On the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, Smoky Mountain National Park is a haven of natural beauty, lush landscapes, and adventures. Great Smoky Mountain National Park was established in 1934 and is the most visited National Park in the United States. The park was created to protect the vast forest and wildlife that lives there. Great Smoky contains more than 800 miles of hiking trails and some of the oldest mountains in the world. The park is an amazing showcase of the Appalachian mountains.
Dos:
Foothills Parkway "The Dragon": If you're an adrenaline junkie seeking an exhilarating driving experience, Foothills Parkway is your calling. Known as "The Dragon," this road offers a winding journey with sharp curves that will leave you thrilled. There are photographers and everything as if this road needed its own paparazzi.
Camp at Santeetlah Lake: Take advantage of the opportunity to disperse camp at the picturesque Santeetlah Lake, about an hour from the park. The campsite's stunning view and tranquility make it a perfect spot to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Appalachians. Find it here: 35.37390° N, 83.89535° W
Stay at Smokey Bear Campground: If you're looking for a more organized camping experience, consider staying at Smokey Bear Campground. It's a great way to relax, catch up on work, and refresh yourself with a well-deserved shower after a day of adventure. Find it here: 4857 East Pkwy Gatlinburg, TN
Hike Laurel Falls Trail: Embark on the easy 2.4-mile hike along the Laurel Falls Trail. This trail offers a pleasant uphill hike to the falls and downhill back to the parking lot. Don't forget to escape the crowds by hiking down to the base of the waterfall.
Explore Alum Caves Trail: This famous trail is a must-see for its 4.4-mile round trip. Whether you're hiking to the cave or going the full 11-mile distance, Alum Caves Trail promises breathtaking sights along the way. This hike is the most famous in the park for a reason….this was the start of our cave obsession this trip.
Clingmans Dome Overlook: Take a paved 1.3-mile stroll to the Clingmans Dome overlook, the highest point in Tennessee. If you get lucky like we did you will get to see the breathtaking smoky mountains from all sides. It’s said that on a truly clear day you can see up to 100 miles and 7 states. Can’t say I believe that one but I’d love to try.
Stop at Sugarland Visitor Center: Make a pit stop at the Sugarland Visitor Center to collect a park stamp, learn more about the park's features, and pick up some park-related goodies. I was a sucker for the black bear stuffed animal (who is now named Georgie and went everywhere with us this trip). While you are at the visitor center make sure to pick up your parking ticket for park access. There is no entrance fee or need for the National Parks pass.
Hike Andrews Bald: While we ran out of both time and dry weather for this one but a park ranger told us it was his favorite so someone please hike this and let me know what it’s like.
Don'ts:
Be Quiet Around the bears: Surprisingly, making noise around bears is a good thing. It helps prevent startling them, reducing the risk of potential encounters. Black bears are very common in this park please make sure you have your bear spray and know how to respond appropriately to bear encounters.
Set Up Camp in the Dark: While the allure of lakeside camping is undeniable, it's important to set up camp before dark otherwise your setting up camp with flashlights trying to see where the drop off into the lake might be (we’ve really got to stop doing this).
Forget to Download Your Map: GPS is great, but it's not infallible. Ensure you have a physical map to avoid unintentional scenic detours that may lead to hours of extra travel. it was quite the scenic byway we took for three accidental hours (it was only nice for the first hour, then we were just lost).
Underestimate the Weather in the Mountains: Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially if you're heading to high points like Clingmans Dome. Sudden rain at higher elevations can lead to chilly temperatures and soaked humans.
Spend Too Much Time in Gatlinburg: Gatlinburg might not match your expectations of a quaint mountain town. Nicknamed “the gateway to the mountains” it was rather deceiving. This was like Tennessee decided it needed to make as many loud and boisterous buildings as possible to lure all of the tourists into one spot filled with the smell of sugar and flashing lights. I think a nickname like “the Vegas of the Appalachian’s would be more appropriate”. If you're looking for a more authentic experience, consider exploring quieter areas.
Expect options for Dispersed Camping: Finding dispersed camping within an hour's drive was challenging. Be prepared to adapt and explore alternative camping options.
Whether you're driving "The Dragon," hiking along picturesque trails, or taking in stunning panoramic views, the park has something for everyone.The smoky mountains are beautiful especially after a thunderstorm when they truly showcase how smoky they can be. It's a perfect park if you are new to hiking in the mountains and would like to bring your family along.
Onto the next sky!
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