Things to do in The Great Smoky Mountains.
This post shares easy travel tips and fun places to visit in and near the Great Smoky Mountains. You’ll learn what to see at Oconaluftee Visitor Center, enjoy mountain views at Gatlinburg SkyPark, drive the scenic Cades Cove loop, and find affordable places to stay in Sevierville, TN. Perfect for families, seniors, and first-time visitors planning a relaxed Smoky Mountains trip.
Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Nearest City:
- Cherokee, North Carolina
Admission Price:
- Free
- Park parking tag required only if parked more than 15 minutes elsewhere in the national park.
- Daily tag: $5, Weekly: $15, Annual: $40 (Visitor Center)
- Can be bought online ahead of time but parking tags need to be printed at home.
- Free if you have a state issued disabled placard or plates.
Typical Time Spent:
- 1 Hour
What You See:
- Historic Appalachian farm buildings, visitor center exhibits, museum area.
Tips:
- Very limited cell service (download maps ahead).
- No fee unless you plan to leave your car for extended time elsewhere in the park.
- Good place to see Elks.
SkyPark / SkyLift / SkyTrail
Nearest City:
- Downtown Gatlinburg
Admission Price:
- Adults: $40
- Military discount
- Kids 6 to 11: $24
- Under 5: Free
Time Spent:
- 1 to 2 hours
What You See:
- ski lift up the mountain, SkyBridge walk, scenic SkyTrail, overview of downtown Gatlinburg
Tips:
- Wear a jacket since it can get cold
- Buy souvenirs from Skypark shop (bottom of the ski lift) they have better quality Items
Stay: Sevierville, TN
Why I Stayed Here:
- Much cheaper than staying in Gatlinburg
- Easy drive to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Great Smoky Mountain
Tips:
- Great if you’re on a budget
- Expect traffic when heading into Gatlinburg, especially mornings and evenings
- Good area for low-cost motels and chain hotels
Cades Cove
Nearest City:
- Townsend, TN
Admission Price:
- Free (except park parking tag)
Time Spent:
- 2 to 4 hours depending on traffic and stops
What You’ll See:
- 11 mile scenic loop with wildlife viewing, historic cabins, churches, and mountain valley views
Tips:
- Go early morning or near sunset for best chance to see wildlife (deer, turkeys, and sometimes black bears)
- Weekends can have very slow traffic weekdays are better
- Bring snacks and water, no food once on the loop.
- Pay attention to bicycle riders since its popular in cades cove.
- Stop at the visitor center halfway for restrooms and more historic buildings.
- No trash bins in cades cove.
