or just a day trip, experiencing white water rafting in the Smokies is something you won’t soon forget. There are several places in the Smokies where you can have the experience and go on a trip that aligns with your comfort level.
Doing A Bit of Everything at Cades Cove
This jewel of the national park features historical buildings, animals in their natural habitat, and plenty of hiking and biking. Everything you need for an unforgettable Smoky Mountains experience is here, so add it to the top of your travel list.
Paying a Visit to Dollywood
The largest amusement park in the Smokies region offers thrill rides, attractions, and water slides. A trip to the Smokies isn’t complete without a visit to Dolly Parton’s wonderland, which has fun activities and events no matter when you visit.
Taking a Helicopter Tour or Hot Air Balloon Tour
Fly high above and take in the bird’s-eye view of the Smoky Mountains’ favorite landmarks. Whether you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure or the perfect romantic activity, there are many companies in the area that can take you on either tour.
Channeling Your Inner Cowboy on Horseback
Channel your inner cowboy the old-fashioned way to see the scenic local landscape. Cades Cove is a great place to go for a ride, but there are several great spots in the Smokies where you can enjoy the gentle place of riding.
Marveling at Magnificent Christmas Lights
If you want to get into the holiday spirit, winter is a great time to visit the Smokies. Few towns in Tennessee put on as impressive a light spectacle as Gatlinburg does with Winter Magic. Pigeon Forge’s light displays are great too and you can even find great Christmas displays in Sevierville.
Sipping Wine Along the Rocky Top Wine Trail
You just might think that you’re in the middle of Napa or Sonoma when you taste the varietals at these five wineries. This is the perfect way to enhance your romantic or weekend getaway.
Seeing Well-Preserved Primitive Sites
Walk through pioneer-era history with the abundance of well-preserved buildings around the national park. The area around Cades Cove is a great place to see some of these primitive sites and get a sense of what life was like in simpler times.
Buying Handmade Arts and Crafts
With more than 120 artisans’ works on display and for sale, you’ll likely find a unique handcrafted treasure. There are several great crafts fairs in the Smokies during the year that bring together the very best local artisans.
Viewing Ramsey Cascades and Laurel Falls
Viewing waterfalls along the many Smoky Mountain hiking trails is the perfect way to enhance a day of exploration. The two premier waterfalls in the Smokies await you for picture-taking and awe-gazing.
Visiting the Salamander Capital of the World
Since the Smokies have a misty and humid climate, it’s the perfect climate for salamanders to thrive. Nearly three dozen species inhabit the park, so chances are that you’ll see a few of them.
Stopping for a Mouthwatering Meal
There’s plenty to see and do in the Smokies, and a great meal can be the perfect start or end to your day. No matter where you are, you can find a great Smoky Mountains restaurant to satisfy any appetite, whether you’re looking for a big, family-style meal or just something to munch on.
Visiting an Amazing Apple Orchard
If you’re visiting the Smokies in the fall, then a stop at an apple orchard is a must. Carver’s Applehouse is the perfect spot to stop for doughnuts, cider, handmade gifts, and other fall goodies.
Hiking in the Smoky Mountains
Whether you are an avid hiker or have never done it before, the Smokies offer numerous trails to explore in varying degrees of difficulty. You can enjoy hiking any time of year, and the views you’ll have are unmatched.
Attending the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival
If you love fall, you’ll need to head to Gatlinburg for this 12-week celebration. Check out downtown Gatlinburg’s excellent decorations and scarecrow displays. In short, it showcases all there is to love about the Smokies in the fall.
Participating in the Gatlinburg River Raft Regatta
On the Fourth of July, one of the most fun things to do in Gatlinburg is the River Raft Regatta. Anything that floats is allowed in the contest, so you can try your luck with your own handmade boat.
Swimming in a Smoky Mountains Stream
After you’ve gone for a scenic Smoky Mountain hike or spent time fishing in a creek, there’s no better way to refresh than by going for a swim in a Smoky Mountains stream. There are many pull-offs in the national park, so you don’t have to go far.
Watching Baseball at a Tennesee Smokies Game
If you’re visiting the Smokies in the summer, you can travel to Kodak to indulge in America’s favorite pastime. Head to Smokies Stadium, where you can watch the Tennessee Smokies, the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. It’s fun and very affordable.
Enjoying Beer at Hops in the Hills
If you love craft beer and have wanted to see how it’s made, you’ll love Hops in the Hills in Maryville. There’s a Celebration of Fermentation, a craft brew crawl, and a Brew Festival, complete with beer and food samples.
Having Year-Round Fun at Ober Mountain
Ober Mountain is a fun tourist destination for visitors of all ages, and it’s not hard to see why. There are year-round activities from skiing to snow tubing to ice skating, and so much more. Heck, you can even just relax and enjoy a drink!
Checking Out the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair and Fall Festival
The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair comes to Gatlinburg twice a year and is an event not to miss. The fair features dozens of artists, artisans, and craftspeople, and it’s frequented by locals and visitors alike as one of the area’s best events.
Visting Anakeesta Theme Park
Located in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, Anakeesta is an award-winning theme park with activities that visitors of all ages can enjoy. This park sits on 70 acres and is 600 feet above Gatlinburg, offering attractions like a skywalk, a roller coaster, gem mining, and more.
Golfing in the Smokies
Next to hiking, golfing may just be the perfect outdoor activity in the Smokies. There are many golf courses in Gatlinburg and the surrounding area. Whether you’re a weekend duffer or a dedicated golfer, there’s nothing quite like playing a round in the Smokies.
Taking a Polar Express Train Ride
“The Polar Express” is a modern holiday classic, and in the winter, visitors can travel to Bryson City to go on their own Polar Express train ride. The 75-minute ride includes a reading of the book, snacks, and ultimately, a trip to the North Pole.
Attending Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees
Christmastime in the Smokies is a magical time, and one of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit is at Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees. The elaborately decorated trees are so fun to see, and youngsters can get their picture taken with Santa.
Celebrating New Year’s in the Smokies
How do you like to celebrate the new year? If you’re looking for a unique way to do it, travel to the Smokies. There are lots of good reasons to celebrate here, whether you want to watch fireworks, visit tourist attractions, or take in the mountain beauty.
Hanging Out at a Smoky Mountain Brewery
There’s nothing better after a day of exploring the Smokies than a cold brew. If you’re looking for some quality suds, there are many Smoky Mountain breweries where you can find cold beer, good food, and good vibes.
Spending Time in a Smoky Mountains Small Town
If you want to visit the Smokies but aren’t sure where to go, there are some great small towns worth visiting. Some of these might be crowded, but trust us, they have a lot of charm and great places to check out.
Enjoying the View at the Gatlinburg Space Needle
If you’re bumming around Gatlinburg, then you have to check out the Gatlinburg Space Needle. Take a ride to the top, and prepare to be wowed. You can get a 360-degree view of the Smokies from the observation deck, and it’s great for checking out fall foliage too.
Planning a Smoky Mountain Family Reunion
Take it from us, the Smoky Mountains are the perfect destination for a family reunion. Not only will you have plenty of activity options just a short drive away, but you’ll also make plenty of memories to last a lifetime.
Going on a Fun Couples Adventure
The towns around the Smoky Mountains are the perfect spots for couples to spend some time together, whether you want to go to a dinner theatre performance, plan a romantic night out, or go on a fun adventure. The possibilities really are endless.
Taking a Relaxing Bicycle Ride
Believe it or not, cycling is allowed in many spots around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is a great way to take in the sights and sounds of the Smokies. Hop on your bike, and traverse the Gatlinburg Trail or the Oconaluftee River.
Exploring the Wonders of Gregory’s Cave
There’s plenty to see and do around Cades Cove, but if you’re interested in caves, you must check out Gregory’s Cave. You can get there from the Cades Cove Loop near the John Oliver Cabin to see some fascinating formations.
Note: It is illegal to enter any cave in GSMNP.
Experiencing Oktoberfest at Ober Mountain
If you’re in the Smoky Mountains in the fall, one of the best ways to enjoy the season is to attend Oktoberfest at Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg. Here, you can enjoy beers in large steins, listen to Oompa music, and enjoy a German-inspired menu.
Celebrating Thanksgiving With Fireworks
If you’re lucky enough to spend Thanksgiving in the Smokies, you can take in a unique fireworks display after you’ve eaten. The Titanic Museum Attraction honors those aboard the famous ship and puts on a spectacular light display.
Start Planning Your Great Smoky Mountains Visit Today
No matter if you’re outdoors-y and love hiking, biking, and driving, or if you like shopping and checking out museums, the Great Smoky Mountains and the towns that surround them have something for everyone.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never visited the Smokies or you’ve been here a dozen times, any of the activities listed above make great additions to your Smoky Mountains bucket list.
With these things to do in the Smoky Mountains, you’ll make the most of your time here and have unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will have you wanting to come back again and again.
