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When you’re visiting the Smoky Mountains area, you will want to know all of the Smoky Mountains things to do to get the best out of your experience. The beautiful mountain range can be enjoyed from any direction in the area.
Enjoy a large variety of different things to do in Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Virginia too. Whether historical sites, waterfalls, parks, and the area’s countless fields of wildflowers, we have you covered in this comprehensive list!
Top Things to Do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
History of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
This American national park is the most visited in the United States. The main park entrances are at Sugarlands Visitors Center in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and the Oconaluftee Visitor center near Cherokee, North Carolina.
It is renowned for its sights, including forests, mountains, and wildlife. If you love waterfalls, visit Abrams Falls, Grotto Falls, Rainbow Falls, and other beautiful waterfalls throughout the historic park. Camp in the Elkmont Campground for an authentic experience for your family.
Entrance into the park is free. The park was first chartered by Congress in 1934 and dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1940. It is the first national park to have land and other costs paid by federal funds.
As the most visited national park nationwide, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts tourism in three states: Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia too. For countless years, the region was occupied by indigenous people such as the Cherokee, who have various attractions available to teach visitors about their history. Hiking, fishing, tubing, camping, and kayaking are all popular in the park.
Always follow all the maps from the NPS (National Park Service) for the safest and most accurate experience.
Clingmans Dome
This impressive peak sits at the top of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Tennessee as a state. To get to Clingmans Dome’s highest point, drive the scenic access road from Newfound Gap and walk a half-mile to its summit.
Get the best view from the observation tower. However, this is a popular item on the list of Smoky Mountains things to do, so arrive early to beat the crowd of hikers.
Please note that this road is closed from December to March due to weather.
Appalachian Trail
This infamous trail splits the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While it would take a long time to hike the entire thing, there are some parts of the trail that can be achieved in just one day.
Try the trailhead from Newfound Gap Road just seven miles to Clingmans Dome. For those more adventurous, hike to Silers Bald on the Appalachian Trail, which is five miles one-way west from Clingmans. You’ll get great mountain views.
Cades Cove
Before becoming a national park, the area was home to settlers who farmed and milled. Today, over 90 historical buildings remain that can be explored to learn more about pioneer history. Cades Cove offers different barns, cabins, churches, and more from the early 1800s. The Cades Cove Loop Road offers you access to all of its many attractions.
Roaring Forks Motor Nature Trail
Explore the lush mountains and valleys of the Great Smoky Mountains by car. The 11-mile loop road that takes you through Cades Cove allows you to explore wildlife and different historical buildings. For a more serene experience, use the Roaring Forks Motor Nature Trail to find log cabins, mills, and forestry. Scenic drives are a fun, laid-back way to enjoy a clear day. Watch out for hikers.
Laurel Falls
The Laurel Falls Trail features the 80-foot-high Laurel Falls. The waterfall has both a lower and upper section that is divided by a walkway crossing at the base of the upper falls. It is one of the most popular Smoky Mountains things to do.
Plan ahead as parking is limited and the area can get busy on weekdays during summer and on weekends throughout the year. The roundtrip hike to the waterfall is about 2.6 miles from the parking lot with moderate difficulty. It takes about two hours to get to the waterfall and back.
Please note that pets and bicycles are prohibited on this trail, so plan accordingly.
Foothills Parkway
This 72-mile road was first authorized by Congress as a scenic parkway in February 1944. Since then, it has been open to the public for those wanting scenic views. The parkway is the oldest unfinished highway project in the State of Tennessee.
The open sections offer breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Please note that the maximum speed limit on the parkway is 35 mph. Pack your patience and enjoy the views.
Top Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Rowdy Bear Mountain Adventure Park
2155 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN
Pigeon Forge offers its visitors a wide range of activities and things to do but this adventure park is certainly one of the best things to do in the area. Enjoy a single-railed-in-air coaster that makes you free as if you’re gliding and freefalling at the same time. Riders must be 80 pounds or more to ride safely.
In the summer, outdoor tubing, outdoor ax throwing, and other attractions are available for visitors of all ages.
Ripley’s Attractions
800 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
Among one of the most popular Smoky Mountains things to do is Ripley’s attractions. There are eight different attractions in the area, including an aquarium, mirror maze, Haunted Adventure, and more.
Buy a combo pass that allows you to visit the number of attractions you’re interested in, so you can customize your experience. Most attractions are open daily, while some outdoor ones will be open weather permitting.
Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud
2530 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN
One of the most unique Smoky Mountains things to do is to enjoy timber sports by real lumberjacks. Some events include sawing, chopping, log rolling, speed climbing, ax throwing, and more. You can even try the challenge yourself too, if you dare.
Some attractions include riding the Flying Ox, the world’s only cable-to-rail zipline roller coaster, dropping from one of the 80-foot Timber Towers, or the multi-level obstacle course for guests of all ages. Purchase a package to save money on each person’s ticket.
Titanic Museum
2134 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN
The Titanic Museum allows you to step aboard the ship and experience an authentic historical experience. Explore over 22,000 square feet of history with over 400 authentic artifacts from the original Titanic ship.
Travel back to 1912 as you become an actual passenger aboard. Many of the ship’s original features, including the Grand Staircase, were replicated to be included in the museum. You can even touch an iceberg and sit in a lifeboat to get the full experience. Guided tours are available for groups of all sizes and audio tours are offered in English, German, Mandarin, and Spanish as well.
Dollywood
2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge, TN
Dollywood is a theme park located in the Knoxville metropolitan area in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee partly owned by Dolly Parton. It offers both amusement park rides and traditional crafts and music from the Great Smoky Mountains. Many concerts and events are hosted annually.
The theme park includes the 35 acres sister water park, Splash Country, the 20-acre DreamMore Resort and Spa, and the 5-acre Stampede Dinner attraction. As you can see, Dollywood offers many Smoky Mountain things to do for people of all ages.
Dollywood is organized into 11 separate themed areas, including Owens Farm, Adventures in Imagination, Jukebox Junction, Wildwood Grove, Wilderness Pass, Country Fair, The Village, Timber Canyon, Craftsman’s Valley, Showstreet, and Rivertown Junction. One, two, or three-day passes and season passes can be purchased beginning in March each year.
Lodging is also available in the area for visitors wanting to stay a few days for a more extensive Dollywood experience. Rentals are available for all events. A hot tub is sure to warm you up in cooler months during some of our most popular events.
Gatlinburg Skylift Park
765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
Ride the Skylift chairs 1,800 above sea level to the Gatlinburg SkyBridge where you can experience jaw-dropping Smoky Mountains views. Take a hike on the new SkyTrail and explore the Tulip Tower during the day or walk across the SkyBridge.
This bridge is 30 feet of see-through glass in the middle of the bridge. You can even eat and drink in the SkyCenter and enjoy the sights and sounds of the area. It’s open 7 days a week except for Christmas. Hours vary throughout the year.
Anakeesta Theme Park
576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
This outdoor family theme park is located above and within downtown Gatlinburg. This nature immersive park offers an authentic mountain experience for visitors of all ages. “The place of the high ground” in the Cherokee language is situated on a 70-acre mountain 600 feet above the town.
Your journey starts with a scenic Gondola ride to the summit of the mountain. Here you will begin your unique experience with shopping, dining, and more. Some activities include Treetop Skywalk, Dueling Zipline tour, Rail Runner mountain coaster, netted play areas with a TreeVenture Challenge course, and the Memorial Forest Walk. You can plan your visit to suit your group. Some of the activities require a separate ticket from the general pass.
You can also enjoy a beautiful meal and cocktails with indoor or outdoor seating. Also, gather at one of the three firepits to enjoy a sunset. Every time you visit the area, it can be customized to your needs and the people in your group. There are so many things to do, you can visit countless times and still not see or do everything. Annual passes are also available, which feature 20% off all retail purchases, food and beverage purchases, gem mining, and excursion tickets.
The Island
131 The Island Drive, Pigeon Forge
This includes restaurants, retail shops, live music, games, rides, and more for visitors to enjoy. The Wheel is a 200-foot Ferris wheel that offers breathtaking views of the area and is high on the Smoky Mountain things to do list.
Riders of all ages can enjoy this ride. The Fountain features 14 different musical presentations at the top of the hour between 10 am – 11:30 pm Monday to Sunday. There is no admission price to enter the complex, but tickets are required for individual rides.
Bush’s® Beans Museum & General Store
3901 U.S. 411, Dandridge, TN
Discover the legacy that made this popular American food what it is today. Explore the general store or the interactive museum. This is a free attraction and a fun way to explore the outer areas of the Smoky Mountains region.
Gatlinburg Space Needle
115 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN
The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a favorite attraction on the list of Smoky Mountain things to do. Get a birds-eye view of the Great Smoky Mountains. Enjoy some pizza and some fun arcade games inside the Space Needle too. The observation tower offers a complete 360-degree view of the city and surrounding area. It’s open daily and ticket prices vary.
Davy Crockett Birthplace Park
1245 Davy Crockett Park Road, Limestone, TN
Born near Limestone, Crockett was a soldier and politician. He served in Congress and fought for the right to keep land that they had settled on in West Tennessee. He died at the Alamo Mission while helping Texans fight for their independence from Mexico in 1836.
There are 88 campsites in the park, some with full hook-ups. The campgrounds are located near the Nolichucky River with a playground nearby. Enjoy exhibits, replica cabins, hiking trails, and more in the park. Three picnic pavilions have grills and nearby restrooms for guests.
Top Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains, North Carolina
Biltmore Estate
1 Lodge Street, Asheville, NC
Explore America’s large home in Asheville, NC. The historical Biltmore Estate was built for George Washington Vanderbilt II in the late 1800s. This 178,926 square foot home offers four acres of floor space with 35 bedrooms and 43 bathrooms.
Tour the property and see the beauty and luxury for yourself. You can also explore its Gardens & Grounds, Winery, and Antler Hill Village with a series of restaurants, exhibits, and more (admission is included with your ticket to the Biltmore).
Deep Creek
Located just north of Bryson City, NC, and located in the southern part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Deep Creek offers waterfalls, fishing, camping, horseback riding, hiking, biking, and more.
Upon arrival to the area, find visitor’s maps at one of four visitor centers at Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome, Oconaluftee, and Sugarlands. You can also download and print maps before your visit if you won’t be visiting these areas. There is no entrance fee for admission to the park.
Asheville Breweries
Asheville is known as the Napa Valley of Beer with the highest rate of beer consumption in the southeast United States. Find 40 or more popular breweries, including New Belgium, Sierra Nevada, Highland Brewing Company, and more.
Sliding Rock
Located in Pisgah National Forest, north of Brevard 7.6 miles
This 60-foot natural water slide ends in an eight-foot pool. There are two observation platforms. The area is open every day of the year, weather and water levels permitting. Restrooms are only available from April 30 to the end of October. Lifeguards are present from May to mid-September.
The parking area fills up quickly and closes until spaces become available, so try to arrive early. Picnicking is prohibited. A $4 per person fee applies.
Fontana Lake
Bryson City, NC
Fontana Lake is found on the southern border of the park. This long narrow lake of 240 miles of shoreline is popular for fishermen, paddleboarders, kayakers, and other water enthusiasts. Rent a boat for a fun day trip or load up a kayak for a multi-day camping trip with a remote campsite on the north shore of the lake.
The lake provides some of the only access to the most remote areas of the park. When at normal summer water level, rent a boat to access more remote trailheads like Hazel Creek.
Cherohala Skyway
This 43-mile scenic road in both Tennessee and Western North Carolina is considered one of the best motorcycle rides in the country. The road got its name from the names of the two national forests it passes through Cherokee and Nantahala.
Haunted Asheville
80 Broadway Street, Asheville, NC
Voted one of the top ghost tours in all of America, Haunted Asheville explores the scariest sites of the town with a local guide. Learn about chilling tales from the Battery Park Hotel, Helen’s Bridge, and more. A self-guided tour app for Android phones is also available.
Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tour
Start at Nantahala Gorge Visitor’s Center 10345 Highway 19 South/74 West, Bryson City, NC
Located in the Nantahala National Forest, it’s one of the most fun places in America for those who love the outdoors. It’s located on the edge of the famous Great Smoky Mountains National Park and just 75 miles from Asheville. Enjoy different outdoor activities, including whitewater rafting, kayaking, and the zip line canopy tour.
This gliding experience includes all of the necessary equipment like helmets, gloves, and harnesses to ensure your safety. It’s great for both beginners and experienced zippers. Riders 8 years of age or older and 60 pounds or more are eligible for this excursion with Wildwater. Riders over 250 pounds are prohibited due to safety concerns. The tour lasts approximately three hours.
American Museum of the House Cat
5063 Highway 441 South, Sylva, NC
Explore a collection of over 10,000 cat-related items including antiques in Sylva, NC. It’s one of the few museums nationwide dedicated to four-legged felines. Dr. Harold Sims’ collection is showcased with all proceeds to fund a nearby no-kill cat shelter. The museum is open from April to December. The admission fee applies.
Oconaluftee Indian Village
218 Drama Road, Cherokee, NC
Learn more about this outdoor village that brings visitors back to 18th-century Cherokee living. Interact with those who live in the village doing authentic activities. An outdoor walking tour is available where you visit a cabin and Cherokee garden too.
Find out everything you ever wanted to know about the tribe, including the fact that they didn’t live in teepees. Admission tickets are required, and no reservations are needed. Open Tuesday to Saturday from April to October.
Museum of the Cherokee
581 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee, NC
Discover everything you ever wanted to know about the Cherokee People located on the Cherokee Heritage Trails. The exhibits take you from nearly 11,000 years in the past to the present. View timeless artifacts from their time. For an added feature, book a catered traditional Cherokee Indian Dinner including seasonal favorites such as fried chicken.
The museum is open daily from 9 am – 5 pm year-round except for a few holidays. The museum has summer hours from Memorial Day to Labor Day, making it open till 7 pm. Admission applies to anyone 6 years of age and older. You can also buy combo tickets at the Oconaluftee Village to visit both attractions.
Winter Activities in the Smoky Mountains
Cataloochee Ski Area
1080 Ski Lodge Road, Maggie Valley, NC
There are plenty of Smoky Mountain things to do, even in winter. At the Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley, you can snow tube, ski, and enjoy the beauty of the area even during cold weather months. The resort offers lessons to those with all skill levels all season long. Purchase either a daily or season pass. Lodging is also available too.
Ober Gatlinburg
Enjoy snow tubing, an activity the entire family can enjoy in winter. The Magic Carpet escalator system takes you back up the hill to enjoy the fun all over again. A snow tubing session is 90 minutes long and tickets are sold in all weather.
Because it’s so popular, it’s recommended that you buy tickets in advance and allow enough time to get there on the Aerial Tramway. During summer, an amusement park offers fun in the sun for families of all ages.
Smoky Mountain Winterfest
Winterfest is one of the most popular activities to enjoy on everyone’s Smoky Mountains things to do list. Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge are all decorated and you can take in the sights on a drive or a trolley. Different holiday shows and other activities are enjoyed throughout this season.
Ultimately, when you’re looking for the best Smoky Mountain things to do on your next getaway, try any or all of the things on this sightseeing list during your trip. You’ll still never be able to experience it all. Have fun and safe travels!
