The Smokies are full of waterfalls, beautiful mountain overlooks, scenic hiking trails, historic sites, and many other cool things to see. Want to discover a few points of interest to check out while you’re in the area? Here are the top places you should visit in Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
1. Cades Cove
The most popular place people love to visit is Cades Cove. You can do just about everything, from driving and hiking to fishing and having a picnic. The Cades Cove Scenic Loop is 11 miles of paved road where you can drive or even bike the loop to take in the beauty of the Smokies. You might see black bears and other wildlife, and you’ll definitely get beautiful mountain views! You can stop almost anywhere along the road to walk through historic buildings or take a hike along one of several nature trails, and you’ll find a fantastic picnic area just outside the Loop Road entrance.
2. Kuwohi
Another great place to visit in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome). This incredible scenic overlook is located off of Newfound Gap Road on Kuwohi Road, which is open seasonally. At the trailhead, you’ll need to hike up a steep half-mile paved path to get to the observation tower. Once you’re at the top, you’ll have an incredible panoramic view of the Smokies. On clear days, you will be able to see up to 100 miles away; in fact, Kuwohi is actually the tallest point of elevation in the national park!
3. Foothills Parkway
If you prefer to go on a scenic drive instead of hiking, you should go on the Foothills Parkway. You’ll see beautiful mountain views along this drive, from Mount Cammerer to Thunderhead Mountain (aka Rocky Top). There are also quite a few places where you can pull off and areas to get out and explore or have a picnic. We recommend taking the short hike to the Look Rock observation tower!
4. Elkmont Ghost Town
Elkmont is easily one of the best places to go in the Smoky Mountains, whether you're a family with kids or a history buff wanting to explore unique, hidden gems in GSMNP. The Elkmont Ghost Town isn't hard to find, and everyone in your group will love learning about this abandoned resort's unique history! Be sure to find the old Troll Bridge, and if you're visiting during the summer, keep an eye out for the synchronous fireflies that light up the area after dusk.
5. Roaring Fork
The Roaring Fork Nature Trail is another Smoky Mountain scenic drive worth mentioning in this list of must-see places in the Great Smoky Mountains. Why? Because you can see historic sites, find trailheads to popular hikes, enjoy some of the best views in the area, plus catch glimpses of wildlife. But the best part is located at the end of the route: a hidden gem known as Ely's Mill! Even though the mill doesn't operate anymore, this little village is a quaint stop that showcases Appalachian culture from years gone by. You'll find handmade pottery and a local gift shop, and you may even see a local artisan hand-blowing glass!
Where to Stay
You won’t want to miss out on seeing these places in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Now you just need to plan your trip to the Smokies since you know what you want to see when you’re here! Look through our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals and pick the best one for your next vacation!
