Trail to Tower: The Best Hikes and Views in the Smokies

Tucked between eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains (the Smokies) stretch across 800 square miles of protected wilderness, rich with biodiversity, scenic landmarks, and year-round beauty. Whether you visit during the vibrant burst of spring wildflowers, the lush greenery of summer, the fiery foliage of fall, or the snow-dusted stillness of winter, this iconic Southern mountain range delivers an unforgettable experience. No single trip can capture all its treasures—but this well-selected travel guide from Southern Living ensures a deep appreciation for its natural wonder.

A prime starting point is Cades Cove, a wide valley nestled within the Smokies that offers some of the most immersive views of the surrounding peaks. This scenic area in Townsend, Tennessee, features an 11-mile, one-way loop road that winds past panoramic vistas, historic cabins, and serene picnic areas. Cyclists and hikers will especially appreciate that on Wednesdays from May through September, motor vehicles are prohibited, offering a peaceful, uninterrupted experience of the cove’s quiet splendor.

Those craving elevation should make time for Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 6,643 feet. Situated along the Tennessee–North Carolina border, this destination draws crowds to its circular observation tower for panoramic views above the clouds. Arriving early is wise, as the parking area often fills quickly. The short—but steep—half-mile paved trail to the tower rewards visitors with sweeping vistas that stretch for miles.

For a more intense ascent, consider hiking to Mt. LeConte, the third-highest peak in the Smokies. The strenuous 11-mile round trip hike offers no shortage of visual rewards along the Alum Cave Trail, including natural rock formations like Arch Rock, Inspiration Point, and Alum Cave Bluffs. Near the summit, hikers can reserve a stay at the rustic, century-old LeConte Lodge, which offers cozy cabins and multi-room shelters.

Another worthwhile drive, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, loops through 5.5 miles of mountain landscape, delivering forested turns, old log cabins, and bubbling streams from the comfort of your car. This one-way loop near Gatlinburg is especially breathtaking in the fall, when the trees erupt in a blaze of gold, amber, and crimson.

Adventurers in search of a challenging trek with a waterfall payoff should explore Abrams Falls Trail in Cades Cove.Though the waterfall itself stands just 20 feet tall, the powerful rush of water and the immersive trail make it a sensory experience. Equally photogenic is Laurel Falls, accessible via a 2.6-mile trail that leads to an 80-foot cascade divided into upper and lower sections, linked by a footbridge over the stream.

No visit is complete without a drive on the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway, which begins at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains and stretches 469 miles to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The route offers one striking viewpoint after another, where you can pause and take in the rolling expanse of forest and misty ridgelines.

Another stop for sweeping views is Newfound Gap, the lowest drivable pass through the national park, yet still nearly a mile above sea level. The 34-mile road through the gap crosses several forest zones, and a large parking area invites travelers to pull over and capture the scenery with their cameras.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Cataloochee Valley in North Carolina presents one of the best chances to view elk in the wild. The remote valley is also home to black bears, over 200 species of birds, and an impressive array of amphibians and reptiles, reinforcing the Smokies’ status as one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the temperate world.

The Great Smoky Mountains offer an experience that lingers long after the journey ends. From peaceful drives and bold hikes to misty mountain top vistas and encounters with wildlife, each corner of this park promises discovery.

For more travel-related news and information, click here.

Discovering the Wonders of the Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains, a Southern treasure, beckon travelers with their enchanting beauty and myriad of experiences. This renowned mountain range, which straddles the borders of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With 800 square miles to explore, each visit offers new and breathtaking sights, making it a destination worthy of multiple returns. Whether it’s the lush greenery of summer, the fiery foliage of fall, the snowy tranquility of winter, or the blooming wildflowers of spring, the Smokies are a visual feast in every season. Here are some of the most captivating spots in the Great Smoky Mountains that should not be missed, thanks to  this travel guide from Southern Living.

Clingmans Dome

Standing tall at the highest point in the Smokies, Clingmans Dome offers an unparalleled view of the surrounding landscape. Straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border, this popular destination often sees its parking lot filled to capacity. Early arrival is key to securing a spot, or having a backup plan is advisable. The circular observation tower at Clingmans Dome provides a 360-degree view of the mountains, allowing visitors to soak in the stunning scenery below.

Cades Cove

Cades Cove in Townsend, Tennessee, is a picturesque valley surrounded by majestic mountains. An 11-mile, one-way loop road encircles the valley, offering numerous turn-offs leading to hiking trails, historic homesites, picnic areas, viewpoints, and campgrounds. This scenic route is a favorite among visitors for its accessible yet immersive nature experience. Notably, from May through September, the loop road is closed to motor vehicles on Wednesdays, giving cyclists and pedestrians exclusive access to this serene landscape.

Cataloochee Valley

Wildlife enthusiasts will find Cataloochee Valley in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, a haven for spotting the diverse fauna of the Smokies. This area is home to one of the park’s main herds of elk, along with a rich variety of other animals including black bears, numerous bird species, and an array of reptiles and amphibians. The valley offers a unique opportunity to observe these creatures in their natural habitat, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.

Abrams Falls Trail

For those seeking a moderately challenging hike with a rewarding view, Abrams Falls Trail in Cades Cove is a perfect choice. Though Abrams Falls stands at only 20 feet high, the sheer volume and force of the water tumbling down make it an impressive sight. The trail, surrounded by lush forest, leads hikers to this stunning waterfall, providing a sensory experience that goes beyond just the visual.

Laurel Falls

Laurel Falls is another gem in the Smokies, accessible via a moderately difficult 2.6-mile hike. This 80-foot waterfall is split into two sections by a walkway that crosses a stream at the base of the upper falls. For the most dramatic views, visit after a heavy rain when the cascades are at their fullest. The hike to Laurel Falls offers a beautiful journey through nature, culminating in a breathtaking view of the waterfall.

Newfound Gap

Newfound Gap, the lowest drivable pass through the national park, offers a unique vantage point nearly a mile high. The 34-mile road that winds through the gap traverses several ecosystems, from cove hardwood to northern hardwood to pine oak to spruce fir. The large parking area at Newfound Gap is an ideal spot to stop and take in the panoramic views before continuing your journey through the park.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile road that stretches from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Shenandoah National Park, is an iconic Southern route. The views from this legendary road are unforgettable, offering a continuous panorama of the Smokies that will stay with you long after your visit. Driving along the parkway provides an immersive experience of the region’s natural beauty.

For more travel-related news and information, click here.

What to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Located on the eastern border of Tennessee is the delightful mountain town of Gatlinburg. Supplied with its 5,000 residents and thousands of tourists who cannot resist the Appalachian charm of this must-visit treasure of the south, Gatlinburg is the perfect summer spot for anyone seeking remarkable experiences in nature, culture, and more. So check out this handy travel guide from Southern Living before hitting the road so that you can get the most out of “the Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains,” Gatlinburg, TN.

Due to the fact that this mountain resort city is so besieged by ever-changing fall foliage, vibrantly-blossoming springtime flowers, and mythical morning fog in the summer, it’s no wonder why tourists and locals alike attribute a sort of magic quality to this destination’s ever-growing list of attributes. So, if you’re interested in experiencing Gatlinburg first-hand in order to see what wonders are in store for you, then look no further than this list of attractions, experiences, and opportunities that will showcase the best of the mountain town just for you.

Peaking at the top of nearly every visitor’s guide to Gatlinburg is arguably the best chance to see literally everything going on in the town and the surrounding area. Of course, this is in reference to the 680-foot SkyPark, otherwise known as the longest pedestrian suspension bridge on the continent of North America. Honestly, if you want to take in a survey of the mountainous areas, trails, and bodies of water to explore during your stay, there’s really no better vantage point than SkyBridge or the Gatlinburg Space Needle, which stands at a height of 400 feet in the air and accessible via a glass elevator.

If you’re allured by the miles-long legend of the feuding Hatfields and McCoys, then you might want to seek out a trip to Pigeon Forge and take in a Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show so that you can be entertained by a dramatized version of the conflict. While it’s not the most historically accurate representation of this iconic feud, the performers are enthusiastic in their retelling, the country cuisine is enticing, and the atmosphere in the rustic barn-style theater is guaranteed to add some family-fun entertainment to your trip.

Alternatively, if you want more of a nature-fueled adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, then consider embarking on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a 5.4 round trip hike leading you to winding pathways, each to their own waterfall. Make an effort to embark on a hike that’s practically mythical: the Rainbow Falls hike, which leads you to a massive 80-foot tall waterfall that is the highest single drop of cascading water to be found in the entire park. If one waterfall isn’t enough for you, then you can venture out to the Place of A Thousand Drips to see dozens upon dozens of tiny cascading waterfalls. Otherwise, if you’re seeing more of an experience, you can take another pathway, the Trillium Gap Trail, that takes you to the impressive, 25-foot high Grotto Falls, a breathtakingly beautiful spot that lets you walk in the quiet secrecy that is the backside of a waterfall. This is the only spot in the entire National Park where you can experience the behind-the-waterfall perspective.

On the more commercial side of things, Gatlinburg is flush with opportunities to be entertained in all things spectacular, curious, and imaginative. Namely, Gatlinburg is home to several event centers that are an essential part of the “Ripley’s Believe it or Not!” franchise. For instance, if you need a high-quality, family-fun arcade to pass the time in, there’s Ripley’s Super Fun Zone, Ripley’s Marvelous Mirror Maze, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Ripley’s Penguin Playhouse, and (perhaps most-notably) Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Odditorium.

For more travel-related news and information, click here.