One of the most visited national parks in the U.S., offering breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures. Highlights: Scenic drives, waterfalls, and hiking trails (like Laurel Falls) Wildlife viewing and historic sites like Cades Cove Activities ranging from short walks to full-day hikes 👉 A must-see natural attraction in the region.
Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) is the highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, rising to 6,643 feet. Located near Newfound Gap along the Tennessee–North Carolina border, this iconic summit offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding Smoky Mountains. The site is deeply rooted in Cherokee heritage, with its original name reflecting cultural and historical significance. Visitors can reach the top via a steep, half-mile paved trail that leads to a distinctive observation tower. Access to the summit road is seasonal, typically closing from early December through March due to winter conditions.
A scenic, broad valley inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, known for its beautiful mountain views, abundant wildlife, and well-preserved historic structures. It features an 11-mile one-way loop road that takes you around the valley, where you can stop to see restored 19th-century log homes, barns, churches, and a working grist mill that reflect early Appalachian life. Along the drive you’ll often spot wildlife like deer, turkeys, and black bears, enjoy picnicking, explore hiking trails, and visit the onsite visitor center and campground
Laurel Falls trail is one of the most popular trails in the park as it's a short, paved and easy hike to the falls. It’s only a few miles from Sugarlands Visitor Center, right outside Gatlinburg.
Admire a gorgeous waterfall from the comfort of your vehicle. Located along Little River Road, Meigs Falls features a spacious pull-out area for easy viewing. This makes it one of the most accessible waterfalls in the park.
During times of heavy rain, numerous little cascades make up this waterfall located along Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This roadside waterfall can be easily seen from the comfort of your vehicle or at a nearby pull-out.
The five-mile round trip along Abrams Creek is a moderate hike that’s worth every step. Cross the wooden bridge, and follow the path along the Cades Cove Valley floor among pine, oak, hemlock and rhododendron.
A short but rushing cascade, the Sinks is a gushing waterfall located along Little River Road with an interesting history. Historically, the Little River was used by commercial loggers. One day, several logs became jammed, so the loggers decided to use dynamite to resolve the issue. Consequently, their explosion blasted a bend in the river, creating the Sinks.
Rainbow Falls is one of the most popular waterfall hikes in the Smoky Mountains, known for its stunning 80-foot drop and misty spray that creates colorful rainbows on sunny days. There are several great picnic sites along this stretch of trail. There are two footbridges along the way; one at 1.7 miles, and another before reaching the 80-foot high waterfall, located approximately 2.7 miles from the trailhead.
Ramsey Cascades is the highest waterfall accessible by trail in the park. Most of the water comes from the 6621′ Mt. Guyot, the second-highest mountain in the Great Smoky Mountains. Water drops 100 feet over rock outcroppings and collects in a small pool where numerous salamanders can be found. The trail to the waterfall gains over 2,000′ in elevation over its four-mile course and the eight-mile roundtrip hike is considered strenuous but well worth the effort.
There’s something magical about standing behind a wall of water as it cascades to the ground at Grotto, the only waterfall in the Smokies where you can do this. The walk to Grotto is as easy as pie. It’s just minutes out of Gatlinburg, right off the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, so make it the first stop on your day trip into the park.
Baskins Creek Trail is a 2.7-mile uphill route through a forest that includes a secluded 2 tiered, 40 foot waterfall. This trail is a rarely traveled trail considering its proximity to other more popular trails like Rainbow Falls and the hike to Grotto Falls.
