National Park · NC, TN

Things to do in Great Smoky Mountains

The National Park Service lists 45 things to do at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 0 have no extra fee, 45 need no reservation, and 6 allow pets. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.

Updated · NPS Data API

All (45) Hiking (41)Scenic Driving (4)

Hike Bradley Fork Trail

The Bradley Fork Trail offers a scenic and diverse outdoor experience, featuring picturesque creeks, seasonal wildflowers, fishing access, horseback riding opportunities, and backcountry camping.

Fee applies

Hiking

A trail with wooden steps wandering through the woods, in the lower corner is a hiker icon.
Photo: NPS

Hike Cove Hardwood Trail

Hike 0.75 miles (1.2 km) roundtrip on Cove Hardwood Trail to explore a forest of giants and wind through a lush mountainside.

Fee applies

Hiking

A small lake surrounded by trees and a rolling mountain in the background.
Photo: NPS Photo

Hike Goldmine Loop via Tunnel Bypass Trail

Hike 4 miles (6.4 km) on Lakeshore and Goldmine Loop trails through a hardwood forest filled with signs of old homesites and farms. This trail is moderate but includes some rocky areas and shallow stream crossings.

Fee applies

Hiking

Stairs and a log bridge with handrails cross a stream near trees and rocks. A hiker icon in corner.
Photo: NPS Photo

Hike Kephart Prong Trail to Historic CCC Camp

Follow the flow of mountain streams 4 miles (6.4 km) roundtrip through hardwood forest and across several log footbridges to the remains of a CCC camp and the Kephart Shelter.

Fee applies

Hiking

A rocky river in the forest with a hiker icon at the bottom of the page.
Photo: NPS

Hike Little River Trail

Once a railroad bed, the Little River Trail now offers a peaceful hike through the Elkmont area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Fee applies

Hiking

Flame azaleas, green undergrowth, and trees in foreground of a distant mountain view under clouds.
Photo: NPS Photo

Hike on Chestnut Top Trail

Hike 5.6 miles (9 km) roundtrip on a trail that climbs steadily through mixed hardwood forest to a ridgetop where American chestnut trees were once abundant. Fall leaf color and plentiful spring wildflowers remain a draw on this trail.

Fee applies

Hiking

Hike Porters Creek Trail

Porters Creek is a peaceful trail that is filled with history and natural wonders, hike as far as you'd like to explore. If you are up for about a 4-mile roundtrip hike you can visit the beautiful Fern Branch Falls.

1-3 Hours Fee applies

Hiking

A footlog bridge over a stream in the forest.
Photo: NPS

Hike Smokemont Nature Trail

Hike 0.62-mile (1 km) roundtrip on Smokemont Nature Trail which provides a peaceful escape and views of the surrounding peaks.

Fee applies

Hiking

Hike the Deep Creek Waterfalls Loop

See three waterfalls on a loop around the Deep Creek area. Hike 2.4 miles (3.9 km) on several short trail segments to reach Juney Whank Falls, Indian Creek Falls, and Tom Branch Falls.

Fee applies

Hiking

A bridge over a river surrounded by green trees. A road past the bridge in the distance.
Photo: NPS Photo

Hike the Gatlinburg Trail

Enjoy a riverside stroll approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) roundtrip through a cove hardwood forest along one of the only dog- and bike-friendly trails in the park. This trail includes sections of sidewalks and roadsides as well as graded dirt path.

Fee applies Pets allowed

Hiking

A wide, curving river lined by green trees. Hiker icon in corner.
Photo: NPS Photo

Hike the Oconaluftee River Trail

Enjoy a riverside stroll approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) roundtrip on one of the only pet- and bike-friendly trails in the park. This popular trail is relatively flat, wide, and graveled and follows the Oconaluftee River through elk habitat and hardwood forest.

Fee applies Pets allowed

Hiking

Hike to Abrams Falls

Walk 5 miles (8 km) roundtrip through rhododendron, hemlock, and pine-oak forest to a 25-foot (7.6-m) waterfall and scenic pool. Swimming in the pool is not recommended due to slippery rocks and a dangerous undertow.

Fee applies

Hiking

A cave like overhang over a trail with a mountain view.
Photo: NPS

Hike to Alum Cave Bluffs

Hike 4.6 miles (7.4 km) roundtrip to see the Alum Cave Bluffs and stroll through Arch Rock on this popular hike on Alum Cave Trail. The trail crosses two mountain streams via footbridges before it climbs through sections of old-growth forest.

Fee applies

Hiking

Hike to Andrews Bald

Hike 3.6 miles (5.8 km) roundtrip descending through high-elevation, spruce-fir forest to a popular grassy bald known for its flowering azaleas in summer and views of the surrounding mountains.

Fee applies

Hiking

Hike to Charlies Bunion

Hike a popular section of the Appalachian Trail for 8 miles (12.9 km) roundtrip through spruce-fir forest to enjoy panoramic views and a unique rocky outcrop surrounded by exposed cliffs.

Fee applies

Hiking

Hike to Chasteen Creek Cascade

Hike 3.6 miles (5.8 km) roundtrip through hardwood forest following the path of mountain streams to a peaceful cascade. This trail is wide, well-graded, and regularly used by both hikers and horse riders.

Fee applies

Hiking

Hike to Chimney Tops Overlook

Hike 3.5 miles (5.6 km) roundtrip on this popular but challenging trail to enjoy views of surrounding mountains and the Chimney Tops pinnacles. This trail is steep and rocky at times, and includes bridges, stairs, and some lingering signs of 2016 wildfires.

Fee applies

Hiking

A waterfall surrounded by rocks, moss, and plants. Trail leads behind it. A hiker icon in corner.
Photo: NPS Photo

Hike to Grotto Falls

Hike 2.6 miles (4.2 km) roundtrip on Trillium Gap Trail as it crosses multiple streams and sections of old-growth forest to reach a unique waterfall you can walk behind. This trail is well-traveled but prone to muddy and slippery conditions.

Fee applies

Hiking

Waterfall that starts thin and fans out at the bottom. Boulders near base and vegetation on sides.
Photo: NPS Photo/Davis

Hike to Hen Wallow Falls

Hike 4.3 miles (6.9 km) roundtrip through a hardwood forest with hemlock and rhododendron to a popular 90-foot (27-m) waterfall. This trail includes some steep sections and switchbacks.

Fee applies

Hiking

An elevated, paved walkway to a round observation tower overlooking mountains. Hiker icon in corner.
Photo: NPS Photo/Bennett

Hike to Kuwohi

Walk one mile (1.6 km) roundtrip from the Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) parking area along a steep paved path to an iconic and popular observation tower with panoramic views from the highest peak in the Smokies.

Fee applies

Hiking

Hike to Laurel Falls

Hike 2.6 miles (4.2 km) roundtrip through a mixed hardwood forest to an 80-foot (24-m) waterfall. Enjoy a few views of the mountain landscape before arriving at the waterfall.

Fee applies

Hiking

Hike to Look Rock Tower

Walk along a short, paved trail 0.8 miles (1.3 km) through the forest to an observation tower with panoramic views of the Smokies and Blount County, Tennessee. This trail includes some mild to moderate inclines.

Fee applies

Hiking

Hike to Lynn Camp Prong Cascades

Go on a woodland stroll following an old railroad bed along a mountain stream, 1.4 miles (2.3 km) roundtrip, to a dramatic cascade. The trail is mostly wide and flat and gently ascends through rhododendron and some cliff-like rock outcroppings.

Fee applies

Hiking

Hike to Mount Le Conte on Alum Cave Trail

Hike 10 miles (16.1 km) roundtrip on Alum Cave Trail as it climbs steadily through dense forest to Alum Cave Bluffs and on to the summit of Mount LeConte. This popular but strenuous hike includes stairs, bridges, and some steep and rocky sections of trail.

Fee applies

Hiking

Hike to Rainbow Falls

Hike 5.6 miles (9 km) roundtrip through varied forest to a popular waterfall named for the misty rainbow that often appears at its base. This trail is well-traveled and maintained, but the climb to the falls is relatively steep.

Fee applies

Hiking

A cascading waterfall framed by large rocks and green vegetation.
Photo: NPS Photo

Hike to Ramsey Cascades

Hike 8 miles (12.9 km) roundtrip on this popular but relatively challenging trail through cove hardwood forest to see the tallest waterfall in the park.

Fee applies

Hiking

A white historic home in a grassy field with forest behind it. A wooden sign labels the home.
Photo: NPS Photo

Hike to Steve Woody House

Walk 2 miles (3.2 km) roundtrip through a hardwood forest on a wide, well-graded path following a mountain stream to reach the historic Steve Woody Place, which was once the center of a sprawling homestead with several outbuildings.

Fee applies

Hiking

A dark brown, wooden schoolhouse gravel path in front of it. Hiker icon in photo corner.
Photo: NPS Photo

Hike to the Little Greenbrier School and Walker Homesite

Hike 3.4 miles (5.5 km) roundtrip from Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area through hardwood forest to see remnants of stonework, the historic one-room Little Greenbrier School, and the preserved homesite of the Walker family.

Fee applies

Hiking

A stout waterfall cascading into a pool near a large boulder. A fallen tree in right frame.
Photo: NPS Photo

Hike to Twentymile Cascade

Hike 1.2 miles (1.9 km) roundtrip along a wide gravel roadbed that follows a mountain stream to a cascade surrounded by moss-covered rocks and mixed hardwood forest.

Fee applies

Hiking

A wooden bridge on a paved trail in the woods.
Photo: NPS Photo

Walk Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail

Wander through a cove hardwood forest with streamside views, rock walls, and historic stone chimneys on this half-mile (0.8 km) loop along a paved, flat trail.

Fee applies

Hiking

Walk to John Oliver Cabin

Explore the scenery of Cades Cove and the historic John Oliver Cabin and homesite with a short path—0.3 miles (0.5 km) roundtrip—suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. The trail gives way to level, packed gravel once it reaches the complex of log structures.

Fee applies

Hiking

Before you go

Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for Great Smoky Mountains. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.

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