The places, most named first
From the 8 guides that rank for "best places to visit in smoky mountains"
Named by 7 of 81. Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome)It is the highest point in the national park, at 6,643 feet.An observation tower about a half-mile hike from the parking lot gives 360-degree views.
Named by 5 of 82. Cades CoveA scenic valley with wildlife and historic cabins, which can be driven, hiked or biked.Colonists left homesteads, mills, a school and a church behind during the Civil War.
Named by 4 of 83. GatlinburgIt sits at the heart of the Smokies, with the national park at its doorstep.The Gatlinburg entrance to the park has the Sugarlands visitor center nearby.
Named by 3 of 84. Pigeon ForgeIt lies a short distance from Gatlinburg and is known for entertainment complexes and interactive exhibits.One source says most people picture the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area when they think of visiting the Smokies.
Named by 3 of 85. Laurel FallsAn easy trail leads to an 80-foot waterfall and is one of the most frequented in the park.It is about four miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center.
Named by 3 of 86. CherokeeIt has a park entrance, and the Oconaluftee Visitor Center is near it.Nearby Oconaluftee Valley has Mingus Mill and the Mountain Farm Museum.
Named by 2 of 87. Newfound GapA mountain pass where the Appalachian Trail crosses, and a hub for hiking trails.Newfound Gap Road runs through the park from Tennessee to North Carolina with many pull-offs.
Named by 2 of 88. Mount LeConteThe second highest peak in the park at 6,593 feet, reached by the Alum Cave Trail.A backcountry lodge at the top is open seasonally and reached only on foot.
Named by 2 of 89. Appalachian TrailThe trail runs from Georgia to Maine and offers day trips as well as long hikes.Clingmans Dome is the highest point of the entire trail.
Named by 2 of 810. Chimney TopsA trail for serious hikers with a 900-foot elevation gain to chimney-like rock formations.The Chimney Tops overlook is also a recommended stop on Newfound Gap Road.
Named by 2 of 811. Oconaluftee Valley / Mingus MillMingus Mill is a historic grist mill built in 1886, an easy stop near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.Oconaluftee Valley Overlook is a good spot to watch the sunrise.
Named by 2 of 812. SeviervilleListed as one of the towns to compare when choosing where to stay, along with Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Townsend.A statue of Dolly Parton stands in front of the courthouse downtown.
Named by 2 of 813. TownsendIt has one of the three main park entrances.Listed with Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville as a town to stay in.
14. Cataloochee ValleyElk were restored here, and they can be seen in the fields early in the morning and in the evening.Preserved log cabins and churches from the old settlement remain.
15. Foothills ParkwayA lesser-known scenic drive with minimal traffic, so solitude is easier to find than on US-441.
16. Mount CammererA hike of at least 11 miles round trip to a lookout tower with panoramic views.
17. Andrews BaldA 1.8-mile hike from the Kuwohi parking lot to a bald with panoramic views, best in late spring.
18. Roaring Fork Motor TrailA 5.5-mile scenic drive south of Gatlinburg past waterfalls and historic mills.
19. ElkmontA former logging company town absorbed by the national park, now mostly vacant buildings.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name April to May and September to October as the best time to visit Smoky Mountains.
Questions people ask
- What is the #1 most visited national park?
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States.
- What are the best areas to stay in the Smoky Mountains?
- Camp in the park or stay just outside it, in Gatlinburg or Cherokee.
