There are some incredible places in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park everyone wants to see. When you see these hiking trails and scenic drives, you’ll understand why they are so popular. Here are 5 of the most popular places in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
1. Cades Cove
The most popular place in the national park is Cades Cove. This area is absolutely breathtaking any time of the year since you get to see empty fields with wildflowers in the spring and impressive mountain views. Cades Cove is also a popular place to go if you want to see wildlife. Although there’s no guarantee you’ll see any, it is one of the places you are more likely to see animals. The Loop is 11 miles long, and people drive around to take in the beauty and get out to explore the historic buildings. There are also quite a few trailheads along the Cades Cove Loop.
2. Clingmans Dome
Clingmans Dome is another popular place in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is off of Newfound Gap, a road that stretches from Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Cherokee, North Carolina. To get to the observation tower, you’ll hike up a paved path that is 0.5 of a mile long, and then you’ll have incredible mountain views. On clear days, you can see up to 100 miles away. This is a great place to take your family if you want to see mountain views and explore.
3. Laurel Falls
Laurel Falls is one of the most popular hiking trails in the national park. It is considered easy, and the path is paved, which is probably what makes it so popular. You’ll see couples, families, and individuals hiking this trail. The roundtrip length is 2.6 miles. It’s a beautiful hike any time of the year. Once you reach the top, you’ll see the 80-foot-tall waterfall split into two tiers. You walk across the falls on a footbridge and can take pictures in front of it. Laurel Falls is especially popular with families who have kids and want to go hiking.
4. Roaring Fork Motor Trail
Scenic drives are a popular thing to do in the Smokies, and Roaring Fork Motor Trail is a great drive to try. It’s close to Gatlinburg, and there are quite a few spots along the drive people love to explore. You can get to Grotto Falls and Rainbow Falls trailheads from this drive, and you can explore the famous Noah “Bud” Ogle cabin. Roaring Fork is another place where you are more likely to see wildlife along the way, but there’s no guarantee you’ll see any.
5. Alum Cave
A moderate hiking trail that’s heavily traveled all throughout the year is Alum Cave Trail. To get to the bluffs and back, the roundtrip length is 4.6 miles. You can also use this trail to reach the summit of Mount LeConte. There are all kinds of rock features along this trail, including Arch Rock and the bluffs of Alum Cave. You’ll enjoy mountain views and wooded views along your hike.
If you’re excited about seeing these popular places, be sure to check out these popular things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains too!
These popular places in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are probably some of the places you want to see when you’re in town. Want to know about more secluded places you don’t want to miss? Check out these hidden places in the Great Smoky Mountains!
