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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park rewards visitors just as richly from the driver’s seat, a historic valley, or a quiet roadside pullout as it does on the trail. Scenic drives are a signature experience here, especially along Newfound Gap Road, where a chain of overlooks opens up long, layered views across the blue ridgelines, and at Newfound Gap itself, where the Tennessee–North Carolina line meets one of the park’s most dramatic panoramas. For a classic Smokies outing, circle Cades Cove, an 11-mile one-way loop that combines broad mountain views with some of the park’s most photogenic pastoral scenery. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail offers a more intimate version of the same magic, winding through dense forest past rushing water, log buildings, and the kind of mossy, shaded scenery that defines the Smokies. Beyond the overlooks, the park’s points of interest are among the strongest in the national park system. Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Elkmont, Oconaluftee, and the Mountain Farm Museum preserve Southern Appalachian history in a way that feels lived-in rather than staged, with churches, cabins, barns, and mills set against mountain backdrops. Mingus Mill is a standout, and Kuwohi, the park’s highest point, delivers a must-see summit perspective that turns the Smokies into an endless sea of ridges. Wildlife watching is another premier pastime beyond hiking, particularly in Cataloochee Valley, where elk have become one of the park’s great signature sightings, and in Cades Cove, where patient drivers often spot deer, turkeys, and sometimes black bears from the road. If you want a more relaxed day, the park also has picnic areas and streamside spots that function as natural mountain “beaches,” especially in Deep Creek, Greenbrier, and along Little River, where families spread out on smooth rocks, wade in clear water, or cool off beside the current in summer. Add in ranger programs, historical demonstrations, and seasonal experiences like hayrides, and the Smokies become far more than a hiking park. This is a place to sightsee, linger, watch for wildlife, explore mountain culture, and let the landscape come to you.
Kuwohi Tower
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Perched atop the Smokies' highest peak, Kuwohi offers a dramatic high-elevation viewpoint crowned by a circular observation tower that provides breathtaking, panoramic views of the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains (weather permitting). A small visitor center at the summit (reachable via Kuwohi Road) answers questions, houses a bookstore and shop, and offers public restrooms; the area also connects to Newfound Gap Road/US 441 and nearby Appalachian Trail routes through the spruce-fir forest.
Lone Grove
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Valley View
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Rich Mountain # 1
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Rich Mountain # 2
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Rich Mountain #2 offers a stunning view of the Great Smoky Mountains, showcasing the park's iconic rolling, forested ridgelines and the majestic high peaks that contribute to the area's signature smoky horizons. Bask in the beauty of the landscape, especially during the early morning when the light enhances the dramatic scenery. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and enjoy the serenity this viewpoint has to offer.
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Maloney Point
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What makes Maloney Point special is its setting within Elkmont, a landscape of lush forests, mountain streams, peaceful trails, and layered history where historic Daisy Town and early vacation cabins recall the area's logging and settlement past. Sources don’t include specific details about the viewpoint itself, but visitors to Elkmont can find a large campground, preserved homesites and a schoolhouse, plus nearby Metcalf Bottoms riverside picnic area along the Little River for relaxing between hikes.
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Horse Trough Overlook
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Newfound Gap Overlook
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Newfound Gap Overlook offers a high-elevation, panoramic view of rolling, tree-covered Smoky Mountains and a large parking area, making it a popular stopping point on Newfound Gap Road (US 441). Expect parking to be full at nearby trailheads like the Appalachian Trail/Charlies Bunion.
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Deep Creek Valley Overlook #1
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Deep Creek Valley Overlook #1 is the westernmost of four Deep Creek overlooks (the one closest to Highway 321), part of a series praised for idyllic mountainous backdrops. Sources give no specific amenities for this particular overlook, but nearby Deep Creek offers a shaded picnic area, the Deep Creek Waterfalls Loop and Indian Creek Falls hikes, and a 92‑site campground (about 1,800 ft) with flush toilets and drinking water but no hookups.
Deep Creek Valley Overlook #2
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Raven Fork Overlook (MP 467.9)
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Oconaluftee River Overlook
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Perched above the broad Oconaluftee River valley, Oconaluftee River Overlook offers sweeping views of rolling mountains and a grassy river valley home to one of the park’s two main elk herds, an iconic sight in the park’s southern gateway near Cherokee. The overlook sits near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, offering cultural exhibits, seasonal ranger programs, restrooms and a bookstore, and close to the Mountain Farm Museum, campground, picnic area, riding stable, trails and the nearby Museum of the Cherokee People.
Cataloochee Valley Viewpoint
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Perched above Cataloochee Valley, this viewpoint offers sweeping mountain vistas and a chance to glimpse one of the park's two main elk herds amid a valley rich in cultural history. Getting there requires driving the narrow, winding gravel road into Cataloochee via Cove Creek Road; follow I-40 exit 20 onto Route 276 and signs for 11 miles; use caution for steep drop-offs, oncoming vehicles, and horse trailers. Nearby facilities include picnic areas and campgrounds with flush toilets and drinking water.
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Tom Branch Falls
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Arch Rock
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Arch Rock is a stunning feature located in the Roaring Fork area, characterized by its rocky stream and nearby waterfalls. During the spring and summer months from April to August, many fish can be seen spawning and building nests under the rocks, so it’s important to leave the rocks undisturbed. Visitors are encouraged to avoid climbing on wet rocks near the waterfalls and to exercise caution along the riverbanks, which may be slippery.
Cades Cove Loop Road
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Cades Cove Loop Road is an 11-mile, one-way scenic loop that circles a historic valley, offering leisurely wildlife viewing and access to preserved 19th-century structures; plan two to four hours to tour. Open sunrise to sunset (closed to vehicles Wednesdays, typically May–Sept; 2025 dates June 18–Sept 24), the road can be busy; use paved pullouts; midway visitor center has exhibits, a seasonal gristmill and restrooms, and the nearby campground (159 sites) provides flush toilets, a camp store and bike rentals.
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