Tourists flock to the Great Smoky Mountains every year because of the wide range of activities and sights to offer. It is an outdoor paradise. Whether you are a hiker, a canoer, a whitewater rafter or a car enthusiast, the smokies has something for you.
About The Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains a.ka Smokies are a mountain range rising along the Tennessee, North Carolina border in the southeastern United States. They are a subrange of the Appalachian Mountain. First established as a national park in the 1930s, the range gets its name from the natural mist or haze that forms over the top of the mountains.
Things To Do In The Smokies
- Visit Cades Cove
Cades Cove Loop Road is among the most visited and the top 10 attractions at Smokies. It is an incredible 7,000-acre valley that was first inhabited by the Cherokee Indians when they settled in the area. The loop road is popular with visitors as it stands as testament to the pioneers of the early 19th century. Homesteads, mills, churches, and other fascinating buildings line the incredible countryside at the side of this one-way loop road.
- Tour Roaring Fork
Roaring Fork is a motor nature trail and is a monument to the combination of power and beauty that only nature can provide. Roaring Fork too offers a number of old buildings but in the same plentiful supply as on Cades Cover Loop Road. Instead you will be privy to viewing some of the most exquisite streams, forests, waterfalls, and wildlife. This trail also offers access to Grotto Falls and Rainbow Falls.
- Follow The Nature Trail
The Smokies are a genuine haven for hikers and cyclists. By getting out of the car and taking the time to follow some of the less beaten paths it is possible to leave the rest of the world behind and relax in sumptuous, natural surroundings. Hiking really is the best way to make the most of a trip to the Smoky Mountains. Trail maps are easy to get hold of and the nature of the mountains means that you will never be stuck for somewhere to go or something to see.
- Hike to Waterfalls
Over 100 prominent cascades and waterfalls can be found inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park plus numerous smaller cascades and falls on the 2,000 miles of streams and rivers. Hike the well-worn trails to view Grotto, Laurel, Abrams, or Rainbow Falls or drive to Meigs Falls, The Sinks, or Place of a Thousand Drips. Pick up a copy of the park's official trail map from any visitor center before hitting the trail to these waterfalls.
- Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Choose from dozens of excursions departing from Bryson City. Trips range from 3 ½ hours to a full day of fun and adventure. This is the most kid-friendly of Smoky Mountain attractions.
With 53 miles of track, two tunnels and 25 bridges, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will take you on a memorable journey through a remote and beautiful corner of North Carolina. Ride into river gorges, across valleys and through tunnels carved out of majestic mountains.
- Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Vacations
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee vacations are so popular because they provide convenient and appealing access to the whole of the Smoky Mountain and surrounding area. They offer the perfect base location for family holidays and choosing the right accommodation means you can stay in a luxury cabin at night and hike or drive through the increasable Smoky Mountain scenery during the day. Alternatively, you can visit Dollywood or any of the other local attractions.
