The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, stretching along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, is the most visited national park in the United States. Thanks to its proximity to towns like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Townsend, it welcomes more than 12 million visitors each year.
Despite the crowds, there are countless things to do in the Smoky Mountains. Whether it’s hiking through lush forests, chasing scenic waterfalls, or standing at overlooks with some of the most breathtaking views on the East Coast, the park offers something for everyone year-round.
For Smokies short-term rental owners, this steady flow of visitors also represents one of the most reliable vacation rental markets in the U.S. Cabins and homes near Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Townsend often see consistent occupancy, making the Smokies an ideal place to invest or list a property.
All year long, a blue-gray haze drifts across the ridges, wrapping the mountains in a smoke-like fog that gives the Smokies their famous name. In this guide, we’ll explore the top Smoky Mountain attractions—from the best hiking trails and waterfalls to scenic drives and historic sites—so you can plan your trip with ease.
Start by exploring the Cades Cove area. If you want to see some wildlife, then there's no better place than Cades Cove. The open valley surrounded by mountains is one of the best opportunities to see white-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, turkeys, and other animals.
Be sure to arrive early, as your best chance to see the wildlife is during the early morning hours, just before sunrise. Not only is Cades Cove a fantastic place to view nature, but the area also boasts the widest variety of historic buildings within the National Park Service, dating back to 1818, when Europeans first settled the area.
You can find three churches, a working mill, several log houses, and numerous other 18th- and 19th-century structures. An 11-mile one-way loop is the perfect way to drive around Cades Cove and see the scenery and wildlife right from your car.
Cabins near Cades Cove are especially attractive to travelers who want quick access to wildlife and historic sites. Short-term rental owners who highlight proximity to this area in their listings can boost both bookings and guest satisfaction.
While hotels in towns like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are convenient, most travelers choose cabins for a more authentic Smoky Mountain experience. Cabins provide privacy, scenic views, and amenities that hotels simply can’t match, from hot tubs and fire pits to spacious decks overlooking the mountains. Families and groups especially value the extra space and home-like feel, which makes cabins the top choice on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.
For short-term rental owners, this growing preference means cabins often achieve higher occupancy and stronger returns compared to traditional hotel stays, especially when paired with professional property management.
From the Cades Cove hiking trails, one of the most popular routes is the Abrams Falls Trail. This 5-mile out-and-back hike leads to a stunning 20-foot waterfall—considered one of the most impressive waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains. At its base is a large, deep pool of water, perfect for cooling your feet after a rewarding hike.
If you’re visiting in autumn, don’t miss the Cades Cove Nature Trail, an easy walk that showcases a brilliant mix of fall colors—orange, red, and yellow leaves drifting from the treetops create an unforgettable Smoky Mountain experience.
Climb to the top of Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 6,643 feet. The Clingmans Dome observation tower, perched at the summit, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains and beyond. On clear days, visitors can see as far as 100 miles, making it one of the most iconic Smoky Mountain attractions.
While the observation tower is open year-round, access can be limited. The road leading to Clingmans Dome typically closes between December and March due to weather conditions.
In addition to the paved trail that takes you directly to the summit, several popular hikes begin along Clingman’s Dome Road. Notably, the Appalachian Trail crosses at this point, marking the highest peak along its entire stretch from Maine to Georgia.
Vacation rentals near Clingmans Dome or Newfound Gap attract hikers year-round. Highlighting mountain views in your listing photos can directly boost booking interest.
The famous Appalachian Trail in the Smoky Mountains stretches for 71 miles through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it one of the most memorable hiking experiences in the region. For most backpackers, trekking the entire Smokies portion takes about a week, but the trail can also be enjoyed in shorter sections. Popular entry points include Newfound Gap and Clingman’s Dome, which allow hikers to complete a shorter version of the route while still experiencing some of the best scenery in the park.
Along the trail, hikers follow a series of white blazes—two inches wide and six inches tall—painted on rocks, trees, and wooden posts. These markings guide backpackers through the rugged terrain. Blue blazes indicate side trails that lead to shelters, campsites, or water sources, making the Appalachian Trail a well-marked and rewarding journey for both day hikers and long-distance adventurers.
It’s nearly impossible to rank the best waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park because there are so many to choose from. Among the park’s many waterfalls, Grotto Falls is especially unique—you can step behind the curtain of water and enjoy the rare chance to view it from every angle. The trail also takes you through an old hemlock hardwood forest, making it one of the most scenic Smoky Mountain waterfall hikes.
No visit is complete without Laurel Falls, the park’s most famous and heavily photographed waterfall. This easy 2.3-mile round-trip hike rewards visitors with an 80-foot cascade split into two beautiful sections—perfect for families or casual hikers.
For tougher climbers, the hike to Rainbow Falls Trail stretches more than five miles and includes more than 1,500 feet of elevation gain. The reward at the end is worth every step, a dramatic cascade where, on clear days, sunlight creates a rainbow mist at the base of the falls.
And the list doesn’t stop there—other iconic Smoky Mountains waterfalls include Ramsey Cascades, Hen Wallow Falls, Cataract Falls, and Mingo Falls, each offering its own stunning backdrop for hikers and photographers alike.
To truly capture the beauty of the Smokies, make sure to include a ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of America’s most famous scenic routes. While most of the Parkway lies outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s still a must-do when you’re in the area. Known as one of the most famous scenic routes in the United States, the Parkway stretches 469 miles—from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia all the way to the entrance of the Smokies in North Carolina. Driving the entire route without stopping takes about 11 hours, but most travelers prefer to explore it in sections.
The best time to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway is during the fall, when over 100 species of native trees transform into a brilliant mix of yellow, orange, red, and purple. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of overlooks and pull-offs for photos or simply soaking in the views. A highlight just outside the park is Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah National Forest, one of the most photographed waterfalls in North Carolina.
Within the Smokies, don’t miss Newfound Gap, the lowest drivable pass in the park at 5,046 feet. The dramatic shifts in scenery as you ascend are remarkable—hardwoods give way to pines, oaks, firs, and evergreens. Depending on the season, Newfound Gap is also one of the best places in the Smokies to catch snowfall. Scenic parking areas make it easy to pause and enjoy the surroundings, while the Appalachian Trail crosses Newfound Gap Road, offering the chance for a quick hike on America’s most famous long-distance trail.
The hikes, scenic drives, and waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are more than just scenic spots—they’re experiences that define the beauty of Appalachia. Whether you’re planning a family-friendly getaway, a couples retreat, or a solo adventure, the Smokies deliver something for everyone.
From wildlife watching in Cades Cove to hiking iconic trails like Abrams Falls or Rainbow Falls, and from driving the Blue Ridge Parkway to climbing Clingman’s Dome, every corner of the park offers a memory worth keeping. And with easy access to towns like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Bryson City, you’ll find plenty of places to eat, shop, and unwind after a day outdoors.
When planning your Smoky Mountains vacation, don’t forget the essentials—sturdy hiking shoes, layers for changing weather, and a camera to capture those views. The Smokies remain America’s most visited national park for a reason: no matter how many times you come back, there’s always something new to discover.
The Smokies welcome over 12 million visitors every year — make sure your cabin doesn’t miss out on that demand. Schedule a Free Strategy Call with Triad Vacation Rentals and discover how professional short-term rental management can boost occupancy, maximize income, and keep your property guest-ready year-round.
