Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a vast and beautiful park that offers a wide variety of activities for visitors. If you only have one day to spend in the park, here are some suggestions for how to make the most of your time.
How to get to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The easiest way to get to the park is by car. The park has several entrances and is easily accessible from major highways. The park is about 40 miles from Knoxville, Tennessee, and about 45 miles from Asheville, North Carolina. The most popular entry points are Gatlinburg, TN, and Cherokee, NC.
How to spend one day in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Start early: Get to the park as early as possible to avoid crowds and make the most of your day.
Go on a hike
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to over 800 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks. Pick a trail that suits your fitness level and interests, and be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. With one day in a park I suggest to go on a Laurel Falls Trail and Alum Cave Trail hike. Both hike a relatively easy. Laurel Falls Trail is 2.6-mile round trip hike is one of the most popular in the park, leading to a beautiful 80-foot waterfall. Alum Cave Trail is 4.4-mile round trip hike takes you through a narrow tunnel and past stunning views of the mountains.
Here are some other hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
- Chimney Tops Trail: This 4-mile round trip hike is challenging but offers spectacular views of the park’s mountain peaks.
- Andrews Bald Trail: This 3.6-mile round trip hike leads to a beautiful grassy bald with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Abrams Falls Trail: This 5.2-mile round trip hike takes you to one of the park’s most scenic waterfalls, with a large pool at the base.
- Ramsey Cascades Trail: This 8-mile round trip hike is challenging but leads to the tallest waterfall in the park, with stunning views along the way.
- Mount LeConte via Alum Cave Trail: This 11-mile round trip hike is one of the park’s most challenging, but rewards hikers with stunning views from the summit of Mount LeConte.
Take a scenic drive
The park has several beautiful scenic drives, such as the Cades Cove Loop Road and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. These drives offer stunning views of the park’s mountains and valleys, and plenty of opportunities to stop and take photos.
Visit a historic site
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is rich in history, with several historic sites such as the Cades Cove and Cataloochee Valley. These sites offer a glimpse into the lives of the park’s early settlers and their way of life.
Watch wildlife
The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, elk, and deer. Keep your eyes peeled for these animals while hiking or driving, but be sure to give them plenty of space.
Attend a ranger program
The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs and activities, such as guided hikes and wildlife talks. Check the park’s schedule to see what programs are available during your visit.
Enjoy a picnic
The park has several picnic areas, which offer a great way to relax and enjoy the park’s natural beauty. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it in one of the park’s scenic spots.
Overall, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a unique and special destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to hike, camp, or simply enjoy the scenic beauty of the mountains, this park is a must-visit for nature lovers.
Enjoy your day in Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
