One of the best things about our Gatlinburg hotel is its location. When you stay with us, you will be within walking distance of all types of wonderful attractions and restaurants. In addition, we are just one mile from the entrance to the most visited national park in the United States! Here are 4 of the best ways to explore the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
1. Enjoy the Hiking Trails
Inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you will find over 800 miles of scenic hiking trails. With so much to see, there is always a new adventure waiting for you in the Smokies. You can take a hike to one of the remarkable Smoky Mountain waterfalls, or head off the beaten path to see how the early settlers lived. The best part is that there are hiking trails for all ages and skill levels, so you can plan a trip with your hiking buddies or enjoy a relaxing hike with your family! If you are looking for a good place to start, some of the best hikes near Gatlinburg include Cataract Falls, the Gatlinburg Trail, the Alum Cave Trail, and Rainbow Falls.
2. Take a Scenic Drive
If you want to enjoy the beauty of the Smoky Mountains without having to hike, you can sit back and soak in the scenery from the comfort of your own car. In fact, some of the best views in the Great Smoky Mountains can be seen this way! The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a 5.5-mile loop road with roadside waterfalls, old-growth forests, and a number of well-preserved log cabins, a gristmill, and other historic buildings. Some of the other drives in the Smokies to check out include Newfound Gap Road, the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road, and the Foothills Parkway.
3. Go Horseback Riding
During the warmer months, you can explore the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains in a unique way: on horseback! Cades Cove Riding Stables offers opportunities to truly appreciate nature and enjoy a guided horseback ride at the same time. During your ride, you will also learn about the history of the Smoky Mountains from one of the experienced guides. From expert riders to first-timers, adults and kids alike are sure to love this adventure through the wilderness. Not sure if you’re up for riding horseback? They offer hay rides and carriage rides too!
4. Pack a Picnic
One of the best ways to create memories with your family is by having a picnic in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Throughout the park, you will find a ton of wonderful picnic areas, including Metcalf Bottoms, one of the most popular places with lots of picnic tables and a covered pavilion for larger groups. There are also grills provided where you can cook a delicious meal to enjoy by the creek with your family. After lunch, let the kids splash around in the creek or test out your rock-skipping abilities!
These are just a few of the ways to explore the national park! Want to know about some more unique places to visit during your family vacation? Check out these hidden gems in the Smoky Mountains!
