Top Things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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The 5 Best Things to do Good for Big Groups in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
