Take a trip to Great Smoky Mountain National Park located in Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina. Set up a tent at one of the many different campsites and then spend time outdoors during the day looking at mountains, water, wildlife and remnants of old towns that existed before the National Park took over. The park is open throughout the year.
Backcountry Camping
Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers many trails in less developed areas perfect for camping in the backcountry. You need a permit if you plan to do any backcountry camping. Permits are free and available at the various visitor centers and ranger stations throughout the park. Though you will be in the backcountry, you are required to stay at one of the campsites, which are much less developed and have fewer amenities than in the frontcountry. Some sites need a reservation, others are given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Frontcountry Camping
Ten different campgrounds are available in the front-country. These campsites are accessible by car, as opposed to backcountry sites where you need to hike. Some of the campgrounds require reservations in summer months but six sites are given on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices range from $14 to $23 as of 2010. Each campground has cold running water and flush toilets. No showers or hookups are available. Trailers, RVs and motor homes are allowed at certain sites. Each campground has different restrictions on the length of the vehicle.
Bicycling
Though bikes can be ridden on most trails in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, some of the trails are very steep and might be too difficult for most riders. The best trail in the park is the 11-mile loop around Cades Cove. Cades Cove has the remnants of an old town that is now deserted because the National Park took over the land. Throughout the loop you can see how people went along with their daily life. Homes, churches, cemeteries and places of business are still standing. The Cades Cove campground store rents bikes during the summer months.
Hiking
Hike in Great Smoky Mountain National Park throughout the year. The desolate winter exposes more features of the park. Since the trees lose their leaves, you can see old remnants of buildings that existed before the park was created. Trails in the park allow you to see waterfalls, forests that have been growing for centuries and gorgeous views of mountains. Trails differ greatly in length and difficulty so make sure to choose based on your hiking expertise so that you'll be guaranteed a pleasant hike.
Horseback Riding
Get a view of Great Smoky Mountain National Park on the back of a horse with guided tours that last anywhere from 45 minutes to several hours. Look in Cherokee, North Carolina, Townsend, Tennessee or Gatlinburg, Tennessee for stables. Rates for the tours range from $20 to $25 per hour. There are height and weight restrictions. You can also take a hayride around the Cades Cove 11-mile loop. Rides last for one and a half to two hours. They cost about $6 per person as of 2010.
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