Hidden Smoky Mountains Attractions
If you think about the Great Smoky Mountains you probably immediately think of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Dollywood. You probably even know about the Titanic Museum or Ripley’s Believe it or Not. But if that is the extent of your Smoky Mountain fun, then you are missing out on some of the best hidden Smoky Mountains attractions the area has to offer.
Smoky Mountains Attractions: Cades Cove
Cades Cove is a step back in time. There is a campground, picnic areas and a small visitors store, but the main attraction is the 11 mile one way loop that goes through the valley. Expect to spend between 1-2 hours driving at a very slow speed as you watch for bear, turkeys, deer and other wildlife. There are historic homes, churches and even a mill where you can stop, park and tour along the way. Plan for some extra time to hike back in to see one of the area’s most popular waterfalls, Abrams Falls.
If you are interested in getting a little closer to the Cove, there are designated times where only bikers and walkers can tour the loop. Located in the heart of the Smokies outside Townsend, Cades Cove is only about an hour from the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg area.
Smoky Mountains Attractions: Clingmans Dome
At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There is a 7 mile road that leads you to the base of the hike. Once you get there, you can climb a monument that gives you an amazing view of the Smoky Mountains (which is stroller friendly). Be prepared to be amazed. Just to warn you, because of the altitude, this hike may be more strenuous than you expect. There are pull off points along the drive and benches along the final hike to give you a place to catch your breath and experience the awesome views of the surrounding areas. It is typically 10-20 degrees colder at the top, so keep that in mind.
Smoky Mountains Attractions: Sugarland Visitor Center
If you’re heading toward Clingmans Dome or over to Cherokee, NC, the Sugarlands Visitor Center is worth a visit. There you can get an up close view of the animals that have been found in the Smokies. There are interactive maps, working grist mills as well as periodic programs presented by the Park Rangers. Not only is this a great stretch break, but a great stopping point as well.
This is good to know. If I ever make it that way, I know what to do with my kids 🙂
Looks like a fun and adventurous place to go. I’ve never been to the Smokey Mountains before so I’ll need to add it on my list of places to go to.
We went to Cade’s cove last year. We opted not to do the driving path because we had little ones. But, we just played in the little natural water pools and had a blast!
I visited the Smoky Mountains YEARS ago. I went along on a friend’s family vacation and we were staying in North Carolina. We did a lot of sight seeing throughout the area. I remember there being so much to do there. We were busy every single day and I was exhausted by the end of the trip!
I have left the Smoky Mountains exhausted on several occasions. There is just so much to see and do there.
Looks like a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing all these facts!
I’d love to visit Cades Cove. We went up Clingman’s Dome a few years ago and it was spectacular.
I’ve never been to the Smoky Mountains, but I have always wanted to go. Adding your suggestions to my list of things to do!
I’ve never been to Tennessee. I have heard the mountain area is beautiful.
It’s great you’ve covered the well known and the slightly less so. There’s lots to do there!
Oh my goodness! My family always camped at Cades Cove every summer. I actually broke my wrist riding my bike on the loop- age 12! Sure a beautiful place:)
Oh no! I hate that you broke your wrist!
It is a fabulous area and camping there sounds really fun. 🙂
We LOVE Cades Cove! You can get the best photos of the Smokies there.
I have never visited but I sure would love to.
I’ve never visited. It really does look gorgeous though. And there sounds like lots of neat things to do! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Haven’t been to Great Smoky Mountains but I would love to visit one day! And make sure to keep these in mind (bookmarking for later). Thanks for the great tips Dawn.
I love that you mentioned it being stroller friendly. That is a BIG deal when you have little ones!
This is one area of the country that my husband and I have not traveled. We are planning on doing so within the next year. We have pretty much been to every other state. The pictures are fabulous and I would love to visit all of these attractions.
We still have a lot more of the country to see, but this part is definitely one of our favorites of what we have seen. 🙂
I haven’t visited the mountains. But they are so beautiful! Hopefully some day.
I have never been, but it is on my list of places that I absolutely want to go to! I had a family member get married in the Smokey Mountains a few years back and was super bummed that we couldn’t make the trip then.
That sounds like a great place for a destination wedding. 🙂
I have never been before but Cade’s cove sounds like a blast! Hope to get out there sometime!
I love hearing about the less commercialized places like these. I hope to visit the Smoky Mountains in the near future. I am heading to the Ozark Mountains in Branson, MO next month though!
I love out of the way attractions. They tend to be less crowded!
I’d love to travel here. It just looks so gorgeous!
What a gorgeous area and great resources! 🙂 The 7 mile hike sounds like a great route for a picnic and hike for the family.
I’m bookmarking this! Smoky Mountains are on our visit list! Thanks
Heading there in just a couple of days!! Cannot wait! The Smokey Mountains have been my favorite vacation spot for as long as I can remember. My parents always took us on the way to Florida every year and I would beg to stay longer. Now whenever I can steal away it is my destination of choice. I cannot count how many times we have gone! I agree with you about al, if the sites you have mentioned. Love them all! Thank you for the teaser. Blessings!
Oh I hope that you have a safe trip and a lot of fun!
You really made this area of the country seem like a place I need to visit!
my friend just took a road trip to the mountains. she said it was the most beautiful place she’s seen in a long time
We went to the Smokies for spring break. What a beautiful part of the country. I was surprised by just how much there is to see and do.
I recently went to Smokey Mountains. I did not do any of these hidden gems. Bookmarking it for next time.
I love finding out about hidden areas! There is so much more to seeing a place than visiting the typical tourist areas.
I’ve been to the Smoky Mountains, but it was a long time ago. I’d love to take my boys now.
I need to spend some more time in Tennessee! This looks great! I also know my son would love the titanic museum.