When you visit the Smokies, you want to spend as much time as possible breathing in the fresh mountain air and basking in the beauty of nature. With so many fun things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s easy to find something for everyone to enjoy! Here are some of the top outdoor activities in the Smoky Mountains you won’t want to miss:
1. Hiking
Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the Smoky Mountains! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has nearly 850 miles of hiking trails to explore, ranging from kid-friendly hikes to more challenging treks. You can hike trails to see waterfalls or trails leading to mountain views! Some of the most popular hiking trails include Rainbow Falls, Charlies Bunion, Alum Cave Bluffs, Chimney Tops, and Abrams Falls.
2. Fishing
If you’re looking for relaxing outdoor activities in the Smoky Mountains, try going fishing! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has about 2,900 miles of streams, all of which you can fish in. Fly fishing is especially popular in the Great Smoky Mountains to catch trout. There’s a number of great fly fishing spots to choose from, such as Abrams Creek and LeConte Creek. Make sure you learn about the rules and regulations of fishing in the Smokies before you set out!
3. Picnicking
One of the best outdoor activities in the Smoky Mountains is picnicking! This is an excellent way to spend quality time with your family and experience the great outdoors! There are plenty of picnic spots in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park where you can enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. Some of the most popular picnic areas can be found at Cades Cove, Greenbrier, and Metcalf Bottoms.
4. Wildlife Viewing
The Great Smoky Mountains are home to a variety of amazing wildlife! Some of the animals you might see in the Smoky Mountains include black bears, white tailed deer, elk, salamanders, and various birds like turkeys and woodpeckers. Popular places for wildlife viewing in the national park are Cades Cove, Roaring Fork, and Cataloochee. For your safety and the safety of the animals, make sure you keep a distance of at least 50 yards from wildlife at all times and do not attempt to feed or touch any of the animals.
5. Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is another one of the can’t-miss outdoor activities in the Smoky Mountains. Some riding stables offer guided horseback rides in the national park, including Cades Cove Riding Stables and Smokemont Riding Stables. You can take a scenic ride through the forest to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature at a laid-back pace. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, you’ll love exploring the Smoky Mountains on horseback!
These are some of the outdoor activities in the Smoky Mountains you won’t want to miss! If the weather doesn’t align with your outdoor plans, don’t worry! You can enjoy a variety of indoor activities near the Great Smoky Mountains as well! Check out these top indoor adventures to try in Pigeon Forge!
