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Posted by Jon Hoffman in Smoky Mountains
Some 10 million people from all over the world will visit the Great Smoky Mountains area this year. And while the vast majority of them will likely find fun things to do in places like Pigeon Forge, Wears Valley, Sevierville and Gatlinburg, any visitor to the Smokies would be remiss if they didn't venture into Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Whether your next visit to the park is your first or your 101st, you'll have some 800 square miles of protected mountains and woodlands at your disposal, which means there are numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. Read on to learn our top five suggestions for a Smoky Mountain outing. (And be sure you've purchased a required parking permit before your visit into the national park.)
Hiking – Between the Tennessee and North Carolina sides of the park, more than 800 miles of hiking trails lie waiting for your exploration. From short nature strolls to rugged trails leading to the summit of Mt. LeConte, there's something for hikers of all experience levels. Destinations include historic structures, waterfalls, scenic overlooks and more. We recommend wearing hiking shoes or boots, dressing for the weather at elevation and taking water to stay hydrated.
Camping – The national park has 10 frontcountry campgrounds and a number of remote backcountry sites that are the ideal setting for tent camping, while several of the campgrounds offer RV campsites as well. The scenery is beautiful, and onsite amenities like fire grates, picnic tables and restroom facilities with running water and flush toilets help take the edge off the roughing it experience. Elkmont, Cades Cove and Cosby are among the more popular campgrounds in the park.
Picnicking – Imagine a beautiful Saturday or Sunday morning or afternoon in the Smokies. What better way to maximize such a setting than to spread out a blanket, unpack a lunch or snacks and kick back while you enjoy your meal against the backdrop of the mountains. Two spots that are visitor favorites are Metcalf Bottoms and Chimney Tops picnic areas as well as anywhere along the Cades Cove loop.
Cycling – Speaking of Cades Cove, that 10-mile loop road is a popular route for a bike ride, whether you bring your own wheels or rent a bicycle at the onsite vendor.
Fishing – Some 800 miles of fishable streams meander through the national park. Whether you're partial to the traditional rod and reel or a fly fishing rig, the Smokies have some great spots from which you can reel in any of 67 species of fish, including the popular trout and bass.
With all these outdoor activities at your disposal, you really should consider renting a cabin from Volunteer Cabin Rentals.
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