Top Things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Top 10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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1. Chimneys Picnic Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 325 reviews
Reviewed By melissabubash - Cincinnati, United States
I ended up in Chimneys Picnic Area because my husband and I were going to hike the Cove Hardwoods Nature Trail (our legs needed a break...the trail was disappointing after the massive hikes we'd already completed). The picnic area though was absolutely beautiful. Great sites to hang out for the day including picnic tables and grills. We were there Memorial Day weekend and at the trail head around 9am and people were already staking out spots for the day. So I would recommend going very early to get the prime spots along the stream.
2. Foothills Parkway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 577 reviews
Reviewed By CountryChick94 - Velpen, United States
Did a June motorcycle trip in the Smokies, and the Foothills Parkway was great. The "missing link" was our favorite stretch. The missing link has enough curves and hills to give you the joy of a mountain ride without the challenges of the Tail of the Dragon. The road is very well cared for, not much traffic, and a lot of pull-offs for site seeing. Ask the locals if you need to know how to get to the missing link. They're happy to tell you why it's called that and how to get there!
3. Upper Tremont Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By KevinD3795
Beautiful place worth the drive. I little out of the way but what a gorgeous drive - October a great month to go too!
4. Roaring Fork
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,313 reviews
Reviewed By tgny23 - Alexandria, United States
Definitely worth driving through Roaring Fork! A one way drive through the Smoky Mountains with so much to see! We went over several bridges and were able to enjoy Little Pigeon Stream before it became an actual river. There are several old abandoned structures from yesteryear to explore and appreciate. There are are few great spots to stop and take a photo of downtown Gatlinburg from above the town. We were intent on seeing a bear, but we never did locate one, but several others I talked with did see a bear. Take it all in, it’s breathtaking.
5. Spruce Flats Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By Alex0518 - Fort Mitchell, United States
A moderate trail. Rocks and stumps so watch your step. A couple of nice views along your hike. Somehow uphill both ways lol. Beautiful waterfall makes a perfect place to cool off and have a snack. Not as trafficed as some of the other Smoky Mountain trails
6. Middle Prong Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By Boxerfriend - Lake Villa, United States
I had wanted to do Grotto Falls but roaring forks road was closed. Needed something to fit my family and my husband who kaboshed Rainbow falls. Stunning trail! Nice and wide path with a slow incline. Amazing river views with small waterfalls along the way. Enough room for the boys 13 and 10 to play lightsaber type imaginings. The goal was to find Indian Flat Falls and head back. The falls are not marked and not on an “official” part of the trail. After the trail forks from Jakes creek, you stay right. The trail will narrow and become more challenging. At this point my kids were getting pretty crabby with me. The trail becomes more of a mountain type trail with switchbacks. After you cross a wood bridge and about 3-4 switchbacks look for beaten down path at a very large face rock wall on the right with the trail making a sharp left. Oh boy my whole family was about to give up. Don’t give up!! We were treated to a 2 tier waterfall with rocks to relax on and have lunch or a snack all to ourselves!!! It was so amazing and so worth it. My husband isn’t admitting it was worth it, definitely refreshed everybody though. Ended up being 8 miles and took us 5 hours including our rendezvous with the waterfall. So so awesome!!! Go for it!!
7. Greenbrier Picnic Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By 906rebeccaa
I've been going to Greenbrier as far as I can remember and it's my most favorite place in the world. It brings me peace. Ramsey Cascades is beautiful hike. The falls are worth the hike. I wish they would repair roads going into parks entrance. The road is more potholes than road.
8. Laurel Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,496 reviews
Reviewed By PrimeSteak86 - Gatlinburg, United States
There are a number of beautiful waterfalls throughout the Smokies, but few are as easy to hike to as Laurel Falls. The trailhead is located about 4 miles SW of Gatlinburg. Take a Right off 441 beside Sugarland visitors center, and you’ll be to the trailhead in only about 5 mins. It’s just about 1/2 mile before the Elkmont Campground. Parking stays packed here daily, especially in peak seasons. So It’s best to get an early start; while the bulk of tourists are still in town shoveling pancakes. Though there is a slight up n down elevation along this easy hike, the trail is paved, and quite easy to trek(I’ve seen 4 yr olds make it up n back with relative ease)... You’ll pass several folks with strollers pushing along as well. Laurel Falls is only a about a mile or so up, and the same coming down. The falls themselves aren’t the tallest or most majestic in the Smokies, but they do have a magnetism to them: making it a very popular photo spot. There’s a wooden bridge here that serves up some nice photo opportunities too. Note: Please be careful climbing in or around the falls; especially children. The rocks in this area are very slick; have been the cause of serious injuries, and sadly, even deaths. I’d honestly rate the falls themselves at about a 4.5 overall; especially when compared to other waterfalls in the Smokies: But the simplicity of getting here, allowing folks of all ages to enjoy their beauty, I’m compelled to rate them at a 5.... Enjoy your easy hike
9. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,702 reviews
Reviewed By LAPhotographer - Franklinton, United States
You'll really enjoy this beautiful drive that loops through the scenic woods just outside of Gatlinburg. The trail is winding, so drive slowly and let down your windows to enjoy the fresh mountain air. Be sure to stop at the country store at the end of the drive to shop and enjoy some delicious homemade treats.
10. Cades Cove
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,323 reviews
A scenic valley filled with remnants of the old American pioneers.
Reviewed By bkl58 - Cumming, United States
I love coming to the park during the winter months and almost have it all to myself. Usually see deer and turkeys but that’s it. First time to experience the park in spring prior to the massive influx of tourists. Did two laps of Cades Cove. Many bears to be seen along with deer and turkeys. Open your windows as you drive and you can hear all the song birds. Only draw back is if there is even a sniff of an animal traffic stops in the middle of the road. Lovely day inside the park. Earlier the better to beat the crowds.
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