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 park’s remarkable 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 most popular trails in the Smokies include Laurel Falls, Alum Cave Trail, and Rainbow Falls Trail.
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. There are a number of excellent scenic drives in the national park, headlined by the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. The 5.5-mile loop road is a favorite drive for many people who visit the Smokies. It offers views of mountain streams, old-growth forests, and a number of well-preserved log cabins, gristmills, and other historic buildings. Some of the other drives in the Smokies to check out include Newfound Gap Road, Clingmans Dome, Cades Cove Loop Road, and the Foothills Parkway.
3. 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 the popular Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area. They have a ton of picnic tables available, plus a few gazebos that can be reserved 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!
4. Go Horseback Riding
Between the months of March and November, you can explore the beauty of the Smoky Mountains in a whole new way, on the back of a beautiful horse. The Cades Cove Riding Stables offer a fun opportunity where you can appreciate the nature of the area. During your ride, you will also learn about the history of the Smoky Mountains from one of the trained and experienced guides. From expert riders to first-timers, everyone is sure to love this adventure through the wilderness.
Now that you know about things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, check out some of the other attractions in Gatlinburg to visit during your stay with us! We look forward to seeing you soon!
