The Great Smoky Mountains National Park brings in over 12 million visitors every year! The scenic views are unmatched and there are countless spots for photo ops. With over 850 miles of hiking trails and over 380 miles of roads to auto tour, it can be hard to pick a place to start. However, we’ve put together a guide of 5 of the best places in the Great Smoky Mountains to visit:
1. Cades Cove
Cades Cove is hands down, one of the best places in the Great Smoky Mountains to visit! This gorgeous valley is great for wildlife viewing and is home to a large number of white-tailed deer. You might also spot a few black bears, groundhogs, and other native species. There are also a variety of places to hike and picnic around the cove. You can even auto tour around it on a scenic, 11-mile loop. There are pullouts along the road where you can stop to take pictures and enjoy the views.
2. Elkmont
Elkmont is one of the most historical and best places in the Great Smoky Mountains to visit! It began as a logging town and a getaway destination for travelers. Today, you can explore the abandoned cabins of Elkmont Ghost Town to get a glimpse at the unique history and culture of this area. It's a fascinating look into what life was like for some of the earliest folks in the Smoky Mountains! Near the Elkmont Campground, you'll find the Elkmont Troll Bridge, which is another of the top hidden gems in the Smokies! Made of stone and covered in moss, it looks like something from a children's storybook.
3. Kuwohi
Standing at 6,643 feet tall, Kuwohi is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the state of Tennessee. The 360-degree views of the mountains are well worth the half-mile climb to the observation tower to see them. Although the tower is open year-round, please note that the road leading to it is closed from December 1 through March 31, and when weather conditions require. You may recognize this spot as its previous name of Clingmans Dome.
4. Sugarlands Visitor Center
The Sugarlands Visitor Center is open every day except Christmas. When you stop by, you’ll receive free admission to a 20-minute film about the park. You can also walk through the natural history exhibits and learn more about the native plants and animals of the Smokies. There is even a bookstore and shop where you can buy all the best souvenirs to remind you of your time in the national park.
5. Newfound Gap Road
Newfound Gap is an excellent road for an auto tour, offering some of the national park’s best scenery, making it another of the best places in the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s the lowest drivable pass through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and runs all the way from Gatlinburg, TN to Cherokee, NC. A few highlights of the drive include the Rockefeller Memorial where President Roosevelt dedicated the national park, and the Appalachian Trail, which crosses the road.
Now that you know all about the best places in the Great Smoky Mountains to visit, it’s time to start planning your visit! Learn more about the park’s history and popular areas before you arrive so that you can get the full experience.
