Top Things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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The 10 Best Outdoor Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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1. Little River Road
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 218 reviews
Scenic road through the Great Smokies.
Reviewed By crystalm37 - Gatlinburg, United States
It snowed our first night in town so we decided to venture into the Smokies. Little River Road had amazing views of the mountains. Most of the ride from Sugarlands Visitor Center to Miegs Falls was a Winter Wonderland with white fluffy snow! It was beautiful!
2. Alum Cave Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 418 reviews
One of the most popular hikes in the park, it is the quick route to Mt. LeConte Lodge.
Reviewed By explorcation - Florida, United States
This trail is known to be the most hiked trail in the Smokies and for good reason. It follows a river in the beginning, takes you through a naturally formed rock arch and leads you to the Alum Cave Bluffs. You can decide how far you want to take the trail. If you want to do a full day hike you can take it all the way to the Mount LeConte peak! Hiking to the peak can take between 6 to 10 hours depending on your pace and how frequently you stop. The whole trail is so beautiful it would be hard to not stop frequently. This area is very popular, so arrive early to get a spot in the parking lot. During our visit many cars had to park along the side of the road. If you are planning a trip and want to see some video footage of the Alum Cave Trail check out our Alum Cave Trail hiking video on our YT Channel Explorcation. The link is in our bio. It also includes some more tips for visiting. Happy trip planning!
3. Newfound Gap Road
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 744 reviews
Reviewed By MaryKop - Colorado Springs, United States
Being from the west, we miss all the deciduous trees turning green in the spring..such a beautiful drive, winding road with pull outs to enjoy all the creeks and waterfalls, etc...worth it--we spent hours wandering along this road.
4. Charlies Bunion
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 123 reviews
Reviewed By Susie1028 - San Diego, United States
This is a great hike in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trailhead is on the North Carolina/Tennessee border. There is plenty of parking a restrooms. From Newfound Gap, you will take the Appalachian Trail through the mountain's knobby divide to the stone outcrop called Charlie's Bunion. The rocky, treeless summit affords wonderful panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains. The hike is 8.1 miles roundtrip. In November when we hiked, there were many sections of snow and ice.
5. Foothills Parkway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 577 reviews
Reviewed By CountryChick94 - Velpen, United States
Did a June motorcycle trip in the Smokies, and the Foothills Parkway was great. The "missing link" was our favorite stretch. The missing link has enough curves and hills to give you the joy of a mountain ride without the challenges of the Tail of the Dragon. The road is very well cared for, not much traffic, and a lot of pull-offs for site seeing. Ask the locals if you need to know how to get to the missing link. They're happy to tell you why it's called that and how to get there!
6. Upper Tremont Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By KevinD3795
Beautiful place worth the drive. I little out of the way but what a gorgeous drive - October a great month to go too!
7. Jump Off Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By ChristieY855 - Mechanicsburg, United States
This was our last hike on our last day of vacation in the Smoky Mountains. We previously visited the Newfound Gap overlook and discovered this trail, so this side started with the 1.7 mile Sweat Heifer Trail then to the Boulevard Trail junction. We didn't get so lucky with the weather. It was overcast even upon starting the hike, but we had the overlook to ourselves for about 30 min before heading back. It's not a large area up there to look out so I can't imagine more than a few people up there at once. So, we didn't see any mountains but it was so eerie to not see anything and to have the clouds wisping up at you from below. I just can't describe it. You were literally looking out at nothing. You see the edge of the rock and then can only imagine the treacherous fall should you get too close and slip the wrong way. It was also so quiet. The last part of this trail is soft, old growth forest and in a few spots almost overgrown. But it was still worth it. By the way, the sign says .3 miles. It's definitely more than that! But just keep walking. You will definitely know when you get there since there won't be anywhere left to go.
8. Middle Prong Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By Boxerfriend - Lake Villa, United States
I had wanted to do Grotto Falls but roaring forks road was closed. Needed something to fit my family and my husband who kaboshed Rainbow falls. Stunning trail! Nice and wide path with a slow incline. Amazing river views with small waterfalls along the way. Enough room for the boys 13 and 10 to play lightsaber type imaginings. The goal was to find Indian Flat Falls and head back. The falls are not marked and not on an “official” part of the trail. After the trail forks from Jakes creek, you stay right. The trail will narrow and become more challenging. At this point my kids were getting pretty crabby with me. The trail becomes more of a mountain type trail with switchbacks. After you cross a wood bridge and about 3-4 switchbacks look for beaten down path at a very large face rock wall on the right with the trail making a sharp left. Oh boy my whole family was about to give up. Don’t give up!! We were treated to a 2 tier waterfall with rocks to relax on and have lunch or a snack all to ourselves!!! It was so amazing and so worth it. My husband isn’t admitting it was worth it, definitely refreshed everybody though. Ended up being 8 miles and took us 5 hours including our rendezvous with the waterfall. So so awesome!!! Go for it!!
9. Buck Bald
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Hallhouse38 - Huntingdon, United States
Buck Bald is located off Hwy 68, pass Coker Creek Welcome Center. Gravel/dirt road with numerous curves and several large gravel rocks in roadway continues to top of Bald Moutain and site of Bald. Road is steep and narrow, there are a few places to pull onto shoulder to allow a vehicle to pass. I'm a senior citizen and drove to bald in a car, without problems but would NOT advise traveling road when muddy or following a snowfall. View is amazing and enjoyed the silence, only hear the sound of a gentle breeze. While enjoying the view, two groups (total 5 people) arrived, they were very nice and felt safe with them, followed me down mountain road to make sure I didn't have any problems. Travel on gravel road slowly, be aware of curves/dropoffs and keep eyes on road to avoid tire damage on large, sharp gravel rocks. Cold on Bald, wear warm clothing or bring jacket.
