The Great Smoky Mountains is a heaven on earth for those who love to explore serene nature and majestic highlands. Being abundant in tall green trees, exciting hiking trails, fast-flowing rivers, and tranquil lakes, the Smoky Mountains have everything an outdoor lover needs. The spellbound mist of wildflowers and the diversity of wildlife make you forget the hustle and bustle of life and bring you closer to Mother Nature.
With over 14 million tourists each year, the Smoky Mountains and its iconic towns, such as Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, are among the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park’s radiating natural beauty and appealing tourist attractions never cease to astonish tourists in all seasons. While you don’t want to miss out on a single spot during your vacations, it can be difficult to explore the vastness of the Great Smoky Mountain during a single visit. To get the most out of your limited vacation time, here are eight things you must do on your visit to the Smoky Mountains:
1. Soak in the Views from Inside the Cabins
You can’t revel in the mesmerizing beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains more than sitting inside the traditional cabins and enjoying the scenic views while sipping a hot cup of cocoa. A cabin is a perfect spot to stay and soak up the splendor of nature with its classic, quaint appearance, contemporary amenities, and the tranquility and charisma of the Smoky Mountain area.
While numerous types of cabins and locations are available across the Great Smoky Mountains region, you can find the most fascinating views in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. When looking for large cabins for bigger groups, you can try some of the most popular rentals, like timbertops Cabin Rental. These cabins will provide you with the most fascinating views of the Smoky Mountain range while enjoying a comfortable sitting area on the back porch. These cabins come with a luxurious interior, attached kitchen, hot bath, home theater, and game room to make the trip jam-packed with fun and excitement for people of all ages.
2. Practice Some Shots at the Golf Course
Spring and summer is the perfect time to hit some shots at the famous golf clubs in the Great Smoky Mountain area. You can practice shots at the Bent Creek Golf Course, Laurel Valley Golf Course, or Gatlinburg Golf Course on a warm sunny day while admiring the captivating views of surrounding mountains and green fields.
3. Treat Your Eyes to the Scenic Views of Laurel Falls
There are over 100 significant waterfalls and countless cascades within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Among these waterfalls, Laurel Falls is one of the most popular tourist spots and hiking areas. The hiking trail offers mesmerizing views of waterfalls and adventurous paths with rough pavement and natural mountain ascent. Laurel Falls is one of the busiest trails, with thousands of visitors enjoying the hike during the peak summer season. Whether you want to take on a trekking challenge or capture nature’s beauty through the lens, Laurel Falls should be on top of your list of locations to visit in the Smoky Mountains this year.
4. Explore the Wonders of Cades Cove
Cades Cove, with its jaw-dropping misty mountain views, enchanting valley, and rich wildlife, is one of the most-visited tourist spots in the Smoky Mountain National Park area. The ringed road around Cades Cove offers some spectacular views. The area is also known for being a natural habitat for a variety of wildlife, and you get to catch sight of wild animals like black bears, deer, and wild turkeys on your drive through the mountain roads. If you love mountain biking, you can paddle in Cades Cove each Wednesday during late summer and early fall.
Cades Cove is also home to 19th-century cottages and historical Appalachian buildings like Missionary Baptist Church, Methodist Church, Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Cable Hill, and John Oliver Cabin. The area has something for everyone. You can take a hike on a range of trails, enjoy splendid views, go to the picnic areas, ride horses, bike the loop, and go on a mountain drive.
5. Dive into Fontana Lake
Fontana Lake is ideal for individuals who wish to plunge into crystal clear water or row boats and kayaks. Fontana Lake is one of North Carolina’s most picturesque lakes. This reservoir has a long coastline and makes a perfect picnic spot and walking trail.
Lake Fontana and surrounding areas are packed with fun-filled activities and tourist spots. You can take a family tour of the highest concrete dam in East America or visit the Marina for tubing, jet skiing, water skiing, and pontoon boats. The best way to tour Fontana Lake is a guided cruise. The swimming spots have boat access and restroom facilities. You’ll witness many people swimming in Fontana Lake’s calm emerald-green waters.
6. Hike the Appalachian Trail
Due to its stunning views and iconic position among all the trails in the Smoky Mountains, the Appalachian Trail can be referred to as “the mother trail”. Created in 1937, the expanse of this trail sets it apart from all the other trails. Appalachian Trail goes through 14 states, spanning 2,200 miles from north Georgia to Maine. The Appalachian Path runs for 71 kilometers through the center of the Great Smoky Mountains. You can take a quick stride along the famous trail and enjoy the splendor of nature.
7. Attend Smoky Mountain Events and Festivals
Make the most of your fall vacation by attending the various events and festivals that Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge host each year during fall and early winter in the Great Smoky Mountains area. While you get to tantalize your taste buds with various fall flavors, you can enjoy the display of colors along the roads, have a fun-filled time with family and friends, and take a cook-off challenge. You can plan a visit between mid-October and mid-December to attend famous festivals like the Smoky Mountain harvest festival, Oktoberfest at Ober, and Wears Valley fall fest. These unique family festivals offer fun activities for the entire family, a variety of local food, and live authentic Bavarian-style lederhosen music by the Oompah Band. Savor delectable local dishes with a German flair and watch entertaining shows.
8. Stand Above the Clouds on the Clingmans Dome Old Smoky
Located 23 miles from Gatlinburg, Clingmans Dome is one of the most scenic drives in the area. Above all, you get a unique opportunity to witness the breathtaking views from the highest points in the Smoky Mountains. Standing above the clouds atop Clingmans Dome is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that no other tourist attraction can match. The Clingmans Dome Observatory Tower raises you 45 feet higher, allowing you to get a 360-degree of the expansive mountain range. On a clear day, the panoramic view of the entire Old Smoky area at the junction of seven states gives the vibes of living a fantasy. People enjoy the stunning view, take pictures from professional photographers, and buy unique souvenirs and gifts.
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park area is one of the most popular tourist spots in the US. If you are looking for a place in which you can enjoy thrilling activities, picturesque views, a scenic mountain drive, and an opportunity to dive into emerald-green waters, then the Smoky Mountains are the perfect combo for you. Each season has a unique charm and spellbound views. Don’t forget to book your cabin ahead of time, particularly in the peak summer season when the Smoky Mountains are packed with visitors from around the world. If you want to avoid crowds, plan your visit between late September to early December.
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