The Great Smoky Mountains National Park receives more than eight million visitors each year, making it the most visited park in America. The park supplies some of nature's most beautiful vistas--whether you want to enjoy a rigorous hike or bike ride, or simply relax and soak nature in.
Take a Hike
If you're interested in walking or hiking, the park features more than 800 miles of trails. Trails range from relatively flat walkways to more rigorous multi-day backpacking areas. Trip planners, trail maps and general maps for each quadrant of the park are available from the National Park Service website (see the link in the Reference section below).
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is a popular activity in Gatlinburg and at the Smoky Mountains for locals and visitors alike. The park has hundreds of miles of trails, while rental stables offer you horses and mounts. Trail rides may last from 45 minutes to a couple of hours and proceed at walking paces. Rates range from $20 to $25 per hour. If you're not interested in riding, a horse-drawn carriage or wagon ride may be an optimal way to experience the park. Rides last 20 to 30 minutes and cost approximately $8 per person.
Waterfalls and Wildflowers
According to the National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountain National Park is "the wildflower national park." The park boasts robust plant life year-round with large displays of wildflowers in spring and summer. Wildflowers are simply everywhere. The Smoky Mountains also feature dozens of waterfalls. The local waterfalls--which range from small up to 80 feet--further accentuate the rolling landscape and wildflowers of the mountains. You can view several waterfalls via car, allowing you to see a significant amount of the park and its offerings in a shorter time.
Golf
Numerous local golf courses leverage the backdrop of the Smoky Mountains. Courses are scenic and challenging. You can play a round against the backdrop of the mountains in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and other area towns. Local golf courses have adapted to the environment by integrating creeks and hills for an exciting "mountain golf" experience.
Hit the Town
Gatlinburg offers you almost as much as the Smoky Mountains themselves. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies provides an opportunity to tour the country's largest underwater tunnel. Downtown Gatlinburg overflows with art galleries and local businesses dedicated to crafts such as woodcarving, not to mention the homemade candy stores. A variety of restaurants offer home cooked flavors to suit most every taste. And, for visiting families, go kart racing, mini-golf and ice skating can help round out the perfect visit.
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