If you always wanted to experience the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and you’re not into hiking, you’ll still find plenty of ways to enjoy this spectacular destination! You can have a fantastic time in the Smoky Mountains without ever setting your foot on a trail, as the area offers everything from excellent visitor centers to gorgeous scenic overlooks! Here are 4 unique things to do in the Smokies that non-hikers will love:
1. Exploring the Visitor Centers
There are several official Visitor Centers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which make a perfect stop on your way into the park! These facilities offer a variety of resources that help you navigate through the park, and you can browse through the bookstore, talk to a park ranger, and take advantage of the convenient restroom facilities. Some of the Visitor Centers also feature some interesting exhibits, such as the extensive natural history exhibit at the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg. If you stop by the Cades Cove Visitor Center, don’t miss the indoor and outdoor exhibits of southern mountain life and culture!
2. Taking a Scenic Drive
Another one of the fun things to do in the Smokies that non-hikers will love is taking a scenic drive through the National Park! You can enjoy some stunning mountain views by car, and many of the roads feature pull-offs and overlooks where you can take in the breathtaking scenery! Some of the top scenic drives include the Foothills Parkway, Newfound Gap Road, Cades Cove Loop Road, and Clingmans Dome Road, so be sure to put at least one of these incredible drivers on your itinerary! Just keep in mind that you’ll need a Parking Tag for Great Smoky Mountains National Park when parking anywhere for longer than 15 minutes.
3. Enjoying the Activities at the Cades Cove Riding Stables
You’ll definitely want to experience Cades Cove during your visit to the Smokies, so consider one of the fun activities at the Cades Cove Riding Stables for the whole family! This is the only national-park-authorized riding stables of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Cades Cove, so hop up on a horse to enjoy a guided trail ride! The trail rides are appropriate for both beginner and experienced riders, and each horse has been handpicked for their calm temperament, athletic ability and willingness to please. Horseback riding not your thing? As an alternative, consider one of the Guided Carriage Rides or Guided Hayrides at the Cades Cove Riding Stables!
4. Staying Overnight in a Campground
One of the best ways to experience the magic of the Smokies is with an overnight stay at one of the campgrounds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! While there are backcountry sites that require hiking, there are also some beautiful frontcountry campsites that allow you to camp near your car! Some of the best campgrounds in the Smokies include the Cades Cove Campground, Elkmont Campground, Cataloochee Campground, Smokemont Campground, and the Cosby Campground.
Now that you know some of the fun things to do in the Smokies without hiking the trails, you’re all set for the perfect visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park! If you are looking for some accommodations near the park other than campground facilities, be sure to check out everything you need to know about where to stay in the Smokies!
