With so many amazing places to visit in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it can be tough to decide where to go when you visit! While there are plenty of popular spots that many people know about, such as Cades Cove and Clingmans Dome, there are also lots of lesser-known spots in the park that provide visitors with the chance to discover the Smokies in new and exciting ways while also avoiding peak crowds. If you’re looking for some of the best lesser-known things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, read on and discover your next adventure today!
1. Walk to Hen Wallow Falls
If you’re looking to take a pleasant walk and see beautiful sights, you’ll love stopping by Hen Wallow Falls! This waterfall is 90 feet high and fans out to be 20 feet at the base, plus it presents lots of opportunities to spot the many types of salamanders that call the Smoky Mountains home. If you choose to visit Hen Wallow Falls in the winter, you may even get to see the waterfall frozen into an icy pillar! You can access Hen Wallow Falls by taking a 4.4-mile round trip along Gabes Mountain Trail, with options to continue past the falls or turn around.
2. Visit Fontana Dam
As the tallest concrete dam east of the Rocky Mountains at 480 feet, Fontana Dam is an impressive sight and one of the best lesser-known things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The dam produces hydroelectric power from the Little Tennessee River and the lake offers opportunities to go boating and fishing during warmer times of year. If you are interested in learning about Tennessee history and observing one of the area’s early technological marvels, you’ll definitely want to make a stop at Fontana Dam!
3. Hike Along Deep Creek
Deep Creek is an area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that is perfect for a variety of activities, such as hiking and mountain biking. While mountain biking is not permitted in many sections of the park, Deep Creek is an exception, which allows biking enthusiasts to explore the Smokies from their bicycles! This area also has plenty of hiking trails and even features backcountry campsites for those looking for an extended adventure.
4. Check Out Juney Whank Falls
Another of the most interesting and not very well known things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is to check out Juney Whank Falls, a two-level waterfall that is more than 90 feet tall! This waterfall is named after Junaluska “Juney” Whank, who is rumored to be buried in the area. Visitors who want to visit this scenic spot can reach it by hiking a total of 0.8 miles along a moderately difficult trail.
5. Discover Mouse Creek Falls
Mouse Creek Falls is another good spot in the National Park to visit, as not only will visitors get an opportunity to see the falls themselves, but will also pass Midnight Hole, a deep pool below a 6 foot waterfall. The hike to Mouse Creek Falls is a 4-mile round trip and is considered moderately difficult.
With these fun things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll have no trouble enjoying this stunning location in unique and interesting ways while also avoiding large crowds. And if you’re looking for even more fun adventures, check out even more things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
