If you are staying in one of our amazing cabin rentals in the Smoky Mountains, you are probably thinking of what kind of outdoor adventures you can have around the area.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great place for exploration outdoors due to the beautiful plants and animals that you can encounter amongst the mountains.
The wildlife is unbelievable, and while you are getting to know the outdoor places around the mountains, you can expect to find black bears, salamanders, fish, deer, birds, elk, and of course, many different bugs as well! Because of this, many people want to explore the area by bike, on foot, or simply enjoy a good fishing experience. That is why we have gathered a list of the best things to do in the area as you take in the beautiful sights that the Great Smoky Mountains have to offer you as you stay in the Smoky Mountain vacation rentals.
Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
With all of the history that surrounds the Great Smoky Mountains, it comes as no surprise that people would want to explore it by taking an up-close look at the amazing spots it has to offer. Let’s check out the various ways in which you can tour the area!
Cycling & Mountain Biking
While there are plenty of roads you can explore on a bicycle, the surface of the roads is not always the safest, so you must ride your bike cautiously. If you are looking for a bike trail that is absolutely safe, though, you will want to head over to the Cades Cove Loop Road. This is the perfect bike trail due to its safety and, of course, the various opportunities for sightseeing and wildlife encounters. The trail is an 11-mile one-way road, and you don’t even need to worry about having a bike available as you can conveniently rent one in the onsite store of Cades Cove.
Aside from biking within the actual national park, you can leave the park and head over to the mountain biking trails that are located within the national forest and lands. Even though these trails are not exactly on the park’s land, you can still enjoy the same beautiful views. Remember that no matter where you decide to bike, you will run into rough terrain, and you must always tread cautiously.
Hiking
Hiking is another popular way in which you can explore the area. There are plenty of hiking trails that are full of history and beautiful sights. Imagine hiking down a trail and seeing stone walls and chimneys from the people who once resided in that exact spot! The site is unlike any other, and to be connecting that closely with a huge part of history is something you will never forget. Whether you want to see waterfalls or you want to head over to some of the areas with the best views, there are definitely trails that you can find that will give you everything you want in a hike.
Fishing
If you enjoy fishing, you will be happy to hear that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers plenty of fishing spots for you to enjoy. The park allows you to fish year-round as long as you do it within their allowable hours. Of course, you must have a valid fishing license or permit from Tennessee or North Carolina to be able to participate in fishing activities. If you don’t have a license, you are able to get one in the nearby towns. Keep in mind that there are sizing limits for the fish that you catch, so do some research before you head out!
Other Things to Do
The park is full of plenty of other things to do while you visit! If you want to enjoy a nice picnic with a view, you will be happy to learn that there are plenty of picnic tables around the park for you to camp out in and enjoy a bite. Additionally, there are over 90 historic structures and buildings that you can explore and connect to history. From houses, barns, and outbuildings to even churches and schools, there is definitely a piece of historical interest for everyone!
Within the park, you will find plenty of places to visit, and to help you narrow them down to the best ones, we have made a list of the most interesting places to visit in the area.
Clingmans Dome
Clingmans Dome is a great place to visit if you enjoy heights! That is because it is the highest point in the entire park. There is an observation tower in the dome where you can catch some amazing views! If you are up for the half-mile walk to the top of the tower, you definitely won’t regret it due to the rewarding experience!
Plan Your Visit!
Ready for an unforgettable vacation to Asheville, NC? Whenever you book with Yonder, making your dream getaway a reality is simple! Just view our Asheville vacation rentals, reserve your favorite, and prepare for your best vacation yet!
Fontana Dam
Fontana Dam is exactly what it sounds like. It is a dam that is to the east of the Rocky Mountains. What makes it a great place to visit is the beautiful scenery that you will encounter. If you want to do some fishing, you can do it at Fontana Dam. They even offer boating experiences as well.
Mountain Farm Museum and Mingus Mill
The Mountain Farm Museum and Mingus Mill is a collection of various log buildings that have been preserved around the Smoky Mountains. From houses to brands and even a smokehouse, you won’t want to miss visiting these amazing places and seeing how families lived 100 years ago!
Other Areas to Visit
There are definitely other places to visit around the Smoky Mountains, including Depp Creek, for example. This area is filled with some amazing streams and waterfalls that you can hike or bike to. You might even be able to catch some fish while you take in the beautiful sights of crystal-clear waters. Or maybe you want to head over to the Roaring Fork, the fastest-flowing stream in the park! Whatever you want to do, this national park definitely has plenty of options for you.
Where to Stay
Staying in Smoky Mountain rentals is the best way to appreciate everything that the national park offers you. When you book through Yonder, you know that you are staying in the best Smoky Mountains cabin rentals there are! Whether you are looking for vacation homes with hot tubs around Asheville or a romantic cabin for you and your partner, we have everything you need and more!
When you stay with us, you can count on exceptional and luxurious rentals with amenities that you won’t want to miss out on, including high-speed internet, a fully equipped kitchen, large living spaces, and of course, incredible views of the Smoky Mountains. Our Western North Carolina vacation rentals have plenty of space, regardless of your group size, and we even have pet-friendly options available for bringing your four-legged pals along on your vacation. What’s more, is that when you stay with us at Yonder, you are within close proximity to plenty of attractions, including downtown Waynesville and, of course, the outdoor adventures that make the park extravagant, like hiking and biking. Book with us today for your next unforgettable vacation!
