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Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains

Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains Tennessee, USA Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

With over 800 miles of maintained trails, the park offers hikes for every ability, alongside thrilling water and adventure sports.

Hiking & Trekking Routes

Easy Hikes

Gatlinburg Trail (3.8-mile round-trip, paved/gravel, flat), Laurel Falls Trail (2.6-mile round-trip, paved, moderate incline), Cades Cove Loop Road (11-mile paved loop, walking/cycling).

Moderate Hikes

Alum Cave Trail to Bluffs (4.4-mile round-trip, rocky, steady climb), Grotto Falls Trail (2.6-mile round-trip, moderate climb, walk behind waterfall), Abrams Falls Trail (5-mile round-trip, moderate, roots/rocks).

Strenuous Hikes

Chimney Tops Trail (3.8-mile round-trip, very steep), Charlies Bunion (8-mile round-trip from Newfound Gap, climbs), Mount LeConte (10-12 miles round-trip via various routes, significant elevation gain).

Water & Adventure Sports

  • Tubing: Popular on Little River (near Townsend) and Deep Creek (near Cherokee, NC).
  • Fishing: Catch-and-release fly fishing for trout in designated park streams; requires TN/NC license.
  • Whitewater Rafting: Pigeon River (Upper for challenging, Lower for family-friendly); commercial outfitters like Smoky Mountain Outdoors operate outside park.
  • Adventure Sports (outside park): Ziplining, Mountain Coasters (Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster, Anakeesta Rail Runner), Ropes Courses.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Black Bear Viewing: Common in Cades Cove and Cataloochee Valley.
  • Elk Viewing: Best in Cataloochee Valley (NC side), especially during fall rutting season.
  • White-tailed Deer & Wild Turkey: Abundant in Cades Cove.
  • Birdwatching: Over 200 species throughout the park.

Cycling Routes

  • Road Cycling: Cades Cove Loop Road (especially vehicle-free Wednesdays).
  • Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail.
  • Mountain Biking: Permitted only on specific designated multi-use trails (Gatlinburg Trail, Oconaluftee River Trail).
  • Mountain biking not permitted on hiking-only trails within the national park.

Experience Bookings

  • Book your activities and experiences in advance.
  • GetYourGuide is a platform for booking attractions and experiences.
  • Secure popular tours and activities, especially during peak seasons.
  • Consider guided tours for a experience.

Wildlife Safety Notice

Always maintain a safe distance (at least 150 feet/45 meters) from black bears. Never approach, feed, or harass any wildlife.

Cultural Immersion

The region offers unique opportunities to connect with the rich heritage of the Appalachian and Cherokee people.

Workshops & Performances

  • Craft Workshops: Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community artisans often offer demonstrations and workshops (pottery, weaving, wood carving).
  • "Unto These Hills" Outdoor Drama (Cherokee, NC): Seasonal play depicting Cherokee history and struggle.
  • Dollywood: Features live shows with Appalachian music (country, gospel, bluegrass) and craft demonstrations.
  • Folk Music: Live performances in local venues, at Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery, and park visitor centers.

Cultural Festivals & Support

Seasonal Events

Check local tourism calendars for Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fairs (Spring & Fall), Dollywood's Seasonal Festivals (Festival of Nations, Harvest Festival), and Native American Pow-Wows in Cherokee, NC.

Language Learning

English is universally spoken; language learning is not a main focus for visitors.

Relaxation & Wellness

Numerous spas in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer massages, facials, and other treatments. Many hotels feature indoor/outdoor pools.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Gateway towns offer family-friendly options: live music, dinner shows (Dolly Parton's Stampede), comedy, and theater. Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort for 24/7 gaming.

Shopping & Markets

From local artisan crafts at the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community to outlet mall deals at Tanger Outlets, a range of shopping experiences.

More on Relaxation & Wellness

The Great Smoky Mountains offer opportunities for rejuvenation, blending natural tranquility with modern amenities.

Spas & Wellness Centers

  • Numerous spas in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, often within resorts.
  • Offer massages, facials, body treatments, and salon services.
  • A chance to unwind after hiking or exploring.
  • No natural hot springs directly in the park; other regions needed for thermal experiences.

Yoga, Meditation & Pools

Yoga & Meditation

Dedicated retreats are limited in the immediate area. Some resorts or private cabins with mountain views provide quiet spaces for personal practice.

Traditional Healing

Traditional Cherokee healing practices exist within the Cherokee community but are not typically tourist offerings.

Pools & Aquatic Recreation

Many hotels and resorts in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge feature indoor and/or outdoor pools. Some larger resorts include indoor water parks.

Entertainment & Nightlife Details

Live Music

Dollywood features live music. Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery often has live bluegrass. Some local pubs in Gatlinburg have bands.

Theater & Performance

Dinner Shows in Pigeon Forge (Dolly Parton's Stampede, Hatfield & McCoy). Smoky Mountain Opry. "Unto These Hills" outdoor drama in Cherokee, NC.

Nightclubs & Late-Night

Nightclub options are limited, with focus on family-friendly. Some hotel lounges stay open later. Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort offers 24/7 gaming.

Shopping & Markets

Shopping in the Great Smoky Mountains region offers everything from local artisan crafts to outlet mall deals.

Artisan Crafts & Traditional Markets

  • Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community (Gatlinburg): Over 100 independent artisans, offering demonstrations and handmade goods.
  • Oconaluftee Indian Village (Cherokee, NC): Demonstrations of traditional Cherokee crafts (basket weaving, pottery, carving).
  • The Old Mill Square (Pigeon Forge): Features a general store with local crafts, food products, and a historic working mill.
  • Seasonal farmers markets in surrounding areas (e.g., Sevierville) for fresh produce and local goods.

Souvenir Recommendations

Local Crafts

Handmade pottery, wood carvings, dulcimers (traditional Appalachian instrument), quilts, and folk art.

Food Items

Jams, jellies, local honey, regional BBQ sauces, legally produced moonshine, fudge, and saltwater taffy.

Park-Specific

Apparel, books about the park's history or ecology, and educational items from park visitor center gift shops.

Luxury & Boutique Shopping

Limited high-end boutique shopping. Gatlinburg offers some upscale gift shops and galleries.

Outlet Malls

  • Pigeon Forge is home to numerous outlet malls.
  • Most notably, Tanger Outlets, which features popular brand names.
  • Look for discounted prices on various goods.
  • A good option for brand-name shopping.

Ethical Shopping Guidelines

  • Support Local Artisans: Choose products genuinely handmade by local artisans.
  • Sustainability: Look for products made sustainably or from recycled materials.
  • Avoid Exploitation: Be wary of shops selling items made from endangered species.
  • Authenticity: Seek items that genuinely reflect local culture.

Shipping & Customs Information

Domestic & International Shipping
  • Standard U.S. Domestic and international shipping rules apply for larger items.
  • Retailers may offer shipping services, or use local post offices/courier services.
  • Consider packing breakable items securely for travel.
Customs Regulations
  • If shipping internationally, check your home country's customs regulations.
  • This applies to food items, alcohol, or natural materials.
  • Declare items as required to avoid issues.

Activity Planning Summary

Maximizing Outdoor Time

  • Choose hiking trails suitable for your fitness level.
  • Consider backcountry camping for a wilderness experience (permit needed).
  • Explore thrilling whitewater rafting or relaxing river tubing.
  • Cycle the Cades Cove Loop on vehicle-free days for an unique perspective.

Engaging with Culture & Entertainment

  • Attend a dinner show in Pigeon Forge for a full evening of dining and entertainment.
  • Visit the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community to see artisans at work and purchase handmade items.
  • Experience a moonshine tasting at a local distillery, learning about regional heritage.
  • Check local calendars for seasonal festivals and events for unique cultural and culinary experiences.
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