If you like to experience the great outdoors, then a trip to The Great Smoky Mountains range is a must. The mountain range is across the Tennessee and the North Carolina border, but is a great spot, for locals and tourists alike. But what are the best things to do there? Here are some of the top things to do in the area. Whether you are planning a trip there or want to add the area to your bucket list, there are a number of things to do and experience. With things like historic sites, overlooks, plenty of wildlife, and stunning waterfalls, there is something for everyone in the Smokies.

Clingmans Dome

Climbing up Clingmans Dome is a must to add to the list! It is over 6,600 feet high, and it sits right at the top of the National Park in Tennessee. You can drive up to it, and then just have a short walk over to it, with its great observation tower right at the top. It is a popular spot, so if you want to avoid the crowds, it is best to go early in the morning to experience it when it is much quieter. You can head that direction in winter too, as it is a good spot for skiing and snowshoers.

With things like historic sites, amazing overlooks, & stunning waterfalls, there's something for anyone in the Smokies. Discover 6 of the Best Things To Do in The Great Smoky Mountains. #GreatSmokyMountains #USTravel #TravelAmerica
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Fontana Lake

There is a dam on the Little River that helps to form Fontana Lake, which is located along the southern border area of the park. A long and slim lake, there are nearly two-hundred and fifty miles of shoreline to experience, with kayaking, fishing, canoeing, paddle boarders, and swimmers. If you want to see it all, then you could also think about hiring out a boat from the village, or one of the outdoor centers. On a summer’s day, it is so stunning, with fantastic views in a pretty secluded spot.

History of the Pioneers

Way back before the area became a National Park, the area was home to a number of settlers who began farming in the area, due to the number of hidden valleys. As a result, these days, you will find nearly one-hundred of these historic buildings left all over the park. In the town of Cades Cove, you can find a great range of churches, barns, mills, and cabins, that all date back to the early 1800s which is pretty amazing. There are a number of museums that you can visit too, as well as structures all dating back to that time period. 

Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is a mountain town in eastern Tennessee, and most famously it is known for being the home of Dollywood. If you’ve not heard of Dollywood before, then it is Dolly Parton’s Appalachian-themed park with rides and a water park, as well as a place to see many of her costumes and themed memorabilia on display. You can learn more about the city and what to do, because there are other things to do in the area other than Dollywood. The other attractions in the city include country music festivals, dinner theaters, and outlet malls. But it is not just a place for music lovers. Because it is set in the mountains, you will discover it is also a good place to experience the great outdoors too.

Do Go Chasing Waterfalls

If you love waterfalls, then the good news is that there are a lot of them in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are over a hundred that you can experience, as there are miles and miles of rivers and streams. There are some trails to hike up to experience some of the most stunning waterfalls, such as Grotto, Laurel, or Rainbow Falls. You could also take some of the best motorcycle rides in America to see some if that suits you better. Or with Meigs Falls and The Sinks being some of the most accessible by driving, rev up the old convertible.

Hike the Appalachian Trail

There are so many great hiking trails in the area, so it is a must to add to the bucket list of walkers and hikers, and those that love to be outside. There are seventy-one miles of the Appalachian trail in the Smoky Mountains National Park. A lot of people, as you might imagine, won’t be able to do it all, but the good news is that there are some trails that can be done in just one day. You could hike the trail from Newfound Gap Road which takes you to Clingmans Dome, which is around seven miles in total. If you have got some more energy and want to do some more, then you could try the hike to Silers Bald, which is just west from Clingmans Dome.

So have you ever been to the Great Smoky Mountains? Is there anything we forgot to add that you think definitely needs to be on your bucket list when in the Great Smoky Mountain region? With all that there is to do there, which do you think is the absolute best things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains? Let us know in the comments below!

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