The Great Smoky Mountains rise like ancient sentinels along the Tennessee-North Carolina border, their mist-shrouded peaks earning them the Cherokee name "Equa Dutsusdu Dodalv." Here, 11 million visitors annually discover one of America's most pristine wilderness areas—home to 187,000 acres of old-growth forest, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife-rich valleys that feel suspended in time. Whether you're chasing Laurel Falls through rhododendron thickets, cycling the loop at Cades Cove, or standing breathless at Newfound Gap, you'll understand why this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve has captivated explorers for centuries.
Key Attractions
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Alum Cave Trail
A moderate 5-mile round-trip trail featuring a dramatic cave shelter, old-growth hemlock forest, and stunning mountain vistas, offering one of the most scenic hikes on the Tennessee side.
Photo by Lenzatic on Pixabay
Cades Cove
Famartin / openverse (by-sa)
Chimneys Picnic Area
Jared Brotman / pexels (Pexels License)
Laurel Falls
Kelly / pexels (Pexels License)
Newfound Gap
James St. John / openverse (by)
Itineraries Here
Planning a Trip to Great Smoky Mountains (TN side): FAQs
When is the best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains (TN side)?
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The best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains (TN side) is fall.
How many days do you need in Great Smoky Mountains (TN side)?
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Plan on about 3 days to cover Great Smoky Mountains (TN side)'s highlights at a comfortable pace.
How do you get to Great Smoky Mountains (TN side)?
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Fly into Nashville International Airport (BNA, 2.5 hours) or Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS, 45 minutes). The park is accessible via US-441 through Gatlinburg (TN) or Cherokee (NC). From Atlanta: 4 hours; from Memphis: 6 hours; from Washington, D.C.: 7 hours.
What are the top things to do in Great Smoky Mountains (TN side)?
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Top attractions in Great Smoky Mountains (TN side) include Alum Cave Trail, Cades Cove, Chimneys Picnic Area, Laurel Falls and Newfound Gap.