Where to Visit in Smoky Mountains: A Guide to the Best Attractions

The Smoky Mountains, located on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, are a breathtaking destination that offers a variety of natural wonders and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for stunning landscapes, wildlife encounters, or cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone in this picturesque region. Here’s a guide to some of the best places to visit in Smoky Mountains.

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

As the most visited national park in the United States, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must-see destination. With over 800 miles of hiking trails, stunning waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, this park is a hiker’s paradise. Some of the highlights include Clingmans Dome, the highest peak in the park, and Abrams Falls, a beautiful waterfall that’s accessible via a challenging hike.

2. Cades Cove

Cades Cove is a 11-mile loop road that offers visitors a chance to explore the park’s history and natural beauty. This area is rich in historical sites, including log cabins, churches, and barns, and is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, black bears, and wild turkey.

3. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg is a charming mountain town that serves as the gateway to the Smoky Mountains. This town offers a variety of attractions, including Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, and the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area. Don’t miss the Gatlinburg Bounce, a unique trampoline park that’s great for families.

4. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Pigeon Forge is another popular mountain town that’s known for its theme parks, attractions, and shopping. Dollywood, a 135-acre theme park, is a must-visit for families, featuring thrilling rides, live entertainment, and delicious food. Other attractions include the Titanic Museum Attraction, the Country Gospel Hall of Fame, and the Alcatraz East Crime Museum.

5. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

This scenic motor trail offers visitors a chance to explore the Smoky Mountains from the comfort of their vehicle. The trail passes through beautiful forests, meadows, and streams, and offers numerous pull-offs where you can park and take in the scenery.

6. Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock State Park is located near Rutherfordton, North Carolina, and offers stunning views of the Smokies. The park features a natural rock formation that’s a popular spot for picnicking, hiking, and wildlife watching.

7. Oconaluftee Indian Village

This living history museum showcases the traditional way of life of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Visitors can learn about the Cherokee culture, history, and craftsmanship through interactive exhibits and demonstrations.

8. Cades Cove Loop Road

This 11-mile loop road offers visitors a chance to explore the park’s history and natural beauty. The road is lined with historical buildings, including log cabins, churches, and barns, and is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, black bears, and wild turkey.

9. Abrams Falls

Abrams Falls is a beautiful waterfall that’s accessible via a challenging 5-mile round-trip hike. The falls are a great spot for swimming and picnicking, and the trail offers stunning views of the surrounding forest.

10. Clingmans Dome

Clingmans Dome is the highest peak in the Smoky Mountains, offering panoramic views of the park and surrounding landscape. The observation tower at the summit provides a stunning 360-degree view, making it a must-visit destination for visitors.

Here are some comments from our readers:

1. “This guide was incredibly helpful! We’re planning a trip to the Smokies this summer and it’s great to have a list of attractions to visit.”
2. “Thank you for highlighting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We’ve always wanted to hike the trails there.”
3. “Cades Cove was our favorite part of the trip. The history and wildlife were amazing!”
4. “Gatlinburg was a great place to stay. The Dollywood theme park was so much fun!”
5. “The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail was a great way to see the Smokies from a different perspective.”
6. “Chimney Rock State Park was stunning. We can’t wait to go back!”
7. “The Oconaluftee Indian Village was a fascinating experience. We learned so much about the Cherokee culture.”
8. “We loved hiking Abrams Falls. It was a challenging hike, but the waterfall was worth it.”
9. “Clingmans Dome was a highlight of our trip. The view from the summit was breathtaking.”
10. “This guide helped us plan our perfect Smoky Mountains vacation. Thank you!”
11. “We can’t wait to explore the Smokies this summer. This guide gave us great ideas for attractions to visit.”
12. “We had a wonderful time in Gatlinburg. The attractions were so much fun for the whole family.”
13. “The Smoky Mountains are such a beautiful place. We can’t wait to go back and visit all the attractions.”
14. “We learned so much about the Cherokee culture at the Oconaluftee Indian Village. It was an eye-opening experience.”
15. “The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must-visit destination. We hiked several trails and saw so much wildlife.”
16. “We loved the natural beauty of the Smokies. The waterfalls and forests were so stunning.”
17. “Clingmans Dome was a highlight of our trip. The view from the summit was incredible.”
18. “We had a great time exploring the Smoky Mountains. This guide helped us make the most of our vacation.”
19. “The Smoky Mountains are a dream destination. We can’t wait to visit again.”
20. “This guide was a valuable resource for planning our Smoky Mountains trip. Thank you!