3 Popular Things to Do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

May 20, 2025

If you’re looking for fun things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains during your stay with us, the national park is filled with unique activities for all ages. Ever since it was established on June 15, 1934, it has become the most visited national park in the United States! Visitors come back time and time again for the gorgeous views and outdoor adventure, so keep reading to find out the top 3 most popular things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

1. Go for a Hike

Rainbow Falls

One of the most beloved features of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the over 850 miles of hiking trails. As you walk along them, you can see the natural scenery up close. This includes the colorful wildflowers in the spring or the fiery hues of the fall foliage. You don’t have to be a skilled hiker to explore the Smokies. In fact, the park has a great selection of easy hiking trails and some of the most beautiful waterfall hikes!

Also, we are proud to offer great amenities to our guests, one of which is our pet-friendly cabins. If you’re wondering what to do in the Smoky Mountains with Fido, take him for a long walk along the Gatlinburg Trail, the only dog-friendly trail on the Tennessee side of the Smokies. Afterward, go to one of the picnic areas to enjoy a delicious outdoor lunch! When you get back to the cabin, you and your pet can relax and sleep like champions.

2. Take a Scenic Drive

If you don’t enjoy hiking, taking a scenic drive through the mountains is a great alternative. It’s one of the best things to do at Great Smoky Mountains National Park because you can see all the sights without leaving the comfort of your vehicle. You may also have the chance to see live animals like black bears along the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road or elk on the North Carolina side of the park. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Newfound Gap Road, and the Foothills Parkway are especially beautiful during the spring, summer, and fall. We also recommend driving to a scenic overlook to watch a breathtaking Smoky Mountain sunrise or sunset!

3. Explore Historical Sites

john oliver cabin in cades cove

One of the most popular things to see in the Smoky Mountains is historical sites such as old cabins, barns, homesteads, cemeteries, and churches that are the last remnants of once-thriving settlements. Cades Cove is one of the most popular places to visit in Great Smoky Mountains National Park since it’s jam-packed with gorgeous natural scenery, history, and wildlife – everything you love about the Smokies! The John Oliver Cabin is one of the most iconic historic buildings to see; it was built in the 1820s and is the oldest human structure in the national park.

Plan a day to enjoy all of the best things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park while you’re in town! If you’re looking for even more ways to have fun during your vacation, explore a few unique things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.