The Top 10 things to do in the Smoky Mountains

The Smoky Mountains region is one of my favorite areas to hike in the Southeast. Woodsy hiking trails through diverse terrain (The Smokies is the most biodiverse national park), waterfalls, and scenic overlooks and drives populate the area. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited parks in the country seeing over 14 million visitors per year.

This treasured national park is an ideal vacation destination for nature lovers, hikers, outdoor buffs, photographers, and bird watchers. Nature aside, there’s plenty to do for those who prefer to keep the exercise to a minimum including themed restaurants, quirky museums, ice skating and skiing, scenic gondola rides, shopping, lively shows, mini golf and arcades, and more! I like to mix and match a little of both. A bit of hiking to enjoy nature and then a bit of fun to recover from a long day on the trails.

Take a look at my top 10 things you should do on your first visit to the Smokies.

1. Hike to Laurel Falls

This 1.3 mile hike to one of the Smokie’s most gorgeous waterfalls l is one of only 4 paved trails within the National Park. It’s also one of the park’s busiest trails due to the beautiful scenery, easy accessibility, and ample wildlife sightings (my first time hiking this trail was my first black bear sighting!). After a moderately intense uphill climb, you will reach 80 foot Laurel Falls, one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the Smokies. Check out my guide to the best easy waterfalls to see in the Smokies.

2. Walk across Skybridge

Skybridge is one of the newest and best attractions in Gatlinburg. A scenic chairlift ride leads you up to an 1800 foot overlook of the Smoky Mountains. From here, you will be able to talk a walk across the longest pedestrian cable bridge in the country. A bit of a scary experience for those scared of heights (especially with a glass bottom midpoint!), although the views truly are stunning. Overall, a great option for anyone who wants to enjoy fabulous mountain views without embarking on a tiresome hike.

3. Drive the Roaring Fork Motor Nature trail

This one way 5.5 mile loop drive through the gorgeous forest is a great alternative for non hikes to enjoy the scenery. Along the way, you will come across tranquil streams, small waterfalls, old growth forest, and even a few historic sites. Access to Rainbow and Grotto Falls, 2 of the park’s most breathtaking waterfalls, is available along this route. Note that this drive gets very crowded, especially on summer weekends. Do visit during the off season, if possible. This will enable you to take in the immense beauty minus heavy crowds and also ensure trailhead parking availability. Note that the drive is closed in winter.

4. Hike the Three Waterfalls Loop

The Three Waterfalls Loop is a wonderful moderate hike to 3 gorgeous waterfalls. The hike begins near Bryson City, considered the “Gateway to the NC Smokies.” A short 2.5 mile trek will take you to 60 foot tall Tom’s Branch, 90 foot tall Juney Whank, and 25 foot tall Indian Creek Falls. Along the way, you will be surrounded by beautiful views of the forest and creek. Overall, hiking this trail is a great experience with this hike being much less crowded than Gatlinburg area hikes. After your hike, there are a number of local restaurants and shops to check out in downtown Bryson City. For the beautiful scenery plus isolated nature, this is definitely my favorite Smokies area hike.

5. Climb to the highest spot in the Smokies

At 6643 feet, Clingman’s Dome comes in as the highest point in the Smoky Mountains National Park, as well as the highest point in Tennessee. After a very steep 1/2 mile walk up a paved road, you will reach the observing area. From way up here, you can enjoy 360 degree views of the Smokies. On a clear day, you can see up to 100 miles in the distance! Note that the road to get to the tower is closed during the winter months. That being said, the mountains look much better covered with lush green trees or the golden colors of autumn!