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Great Smoky Mountains National Park Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Places to Stay & Top Tours

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The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States, known for its misty peaks, scenic drives, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Straddling Tennessee and North Carolina, the Smokies are a haven for outdoor ...
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Things to do in the Smoky Mountains

From scenic drives to wildlife watching, the Smokies are full of unforgettable experiences.

 
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The highest point in the Smokies with a 360° observation tower view.
Clingmans Dome - Great Smoky Mountains National Park
 
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My List of the best things to do in Cade Cove!
27 Best Things To Do in Cades Cove, TN
 
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Cross the park from Tennessee to North Carolina with breathtaking overlooks.
Newfound Gap Road: 31 Miles of Incredible Mountain Landscapes
 
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Historic homesteads, waterfalls, and a peaceful drive.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
 
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Easy, paved hike to one of the most popular waterfalls.
Hike to Laurel Falls
 
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Explore historic cabins and ghost-town style ruins.
Old Town of Elkmont (U.S. National Park Service)
 
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Scenic drive with wildlife sightings and historic cabins.
Cades Cove - Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S. ...

Placs to Stay in the Smoky Mountains

Stay inside the park for a rustic experience or nearby for comfort and convenience. Or at nearby Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or Seiverville

 
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Here's a resource of many places in the area to stay
Where to Stay in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park 2025
 
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The only lodging inside the park, accessible only by hiking.
Leconte Lodge
 
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Sites at Cades Cove, Elkmont, Smokemont, and more.
Camping - Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S. ...
 
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A quieter base camp known as the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies.”
Little River Campground and RV Resort - Townsend
 
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Cabins around Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville with hot tubs and mountain views.
Smoky Mountain Cabin Rentals From $85/Night

Places to Eat in and around the Smokies

The park itself doesn’t have restaurants, but nearby towns offer plenty of great dining options.

 
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Famous for apple fritters and homestyle cooking.
Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant
 
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Historic dining near the Little Pigeon River.
The Old Mill Restaurant
 
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Iconic breakfast spot before a day of hiking.
Pancake Pantry

Top Tours in the Smoky Mountains

Guided tours take the stress out of exploring the park’s highlights.

 
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Off-road adventure with expert guides.
Smoky Mountains Jeep Tours
 
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Guided hike to scenic waterfalls and wildlife viewing spots.
Jasper Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Maligne Lake Hike
 
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Aerial views of the park’s rolling ridges.
Scenic Helicopter Tours - Smoky Mountain
 
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Trail rides through wooded mountain paths.
Five Oaks Riding Stables

Seasonal and Special Events in the Smoky Mountains

Every season offers something new in the Smokies.

 
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October’s brilliant colors draw visitors from around the world.
Fall Colors - Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S. ...
 
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Ranger-led hikes and photography workshops.
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
 
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Magical snow-covered mountain scenery.
Winter Snow at Clingmans Dome & Newfound Gap