Top Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Park Overview

Welcome to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most visited national park in the U.S., drawing over 12 million visitors each year. Spanning 522,427 acres, this park straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, offering a vast playground for nature lovers.

The park is famous for its incredible biodiversity, home to over 19,000 documented species, including black bears, salamanders, and countless types of plants and wildflowers. Whether you’re into hiking, wildlife watching, fishing, or exploring historic sites, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has something for everyone.

Park Stats	Details
Total Area	522,427 acres
Annual Visitors	12 million+
Documented Species	19,000+
Maintained Trails	800+ miles

For more details on activities and points of interest, check out our Great Smoky Mountains National Park map.

Visitor Centers and Information

Visitor centers are your go-to spots for exploring the park. They offer essential info, maps, and exhibits to enhance your visit. The two main visitor centers are Sugarlands Visitor Center and Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

Sugarlands Visitor Center: Near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, this center features natural history exhibits, a 20-minute film about the park, and a bookstore. It’s a great starting point for nearby trails and waterfalls.

Oconaluftee Visitor Center: Located near Cherokee, North Carolina, this center showcases cultural history exhibits, a replica of a historic farmstead, and a bookstore. It’s perfect for those interested in the region’s cultural heritage.

Visitor Center	Location	Features
Sugarlands Visitor Center	Gatlinburg, TN	Natural history exhibits, film, bookstore
Oconaluftee Visitor Center	Cherokee, NC	Cultural history exhibits, historic farmstead, bookstore

For more info on what you can see and do at these centers, check out our detailed guide on Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitor Center.

Visitor centers also provide up-to-date info on park conditions, weather forecasts, and activities. You can find brochures and maps to help plan your visit, ensuring you make the most of your time in the park. For more tips on planning your trip, visit our section on park hours and events.

Whether you’re setting out on one of the best hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park or diving into the park’s rich natural and cultural history, the visitor centers are invaluable resources for making your experience unforgettable.

Get more information on National Parks

Family Fun in the Smokies

Taking the family to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? You’re in for a treat! This place is packed with activities that are both fun and sneakily educational. Let’s check out some cool stuff you can do with the kiddos.

Junior Ranger Program

Got kids who love exploring? The Junior Ranger Program is just the ticket. It’s a hands-on way for them to learn about the park’s nature and history while earning a shiny Junior Ranger badge. You can jump into this program at the visitor centers or the Paul Laurence Dunbar house.

To get started, grab a booklet from any Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitor Center. Inside, you’ll find activities like spotting wildlife, taking nature walks, and digging into the park’s history. Finish these tasks, and boom—your kid’s an official Junior Ranger.

Location	Junior Ranger Program Available?
Sugarlands Visitor Center	Yes
Oconaluftee Visitor Center	Yes
Paul Laurence Dunbar House	Yes

Volunteer Together

Want to teach the kids about giving back? Volunteering in the park is a great way to bond and do some good. The Volunteer In Park (VIP) program lets you help out with everything from fixing trails to protecting wildlife.

To get involved, just reach out to the park’s volunteer coordinator and see what’s available. It’s a win-win: you get to spend time together, and the kids learn about taking care of the environment and helping others.

For more details on how to volunteer, swing by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitor Center or check out the park’s website.

Volunteer Activity	What You’ll Do
Trail Maintenance	Keep the hiking trails in tip-top shape
Wildlife Conservation	Help monitor and protect animals
Visitor Services	Assist visitors with info and guidance

These activities will make your trip to the Smokies unforgettable. And hey, don’t miss out on other cool spots like Cades Cove and Clingmans Dome. For more tips on planning your visit, check out our guides on lodging and weather in the park.

Must-See Spots in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

When you hit up Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are a few spots you absolutely can’t miss. These places offer some of the best views and experiences in the park. Here’s the lowdown on where to go:

Cades Cove

Cades Cove is a crowd favorite, pulling in 39% of all park visitors. This beautiful valley is like stepping back in time with its historical buildings and wildlife galore. The 11-mile one-way loop road is your ticket to see old cabins, barns, and churches, plus plenty of deer, black bears, and turkeys.

Highlights:

Old Buildings: Check out restored cabins, barns, and churches.
Animal Watching: Keep an eye out for deer, bears, and turkeys.
Hiking: Try the Abrams Falls Trail for a great hike.

Want more hiking ideas? Check out our guide on the best hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Sugarlands Visitor Center

Sugarlands Visitor Center is another hot spot, with 28% of visitors stopping by. It’s a great place to start your adventure, offering maps, exhibits, and info about the park’s plants and animals. There’s also a short nature trail and a movie about the park.

Highlights:

Exhibits: Learn about the park’s history and wildlife.
Info Desk: Grab maps, permits, and get your questions answered.
Nature Trail: Take a quick walk on the nearby trail.

For more on visitor centers, see our article on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitor Center.

Clingmans Dome

Clingmans Dome is the park’s highest point at 6,643 feet and attracts 20% of visitors. The Clingmans Dome Trail leads to an observation tower with killer 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains. On a clear day, you can see for miles, making it a favorite for photographers and nature lovers.

Highlights:

Observation Tower: Get panoramic views from the top.
Hiking Trail: A paved, steep 0.5-mile trail leads to the tower.
Highest Point: Experience the park’s highest elevation.

For more about the park’s trails, visit our page on Great Smoky Mountains National Park hiking trails.

Visitor Stats

Location	Percentage of Visitors
Cades Cove	39%
Sugarlands Visitor Center	28%
Clingmans Dome	20%

Checking out these spots will give you a great taste of the park’s beauty and history. For more planning tips, see our resources on Great Smoky Mountains National Park lodging and Great Smoky Mountains National Park camping.

Outdoor Adventures

Looking for fun stuff to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Get ready to dive into some awesome outdoor adventures that let you soak up the park’s stunning beauty. Whether you’re hiking the trails or cruising through scenic routes, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.

Hiking Trails

With over 800 miles of trails, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has something for everyone. Whether you’re up for a quick stroll or a serious backpacking trip, you’ll find a trail that fits your vibe.

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Popular Hiking Trails:

Trail Name	Distance (roundtrip)	Elevation Gain	Highlights
Mt. Leconte	11.0 miles	2,763 feet	Tough hike, killer views
Clingman’s Dome Trail	1.2 miles	330 feet	360-degree views from the top
Laurel Falls Trail	2.6 miles	314 feet	Easy hike, pretty waterfall
Alum Cave Trail	5.0 miles	1,125 feet	Cool rock formations, great views

Clingman’s Dome Trail is a crowd favorite, offering 360-degree views from the park’s highest point at 6,643 feet. Want more hiking tips? Check out our guide on the best hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Scenic Drives

If hiking isn’t your thing, no worries. You can still enjoy the park’s beauty from your car. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has several scenic drives that let you take in the sights without breaking a sweat. Perfect for family trips!

Notable Scenic Drives:

Drive Name	Distance	Highlights
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail	5.5 miles	Historic buildings, lush forests, waterfalls
Cades Cove Loop Road	11 miles	Wildlife, old buildings, open fields
Newfound Gap Road	33 miles	Amazing views, access to Clingman’s Dome

Cades Cove Loop Road is a hit for its wildlife and historic buildings. For more info on planning your drive, visit our great smoky mountains national park map page.

Whether you’re trekking through the woods or cruising along scenic roads, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is packed with outdoor fun. Make sure to check the great smoky mountains national park weather and explore great smoky mountains national park lodging options before you go.

Wildlife Watching in the Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a paradise for anyone who loves wildlife. From the awe-inspiring black bears to the elegant elk, the park offers plenty of chances to see these creatures in their natural homes. Here’s how to make your wildlife adventure unforgettable.

Wildlife Tours

Joining a wildlife tour is a fantastic way to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These guided tours offer valuable tips and boost your chances of spotting animals. Different companies provide wildlife watching tours, making sure you and your family have a blast.

Tour Type	Duration	Cost (Approx.)
Guided Wildlife Tour	4 hours	$50 per person
Night Safari	3 hours	$45 per person
Bird Watching Tour	2 hours	$30 per person

For more details on where to join these tours, visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitor Center.

Safety Tips

Watching wildlife is exciting, but you need to follow some safety rules to keep both you and the animals safe. Here are some must-know tips:

Keep Your Distance: Stay at least 100 yards (91 meters) from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards (23 meters) from other animals.
Don’t Feed the Animals: Feeding them can mess up their natural habits and make them dangerous.
Stick to Marked Trails: This helps protect wildlife habitats and lowers the risk of unwanted encounters.
Use Binoculars or Zoom Lenses: These let you see animals up close without getting too near.
Stay Alert: Animals can be unpredictable, so always be aware of your surroundings.

For more detailed safety tips, check out our article on safely viewing wildlife.

By following these safety tips, you can have a safe and fun wildlife viewing experience in the park. Don’t forget to check out the Great Smoky Mountains National Park map to find the best spots for wildlife watching.

Current Events and Alerts

Visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2024 can look forward to several exciting new attractions and updates in the surrounding area. Among the highlights is the Dolly Parton Experience, an immersive series of exhibits that delve into the life and achievements of the beloved singer.

This attraction promises to be a central part of the local tourist experience. Additionally, thrill-seekers will be pleased to learn about the updates to Dollywood’s Lightning Rod roller coaster, which now features a high-speed chain lift for a more consistent ride experience.

The Dig’n Zone Theme Park, opening in March 2024, offers over two dozen construction-themed rides and attractions, making it a must-visit for families.

Planning Your Visit

Ready to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Here’s your go-to guide for park hours, events, and directions to the must-see spots.

Park Hours and Events

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open all day, every day. But heads up—some roads, campgrounds, and visitor centers might shut down in winter. Always check the weather forecast before you head out.

Facility	Hours
Cades Cove Visitor Center	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sugarlands Visitor Center	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Clingmans Dome Visitor Center	10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Seasonal)

The park is buzzing with events all year round—think ranger-led programs, festivals, and volunteer gigs. For the latest scoop, swing by the Visitor Center.