Why The Great Smoky Mountains Are a MUST for Michigan Families
Looking for ideas about where to take the fam for your next Midwest road trip?
Here’s a great one for you: It’s a nature-lovers paradise not too far from home with gorgeous forests, epic mountain views, over 800 miles of hikes and 150 trails to explore.
We’re sharing all the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains – a must-visit destination for families like ours!
So, buckle up and get ready to plan the ultimate Smoky Mountain adventure for your crew.
Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
Family-Fun in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge
From Rides to Ripley’s, there’s so much more than mini golf in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
These two towns are bursting with family-friendly attractions and they’re the last you’ll pass before you get to the national park. If you’re looking for things to do in the Smoky Mountains, places to eat, play, shop, or stay, these towns have it all.
Pigeon Forge is pure eye candy for kids. Think double-decker go-karts, upside-down buildings, and stores hawking souvenir tees alongside live baby goats. Hey bargain hunters, there’s no shortage of “buy one, get three free” deals on boots!
Gatlinburg, AKA the “Gateway to the Smokies,” has a vibe all its own. It’s like a carnival collided with a theme park and landed smack dab on top of a little country town.
Bonus: there’s a free trolley, so ditch the car and cruise around town stress-free.
Theme Park & Treetop Adventures
Dollywood
Dollywood is the place to be for big roller coasters, endless excitement, and all the charm and loveliness you’d expect from Dolly Parton.
HOT TIP: Download the Dollywood app to know which rides have the shortest wait-times.
Bridge Walk
If you’re into breathtaking views, go on a Bridge Walk! There are three mountaintop theme parks in Gatlinburg: Anakeesta, Ober Mountain, and the Gatlinburg Skybridge.
Anakeesta has the longest treetop skywalk in North America. Ober Mountain has enclosed gondolas and more winter activities, while the Gatlinburg Skybridge is the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America – and has a glass section in the middle.
Want to check out a skybridge closer to home? We’ve got one right here in Michigan!
Hiking Adventures for Little Explorers
The Great Smoky Mountains are a hiker’s paradise, with trails for all skill levels.
Whether you’re looking for a day trip to a waterfall, a leisurely stroll along the river, or a place to spot wildlife in an old-growth forest, hiking is one of the most essential things to do in the Smoky Mountains.
Family-Friendly Trails: Easy Terrain and Amazing Views
Clingman’s Dome is the highest point in the Smokies. At the top, you’ll find a parking lot, restrooms, a visitors center, and an overlook point. Its usually 20º cooler because of the altitude so bring layers.
There’s a steep 1-mile paved trail up to the observation tower where you’ll be treated to views as far as the eye can see…unless you’re like us and decide to tackle this hike on the foggiest day imaginable!
HOT TIP: At the base of the tower, you can jump on the Appalachian Trail. Don’t miss the gorgeous mossy forest!
- Laurel Falls (closed for rehabilitation until 2026) is a popular 2.5 mile round trip hike that is a manageable for little legs. Once it’s repaved, it will be great for strollers, and has a cool waterfall at the end.
- Grotto Falls Trail is three miles round trip and leads to the only waterfall in the park that you can walk behind. In the springtime, you’ll see wildflowers and trillium. In the summertime, keep an eye out for salamanders along the path.
- Gatlinburg Trail is an out-and-back trail that meanders 3.8 miles along the riverbank. Jump on this flat, pet friendly path where Gatlinburg ends and the Smokies begin.
HOT TIP: Gatlinburg Trail takes you past the Smoky Mountains National Park entrance sign so you can grab that classic photo on foot without waiting in traffic. Definitely a must-do on every visit to the Great Smoky Mountains!
Older Kids? Harder Hikes!
- Abram’s Falls is 5.2 miles and could take 3-4 hours to complete, so start early or you may be hiking back in the dark. You’ll cross log bridges on the way to a roaring waterfall surrounded by rocks perfect for a lunch break. Pack plenty of water and wear good hiking shoes on this one.
- Ramsey Cascades is eight miles (except for when Strava tells you it was 12). This one is strenuous with over 2000′ elevation gain and requires a full day, plenty of water, and food.
You can hop on the Appalachian Trail from multiple trials in the Smokies. We’ve caught it from Charlie’s Bunion, on our trek to Mt. LeConte, and near Clingman’s Dome. Check out a Smoky Mountains map to find it for yourself.
Alum Cave Trail is 6.7 miles and has some amazing log bridges, stairways, and views!
More Things to Do in Smoky Mountain National Park
Cades Cove Loop
Bike or drive the Cades Cove Loop through the countryside and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like bears and foxes. There are historic villages and schoolhouses along the route.
Plan for slow-moving traffic (around 20 mph) the whole loop.
This is a great thing to do early in the morning or late in the day to see more wildlife, but also when the kids are tired of hiking and want to rest their legs.
Ask about Junior Ranger and Wee Wild Ranger programs at any visitor center. Grab a booklet for each of your kids and they can enjoy activities, coloring pages, playing games, and reading about the park while you drive from place to place.
Swimming in the Smokies
After a long day (or a few hours) of hiking and exploring, everyone will be ready to cool off for a bit. (As you can see from the photos in this post, some years it’s really warm over spring break, other years it’s snowy at high elevations.)
If you catch yourself visiting when it’s warm, here are three of our favorite places to wade or swim in Smoky Mountain National Park:
- Little River Gorge (intersection of Townsend & Laurel Creek Rd)
- Greenbriar (access from Route 321)
- Metcalf Bottoms (just off the road between Gatlinburg and Townsend)
Where to Stay: Smoky Mountain Hotels
Whether you stay in a cabin, a motel, or a resort, pick a place with a hot tub—if you ask me, chillin’ in a hot tub after a day exploring is one of the most important things to do in the Smoky Mountains.
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Wild Bear Falls Waterpark
Only 5.6 miles from the Smoky Mountains, this resort is great for families. We’re talkin’ villas with a kitchenette, on-site dining options, a pool, game room, and mini golf.
Wild Bear Falls waterpark is available to guests for an additional charge.
No matter the season, it’s always Christmas at this Bavarian-themed hotel.
If you want to stay away from the hustle of some of the larger water-park hotels, this is your place. There’s an indoor pool and hot tub, as well as seasonal outdoor pools and a splash pad.
The free breakfast buffet everyday makes this a family favorite.
Holiday Inn Express – Gatlinburg
This one is just a block from downtown Gatlinburg, across the street from Log Cabin Pancake House.
Free breakfast, an indoor pool and splash park, and all the amenities you’ve come to expect from this reliable chain.
Looking for something more private?
You can find mountainside chalets and family-sized log cabins scattered throughout Gatlinburg, Wears Valley, and Townsend. We’ve stayed at multiple Black Bear Ridge Resort cabins through the years.
Where to Eat
Pancake houses: The Smokies are pancake central. Try Log Cabin Pancake House for pancakes like Grandma made, or the famous Pancake Pantry where breakfast is served all day.
Kid-friendly BBQ joints like Bennett’s BBQ in Pigeon Forge, or Hungry Bear BBQ with fast, easy sandwiches to go.
For pizza, don’t miss out on Mellow Mushroom. Quick service and lots of seats mean you might not have to wait too long for a table even if it’s crowded. (And it will be crowded – this pizza is DELISH!)
Dinner & A Show
There’s no shortage of entertainment, even while you eat!
We checked out Paula Dean’s Lumberjack Feud one night and were blown away by the chainsaw skills. These are legit lumberjacks who work at this show in Gatlinburg when they’re not competing at the Stihl Timbersports Championships.
Dolly Parton Stampede, or Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud are also a blast. Book online ahead of time for discounted tickets to some of these shows.
How About a Picnic?
In the National Park, take your picnic lunch to Chimney’s Picnic Area off Newfound Gap Road. It’s right by the river with huge boulders you can climb.
There are picnic tables, grills, and bathroom facilities here, too. This is one of our favorite things to do in the Smoky Mountains.
Know Before You Go
Our family loves collecting stamps at all the National Parks we visit. You can get a Passport to Your National Parks Passbook ahead of time, or at any visitor center.
Once you’ve got your book, collect your free stamps, not just in the Smokies, but throughout every national park or landmark you visit.
Download the NPS app and save the Smokies for offline use. This will give you access to park news, road and trail closures, visitor center hours, seasonal info, and – most importantly – maps.
There is little to no cell phone reception inside the park boundaries, so we used our app many times to find our own location and to know how much longer we had to go on a trail hike.
You can get into The Great Smoky Mountains for free, but you have to pay to park at some of the trailheads and parking areas. The pay stations are easy to spot – and the park rangers love giving tickets to anyone without a parking tag who parks for longer than 15 minutes.
FAQs
What month is best to visit the Smoky Mountains?
Summer (June – August): Peak season with warm weather, but also the most crowded.
Fall (September – October): Prime time to see fall foliage, with crowds increasing on weekends.
Spring (March – May): Fewer crowds and beautiful wildflowers, but weather can be unpredictable.
Winter (December – February): Lowest crowds, but some roads and facilities may be closed due to snow.
What is the best town to stay in when visiting the Smoky Mountains?
Gatlinburg: Closest to the park entrances and visitor center, with plenty of activities and a lively atmosphere with restaurants, shops, and entertainment.
Pigeon Forge: Similar to Gatlinburg, but potentially slightly less crowded.
Townsend: A quieter option with good access to the park’s western side, ideal for those seeking a more peaceful experience.
How many days are enough for the Smokies?
Depending on your activity level, interests, and pace of travel, we recommend three – five days to explore all that this National Park has to offer. There are so many things to do in the Smoky Mountains, so give yourself time to stop and smell the wildflowers.
Does it cost money to go to the Great Smoky Mountains?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee. However, parking tags are required for all vehicles parking for longer than 15 minutes. Your America the Beautiful pass will not work as a parking pass.
What are the odds of seeing a bear in the Smoky Mountains?
The odds of seeing a bear in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are high because of the park’s high population density of bears. You can increase your chances of seeing a bear by visiting in the early morning or late evening during spring and summer.
The Smoky Mountains are Calling…
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Smokies adventure today—because those breathtaking views and memory-making moments aren’t going to book themselves.
Let us know your favorite stops after you go—we’d love to hear all about your family’s Smoky Mountain getaway!
