5 Places to Visit at Smoky Mountains National Park
5 Places to Visit at Smoky Mountains National Park
When you come to stay here in the Smokies, one of the best things to do in the area is to explore Smoky Mountains National Park and discover some of the amazing places and sights that it holds. From incredible mountain views, to historic sites, to waterfalls, and more, here are some of the best places to visit at Smoky Mountains National Park when you are here in the area:
1. Cades Cove
Perhaps the most popular place to visit at Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove has a little bit of everything that visitors enjoy experiencing at the park! This 11-mile one-way loop road gives visitors the chance to see wide open spaces with opportunities to spot native wildlife like black bears, discover historic sites such as the John Oliver Cabin, get out and stretch their legs by hiking along various trails, and more. You can also stop by the Cades Cove Visitor Center to get more information on nearby activities and the park in general.
2. Clingmans Dome
Clingmans Dome is another popular spot at Smoky Mountains National Park, as it is the highest point in the entire park at 6,643 feet! Here, visitors can climb to the top of the observation deck and take in panoramic views of the surrounding Smokies. Just keep in mind that the road to Clingmans Dome closes during the winter, so make sure to check that it is open before you come to visit!
3. Newfound Gap Road
One of the most scenic drives at Smoky Mountains National Park, Newfound Gap Road offers tons of gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. There are several spots to stop and admire the views along this drive, but the most notable of them is at Newfound Gap itself, where President Franklin D Roosevelt first dedicated Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From views, to history, and more, this scenic drive has a little bit of something for everyone!
4. Rainbow Falls
Smoky Mountains National Park also contains several waterfalls that you can discover when you come to visit the area. Perhaps the most beautiful of them are Rainbow Falls, as the mist on sunny afternoons creates a shimmering rainbow next to the falls themselves. This 80-foot waterfall is an excellent backdrop for photos and is well worth the 5.4-mile roundtrip hike!
5. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
The last of our popular spots at Smoky Mountains National Park that we are covering is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This 5.5-mile, one-way loop road offers views of old forests, preserved historic structures, and more. Bears love to climb the trees along this road as well, so passengers should keep their eyes peeled to see if they can spot some of the forest’s residents!
As you can see, there are plenty of great places to visit at Smoky Mountains National Park! And remember, these are just a few of the many incredible locations that the park has to offer. If you are ready to come and experience the beauty of Smoky Mountains National Park for yourself, go ahead and book your stay with us today and get ready to embark on your very own adventures here in the Smokies!
