Must-Do Activities In This Tennessee Gem + Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Visit

Tucked between Tennessee and North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is where mist meets magic. With over 12 million visitors each year, it’s not just the most visited national park in the U.S.—it’s one of the most beloved.

But here’s the catch: with that kind of popularity, showing up without a plan can mean missing out on the best this mountain paradise has to offer. Are you dreaming of hiking to a hidden waterfall? Spotting black bears in their natural habitat? Or catching a fiery sunset that spills over ridge after ridge?

The Smokies deliver all that and more—but only if you know when to go, where to start, and what not to skip. I’ve spent hours getting lost in those trails (on purpose and not-so-on-purpose), and I can tell you: a little prep turns a good trip into a truly unforgettable one. So grab your boots, charge your camera, and let’s unlock the secrets of the Smokies together.

1. Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The crown jewel of Tennessee tourism deserves at least two full days of your attention. Miles of scenic drives like the Cades Cove Loop Road showcase historic buildings, lush valleys, and wildlife in their natural habitat.

Early mornings offer your best chance to spot black bears, deer, and turkey without the crowds. Bring binoculars! Don’t miss Laurel Falls – an easy 2.6-mile roundtrip hike leading to a stunning 80-foot waterfall.

Pack a picnic lunch and water shoes if you want to dip your toes in the refreshing mountain streams during summer months.

2. Hike to Clingmans Dome

Standing at 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in Tennessee and offers breathtaking 360-degree views that stretch for over 100 miles on clear days.

The half-mile trail to the observation tower is steep but paved. Weather at this elevation changes quickly! Even on summer days, temperatures can be 10-20 degrees cooler than in nearby towns. Bring layers and check the forecast before heading up.

Sunrise and sunset create magical lighting conditions for photographers. If possible, time your visit for these golden hours when the mountains truly earn their name as smoky blue ridges fade into the distance.

3. Sample Mountain Moonshine

Tennessee’s moonshine legacy comes alive in the distilleries dotting Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. These legal establishments offer fascinating tours where you’ll learn how this once-forbidden spirit shaped local history and culture.

Free tastings let you sample everything from traditional clear corn whiskey to flavored varieties like apple pie, blackberry, and cinnamon. My favorite spots include Ole Smoky Moonshine and Sugarlands Distilling Company, both offering entertaining demonstrations by skilled distillers.

Purchasing a bottle makes for a unique souvenir, but remember these potent spirits often reach 100 proof! Designate a driver or book a distillery tour that includes transportation back to your lodging.

4. Tap Your Feet to Live Bluegrass

Mountain music runs deep in Tennessee’s cultural veins. Dolly Parton’s Stampede and the Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler regularly feature talented local musicians playing authentic Appalachian tunes on banjos, fiddles, and washboards.

If visiting during spring or summer, check out free outdoor concerts in Gatlinburg’s downtown plazas. The atmosphere turns magical as the sun sets behind the mountains and families gather to enjoy these traditional melodies. Want something more interactive?

Visit The Old Mill Square in Pigeon Forge where impromptu jam sessions sometimes welcome visitors to join in. Even if you’ve never played before, locals are often happy to teach beginners a simple tune.

5. Wander Through Mountain Towns

Gatlinburg’s charming downtown strip comes alive with twinkling lights each evening. Browse unique shops selling handcrafted pottery, quilts, and mountain-themed souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else.

For a less touristy experience, venture to nearby Townsend, nicknamed “The Peaceful Side of the Smokies.” This quiet town offers authentic craft demonstrations at the Townsend Visitors Center where local artisans showcase traditional skills like weaving and blacksmithing.

Make time for Pigeon Forge’s Old Mill District, centered around a working 1830s gristmill. The surrounding shops offer fresh-ground cornmeal products, homemade candy, and pottery created using clay from the Little Pigeon River.

6. Ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

All aboard for an unforgettable journey through terrain inaccessible by car! The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad departs from nearby Bryson City, NC, just across the Tennessee border, offering spectacular routes along river gorges and through tunnels carved into mountains.

Spring trips showcase blooming wildflowers while fall excursions present a kaleidoscope of autumn colors. The Nantahala Gorge route is my personal favorite, crossing 25 bridges and hugging the whitewater river popular with rafters.

Splurge on first-class tickets for the open-air gondola cars that provide unobstructed views and complimentary refreshments. Book at least a month ahead during peak seasons as these scenic rides sell out quickly.

7. Feast on Southern Mountain Cuisine

Country cooking reaches art form status in Tennessee’s mountain communities. Skip the chain restaurants and head to local favorites like The Old Mill Restaurant, where centuries-old grinding stones still produce the cornmeal for their legendary corn fritters and melt-in-your-mouth cornbread.

Breakfast becomes an adventure at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp with their skillet-sized pancakes and country ham that’s been cured the traditional way. Come hungry – portions are generous enough to fuel a day of mountain exploration!

Don’t leave without trying authentic stack cake, a regional specialty made with thin layers of spice cake separated by dried apple filling. This labor-intensive dessert tells the story of Appalachian resourcefulness and community gatherings.

8. Visiting During Peak Weekends (Major Mistake)

Summer weekends and October fall foliage season transform peaceful mountain roads into parking lots. Traffic jams can stretch for miles, turning a 15-minute drive into a 2-hour ordeal.

If possible, schedule your visit Monday through Thursday or during “shoulder seasons” like late April-early May or November. You’ll enjoy dramatically shorter lines, better service, and often lower prices on accommodations. When weekend visits can’t be avoided, get an early start!

Arriving at popular attractions before 9am can save hours of waiting. Better yet, explore lesser-known areas like Greenbrier or Cosby on busy days while saving the popular spots for weekdays.

9. Underestimating Mountain Weather Changes (Dangerous Mistake)

The weather in the Smokies can shift dramatically within hours. Visitors wearing shorts and t-shirts often find themselves shivering as temperatures drop 20+ degrees at higher elevations.

Always pack layers, even in summer! A lightweight rain jacket, long pants, and closed-toe shoes should accompany you on every hike. Cell service is spotty or nonexistent in many areas, making weather apps unreliable once you’re in the park.

Afternoon thunderstorms are common from June through August, creating dangerous conditions on exposed ridges and trails. Plan hikes for morning hours when possible, and never hesitate to turn around if dark clouds gather. Lightning strikes are a real danger in the mountains!

10. Forgetting Advance Reservations (Costly Mistake)

Showing up without reservations can transform your dream vacation into a nightmare. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge hotels often book solid months in advance, especially during summer, October, and holiday weekends. Campgrounds within the national park fill up even faster.

Sites at popular spots like Elkmont and Cades Cove can be reserved up to six months ahead and typically disappear within hours of becoming available. When planning your trip, mark your calendar for the exact day reservations open for your preferred dates.

Set an alarm and be ready at your computer right when the booking window opens. Having backup dates and accommodations will save stress if your first choices are unavailable.