Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, is the most visited national park in the United States. It is renowned for its mist-covered ridges, dense forests, and exceptional biodiversity.
The park preserves a section of the Appalachian Mountains and is home to more than 19,000 documented species of plants and animals. Historic homesteads, churches, and mills reflect the lives of the early settlers.
Visitors can explore a mixture of scenic drives, hiking trails, and cultural sites. The park offers year-round experiences, from spring wildflowers to autumn foliage. The following list highlights ten of its most significant attractions.
Official website: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/
Google map 4.9/5
Great Smoky Mountains Highlights
Clingmans Dome (Kuwohi)
At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome (Kuwohi in Cherokee) is the highest point in the park. An observation tower provides expansive views of surrounding mountains and valleys, often above the mist that gives the Smokies their name. A paved trail leads from the parking area to the summit, making it one of the most accessible high viewpoints in the Appalachian range.
Google map Kuwohi Observation Deck 4.8/5
Google map Clingmans Dome Visitor Center 4.8/5
Google map Clingman’s Dome Trailhead Parking
Cades Cove
Cades Cove is a broad valley known for its preserved historic buildings and abundant wildlife. The 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road allows visitors to see churches, cabins, and barns from early settlers. Deer, black bears, and wild turkeys are often spotted in the meadows. It remains one of the most visited and photographed areas in the park.
Google map 4.7/5
Google map Cades Cove Visitor Center 4.8/5
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
This narrow, winding loop road passes through old-growth forests and past historic cabins. The area is named after the fast-flowing mountain stream that runs alongside it. Waterfalls, such as Grotto Falls, are accessible by short hikes from the route. Roaring Fork combines natural beauty with cultural history, offering a quieter alternative to busier parts of the park.
Google map 4.8/5
Newfound Gap Road
Newfound Gap Road crosses the park from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to Cherokee, North Carolina. The drive offers varied scenery, from lowland forests to high mountain passes. Newfound Gap itself is a notable point on the Appalachian Trail and the site of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1940 dedication of the park. It provides one of the best introductions to the Smokies.
Google map Newfound Gap viewpoint 4.9/5
Alum Cave Trail
The Alum Cave Trail is one of the park’s most popular hikes. It passes through Arch Rock, Inspiration Point, and Alum Cave Bluffs, with expansive views along the way. The trail also serves as a route to Mount Le Conte, one of the park’s highest peaks. Its varied terrain and scenery make it a rewarding excursion.
Google map Alum Cave Trailhead parking area
Cataloochee Valley
Cataloochee Valley is known for its historic structures and reintroduced elk population. Old homes, churches, and school buildings reflect 19th-century Appalachian life. The valley is particularly popular for wildlife viewing at dawn and dusk. Surrounded by steep ridges, it is one of the quieter sections of the park, offering a sense of remoteness.
Google map Cataloochee Valley – Elk Watching 4.8/5
Laurel Falls
Laurel Falls is an 80-foot waterfall reached by a paved trail of 2.6 miles round trip. The path is accessible and suitable for families, making it one of the most visited waterfalls in the park. The falls are named for the mountain laurel that blooms in the area each spring. The setting combines natural beauty with accessibility.
Google map Laurel Falls 4.7/5
Google map Laurel Falls Trailhead 4.7/5
Chimney Tops
The Chimney Tops Trail is a steep but rewarding hike leading to rocky summits with panoramic views. Though fire damage has altered the area, the trail remains popular for its dramatic vistas. The exposed rock pinnacles provide a striking viewpoint over surrounding ridges. The hike is short but strenuous, appealing to those seeking a challenge.
Google map Chimney Tops 4.8/5
Google map Chimney Tops Trail Trailhead 4.8/5
Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Mountain Farm Museum
Located near Cherokee, North Carolina, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center offers exhibits on the cultural and natural history of the Smokies. Next to it, the Mountain Farm Museum displays preserved log buildings, including a farmhouse, barn, and mill. The site illustrates Appalachian life in the 19th century and serves as an introduction to the park’s heritage.
Google map Oconaluftee Visitor Center 4.8/5
Abrams Falls
Abrams Falls, located near Cades Cove, is a 20-foot waterfall with a large pool at its base. Despite its modest height, it is one of the most powerful falls in the park. A 5-mile round trip hike leads through forested terrain to reach it. The combination of water volume and scenic surroundings makes Abrams Falls a notable destination.
Google map Abrams Falls 4.9/5
Google map Abrams Falls Trailhead & parking 4.8/5