Hello there and welcome to Dirt In My Shoes! Are you ready to plan an unforgettable trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park?! From the stunning old growth forests and historical buildings to the gorgeous vistas that stretch for many miles, you are sure to find something that everyone in your group will LOVE.
Great Smoky Mountains is a place where memories are made and talked about for years to come. It’s a place that has been beloved by families for many generations, fostering a love for the great outdoors deep within the soul of anyone who steps foot here. You can’t help but be drawn back to this place time and time again!
There is so much to do. You may have already looked at a map and been a little overwhelmed — and eager — to make sure that you don’t miss the best sights.
I’m a former park ranger, and I’ll help you plan your vacation down to the details. I’ve extensively explored the Great Smoky Mountains and am here to help! Whether this is your first time to the Smokies, or if you are returning after many years and would like to be reintroduced to the park, this list of 12 things is for you.
What You Need to Know
- Don’t miss out on anything during your trip! Learn the ins and outs of the park as you plan with the exclusive information available in my 5 Steps to Planning the Perfect Great Smokies trip!
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited park in the United States. For the best experience during your time here, get an early start to your day and have a solid plan ===> like this detailed itinerary!!
- This park is open year round, except for a few secondary roads that close during the winter months. Check the NPS Website for information on operating hours and seasonal opening and closing dates within the Great Smoky Mountains.
- This park is unique because only one lodge is available within the park — and you’ve got to hike 5-8 miles on foot to get there! The LeConte Lodge sits atop Mount Le Conte, the park’s third highest peak. Numerous camping options are available within the park.
- Numerous hiking trails converge and overlap in this park, so you don’t want to be caught hiking without a map. This is the map I use and recommend for Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
I’ll make sure that you don’t miss the sights that make this park so famous, but I also want to provide a few treasures that are off the beaten path as well. Let the adventure begin!
READY FOR A VACATION THAT YOUR FAMILY CAN’T STOP TALKING ABOUT?
See Great Smoky Mountains’ BEST SIGHTS at the BEST TIMES with this hour-by-hour itinerary!
Click NEXT to see this fantastic list of 12 things you can’t miss on your first visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
What a great article! My husband and I are going in mid November for our anniversary before Thanksgiving for a weekend. Its our first time there. What kind of clothing should we have. I’m trying to buy a parka and like artic gear lol I just hate being cold! My husband on the other hand is ok with a light jacket. Please advise.
Bring lots of layers! The weather can be a little moody this time of year, so it’s much easier if you can add and subtract layers depending on the temps. Have fun!
What a great detailed break down of the park!! We will be in the area mid March, will probably only have one day…what are the top things you recommend to do. (because of knee issue hiking max would be around 1 mile)
Hi Jenn,
You’ll find my recommendations in the Great Smoky Mountain Itinerary found here: https://dirtinmyshoes.lpages.co/great-smoky-mountains-itinerary/ Have fun!