When you come to visit the Smoky Mountains, you can visit classic area attractions like the Gatlinburg Space Needle, Anakeesta, Dollywood, and more! But sometimes, it can also be fun to venture off the beaten path to explore some of the more hidden things to do in the Smoky Mountains. These activities have fewer crowds and can allow you to make special and unique memories during your trip to the area! Here are some of our favorite hidden things to do in the Smoky Mountains:
1. Visit the Elkmont Ghost Town
The first of the hidden things to do in the Smoky Mountains that we think you will enjoy visiting is the Elkmont Ghost Town. Originally settled in the mid-1800s, this old Smoky Mountain town became abandoned over the course of the 1900s, and is now managed by the National Park Service. In recent years, the National Park Service has renovated several of the buildings throughout the Elkmont Ghost Town, while also working to preserve their historical value. If you decide to visit, there are also several hiking paths right nearby that you can enjoy.
2. Check Out the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum
Located just up the road from our Gatlinburg hotel is an attraction that you have likely passed plenty of times, but may not have ever stopped to explore — the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum! This museum is truly one-of-a-kind, with over 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers on display from various eras and locations. Although this museum is located just off the Gatlinburg strip, it continues to be one of the more hidden things to do in the area.
3. Discover the Old Steam Engine at the National Park
Yet another of the most unique hidden things to do in the Smoky Mountains is to check out the Old Steam Engine that is located at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The steam engine was previously used to power a lumber saw, but an accident led to it falling down the mountainside and into a creek, where it remains to this day. If you want to see it for yourself, just hike along the Grapeyard Ridge Trail!
4. Shop at the Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House
When it comes to unique places to shop in the area, there are few options more interesting than Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House! In addition to their jelly, they also sell salsas, dips, sauces, dressings, soups, and lots more. If you are looking for a shop to pick up some gifts or souvenirs, Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House is a hidden gem you are sure to love.
So, the next time you are looking for a fun activity off the beaten path, just head over to any of these hidden things to do in the Smoky Mountains that we think you will love. If you want to learn about even more hidden things to do in the Smoky Mountains, you can also check out our list of some of the top Gatlinburg TN attractions off the beaten path!
