The Smoky Mountains are known for their stunning visual beauty. There is no shortage of sights to see in this mountainous national park. This guide will give you an overview of some of the must-see places to visit on your trip to the Great Smoky Mountains.
A popular tourist destination, Cades Cove was formerly the stomping ground of Cherokee Native Americans as well as early European settlers. A lush valley frequently visited by all types of wildlife, including deer, bears, foxes and wild turkeys, Cades Cove is best-known for its historical buildings, which give visitors insight in to the land's fascinating past. Many of the trails and roads that cut through Cades Cove are actually old Cherokee paths that date back to the 1800s. In addition, a number of century-old buildings dot the landscape, serving as reminders of the early European settlers who claimed the land and turned it into a farming community. Notable buildings include a mill, churches and authentic log cabins. There are so many well-preserved pieces of history at Cades Cove that the area is known as the Smoky Mountains' largest outdoor museum. As an added bonus, there is a bike trail that allows cyclists access to the cove as well as a magnificent view of the mountainous backdrop.
Reaching 6,643 feet above sea level, Clingmans Dome is the highest mountain peak in all of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In fact, the peak is so tall that it holds the honor of being the third-tallest peak east of the Mississippi. For those who don't wish to make the lengthy hike, there is a road that leads to the peak, allowing for easy access for all park patrons. There is ample parking to accommodate the large crowds that visit the peak as well as picnic space, in case you want to make a day out of the trip. Atop the peak is an observation tower, which is located just half a mile off the main road. The tower provides visitors with a breath-taking, 360-degree view of the entire park. Because there is often fog or rain, visibility from the observation tower is often limited, but on a rare clear day, visitors can see about 100 miles off into the distance, making this a perfect place for picture taking.
Whether you don't want to get bit by bugs or the weather just isn't working in your favor or you're not one to want to hike, then the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is for you. This popular nature trail allows you to explore beautiful, scenic portions of the park all from the comfort of your car. The trail is about 5 miles long, and because the path is one-way, you don't have to worry about oncoming traffic. Along the trail you can expect to see clear mountain streams, lush forests, log cabins and possibly some wildlife, such as deer. It should be noted that the trail is closed during the winter and is not accessible to large vehicles such as trailers and large RVs.
