Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses over 800 square miles and is one of the most pristine natural areas in the East.  Below are just a few of the eco-adventures you can enjoy in the Park.  www.nps.gov/grsm

 

          Hiking

         The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker’s paradise offering over 800 miles of maintained trails.  The park offers a wide range of trails for all abilities -- from easy walks to challenging treks.  Destinations include waterfalls, historical structures, old growth forests and incredible vistas.  Great Smoky Mountain National Park is also home to 70 miles of the world famous Appalachian Trail. 

 

          Fishing

          The Park has about 2,115 miles of streams within its boundaries, and protects one of the last wild trout habitats in the eastern United States.   The park offers a wide variety of angling experiences from remote, headwater trout streams to large, cool water smallmouth bass streams.  Fishing is permitted year-round in the park.  A valid fishing license is required and some restrictions apply within the park.  Consult the Park website for details.

 

          Picnicing

          Picnic areas are located throughout the Park or you can take a nice hike and enjoy your picnic along one of the many trails or streams.

 

          Bicycling

          Bicycles can travel on most roads within the Park, but due to steep terrain and narrow roads they are not well-suited for inexperienced riders.  However, the Cades Cove Loop Road is an excellent place to ride and enjoy wildlife viewing and touring.  Beginning the second week in May and ending in late September, the loop road is closed to motor vehicle traffic Wednesday and Saturday mornings until 10:00 am to allow bicyclists and pedestrians to enjoy the cove.   The gravel access road to the Greenbrier area of the park makes a nice warm-up for mountain bikers.

 

          Historic Buildings

          The Park holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States.  Nearly 80 historic structures have been preserved or rehabilitated in the Park.  Consult the website for more details on locations.

 

          Birding

          The National Park is a premier place for birding.  Some 240 species of birds have been found in the park.  Sixty species are year-round residents.  Nearly 120 species breed in the park, including 52 species from the neo-tropics.

 

          Auto Touring

          Enjoyment of the Park is not limited just to those that can set out on foot.  An auto tour of the Park offers a variety of experiences, including panoramic views, tumbling mountain streams, weathered historic buildings, and mature hardwood forests stretching to the horizon.  There are 384 miles of road to choose from in the Smokies.  Most are paved, and even the gravel roads are maintained in suitable condition for standard passenger cars.

 

A Walk in the Woods

Dedicated to raising environmental awareness through direct, positive experiences with nature, this  Nature Guide Service offers Interpretive guided nature walks, guided hikes, and birding and salamander treks.  A Walk in the Woods has over ten years of experience offering spectacular trips into the Smokies.  Their experienced guides will take you to incredible vistas, gentle cascades, waterfalls, majestic ancient forests, crystal clear mountain streams, old home sites, graveyards and hidden trails.  www.awalkinthewoods.com

 

Smoky Mountain Llama Treks

Experience a truly unique way to enjoy the Smokies on a Llama trek!  Hike easy to moderate trails in the pristine forests of the Smoky Mountains and the beautiful Pisgah National Forest.  Each hiker has his OWN fluffy llama to lead (not ride!) which will carry all food, gear and supplies for you!  Have fun learning about, and experience this unique animal while enjoying awesome mountain views, wondrous wildflowers and wildlife in its natural state.  Treks range from 2-hours to all day and can include a gourmet picnic lunch.  www.smokymountainllamatreks.com

 

Smoky Mountain Riding Stables

 

Enjoy a peaceful view of the Great Smoky Mountains on the back of a well-trained horse.  Our natural beautiful horseback riding trails inside the National Park await you with an experienced guide that just might lead you into a flock of wild turkeys, a herd of wild deer or even a black bear climbing a tree.  www.smokymountainridingstables.com

 

Rafting in the Smokies

 

Based in Gatlinburg, their 30 years of experience carries a prominent reputation for excellence in the Smoky Mountain area.  Feel the excitement as one of Rafting in the Smokies’ certified guides demonstrate their passion for whitewater by escorting you down the Upper Pigeon River and the Lower Pigeon Float Trip.  www.smokymountainrafting.com

 

Caverns

          Tuckaleechee Caverns

          Billed as “the greatest sight under the Smokies,” Tuckaleechee Caverns is located just off of Hwy 321 near Townsend, Tennessee.  Tuckaleechee features a variety of beautiful formations.  www.smokymountains.org

 

          Forbidden Caverns

          Forbidden Caverns, near Sevierville, is one of America’s most spectacular caves.  It provides the visitor with an entertaining and educational 1-hour walking tour past sparkling formations, towering natural chimneys, numerous grottos, and a crystal-clear stream.  www.forbiddencavern.com

 

Historic Gatlinburg Walking and Driving Tour

 

Brochures are available through the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce providing an historical tour through the town of Gatlinburg.  Both a walking and driving tour are featured in the brochure.  The tours were developed as a project of the Heritage Marketing Action Team of the Gatlinburg Gateway Foundation.

 

Tennessee Museum of Aviation

 

This 50,000 sq.ft. facility is located right beside the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport in Sevierville, Tennessee.   This unique location makes bringing aviation history to life possible as airworthy vintage aircraft are sometimes seen performing flight demonstrations.  Visitors have the opportunity to observe magnificently restored Warbirds; walk down engine row; and take a glimpse at future projects waiting for restoration.  www.tnairmuseum.com

 

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

 

A world-class facility, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is literally teaming with life – over 10,000 exotic sea creatures comprise more than 350 individual species.  There are more fish living in this aquarium than there are people living in the entire town of Gatlinburg!  www.ripleysaquariumofthesmokies.com

 

Dollywood

 

Unique as its namesake Dolly Parton, Dollywood theme park is a one-of-a-kind Smoky Mountain Adventure!  Spanning  125 acres and nestled in the lush foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Dollywood has something for everyone - from thrilling roller coasters to live entertainment featuring country, bluegrass, mountain and gospel music to master craftsmen demonstrating centuries-old crafts like blacksmithing, glass blowing and wood carving. www.dollywood.com