Top Things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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The 10 Best Free Things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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1. Deep Creek
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By dyweena - Clifton, United States
Deep Creek is a great place to hike! The trail takes you to three different waterfalls, if you follow the signs to Juney Whank Falls, Indian Creek Falls and Tom's Branch Falls. It is a well mark and beaten wide path. However, please know that you have to turn around and backtrack. We tried to loop around thinking that the wide pathway would take us back, and we ended up hiking an extra 2 mile round-trip. We did not plan to tube due to high chances of rain, but the absolute thing to do is hike with your tube in comfortable water shoes to the falls and ride back down (not from the falls, but from the outermost designated area for "put-in"). We passed more tubers than hikers and we were wishing we could do the same. The river looks like a blast to tube down with lots of rapids. This should be a must on your trip to Bryson City Great Smoky Mountains Trip.
2. Fontana Dam & Visitors Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 196 reviews
One may take a cable car ride into the depths of the Fontana Dam.
Reviewed By TyB811 - Greensboro, United States
While I had been to the area many times, I had not ventured to Fontana Dam and its surroundings before. It is a magnificent feat of engineering going back 80 years and a must-see for travelers in NC. The story of the dam's construction to aid the World War II effort and as a post-Depression project is truly remarkable. It's a nice area to walk around, including over the full length of the dam. Well worth your time to trek out to Graham County, which has two other notable dams including one near Fontana. And the mountain scenery is really lovely.
3. Mingus Mill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 232 reviews
Reviewed By MySofa97
Mingus Mill is a great old working mill that is fairly easy to get to as long as you are able bodied. The stream and rich water are peaceful, the current flowers in bloom are very beautiful, and the mill is a great stop in the smokies.
4. Juney Whank Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By 646lorit - Dawsonville, United States
We visited all three of the waterfalls in the Deep Creek section of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the trail to Juney Whank is the most challenging. From the parking lot, it is only a quarter mile to the falls, but it is very steep. Fortunately, the trail is wide and clear of rocks and roots, and there is a thick overhead tree canopy which keeps the trail cooler. At the falls, we went down a steep set of steps to get to the bridge which crosses in front of the falls. It is a great spot for photos. We saw young grade schoolers managing the trail, but this is not a good choice for preschoolers or people with mobility challenges. The Juney Whank loop trail took us back to Deep Creek Trail just a short distance from Tom Branch Falls.
5. Tom Branch Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By 646lorit - Dawsonville, United States
Located in the Deep Creek section of the Great Smoky Mountains National all Park, Tom Branch Falls is the easiest hike of the three waterfalls in this area. The trail is wide, level, and paved; we saw families with small children and strollers using this trail. There is a thick tree canopy, so the trail was comfortable on a hot summer afternoon. To see the falls, you look across the wide creek. There are benches for sitting and watching the tubers float by. We continued on the trail a half mile further to Indian Creek Falls, which is more spectacular. On a Friday afternoon, the trail was busy.
6. Indian Creek Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By PrimeSteak86 - Gatlinburg, United States
Located just inside the park from the Bryson City entrance; and just past the Deep Creek campground, you’ll arrive at the parking lot of The Deep Creek Loop trail. There’s a sign displaying a map of the Deep Creek Trail, and it’s various waterfalls. Take the gravel road straight ahead, and you will pass Tom Branch falls on your right in just less than a 1/3 of a mile. There’s a couple of benches to sit and relax a bit, before trekking on. To access the Indian creek falls, stay on the trail about another 1/2 mile; following the beautiful deep creek the whole way. Take a right at the fork in the road(it’s well marked on the sign). Then after about 150 yds or so, you’ll see a spur to the left that takes you down to the falls. I’d personally classify these as more of a cascade than a waterfalls; but either way, they’re definitely worth hiking to. Now, you can easily walk back to the parking lot, if time is a factor: Or continue on, and finish the loop. By doing so, you’ll complete the trilogy with a stop at beautiful Juney Wank Falls. It’s definitely worth it, as you’ve already completed more than a third of the distance anyways: And that last waterfall is worth the effort. Note: If you choose to trek on and do the full Deep Creek Falls Loop, this is a little more of an actual hike; with some steeper inclines and declines. So, plz pack some water, snacks, and use a pair of decent hiking shoes... Enjoy
7. Cataloochee Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 372 reviews
Reviewed By ash8367 - Greensboro, United States
If you enjoy a shaded, forest with a cold mountain river rushing by, along with opportunity to view elk and turkey with some local history then this is your place. Level sites, fire rings and picnic tables. Water is available and flush toilets. No showers or hot water. Well known family summer camping location.
8. Midnight Hole Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By X1717YMkarenb - Sevierville, United States
what a wonderful hike through the most beautiful part of the Smokies. On the North Carolina side of the Park this hike is well worth the wander. The trail is wide, the view of the river along the way magical. Swim in the hole at your own risk. The river was running fast when we were there so it was hard no for us, however a few brave should took a dip and it was fun to watch. Make sure you hike about 1.5 miles past the Midnight Hole and check out Mouse Creek Falls. There is a great rock to sit on and have a picnic lunch or just take in the beauty of the falls. Great for all fitness levels. Out and back probably took 3 hours at a very leisurely pace.
9. Mouse Creek Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By garyaber1966 - Tampa, United States
If staying in the Waynesville or Maggie Valley areas and looking for a little adventure, Big Creek Trail, which includes Mouse Creek Falls and Midnight Hole, is an excellent choice. The trail is moderate leaning towards easy. Going in there is just a slight incline most of the way to the falls, and it’s a slight decline out. Perfect for novice hikers or families with children. The only challenges you’ll encounter are working your way down from the trail to the most magic spots along the creek. Just follow the paths many before have blazed. What this trail has is distance (4 miles round trip to see the falls) and major WOW factor. There are several special stops along the Creek, none more special than Midnight Hole and Mouse Creek Falls. We were there still in Winter when most of the trees were bare. I kept thinking that the entire path must really be a sight to see in Autumn at max color. And I’ve read that in early Spring bloom it’s equally impressive. This is a good one. With paved parking and restrooms in season. Go!
10. Road to Nowhere
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 79 reviews
A scenic drive through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Reviewed By 512angelak - Fort Myers, United States
Staying in Bryson City for a few day at Deep Creek Campground. Did this one afternoon and I am so glad we did. The road to Nowhere takes you to the tunnel to nowhere which takes you to a very nice hiking trail. The road was very well maintained and the scenery was unbelievable. We pulled over along the way about 7-8 miles on way to the tunnel. There are a few scenic pull over stops that are breathtaking. I was nervous a little as my husband was the driver and it I did not want him to take his eyes off the road as they twist and turn around the mountain. Some people are driving really fast and come in hot at the end of the road which seems a little dangerous. The road ends at the tunnel. We had to park along the side of the road as there is very few parking spots and it has a lot of visitors. Take the time to do the trail coming out of the tunnel (tunnel bypass trail) it brings you back to the parking lot. It is a very easy trail (narrow). It is very easy trail actually. I feel like just about anyone that can walk a couple of miles can do it. Scenic and worth taking the extra hour to do.
