Hiking is a widely beloved activity at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you love the area and want to stick around after your hike, there is much more to experience. Read on to learn more! Here is a list of 3 fun things to do after hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
1. Have a Picnic
After a fun hike, you’ll need a way to regain energy and strength. Pack a lunch and enjoy it in one of the picnic areas. Make some sandwiches or get takeout from a restaurant. If you’re hiking with loved ones, enjoying a meal is a simple way to spend more time together. Talk about the scenery around you and reminisce on vacation memories. Does your hiking crew include a fur baby? If so, you’ll love that Fido can relax alongside everyone in the picnic areas. Make sure you clean up after your pet and keep them on a short leash (no more than 6 inches).
2. Take a Scenic Drive
Another great activity to do after your hike is to take a scenic drive. It is a less strenuous way to see more of the beautiful sights that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has to offer. There is no wrong choice when choosing a route. A popular one is Cades Cove Loop Road, an 11-mile loop that is open year-round. It is located in the most-visited area of the park. Look out for the John Oliver Cabin and Primitive Baptist Church. These are just two of the many structures that are remnants of the once-thriving settlement that existed before the park was established. There are other great options that are open seasonally. For example, visitors can drive on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail from the end of March to the beginning of December. While it is only 5.5 miles one-way, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is jam-packed with beautiful scenery. They are quaint historical structures such as the Alfred Regan Place and the Ephraim Bales Cabin. You can also see some of the park’s breathtaking waterfalls, such as Grotto Falls and Baskins Creek Falls.
3. Go Camping
Stay in the park overnight after your hike at one of the great campsites. They can be either frontcountry or backcountry. Frontcountry campgrounds allow you to stay near your vehicle and have access to restrooms with cold running water. Some even have food lockers too. On the other hand, backcountry campgrounds are a little more secluded and require visitors to hike to the campground. Another difference between the two types is availability. Frontcountry campgrounds are open year-round while backcountry campgrounds are open during the warmer months. If you travel with Fido, you’ll be happy to know that dogs are permitted on campgrounds. No matter which campground you choose, it will be a fun and memorable time!
Now you know of some fun things to do after hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Need to plan the hike? We can help with that too! Take a look at our guide to planning a hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
