Smoky Mountains Area Attractions
Newfound Gap Road Into Gatlinburg Tennessee
The only road that completely traverses the Park, Newfound Gap Road runs the 33 miles between Cherokee NC and Gatlinburg TN. This road has so much to offer in the way of nature walks, hikes, mountain views, and historic structures, that we devote a much longer newfound gap article (with great photos) about the Newfound Gap Road experience.
Shopping Outlets
In 1996, Southern Living magazine's Readers' Choice Awards ranked Pigeon Forge as the number-one shopping spot in the South.
Log Cabins
Cabin rentals in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Townsend are a noteable feature of the Smoky Mountain tourism industry. The cabins house thousands of guests each week in all seasons of the year.
Arts & Crafts Community
The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, comprised the largest group of independent artisans in the country with more than 70 members, is just 3 miles east of Gatlinburg (turn at light #3 onto 321N and then turn left at Glades, Buckhorn, or Powdermill Roads). A visit to the 8-mile loop of shops, studios, and galleries is like a visit to an era gone by where skills developed by early settlers 200 years ago are demonstrated in these shops and studios. Travelers can choose from an array of fine, handcrafted gift items made right here in the Smokies.
Cades Cove
Cades Cove is the most visited part of the Park - and for good reason. This fertile mountain
valley is surrounded on all sides by mountains. An 11-mile one-way loop road winds around the valley, with stops at preserved pioneer structures. A visitor's center with pioneer exhibits, a 5-mile hike to Abrams Falls, abundant wildlife, campgrounds, bike rentals, spectacular foliage in autumn, and facilities for horseback riding all make Cades Cove a complete visitor's sampler of all the Park has to offer. Plan on spending the day - pack a lunch.
Cataloochee
North Carolina's answer to Cades Cove - without the crowding. Interestingly, Cataloochee had a greater population (approximately 1,200) at its peak than Cades Cove. Well off the beaten path, Cataloochee offers historic structures, opportunities for hiking, campgrounds, and spectacular vistas. It doesn't offer quite as much as Cades Cove, so isn't as crowded - but that's the attraction for many people.
Auto Touring
If we can't convince you to get out of your vehicle and enjoy the very best the Park has to offer (150 maintained hiking trails totaling 800 miles, mountain vistas, old growth forests, nature trails, trout streams) then try some of these fantastic auto tours!
Waterfalls
The Smoky Mountains contain many wonderful streams and waterfalls - many of which are rewards for trekking the well-maintained hiking trails. The easiest to get to is Laurel Falls (it's paved for the handicapped) is just off Little River Road between the Sugarlands Visitors Center (which is near near Gatlinburg) and the "Y" to Townsend. The tallest and, arguably, most exciting is Ramsay Cascades. Chuck Summers has taken some superior photos of many of the waterfalls in the Smokies.
Hikes
One-hundred fifty maintained hiking trails totaling more than 800 miles crisscross the Park. Many parallel trout streams and lead to waterfalls. Several hikes are featured in our sister publication. These hikes offer great opportunities to get out of your vehicle to view wildflowers in spring, fantastic mountain vistas in winter, fall foliage in the autumn, and record-size trees in summer.
Clingmans Dome
Clingmans Dome is the highest peak in the Smokies (6,643 feet). Some days it's in the clouds,
but on clear days it affords spectacular 360 degree views of the Park. To get to Clingmans Dome, you want to be on Newfound Gap Road (the only road which completely traverses the Park). One-tenth of a mile south from Newfound Gap you will turn onto Clingmans Dome Road. From there, you'll travel 7 miles, passing several pullouts for views, and culminates in a parking area from which you walk a short distance to the top of the 
mountain. The turnoff to Clingmans is about 25 miles from Cherokee or 22 miles from Gatlinburg. Open from April through December, the road to Clingmans Dome is closed in winte
Mt. LeConte
One of the Park's finest features - from afar or up close - Mt. LeConte hosts five great hiking trails to the top. One of the most popular hikes to Mt. LeConte is the Alum Cave Bluff Trail. Mt. LeConte also boasts the only lodging within the Park: Mt. LeConte Lodge (and cabins). Accessible only by trail and available only by reservation, Mt. LeConte Lodge and the views of the Smokies Mt. LeConte affords the hardy hiker are well worth the effort. Call (615) 429-5704 for reservations, which should be made several months in advance
Old Growth Forests
Saved from the huge lumber companies when the Park was established, some virgin stands of old-growth trees exist in the Great Smokies. The American Forests organization reports that the Smokies contain 21 national champion sized trees. Will Blozan, a North Carolina arborist has discovered 30 champion-sized trees throughout the southern Appalachians. The Greenbrier section of the Park is home to several beauties. For example, there's a black cherry that has a circumference of 210 inches and a northern red oak measuring 257 inches. In addition, you can take the Laurel Falls Trail and hike 3/4 mile past the falls to view an old-growth forest large trees.
Appalachian Trail
Sixty nine of the 2,015 miles that make up the Appalachian Trail cross the crest of the Great Smoky Mountains, serving as a border between Tennessee and North Carolina. The AT serves as a backbone to which several major Smokies hiking trails connect. Visitors to the Smokies can enjoy less challenging lengths of the Trail that are accessible from a few of the hiking trails that connect to the AT. One popular approach is to park at the Newfound Gap parking area (where you can also visit the memorial where Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the Great Smoky Mountains National Park). From the parking area, you can hike modest portions both north and south on the Trail. One popular destination is north to Charlies Bunion. From Charlies Bunion, fire clearings above steep mountain slopes afford spectacular views to peaks and valleys below.
Wildflower Pilgrimage 
The 49th annual Wildflower Pilgrimage will be held 22-24 April this year. Conducted by the Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association, the Pilgrimage consists of nearly 100 guided long and short walks, auto tours, talks and demonstrations to view wildflowers, trees, ferns, geology, and more. You don't have to be a biology major to appreciate this event - it's designed for the average Park visitor. The cost is normally $8 for adults and $5 for students. Children under 13 are free. Write GSMNP, 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738 or call 423.436.1200.
Horseback Riding
Despite the damage horses do to trails, horseback riding is still supported in the Great Smoky Mountains. Both drive-in camps and horses-for-hire are available. Call (423) 436-1231 for more information.
Restaurants
These are places where we've always had a great dining experience:
The Peddler - 820 River Road Gatlinburg
Rustic log cabin setting overlooking a stream. The Peddlar has a diverse menu, but they serve arguably the finest beef to be had. Steaks are custom cut at your table, and the salad bar is exceptional.
The Park Grill - 1110 Parkway-Gatlinburg
Only 100 yards from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this wonderful dining experience has a mountain lodge design to balance great food in a great setting. The Park Grill has a diverse menu and boasts fresh pastries and other desserts made daily.
The Wild Plum Tea Room - 555 Buckhorn Road
Located within the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community east of Gatlinburg, this unique dining experience features Wild Plum Tea, Wild Plum Muffins, and other special menu items which can change daily. Try their special desserts such as Coconut Cheese Cake, Sour Cream Lime Pie, or (in season) the Pumpkin Pie or Ameretto Bread Pudding. Eat in the country setting of the dining room or on the screened porch by the stream.
Tuckaleechee Trout Farm Restaurant
Townsend happens to be the home of the best trout farm restaurant in the Smokies area. The Tuckaleechee Trout Farm Restaurant, owned and operated by Larry and Sue Smith, simply serves good food, with good service, at a good price. You can order fresh-caught trout from the menu or catch your own from their spring-fed ponds, and the staff will prepare your fresh-caught trout for you. From Highway 321 in Townsend take Old Tuckaleechee Road to Old Cades Cove Road. Follow the signs to the trout farm at 142 Tipton Road. (423) 448-2290.