Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains—America’s most visited national park! Whether you’re here for adventurous hikes, scenic drives, or charming mountain towns, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville offer endless outdoor fun, family attractions, and delicious Southern dining.

Explore the best things to do in the Smokies, from famous landmarks to hidden gems that most tourists miss!

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Top Attractions in the Smoky Mountains

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park 

✔ Over 800 miles of hiking trails with stunning waterfalls and wildlife
✔ No entrance fee—one of the few free U.S. national parks!
✔ Best scenic spots: Clingmans Dome, Cades Cove, and Newfound Gap

📍 Park Entrances: Gatlinburg, Townsend, Cherokee

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2. Cades Cove Scenic Loop 

✔ 11-mile driving loop with breathtaking mountain views
✔ Best place to spot black bears, deer, and wild turkeys
✔ Historic cabins and churches from the 1800s

📍 Location: Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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3. Anakeesta (A Must-Visit in Gatlinburg!)

✔ Ride the chondola (chairlift + gondola) to a mountaintop village
✔ Walk the Treetop Skywalk—the longest tree-based bridge in North America!
✔ Thrilling zip lines & mountain coaster

📍 Location: 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN

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4. Dollywood (Tennessee’s #1 Theme Park!)

✔ Thrilling roller coasters & live country music
✔ Splash Country water park (perfect for summer trips!)
✔ Southern-style dining & famous cinnamon bread

📍 Location: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN

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Best Outdoor Activities in the Smoky Mountains

5. Hike to Laurel Falls & Abrams Falls 

✔ Laurel Falls – Easy paved trail, perfect for families! (2.6 miles round trip)
✔ Abrams Falls – A more challenging but rewarding hike (5.5 miles round trip)

📍 Best Time to Go: Spring (wildflowers) or Fall (colorful foliage)

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6. Ride the Ober Mountain Aerial Tramway 

✔ Scenic 2.1-mile ride from Gatlinburg to the mountaintop
✔ Snow tubing & skiing in winter, mountain coaster in summer

📍 Location: 1339 Ski Mountain Rd, Gatlinburg, TN

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7. Go Whitewater Rafting on the Pigeon River 

✔ Class III-IV rapids for thrill-seekers
✔ Family-friendly float trips available

📍 Best Rafting Company: Smoky Mountain Outdoors Rafting

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8. Explore the Forbidden Caverns (Hidden Gem!)

✔ Underground cave system with waterfalls & rare rock formations
✔ Less crowded than other attractions

📍 Location: 455 Blowing Cave Rd, Sevierville, TN

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Best Restaurants in the Smoky Mountains

9. The Peddler Steakhouse (Romantic Riverside Dining!)

✔ Hand-cut steaks & fresh mountain trout
✔ Beautiful views of the Little Pigeon River

📍 Location: 820 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN

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10. The Old Mill Restaurant (Southern Comfort Food!)

✔ Famous for cornbread, fried chicken, & homemade desserts
✔ Located in Pigeon Forge’s historic Old Mill Square

📍 Location: 164 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN

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11. Crockett’s Breakfast Camp (Best Breakfast in Gatlinburg!)

✔ Giant cinnamon rolls, fluffy pancakes & skillet breakfasts
✔ Rustic, lodge-style atmosphere

📍 Location: 1103 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN

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12. The Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant (Hidden Gem!)

✔ Apple fritters & homemade apple butter served with every meal!
✔ Down-home country cooking with a beautiful mountain setting

📍 Location: 240 Apple Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN

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Hidden Gems & Lesser-Known Adventures

13. The Sinks Waterfall & Swimming Hole (Local Secret!)

✔ Hidden swimming hole with cascading waterfalls
✔ Less crowded than more popular falls

📍 Location: Off Little River Road, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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14. Elkmont Ghost Town (Haunted History!)

✔ Abandoned vacation cabins from the 1900s
✔ Eerie photography & exploration spot

📍 Location: Elkmont Road, near Gatlinburg

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15. Synchronized Fireflies at Elkmont (Natural Wonder!)

✔ Once-a-year phenomenon where thousands of fireflies blink in sync!
✔ Occurs in late May - early June (Lottery system for tickets)

📍 Best Viewing Spot: Elkmont, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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Stay with Us for the Ultimate Smoky Mountain Getaway!

Our Smoky Mountain cabins offer:
✔ Private hot tubs & stunning mountain views
✔ Cozy fireplaces & full kitchens
✔ Easy access to top attractions in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

Book Direct & Save! Get the best rates by booking your mountain retreat with us.