When you’re planning a family trip to the Smokies, you probably want to spend some time in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But what will you guys do that everyone will enjoy? There are several places you can visit within the park that young kids and older adults will love, so you have a variety of activities to choose from! Check out these top 4 things to do in the Smoky Mountains with your family:
1. Hike the Trails
The most popular thing to do in the Smoky Mountains that’s perfect for families is hiking the trails. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never hiked before you or your whole family hikes all the time because there’s a trail for every skill level! You can even choose trails based on natural features you’d like to see, like waterfalls or scenic views. Laurel Falls is a popular family hike because it is considered easy with a paved trail, 2.3 mile roundtrip length, and a huge waterfall at the end. A more moderate trail you may want to explore is Alum Cave. There are all kinds of cool rock features along the trail, and once you reach the bluffs, you’ll have an incredible view. Your whole family will love hiking together no matter which trails you decide to hike!
2. Take a Drive
Another activity families love doing in the Smoky Mountains is taking a scenic drive. Everyone can enjoy breathtaking views from the comfort of their car seat, whether that’s views of the mountains in the distance, wooded views, or a view of the creek as you drive by. And just because you decide to go on a scenic drive doesn’t mean you have to stay in the car! On almost all of the popular roads, there are places where you can stop and get out to stretch your legs and explore. Some of the most popular scenic drives include Cades Cove, Roaring Fork Motor Trail, and Foothills Parkway.
3. Fish in the Creeks
If you love fishing, then you’ll be glad to know your family can go fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! The only thing you need to fish in the park is a Tennessee fishing license, which you can get online or at select stores and government buildings. There are several different types of licenses you can get based on how long you’ll be in town or what type of fish you want to catch. Visitors are able to fish in any of the creeks, rivers, or lakes within the park, so you and your family will have fun finding the perfect place to fish!
4. Have a Picnic
Of course, you can’t visit the Great Smoky Mountains with your family without taking a picnic into the park! While you don’t have to take your picnic to one of the designated picnic areas, you have several picnic areas to choose from if you do! Some of the most popular are the picnic areas at Cades Cove, Metcalf Bottoms, and Chimneys. All of the picnic areas have tables with charcoal grills that are available for your personal use if you want to make your own meal, but you can always stop by one of the restaurants in town and pick up food too!
Your family will have a blast trying all of these fun things to do in the Smoky Mountains. No matter what you decide to do, or if you do all of them, you’ll make a ton of memories! All you need for your trip is a place to stay, so look through our Sevierville hotel rooms, and book one for your vacation now!
