Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Spanning the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, attracting over 12 million visitors annually. With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich history, the park offers endless opportunities for adventure and exploration.

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff, or road tripper looking for scenic views, this list of top 10 must-see attractions will help you plan an unforgettable visit. From panoramic mountain peaks and cascading waterfalls to historic sites and hidden valleys, here’s everything you need to know before you go.

1. Clingmans Dome – The Highest Point in the Smokies

• Elevation: 6,643 feet (highest peak in the park)

• Hike Distance: 1.2 miles round trip (paved, but steep)

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or sunset for the best views

Clingmans Dome is one of the most iconic spots in the Smokies. As the highest peak in Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains, this summit offers unparalleled 360-degree views that can stretch up to 100 miles on a clear day.

A steep, paved half-mile trail leads from the parking lot to the observation tower, making it accessible to most visitors. If you can handle the incline, the rewarding panoramic views at the top are well worth the effort.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Arrive early to beat the crowds—sunrise here is magical.
✔️ Check the weather, as fog can limit visibility.
✔️ Bring a jacket, even in summer; it’s much colder at the peak.

2. Cades Cove – Wildlife and History Combined

• Type: 11-mile scenic driving loop

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late evening for wildlife sightings

Cades Cove is one of the most visited areas of the park, and for good reason. This lush valley, surrounded by majestic mountains, offers a unique blend of wildlife, scenic beauty, and history.

The 11-mile loop road allows visitors to drive (or bike) past historic churches, pioneer cabins, and a working gristmill, all remnants of the 19th-century Appalachian settlers. The area is also a hotspot for wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Bike the loop on Wednesday or Saturday mornings (vehicle-free days).
✔️ Visit at dawn or dusk for the best chance of seeing wildlife.
✔️ Pack a picnic—there are scenic spots to stop and enjoy the view.

3. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail – A Scenic Drive with Waterfalls

• Length: 5.5-mile one-way loop

• Best For: A quick scenic drive with easy hiking options

This one-way loop road winds through the Smoky Mountains, showcasing rushing mountain streams, old-growth forests, and historic cabins. Along the way, visitors can stop at Rainbow Falls Trailhead, leading to an 80-foot waterfall, or explore historic homesteads from early Appalachian settlers.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Go after a rainfall for the most dramatic waterfalls.
✔️ Stop at the historic structures, including the Alfred Reagan House.
✔️ Drive slowly—this area is known for bear sightings.

4. Laurel Falls – A Family-Friendly Hike

• Hike Distance: 2.6 miles round trip (paved trail)

• Best For: Families and casual hikers

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

One of the most popular and accessible waterfalls in the park, Laurel Falls is named after the mountain laurel shrubs that bloom along the trail in spring. The paved path makes it a great option for families and first-time visitors, while the 80-foot cascading waterfall at the end is a breathtaking reward.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Arrive early—the small parking lot fills up fast.
✔️ Hold onto young kids—some parts of the trail have steep drop-offs.
✔️ Perfect for a sunrise hike when fewer people are on the trail.

5. Alum Cave Trail – A Gateway to Mount LeConte

• Hike Distance: 4.6 miles round trip to Alum Cave, 11 miles round trip to Mount LeConte

• Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

• Best For: Experienced hikers

If you’re up for a challenging but rewarding hike, the Alum Cave Trail is a must-do. This trail takes you through stunning geological formations, including Arch Rock and Inspiration Point, before reaching Alum Cave Bluffs, a massive concave rock formation offering a natural shelter.

For the adventurous, this trail is also the primary route to Mount LeConte, the third-highest peak in the Smokies.

Insider Tips:

✔️ Wear sturdy hiking shoes—the trail can be slippery.
✔️ Start early to avoid afternoon storms.
✔️ Stop at Inspiration Point for jaw-dropping views.

6. Newfound Gap – A Historic and Scenic Drive

• Elevation: 5,046 feet

• Best For: Scenic views and Appalachian Trail access

Newfound Gap is the lowest drivable pass through the Smokies and one of the best overlooks in the park. It's also where Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the park in 1940. This is a great spot for photos, short walks, and even hopping on the Appalachian Trail.

7. Abrams Falls – A Powerful Waterfall Hike

• Hike Distance: 5 miles round trip

• Difficulty: Moderate

Tucked within Cades Cove, Abrams Falls features a 20-foot waterfall with one of the strongest water flows in the park. The trail leading to it is scenic and peaceful, making it a favorite among hikers.

8. Oconaluftee Visitor Center & Mountain Farm Museum

• Best For: History lovers and families

For a glimpse into 19th-century Appalachian life, this site features authentic log cabins, a smokehouse, and a working farm.

9. Cataloochee Valley – The Best Place to See Elk

• Best For: Wildlife lovers and photographers

Cataloochee Valley is the best place in the Smokies to see elk, especially in the early morning or late evening.

10. Deep Creek Waterfalls – A Hidden Gem

• Best For: Waterfall lovers and tubing enthusiasts

Deep Creek is known for its three waterfalls, tubing, and peaceful hiking trails.