On our latest adventure we decided to tackle the nation’s most-visited national park. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) receives about 12 million visitors per year (twice as many as Yellowstone). We were concerned after hearing horror stories of congestion in and around the park. Fortunately we hit a sweet spot, weekdays after the peak Fall color and before the Thanksgiving holiday. The park was by no means empty, but the crowds and traffic did not have an impact on our plans.
GSMNP is unique in that it is also home to major tourist attractions right outside the gates, including Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. This definitely makes the park feel less remote than many others we’ve visited. However, it does offer varying options for accommodations, food, and activities to suit your group.
High Elevation Views
One of our favorite experiences was the journey to Clingman’s Dome. The Newfound Gap Road offered beautiful scenery as we climbed from 1600 feet to over 6000 feet. The Clingman’s Dome trail was only 1/2 mile along a paved walkway from the parking area with a 300 foot elevation gain. There are plenty of benches and views to enjoy while you catch your breath on the way up. We observed all ages and abilities making this climb to the highest point in Tennessee. It is most enjoyable on a clear day with high visibility. The road to Clingman’s Dome does close early December through March due to winter weather at those higher elevations.
Also along the Newfound Gap Road is the Alum Cave Trail. We hiked the 2.4 miles to the Alum Cave (which is actually more of a bluff). Our boys loved the log bridges and the arched rock you can hike up through, which is also a good turn around point if you’re short on time. If you have the time and energy you can hike this trail all the way to Mount LeConte. We saw a few hikers on their way down from camping on top of Mount LeConte. You can also coordinate a unique overnight stay at LeConte Lodge, check it out, this would be cool!
Waterfalls
Waterfalls are a popular feature in GSMNP. Years ago we did the very popular paved hike to Laurel Falls. This time we chose a less popular, more rustic hike to Grotto Falls. This waterfall is only -25 feet tall, but you’re able to walk behind it making it a unique experience.
To get to the Grotto Falls trailhead you have to drive the Roaring Fork Motor Trail, a one-way scenic drive. This drive is worthwhile even if you don’t plan to do the hikes from it. It actually feels a little like you’re hiking in your car with beautiful views and the chance to see black bears (even though we didn’t).
Cades Cove
On our last day we ventured out to Cades Cove. After four days in GSMNP and Gatlinburg we decided the black bears were as elusive as a seat at the Pancake Pantry. This 11-mile scenic drive is known for wildlife sightings and historic farm sites, and is the most popular spot in the park. We lucked out and were able see a mama black bear and three cubs in the most unlikely spot, near the visitor center restroom.
This drive can take about an hour around the loop, and it’s a good hour from the other main sections of the park we’ve mentioned. We originally planned to bike the loop, however a Ranger advised against it due to traffic congestion. During the summer and early Fall months the loop closes to car traffic on certain mornings to allow only hikers and bikers. This would be the safest option for biking this loop. We opted to bike the Gatlinburg Trail instead which leaves from the Sugarlands Visitor Center, it was quite short at only 4 miles round trip. This is one of the three bike friendly trails in the park (the other two are Cades Cove loop and Oconoflutee River Trail).
Anakeesta
We decided to change things up a bit and do something touristy during our visit and we’re so glad we did! Our boys had decided they’d hiked up enough mountains and they were eyeing the chairlifts in downtown Gatlinburg (our 8-year-old kept calling them forklifts, too cute to say no!). After the long chairlift ride up, Anakeesta had a lot to offer on top of the mountain…full restaurants, shopping, treehouse style play areas, a treetop skywalk, and amazing views! Parents can enjoy a cold beer with a view while the kids played, a great way to end a busy day hiking. It got even better as the sunset and revealed the winter light displays throughout the mountaintop village.
Best time to visit:
We couldn’t imagine a better time than when we visited mid-November! Past peak color (but still plenty color to enjoy) and before Thanksgiving travel, lower crowds, no bugs, mild temps, Gatlinburg and Anakeesta had Christmas decorations up.
Another time is would be nice to visit would be Spring when all the flowers are in bloom, but somehow avoid the crowds (i.e. not Spring Break).
Where we stayed:
We really enjoyed our location in Sevierville, about 15 minutes from downtown Gatlinburg and 30 minutes to the Sugarlands Visitor Center. It was far enough away from the hustle and bustle that it felt remote and secluded. We were looking for a view and a game room and this house delivered on both. It is important to note, the driveway is STEEP, an AWD vehicle is recommended.
Other things to do:
In addition to Anakeesta, you can also take a chairlift up to the Gatlinburg Skybridge, the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America.
Between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge there’s too much to list! Anything you can imagine and more!
About 1.5 hours away is Asheville, NC a trendy area where the Biltmore Estate is located.
