4 Activities to Enjoy in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
America’s most-visited national park is calling your name! Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to more than half a million acres of pristine natural beauty teeming with wildlife, history and adventure for all. More than 850 miles of adventurous hiking trails twist and turn through this haven, offering endless opportunities for exploration and excitement. No Smoky Mountain bucket list is complete without a visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Here are 4 activities to enjoy in Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
1. Explore the Trails
Ready, set, explore! There’s no better way to experience nature’s embrace than to hit the hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From short and simple trails for the inexperienced such as the Gatlinburg Trail and the Laurel Falls Trail to more strenuous treks like Ramsey Cascades, there’s a route for everyone to enjoy in the Smokies. Discover towering waterfalls, important pieces of history and fascinating flora and fauna all within the confines of the national park.
2. Soak Up Views From the Park’s Highest Peak
The vantage point from atop Clingmans Dome is stunning! Extending 6,443 feet into the air, Clingmans Dome is the highest peak in all of Tennessee and the third-highest east of the Mississippi. Soak up 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains from the Clingmans Dome Observation Tower, looking out miles into the distance on clear days. Pro tip: aim to catch a sunrise or sunset at Clingmans Dome; you won’t be disappointed!
3. A Scenic Drive Through Paradise
A relaxing drive through the scenic Smokies fills the heart with joy and the mind with peace! Scenic drives offer a convenient, laidback way to explore the Smoky Mountains and make a particularly useful option for visitors with mobility concerns or those not into hiking. Cades Cove Loop Road, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, The Foothills Parkway, Newfound Gap Road and Wears Valley Road are a few of the top scenic drives around, each offering a unique viewing experience for visitors.
4. Uncover Smoky Mountain History
History lessons await in every direction you turn in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Uncover the unique history of the Smokies by visiting a number of historical buildings and sites. Cades Cove, a park valley surrounded by mountains, features several cabins, barns and other sites that tell the story of some of the earliest settlers in the Smokies. The Elkmont area of the park has its own “ghost town” with the remnants of a once bustling city providing plenty to explore.
Kick Back After Your GSMNP Adventures
Enjoy the fruits of your labor with good drinks and a great time at Junction 35 following your adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Junction 35 is your go-to source for premium liquor produced right here in the Smoky Mountains. Our variety of spirits includes bourbon, rye whiskey, moonshine, vodka, gin, tequila and rum.
Stop by our locations in Pigeon Forge and Sevierville to shine and dine after working up an appetite exploring the park. Our distillery and restaurant combines the best in spirits with delectable meals and a memorable experience.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is full of exciting activities the whole family can enjoy. We hope to celebrate with you at Junction 35 after your next visit to the park! Check out our menu to explore the many options at Junction 35!
