Top 9 Things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains
From Knoxville to Asheville, the Great Smoky region that covers Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina is one of my favorite parts of the world. Being from the west coast, I love the exotic feel of the jungle. Here are my Top 10 things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains:
1. Watch Sunset at Clingmans Dome (Sugarland / Gatlinburg Entrance). This is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains and the Appalachian Trail (the 2000 mile hiking trail that goes from Maine to Georgia). Other great places to catch sunset are Newfound Gap and Morton Overlook (both quick drives from Clingmans Dome).
2. Drive the Blueridge Parkway from Cherokee to Asheville. The famous Blue Ridge Parkway follows the Appalachian Trail from Shenandoah NP in Virginia to The Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee & North Carolina. Incredible viewpoints are at every turn, hike the plane crash at Water Nob Overlook and visit the famous frying Pan tower!
3. Try Shrimp and Grits at Tulepo Honey in Asheville. WOW, this restaurant will not disappoint. I’ve had shrimp and grits before, and won’t have it anywhere but Tulepo now – they add chorizo and goat cheese which make it taste like something you would get it Italy became a state in the Southern United States.
4. Eat Catfish and Hushpuppies (jalapeño corn beard) at the Old Mill in Pigeon Forge. The first time I had this dish was in Memphis, many many years ago — and I eat it every time I visit now. Not healthy at all, but very “Southern” and something you must try while you are in the area!
5. Glamp in a Tree House or Tent Wander Camp Great Smokies (opening 2022). The real adventure in the smokies comes from the availability of unique places you can stay, such as cabins, treehouses, tents, you name it! With miles and miles of jungle — the best experiences are not in the hotels! Stay tuned for progress on Wander Camp Great Smokies, and come visit us next year!
6. Visit Dollywood / Pigeon Forge Attractions. Pigeon Forge is full of ships, amusement parks, and eateries — after a long day of hiking in the park (or if hiking isn’t your thing) a quick visit to pigeon forge won’t disappoint. It’s a little “kitschy” of a city compared to sophisticated Gatlinburg, but there sure are a lot of things to do!
7. Hike Waterfalls, Go Zip lining, or take a Rafting Adventure. The largest mountain range on the East, the Appalachians (which end in the Great Smokies), offer adventure after adventure! Hike waterfalls, take a zip lining adventure, or go rafting through one of the many waterways!
8. Eat Chicken and Waffles for breakfast (you are in the South so the food is a BIG part of the experience). It might sound strange if you grew up on the West Coast, but it’s very similar to eating bacon with waffles – so give it a try!
9. Hike part of the Appalachian Trail. This 2160 mile trail runs from Georgia to Maine through 14 states and is the longest hiking-only footpath in the entire world! 3000 people start the journey each year but less than 300 finish, it’s that intense! Visit the Smoky Mountains and you can do small segments of the hike instead of the entire thing.
I spent most of my time scouting land, but I had a chance to hike in the Smoky mountains, stop at gorgeous viewpoints along the Blue Ridge Parkway, enjoy unique cabins & treehouse accommodations, and trying all the Southern Foods from Knoxville to Asheville.
For someone who loves raw fruits & veggies, and smoothies — it was definitely heavy food, but the chance to hike in some of the East’s most beautiful mountains meant I needed the fuel.
