Things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

What is worth your time in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

• Mount Le ConteDo not miss

  A full-day climb to one of the East's great summit destinations rewards strong hikers with cliffs, forest, lodge history, and high-mountain views.

  Hike · 8.5 hr4.9

• Newfound GapDo not miss

  The high pass sits on the state line with broad ridge views, Appalachian Trail access, and the Rockefeller Memorial.

  Viewpoint · 53 min4.9

• KuwohiDo not miss

  The park's highest point has a short paved climb to a tower with 360-degree views across Tennessee, North Carolina, and the Smokies ridges.

  Viewpoint · 1.5 hr4.8

• Cades Cove Loop RoadDo not miss

  The 11-mile one-way valley loop combines mountain views, black bear habitat, churches, cabins, and the park's richest historic landscape.

  Scenic Drive · 3 hr

• Deep Creek Trail

  Deep Creek is the North Carolina side's easygoing waterfall and creek-walk hub, with access to tubing in warm months.

  Hike · 2.8 hr5

• Alum Cave Trail

  The trail packs in Arch Rock, Inspiration Point, and the dramatic Alum Cave Bluffs without requiring the full Le Conte ascent.

  Hike · 4 hr4.9

• Chimney Tops Trail

  A steep, memorable climb reaches an observation area below the fire-damaged summit pinnacles with big mountain payoff.

  Hike · 3.3 hr4.8

• Grotto Falls Trail

  The Trillium Gap route reaches the park's famous walk-behind waterfall in lush Roaring Fork forest.

  Hike · 2 hr4.8

• Oconaluftee River Trail

  A gentle riverside path connects the visitor center area with Cherokee and is one of the park's most accessible walks.

  Hike · 1.1 hr4.8

• Oconaluftee Visitor Center

  The North Carolina visitor center pairs ranger information with the Mountain Farm Museum and a good chance of seeing elk nearby.

  Ranger Program · 1.1 hr4.8

• Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

  This narrow one-way road delivers rushing creeks, old cabins, mossy forest, and trailheads immediately above Gatlinburg.

  Scenic Drive · 2 hr4.8

• Abrams Falls Trail

  A classic Cades Cove hike leads through forest to a powerful waterfall and deep pool on Abrams Creek.

  Hike · 4 hr4.7

• Andrews Bald

  The high-elevation bald offers open meadow views and a quieter alternative after visiting Kuwohi.

  Hike · 3.3 hr4.7

• Elkmont Historic District

  Preserved resort-era cabins and the Little River setting reveal the park's logging, railroad, and early vacation history.

  Other · 1.1 hr4.7

And 6 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.