Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is rich with natural beauty, cultural history, and unforgettable destinations. Here are several noteworthy points of interest to help you plan your adventure.
Cades Cove
Cades Cove is one of the most popular and scenic destinations in the park. This picturesque valley is surrounded by mountains and offers abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing, including black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, coyotes, and more. The 11-mile one-way loop road allows visitors to drive, bike, or walk through this historic area.
Along the route, you’ll find a number of preserved pioneer structures such as cabins, churches, barns, and a working grist mill. Hiking trails like Abrams Falls Trail and Cades Cove Nature Trail start from the loop as well. Plan to spend several hours exploring, especially if you visit during peak seasons when traffic can be heavy. Early mornings and weekdays are generally less crowded.
Highlights:
Cades Cove is one of the most popular and scenic destinations in the park. This picturesque valley is surrounded by mountains and offers abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing, including black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, coyotes, and more. The 11-mile one-way loop road allows visitors to drive, bike, or walk through this historic area.
Along the route, you’ll find a number of preserved pioneer structures such as cabins, churches, barns, and a working grist mill. Hiking trails like Abrams Falls Trail and Cades Cove Nature Trail start from the loop as well. Plan to spend several hours exploring, especially if you visit during peak seasons when traffic can be heavy. Early mornings and weekdays are generally less crowded.
Highlights:
- 11-mile scenic loop
- Historic buildings and cultural sites
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- Hiking access
Clingman’s Dome / Kuwohi
Clingmans Dome, also known by its original Cherokee name Kuwohi, is the highest point in the park and in Tennessee at 6,643 feet above sea level. The observation tower at the summit offers panoramic views extending over 100 miles on clear days.
To reach the tower, visitors hike a steep half-mile paved trail from the parking area. Although short, the climb can be strenuous due to elevation. Weather conditions here can vary dramatically compared to lower elevations, often being 10–20 degrees cooler and foggy. The Clingmans Dome Road is typically open from April through November.
Highlights:
- Highest point in the park
- Observation tower with 360-degree views
- Short (.5 miles), paved trail (steep)
- Seasonal road access
Elkmont Ghost Town
Once a thriving logging town and summer getaway, Elkmont is now one of the most intriguing historical areas in the park. In the early 20th century, wealthy vacationers from Knoxville built rustic cottages here, forming what became known as the "Appalachian Club."
Today, many of these buildings are preserved or undergoing restoration by the National Park Service. Walking the gravel roads and peering into these aging structures gives a glimpse into the region’s past. Elkmont is also famous for the synchronous fireflies that gather here each summer—a natural spectacle that requires a lottery-based ticket for access during peak viewing times.
Highlights:
- Historic cottages and remnants of a bygone era
- Access to hiking trails (Little River, Jakes Creek)
- Synchronous fireflies in early summer
Metcalf Bottoms
Metcalf Bottoms is a beloved riverside picnic area located between Wears Valley and the Elkmont area. It’s perfect for a relaxing lunch or an afternoon by the water. Facilities include picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and easy river access for wading or simply enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.
A short hike from the picnic area leads to the Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse and the Walker Sisters Cabin, offering a blend of natural beauty and Appalachian history. The area is open year-round and is particularly popular in the warmer months.
Highlights:
- Picnic area with restrooms and grills
- River access and family-friendly atmosphere
- Short hikes to historical sites
Newfound Gap Overlook
Newfound Gap is the lowest drivable pass through the Great Smoky Mountains and straddles the Tennessee–North Carolina state line. At 5,046 feet in elevation, the overlook provides stunning views of the mountains and valleys below. The Appalachian Trail also crosses here, and you can hike a portion of it for a truly immersive experience.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt officially dedicated the park at Newfound Gap in 1940, and a memorial plaque marks the location. Weather conditions can change quickly here, so be prepared for cooler temperatures and fog.
Highlights:
- Panoramic mountain views
- Appalachian Trail access
- Site of the park’s official dedication
Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Located near Cherokee, NC, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center is a great stop for educational exhibits, trip planning, and ranger information. The center offers insight into the cultural and natural history of the Smokies. Adjacent to it is the Mountain Farm Museum, which features authentic 19th-century buildings like a log farmhouse, barn, and smokehouse.
The Oconaluftee River Trail, an easy, pet-friendly path, begins here and runs alongside the river. It’s also one of the best spots in the park to see elk, especially in the early morning or at dusk.
Highlights:
- Educational exhibits and ranger help
- Mountain Farm Museum
- Pet-friendly trail access
- Regular elk sightings
From peaceful valleys and riverbanks to high mountain peaks and historic communities, these points of interest capture the essence of what makes the Smokies so special. Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, these destinations provide memorable experiences for every type of traveler.
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