The Smoky Mountains | A Guide to Exploration

The Great Smoky Mountains stretch for hundreds of miles along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, located just 10 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a popular home base for visiting the misty peaks. This region offers many fun things to do in the Smoky Mountains, from adventurous hikes to kid-approved theme parks.

Outdoor Things To Do in the Smoky Mountains

Outdoor adventures are the best way to experience the Smoky Mountains. Head straight to Great Smoky Mountains National Park to try activities including:

• Hiking: Check out the waterfalls on the Rainbow Falls Trail, enjoy the views from the summit of the Chimney Tops Trail, and climb the winding ramp to the observation tower on the Clingmans Dome Trail.
• Biking: Bring or rent bikes and pedal Cades Cove Loop Road. This 11-mile route is open only to bikes on summer Wednesdays. As you ride, look out for wildlife and historic buildings.
• Fishing: Pack your tackle box to explore more than 580 miles of fishing-friendly streams, each loaded with trout and smallmouth bass. Every stream in the national park is open for fishing year-round.
• Scenic drives: Driving in the Smoky Mountains is the perfect way to enjoy the scenery in comfort. Popular routes include Newfound Gap Road, Upper Tremont Road, and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

Things To Do With Kids in the Smoky Mountains

Tucked into the Smoky Mountains, you'll find a variety of kid-friendly activities. However, many attractions have limited winter hours, so make sure to check the schedule.

• Check out a theme park: Explore family-friendly parks, including Rowdy Bear Ridge, Outbreak - Dread the Undead, and Outdoor Gravity Park.
• Visit a museum: Escape the heat or rain at one of the many museums in the Smoky Mountains. Step back in time at the Titanic Museum, or pose with your favorite stars at the Hollywood Wax Museum. 
• Spend the day at Dollywood: One of the most popular tourist attractions in the Smokies, Dollywood offers roller coasters, a water park, a museum, and a train.

Things To Do for Adults in the Smoky Mountains

Are you planning an adults-only getaway? The best places to stay in the Smoky Mountains are close to a range of grown-up activities. Try a local restaurant, relax with a massage or spa treatment at Breathe, and end the day sipping local wines at Apple Barn Winery or Mountain Valley Winery.

If you're searching for places to stay in the Smoky Mountains, check out Pigeon Forge RV Resort. This riverside campground offers waterfront RV sites, free Wi-Fi, fishing, and more, so you can enjoy your downtime between adventures in the Smokies.