3 Fun Activities to Do At The Smoky Mountains National Park

If you’re looking for more things to do during your stay at our Smoky Mountain cabins, plan a day to visit the Smoky Mountains National Park. People of all ages enjoy the fresh air and stunning natural scenery. Read on to learn more about this popular attraction. Here is a list of 3 fun activities to do at the Smoky Mountains National Park:

1. Go Hiking

Hiking is one great thing to do in the Smoky Mountains National Park. The area has over 850 miles of hiking trails for both beginner and more experienced hikers. One of the easy hiking trails is Grotto Falls. It has a roundtrip distance of only 2.6 miles. Along the way, you’ll see the 25-foot waterfall that the trail is named after. Look closely, and you may find some salamanders hiding under the rocks. These small creatures thrive in the area’s waters and cool climate. Want a more challenging route? Take the Rainbow Falls Trail to Mount LeConte. It has a roundtrip distance of 13.8 miles, which includes some rocky terrain. At its end, you will be rewarded with views from the Smoky Mountains’ third-highest peak. No matter what trail you take, some tips for a fun and safe hike include wearing proper footwear and drinking plenty of water.

2. Take A Scenic Drive

If you don’t enjoy hiking, a great alternate way to see the natural scenery is by taking a scenic drive. There are many routes to choose from! One of them is Cades Cove Loop Road. Cades Cove Loop Road is an 11-mile route that is jam-packed with everything it has to offer. Some notable sights include the John Oliver Cabin. Built in the 1800s by some of the first residents of Cades Cove, it is the oldest human structure in the park. You might also spot some animals. In the warmer months, black bears roam the low fields. While there are many other great scenic drives in the park, this is one of the only routes that is open year-round.

3. Walk Your Dog

If you choose to take advantage of our pet-friendly cabin selection and bring Fido on vacation, you’ll be happy to know that some areas of the Smoky Mountains National Park are pet-friendly. Take him on a walk along the Gatlinburg Trail. This flat 3.9-mile route is the only pet-friendly trail on the Tennessee side of the Smokies. Make sure to keep your dog on a leash that is no more than 6 feet. This is for you and your pet’s safety and that of other visitors. As you walk along, you’ll see some unique rock structures and cross over the Little Pigeon River using one of the longest footbridges in the park. After the walk, you two can take a well-deserved rest at one of the picnic areas.

Now that you know of some fun activities in the Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s time to figure out where to go! Check out our list of 3 popular places in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!