With the cool breeze of autumn comes one of the best times to visit the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. A nature-lovers utopia, this national park is filled with abundant wildlife, scenic drives, and picturesque footpaths scattered for miles across high, rolling hills. The area is also home to educational exhibits and historical sites for visitors to explore. Here are the top five things to do in the Smoky Mountains:
Explore the Appalachian Trail
A huge part of your time here should be dedicated to exploring the breathtaking views and scenery because nothing quite parallels the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Visit during the fall when the leaves are the brightest and most colorful, or during the winter months to see frozen waterfalls tucked away throughout many of the hiking paths.
Some of the most popular hikes include the Alum Cave Trail and Laurel Falls, but the area is also home to the famous Appalachian Trail. In fact, seventy-one miles of this historic trail bisects right through the park. Take advantage and walk the trail many have hiked before. Most of the best scenic parts can be reached on a short day hike from Newfound Gap Road or Silers Bald.
Climb Clingmans Dome
While hiking the Appalachian Trail, be sure to hit Clingmans Dome, one of the parks all-time favorite spots. This 6,643-foot round top peak sits at the top of the park as the highest point in Tennessee. Don’t worry, if you’re not up for hiking the trek to this gorgeous view, you can drive the scenic access road (closed through December to March) and walk a half-mile to the summit from Newfound Gap. You can avoid the crowds by getting there early in the morning.
Stay in a Cabin, Bring an RV, or Go Camping
Nothing completes a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains like settling into a large, roomy cabin. You’ll find plenty to choose from, along with more luxurious cottages and vacation homes. Most come furnished with full kitchens, family rooms, and of course, an outdoor space. Some even come with hot tubs if you’re looking for a more romantic getaway, but they all include spectacular mountain views.
If you have an RV, you’ll want to stay at the Up the Creek RV Camp which has wifi and cable TV. Tent campers should opt for the Smoky Mountain Campgrounds in Gatlinburg. There’s nothing like getting up-close-and-personal with the all the wonders the mountains have to offer.
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Paddle Fontana Lake
After trekking through the mountains by land, see the Great Smokies by water. Fontana Lake was created by a dam on Little River and sits on the southern border of the park. This long, skinny body of water runs for 17 miles, tempting all those who love kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. The lake also has many coves and islands created from former mountain peaks, making it extra fun to explore.
You can rent a boat in Fontana Village or from the Nantahala Outdoor Center. For the extra daring, you can sign up for multi-day backcountry trip only accessible by kayak that takes you to the more remote campsites in the area. Choosing to just relax on the shore, soaking up the peaceful atmosphere is also always a great choice.
Learn the Area’s History
The Great Smokies have a rich and celebrated history that continues to thrive. Before becoming a national park, the area was home to settlers and farmers that shaped what we still see today. You can learn about the history at one of the 90+ historic buildings that still remain in the park.
Old houses, barns, churches, mills and have preserved and/or rehabilitated by the park so that visitors can enjoy them for years to come. The most popular is Cades Cove, which includes a variety of churches, mills, and barns, as well as Oconaluftee for the Mountain Farm Museum. And Cataloochee is home to a school and church from the late 1800s.
If you love country music, Dollywood is a must-see. Founded by the one-and-only Dolly Parton, this amusement park has everything from thrilling rides, fireworks, and an exact replica of her rustic childhood two-room cabin. If you can believe it, she and her eleven brothers and sisters were raised there. Her original home still stands on Locust Ridge, just a few miles from the park.
No matter what you are interested in or how you like to relax, there is something for everyone in the Smoky Mountains. You can travel by kayak on Fontana Lake, climb Clingmans Dome, or relax in a cozy cabin, among many other things. Spend your next vacation in these majestic mountains and rolling hills, you will not regret it.
