If you’re visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the first time, you’re in for a treat! There are many reasons why it’s the most visited national park — from its gorgeous sights, to its abundance of wildlife. To help you have the perfect trip, we’ve put together a list of the top 6 things to do when you visit the Smoky Mountains National Park for the first time.
1. Hike to a Waterfall
The Smoky Mountains are home to many gorgeous cascading waterfalls, and you’ll definitely want to take the time to explore some of the top waterfall hikes! One of the most popular waterfalls in the park is Laurel Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that has an upper and lower section divided by a walkway at the base of the upper section. To see the tallest waterfall in the park, hike the Ramsey Cascades Trail. Ramsey Cascades is a beautiful waterfall that drops 100 feet over rock outcroppings and collects in a pool at the bottom. The trail is 8 miles roundtrip and is definitely worth every step! Other popular waterfalls include Grotto Falls, Rainbow Falls and Abrams Falls.
2. Go Fishing
If you love to fish, then you will love visiting the national park. The park has 2,900 miles of streams, all of which you can fish in! It protects one of the last wild trout habitats in the eastern United States. There are a variety of angling experiences for you to enjoy, from remote, headwater trout streams to large, coolwater smallmouth bass streams. You can fish year-round, from sunrise to sunset.
3. Spot Wildlife
When you visit the Smoky Mountains, be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife! You have the chance to see a variety of wildlife, from white-tailed deer, to black bears, to turkeys. The best times to see wildlife are in the early mornings and late evenings. The national park has about 65 species of mammals, more than 200 varieties of birds, 67 native fish species and more than 80 types of reptiles and amphibians. One of the best spots to see wildlife is in Cades Cove.
4. Tour Cades Cove
Not only is Cades Cove a great place to view wildlife, it’s also one of the most popular spots in the park! One thing you have to do when you visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is tour Cades Cove. The Cades Cove Loop Road is an 11-mile, one-way loop that circles the cove and allows visitors to see the sights from the comfort of their vehicle. Along the tour, you can see a number of historic sites and buildings, white-tailed deer and other wildlife, and more. Before you tour Cades Cove, read our blog, “6 Stops You Have to Make Along the Cades Cove Loop.”
5. Have a Picnic
You’re bound to work up an appetite during all your exploring in the park, so why not pack a delicious picnic to enjoy in the fresh Smoky Mountain air? The park has a number of picnic sites for you to use that have picnic tables and a raised grill for cooking. Nothing will get you prepared for more fun in the park than a tasty lunch!
6. Enjoy the Views
While you’re having fun in the national park, spend some time taking in the breathtaking scenery around you. The Smoky Mountains offer gorgeous views during all the seasons, from snow-covered mountaintops in the winter to beautiful wildflowers in the spring. Make sure to bring a camera along to capture all the picture-perfect sights!
Parking Tag Requirements
If you've never been to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park before, you may not be aware of the parking tag requirement. Although there is no entrance view, visitors are required to purchase a parking tag if they plan on leaving their vehicles unattended for more than 15 minutes. You can choose to purchase a daily pass for $5, a weekly pass for $15, or an annual parking tag for $40. Parking tags can be purchased online or at welcome and visitor centers throughout the park. Make sure you get your parking tag in order to enjoy a smooth and stress-free visit in the park!
For more tips on what to do before you visit the Smoky Mountains National Park for the first time, read our blog, “Top 10 Things to Know About the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Before You Go,” then plan your trip!
