The Great Smoky Mountains are a truly beautiful and unique landscape that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and many nearby attractions in towns such as Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, there are tons of options for fun, camping, hotels, and hiking trails to choose from.
You’ll never run out of things to do in the Smokies.
While the many museums, amusement parks, and themed restaurants in the surrounding towns are fun in their own way, this travel guide focuses more on the outdoor side of the Smokies.
Some of our favorite hikes are in and around Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Table of contents
- Best Hiking, Camping, and Fun on an Amazing Smoky Mountains Trip
- Ecology of the Smoky Mountains
- Weather and Seasons in the Smokies for Trip Planning
- Best Hiking Trails to Visit on Your Smoky Mountains Trip
- Easy Hiking Trails
- Moderate/Difficult Hiking Trails
- Camping Options on a Smoky Mountains Trip
- Other Fun Things to Do and Natural Attractions in the Smoky Mountains
- Final Thoughts on the Best hikes, camping and fun in the Smoky Mountains
- Keep Reading for more Travel Articles and Tips
Best Hiking, Camping, and Fun on an Amazing Smoky Mountains Trip
Follow along to learn about what makes the smokies special, some great hiking trails, camping options, and other things to do for your next nature-focused visit to the smokies!
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Ecology of the Smoky Mountains
Named for the smoke-like fog that often broods over the ridgetops, the Smoky Mountains have an incredibly diverse and unique ecology that has been preserved by the national park fo all to enjoy.
As part of the Appalachian mountain range, you can find high mountain vistas, foothills, hollows, creeks, waterfalls, and cool rock structures.
Interestingly, the Smokies also represent the highest-elevation broad-leaf forest in the United States.
Hardwood trees like oak dominate the vast forests, but boreal forests of coniferous trees can also be found in the highest elevations.
The Smokies are also abundant with wildlife.
Whitetail deer, fox, bobcats, songbirds, brook trout, and many other native species such as black bear call these mountains home, and may be sighted on a hike or trip.
The Smokies are simply a must-visit for any nature lover.
They are also an easy drive from the “gateway to the Smokies”, Gatlinburg, Tennessee!
Weather and Seasons in the Smokies for Trip Planning
Weather in the Smoky Mountains is varied, but is overall suitable to visit year-round.
In general, expect cold winters with occasional snow and freezing temps, and hot summers with rainfall being common.
Temperatures in the highest elevations are typically 10 to 15 degrees cooler, so plan accordingly for places like Clingman’s Dome.
Peak visiting season in the smokies is March through November, though plenty of people still visit in the winter months.
The summer months will have by far the most visitors, crowded trailheads, campgrounds, hotels, roads, and other attractions.
Consider visiting during the off-season or on weekdays if you want to avoid crowds.
Best Hiking Trails to Visit on Your Smoky Mountains Trip
Whether you’re a die-hard experienced hiker or a casual novice, there are seemingly countless miles of hiking trails in the Smokies for all abilities.
Below are a few awesome hiking trails located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We’ve listed them from easiest to the most difficult.
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Easy Hiking Trails
Metcalf Bottoms Trail
This gentle nature trail is a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail. It is suitable for all ages and abilities, though it’s by no means uninteresting.
The trail will take you through the forest where you’ll cross a couple of small creeks and ends at the site of an old log cabin schoolhouse. It is known as the Little Greenbrier School.
If you want a little glimpse of what life looked like in the smokies over 100 years ago, this is a great experience. You can also be sure to encounter plenty of serene plants and wildlife.
Laurel Falls Trail
This is one of the park’s most popular hiking trails. So, plan to arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and get a good parking spot.
This 2.4-mile out-and-back trail is a must-see in the smokies, as you’ll hike to see the stunning 80-foot-tall Laurel Falls.
This is a wide, well-maintained, and slightly paved trail. Some areas may be slippery due to moisture from the waterfall.
Use caution and bring a good pair of trekking poles if you have them.
Mouse Creek Falls
Some of the easiest hikes in the smokies happen to be beautiful waterfall hikes, and Mouse Creek falls is no exception.
This easy 4-mile out-and-back trail takes you on Big Creek Trail that follows along Big Creek.
Along the way, you’ll find several popular swimming holes that are perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
You’ll know when to turn back as you reach Mouse Creek Falls, so it’s hard to get lost on this trail.
We love hiking the easier trails and also have a trip guide with the best easy hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Moderate/Difficult Hiking Trails
Maddron Bald Trail (moderate)
Most of the forests in the Smoky Mountains are what’s known as secondary growth. This is due to large-scale logging that took place in the early 1900s.
Thankfully, the Maddron Bald trail is one of the few hiking trails in the park where you can witness surreal old-growth forests and some of the tallest trees in the smokies.
Take the Maddron Bald Trail to the Albright Grove Loop for this 6.6-mile loop trail.
While this hike is considered moderate difficulty, those with a little bit of hiking experience will find this trail to be relatively easy.
Another great thing about this hike is it’s less well-known, so you can have a chance to get away from the crowds.
Chimney Tops Trail (difficult)
Perhaps one of the most famous and most visited hiking areas in the smokies is the Chimney Tops trail.
This strenuous uphill hike will reward you with gorgeous vistas of the surrounding area and Chimney Tops.
Unfortunately, since 2016 the summit has been closed off due to wildfire damage. You can still get a fantastic view from the observation area.
The hike itself is a 3.6-mile out-and-back trek that’s considered difficult mostly because of the incline.
Get ready to sweat and test your endurance. If you’re not an experienced hiker it can still be accomplished if you take your time and pace yourself.
Camping Options on a Smoky Mountains Trip
For the full outdoor experience of the smokies, there’s no better way to stay overnight than camping.
Below are a few ideas for where to go camping, ranging from roughing it to living in luxury.
Backcountry Camping in the Smokies
If you’re more of the adventurous type, backcountry camping is the best way to get away from the masses and enjoy some peace and quiet while fully immersed in nature.
There are many backcountry camping sites and shelters throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to choose from.
Make sure to plan a backpacking route and pack everything you’ll need.
Backcountry camping is only recommended for experienced campers and hikers.
You’ll also need a backcountry camping permit and practice leave no trace ethics for trash and waste items.
If you’re up for the challenge and willing to forgo a few modern conveniences, there’s nothing like the backcountry.
Front Country Camping (Campgrounds)
Front country camping, which is camping at one of the 10 established near-road campgrounds in the park.
It’s another great way to stay overnight in the smokies.
You’ll have the convenience of flush toilets, running water, and being surrounded by fellow campers.
Front country camping is the perfect happy medium where you can still have some modern comforts and access to your vehicle without sacrificing an authentic experience in the outdoors.
Just make sure you reserve a campsite well in advance, as spots will fill up quickly for the March – November peak season.
Some Campground options:
Cades Cove Campground – 10042 Campground Dr, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN 37882-5004
Elkmont Campground – Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN 37738
Balsam Mountain Campground – 107 Park Headquarters Rd, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN 37738-4102
Cabins/Glamping
If you’ve never been camping but still want to experience the Smokies, or you just don’t like the idea of going without a shower for a few days backcountry camping.
Perhaps a more comfortable lodging option is a better fit for you.
Check out The Ridge Outdoor Resort located in Sevierville, TN.
Enjoy luxury canvas “glamping” tents or tiny home cabins with all the comforts of home, while still being surrounded by nature.
It’s also a short driving distance from all the great hiking trails and scenic drives in the Smokies.
There’s no shame in wanting to be comfortable on your trip, so if that’s high on your priority list then you may want to give glamping a try.
Go “Glamping” this Spring by having your RV delivered for under $150 per day This is another great option for “glamping” with a group.
Cabin rental options:
Mountainside Escape Cabin– Gatlinburg
Great VRBO options – Getaway to Tennessee with these flexible cancellation vacation rentals from Vrbo!
Other Fun Things to Do and Natural Attractions in the Smoky Mountains
There are countless things to do in the smokies, but this being an outdoor travel guide here are a few more outdoor-focused ideas to fill your itinerary.
For a scenic drive, the Foothills Parkway is a great way to see the breathtaking views of the smoky mountains from the comfort of your vehicle.
On this drive, you’ll see unobstructed views of the foothills the smokies that lie between the flatlands of the Tennessee River and the smoky mountains themselves.
If you’re in the mood for a bit of an adrenaline rush, head over to Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park for some of the highest and fastest ziplining in the smokies. You can also walk on a 360-foot-long swinging bridge, which is the longest of its kind in the country!
Last but certainly not least, another must-see in the smokies is Clingman’s Dome, which lies on the Tennessee – North Carolina Border and is the highest point in the smokies.
After parking, take the steep walk to the tower where you can see spectacular 360 degrees of the surrounding area. It’s a view like no other, so don’t miss out on Clingman’s Dome.
Some other fun attractions to see on a Smoky Mountains trip
It might not be a totally natural attraction, but Ober Gatlinburg offers breathtaking views from the aerial tramway and is definitely worth a visit!
Don’t forget Dollywood and all of it’s amusement park fun. It is jointly owned by the “Queen of Appalachia”, iconic Dolly Parton, and is located in nearby Pigeon Forge. They also have music festivals and educational installations.
A great way to save on combining many of the fun attractions that the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge areas have to offer is to get a Smoky Mountains Sightseeing Pass !
Final Thoughts on the Best hikes, camping and fun in the Smoky Mountains
It’s easy to see why the smokies are one of the most visited destinations in the United States.
Endless outdoor activities, attractions, and breathtaking natural beauty make the Smokies a special place that all can enjoy.
If you’re looking for a guide to plan your next trip to the Smoky Mountains and want to spend as much time basking in nature as possible, use this guide to help you along the way and you won’t be sorry!
Have you tried any of these hikes or experiences?