Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains
25 curated spots from Great Smoky Mountains itineraries
Activities & Attractions
12 curated experiences
Andrews Bald Trail
Moderate 3.5-mile roundtrip hike from near Clingmans Dome leading to a grassy bald with wide views and good photography opportunities.
2h 30m · Free
Cades Cove Loop Road
An 11-mile one-way loop through a broad valley with historic cabins, churches, and open fields where deer, turkey, and black bears are often spotted.[3]
3h · Free
Clingmans Dome Observation Tower
A steep but paved half-mile walk to a concrete observation tower on the highest point in the park, offering panoramic views in all directions.[2]
1h 30m · Free
Deep Creek Waterfalls Loop (Day Trip from Cherokee)
A relatively easy network of trails near Bryson City featuring multiple waterfalls, with options for short loops.
2h · Free
Gatlinburg Trail
An easy, mostly flat riverside trail starting near the Sugarlands Visitor Center, with bridge and stream photo spots and remnants of old homesteads.
1h 30m · Free
Laurel Falls Trail
A very popular, mostly paved 2.6-mile roundtrip hike to a picturesque waterfall and footbridge, accessed from Little River Road.
2h · Free
Mountaintop Zipline (Pigeon Forge Area)
A 2-hour zipline tour over forested hills near Pigeon Forge, offering multiple lines and views of the Smokies.[8][9]
2h · $60-90
Museum of the Cherokee People
Modern museum in Cherokee, NC, sharing the history, culture, and contemporary life of the Cherokee Nation.
1h 30m · $15-20
Newfound Gap Overlook
Major overlook straddling the Tennessee–North Carolina state line, with big mountain vistas and short walkways for photos.
45m · Free
Oconaluftee Visitor Center & Mountain Farm Museum
Park visitor center on the North Carolina side with adjacent historic farm buildings and an often-wildlife-rich riverside field.
1h 30m · Free
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
A one-way, 5.5-mile loop drive through dense forest with creek views, old cabins, and short trail options; access from Historic Nature Trail Road in Gatlinburg.
2h 30m · Free
Sugarlands Visitor Center
Main park visitor center near Gatlinburg with exhibits on Smokies ecology, a short nature trail, and rangers who can update you on closures.
45m · FreeRestaurants & Food
13 local favorites
Cherokee Grill
Mountain lodge atmosphere with steaks, trout, and good cocktails; the crab cakes and trout are local favorites.
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Crockett’s Breakfast Camp
Hearty mountain breakfasts with skillets, cinnamon rolls, and biscuits; go for a skillet and share a cinnamon roll.
1h · $15-25 per person
Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro
Upscale-but-rustic Appalachian-inspired restaurant using local ingredients, with a cozy dining room and outdoor fire pits.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Log Cabin Pancake House
Classic Smokies pancake house with crepes, omelets, and biscuits; choose a specialty pancake plate.
45m · $12-20 per person
Lunch at The Island in Pigeon Forge
Choose from several mid-range spots like Paula Deen’s or Mellow Mushroom on The Island, a walkable entertainment complex.
1h · $18-30 per person
Native Brews Tap & Grill
Cherokee-owned brewery and grill serving burgers, sandwiches, and local brews near the center of Cherokee.
1h · $15-25 per person
Newfound Gap Picnic (Pack-In Lunch)
Pack sandwiches, fruit, and snacks from Gatlinburg and enjoy them at a scenic pullout or picnic area along Newfound Gap Road.
45m · $10-15 per person
Old Mill Restaurant Breakfast
Breakfast at the historic Old Mill complex with stone-ground grits and biscuits made from flour milled on-site.
1h · $15-22 per person
Peter’s Pancakes & Waffles
Beloved breakfast spot in Cherokee with big portions of pancakes, waffles, and egg plates.
45m · $10-18 per person
Picnic Area near Cades Cove
Pack a picnic and use one of the designated picnic areas near the Cades Cove entrance, with tables and creek-side spots.
45m · $10-15 per person
The Park Grill
Rustic lodge-style restaurant near the park entrance serving trout, steaks, and a big salad bar; try the rainbow trout or a burger.
1h 15m · $20-35 per person
The Peddler Steakhouse
Riverside steakhouse where servers cut steaks tableside; also known for a solid salad bar and relaxed atmosphere.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Townsend Pancake House
Low-key, local spot for pancakes, eggs, and coffee right in Townsend before you enter the park at the quieter western side.
45m · $10-18 per personMore on Great Smoky Mountains
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