things to do in smokies

The Great Smoky Mountains offer a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors. Here are some things to do in the Smokies:

Outdoor Activities

1. Hiking: With over 800 miles of trails, the Smokies offer many hiking options, including a section of the Appalachian Trail.
2. Fishing: The Smokies have over 2,000 miles of streams and lakes filled with trout and other fish species.
3. Wildlife Viewing: The Smokies are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elk, deer, and black bears.
4. Camping: There are 10 campgrounds in the Smoky Mountains National Park, as well as many private campgrounds in the surrounding areas.
5. Horseback Riding: Several stables in the area offer guided horseback rides through the mountains.

Scenic Drives and Attractions

1. Cades Cove: A historic valley with preserved log cabins and churches, surrounded by a 11-mile scenic loop road.
2. Clingmans Dome: The highest point in the Smoky Mountains, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
3. Newfound Gap Road: A scenic road that traverses the Smoky Mountains, offering stunning views of the mountains and valleys.
4. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: A 5.5-mile scenic road that passes through a lush, forested area.
5. Ober Gatlinburg: A ski resort and amusement park with an alpine slide, arcade games, and an ice skating rink.

Waterfalls and Swimming Holes

1. Grotto Falls: A 25-foot waterfall that you can walk behind.
2. Laurel Falls: A 80-foot waterfall that is accessible via a 2.6-mile round-trip hike.
3. Rainbow Falls: A 80-foot waterfall that is accessible via a 6.2-mile round-trip hike.
4. Midnight Hole: A natural swimming hole with a waterfall and rope swing.

Towns and Villages

1. Gatlinburg: A popular tourist town with shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Space Needle and Anakeesta.
2. Pigeon Forge: A family-friendly town with attractions like Dollywood and the Island at Pigeon Forge.
3. Sevierville: A charming town with a courthouse square, antique shops, and a lake with paddle boat rentals.
4. Townsend: A peaceful town on the Little River, with shops, restaurants, and tubing rentals.

Events and Festivals

1. Spring Wildflower Festival: A festival celebrating the blooming of wildflowers in the Smoky Mountains.
2. Smoky Mountain Music Festival: A festival featuring live music, food, and craft vendors.
3. Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Days: A festival celebrating the history and culture of the Smoky Mountains.
4. Winterfest: A festival featuring holiday lights, decorations, and events in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

These are just a few things to do in the Smokies, but there’s always something new to discover in this beautiful mountain range.