After experiencing a visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll be left with some amazing memories to last a lifetime! Whether you explored the natural and historic wonders of Cades Cove, felt the refreshing mist of the 100-foot-tall Ramsey Cascades, or ventured to the high mountain peak of Kuwohi, you’ll always cherish this spectacular time in the Smokies! If you’re looking for some additional ways to remember your adventures, check out these top 4 ways to commemorate your visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
1. Purchase Souvenirs from the Visitor Centers
Each of the GSMNP visitor centers features a bookstore and shop where you can pick up all kinds of souvenirs to remember your trip! Whether you want to pick up a t-shirt to show off to your family and friends, a book about the park’s extensive wildlife, or a magnet to put on your refrigerator, you’ll find plenty of fantastic options!
In addition to the official visitor centers, there is a gift shop located at the Institute at Tremont and a camp store located near the Cades Cove Campground. Your purchases help fund park operations, so this is a perfect way to give back to the park too!
2. Keep a Detailed Journal of Your Adventures
Another one of the top ways to commemorate your visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is with a journal of your adventures! Once some time has passed since your trip, it can be difficult to remember those small details that made your experience extra special! By keeping a journal throughout your visit, you can make notes of specific details like the hiking conditions, weather, wildlife sightings, and more! You can customize the journal to fit your specific style, which could be anything from drawing your own map of the park and marking your hiking route to cutting up brochures to create a scrapbook style of journal!
3. Take Lots and Lots of Photographs
Make sure your cell phone is fully charged before entering GSMNP, as you’ll want to take lots of photographs during your time in the Smokies! You never know what you’ll see while hiking along one of the 150 officially maintained hiking trails, and there are plenty of places to capture amazing views of the Smoky Mountains! Regardless of which season you are visiting the park, you’ll always find stunning natural wonders to photograph! The spring months offer gorgeous wildflowers, while the summer offers lush green forests. Meanwhile, autumn features breathtaking foliage, and winter has dramatic snow-covered landscapes!
4. Buy Merchandise at Souvenir Shops in Surrounding Towns
If you forgot to buy that special souvenir during all the excitement of visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll find lots of gift shops in the surrounding towns of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville! Some of the most popular souvenir stores in the Smokies include the Three Bears General Store, Cherokee Trading Post, Mountain Brothers General Store, Old Mill General Store, Nantahala Outdoor Center, and the Ogle Brothers General Store!
Now that you know how to commemorate your visit to the Smokies, check out the operating hours and seasonal information for Great Smoky Mountains National Park to plan your trip!
