The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known across the United States for its beautiful views and mist that falls over its peaks in the early morning. It’s also one of the most popular national parks known for its hiking trails in Tennessee and endless places to explore. So, if you’re ready to learn why the Great Smoky Mountains is the ultimate national park to visit in Tennessee, read on to learn more about this iconic natural wonder below!
Michael Hicks - Flickr The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is divided down the middle, sharing its mountainous expanse with both Tennessee and North Carolina. As the most visited national park in the nation, it welcomes roughly 12.5 million visitors on an annual basis seeking things to do outside in Tennessee.
JR P - Flickr The Great Smoky Mountains national park is made up of half a million acres of rugged, lush wilderness. You can visit forested mountaintops, indulge in stunning views across the mountain range, and swim in natural waterfalls all within the park’s borders. You can also hit some hiking trails in Tennessee during your time at the park.
Tim Lumley - Flickr The most popular place to visit within the park is the isolated Cades Cove. The valley was once home to some of the earliest settlers in Tennessee and remains a top spot for scenic driving, hiking, and educational trips.
Geoff Livingston - Flickr There are 10 campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountains and there are roughly 1,000 sites in total. With 11 picnic areas and backcountry campsites as well, it’s easy to visit the Great Smoky Mountains on a budget and experience plenty of things to do outside in Tennessee.
DConvertini - Flickr Hiking is perhaps the most popular experience within Great Smoky Mountains park. 400,000 hikers visit the park on an annual basis to trek over 850 miles of hiking trails in Tennessee.
Richard - Flickr The Appalachian Trail runs through the park as well and the Great Smoky Mountains claim roughly 70 miles of the iconic hiking trail in Tennessee.
Tim Lumley - Flickr The highest point in the park is accessible by car and a half-mile walk up steep elevation. It’s known as Clingmans Dome and it is also the highest point in Tennessee.
Thomas - Flickr In addition, the expansive diversity of both plant and animal life in the mountains is stunning, and there’s no end to the educational opportunities. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you trek through the wilderness, though. Respect for the park is of the essence for visitor safety!
Do you agree that the Great Smoky Mountains is the National Park to visit in Tennessee? If so, share your thoughts in the comment section below. And, if you’ve already visited this gem in the south, feel free to share any tips you have that might be helpful to others too. Then, if you’re ready to indulge in a bit of fun when you’re in the Volunteer State, take a look at this resource about things to do outside in Tennessee.
Michael Hicks - Flickr
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is divided down the middle, sharing its mountainous expanse with both Tennessee and North Carolina. As the most visited national park in the nation, it welcomes roughly 12.5 million visitors on an annual basis seeking things to do outside in Tennessee.
JR P - Flickr
The Great Smoky Mountains national park is made up of half a million acres of rugged, lush wilderness. You can visit forested mountaintops, indulge in stunning views across the mountain range, and swim in natural waterfalls all within the park’s borders. You can also hit some hiking trails in Tennessee during your time at the park.
Tim Lumley - Flickr
The most popular place to visit within the park is the isolated Cades Cove. The valley was once home to some of the earliest settlers in Tennessee and remains a top spot for scenic driving, hiking, and educational trips.
Geoff Livingston - Flickr
There are 10 campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountains and there are roughly 1,000 sites in total. With 11 picnic areas and backcountry campsites as well, it’s easy to visit the Great Smoky Mountains on a budget and experience plenty of things to do outside in Tennessee.
DConvertini - Flickr
Hiking is perhaps the most popular experience within Great Smoky Mountains park. 400,000 hikers visit the park on an annual basis to trek over 850 miles of hiking trails in Tennessee.
Richard - Flickr
The Appalachian Trail runs through the park as well and the Great Smoky Mountains claim roughly 70 miles of the iconic hiking trail in Tennessee.
The highest point in the park is accessible by car and a half-mile walk up steep elevation. It’s known as Clingmans Dome and it is also the highest point in Tennessee.
Thomas - Flickr
In addition, the expansive diversity of both plant and animal life in the mountains is stunning, and there’s no end to the educational opportunities. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you trek through the wilderness, though. Respect for the park is of the essence for visitor safety!
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Address: Great Smoky Mountains, United States
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Park To Visit In Tennessee July 18, 2022 Marla S.
Which state parks should I visit in Tennessee?
Now that you’ve learned all about the best national park to visit in Tennessee, how about adding some of the state parks to your itinerary when you visit this part of the south, too? Since there are over 50 state parks to choose from, feel free to reference this list of best state parks in Tennessee to help you get started on planning your next outdoor adventure. While the parks that made the cut are a little less known and off the beaten path, they all offer plenty of opportunities for things to do outside in Tennessee.
What are the most picturesque hiking trails in Tennessee?
Although there are plenty of scenic trails scattered throughout the Volunteer State, it might be a bit overwhelming to decide on where to go. Because the options are endless, how about basing your decision on a specific time of year? To help you get started on planning your next adventure in nature, here’s a list of hiking trails in Tennessee that’ll take you to some of the most picturesque spots in the state. This includes hikes with water views, cliffs, and other scenic landscapes.
What are the best waterfall hikes in Tennessee?
One of the most adventurous and memorable things to do outside in Tennessee is to take a hike to some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the state. Since there are over 800 waterfalls in the state, there are plenty of hiking trails in Tennessee that lead to waterfalls. For you to choose from based on your fitness level, geographic location, time, and interests (such as birdwatching and bringing your dog along on your outing).
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Park To Visit In Tennessee
July 18, 2022
Marla S.
Which state parks should I visit in Tennessee?
Now that you’ve learned all about the best national park to visit in Tennessee, how about adding some of the state parks to your itinerary when you visit this part of the south, too? Since there are over 50 state parks to choose from, feel free to reference this list of best state parks in Tennessee to help you get started on planning your next outdoor adventure. While the parks that made the cut are a little less known and off the beaten path, they all offer plenty of opportunities for things to do outside in Tennessee.
What are the most picturesque hiking trails in Tennessee?
Although there are plenty of scenic trails scattered throughout the Volunteer State, it might be a bit overwhelming to decide on where to go. Because the options are endless, how about basing your decision on a specific time of year? To help you get started on planning your next adventure in nature, here’s a list of hiking trails in Tennessee that’ll take you to some of the most picturesque spots in the state. This includes hikes with water views, cliffs, and other scenic landscapes.
What are the best waterfall hikes in Tennessee?
One of the most adventurous and memorable things to do outside in Tennessee is to take a hike to some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the state. Since there are over 800 waterfalls in the state, there are plenty of hiking trails in Tennessee that lead to waterfalls. For you to choose from based on your fitness level, geographic location, time, and interests (such as birdwatching and bringing your dog along on your outing).
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Which state parks should I visit in Tennessee?
Now that you’ve learned all about the best national park to visit in Tennessee, how about adding some of the state parks to your itinerary when you visit this part of the south, too? Since there are over 50 state parks to choose from, feel free to reference this list of best state parks in Tennessee to help you get started on planning your next outdoor adventure. While the parks that made the cut are a little less known and off the beaten path, they all offer plenty of opportunities for things to do outside in Tennessee.
What are the most picturesque hiking trails in Tennessee?
Although there are plenty of scenic trails scattered throughout the Volunteer State, it might be a bit overwhelming to decide on where to go. Because the options are endless, how about basing your decision on a specific time of year? To help you get started on planning your next adventure in nature, here’s a list of hiking trails in Tennessee that’ll take you to some of the most picturesque spots in the state. This includes hikes with water views, cliffs, and other scenic landscapes.
What are the best waterfall hikes in Tennessee?
One of the most adventurous and memorable things to do outside in Tennessee is to take a hike to some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the state. Since there are over 800 waterfalls in the state, there are plenty of hiking trails in Tennessee that lead to waterfalls. For you to choose from based on your fitness level, geographic location, time, and interests (such as birdwatching and bringing your dog along on your outing).
Now that you’ve learned all about the best national park to visit in Tennessee, how about adding some of the state parks to your itinerary when you visit this part of the south, too? Since there are over 50 state parks to choose from, feel free to reference this list of best state parks in Tennessee to help you get started on planning your next outdoor adventure. While the parks that made the cut are a little less known and off the beaten path, they all offer plenty of opportunities for things to do outside in Tennessee.
What are the most picturesque hiking trails in Tennessee?
Although there are plenty of scenic trails scattered throughout the Volunteer State, it might be a bit overwhelming to decide on where to go. Because the options are endless, how about basing your decision on a specific time of year? To help you get started on planning your next adventure in nature, here’s a list of hiking trails in Tennessee that’ll take you to some of the most picturesque spots in the state. This includes hikes with water views, cliffs, and other scenic landscapes.
What are the best waterfall hikes in Tennessee?
One of the most adventurous and memorable things to do outside in Tennessee is to take a hike to some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the state. Since there are over 800 waterfalls in the state, there are plenty of hiking trails in Tennessee that lead to waterfalls. For you to choose from based on your fitness level, geographic location, time, and interests (such as birdwatching and bringing your dog along on your outing).
