3 Seasonal Activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

While Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great place to visit year-round, there are seasonal activities for visitors to experience that are available from early spring to late fall. This is because of the hazardous conditions created by cold weather. With that being said, put them on your itinerary if you’re planning a visit there when you stay in our large cabins with your family or friends this summer or early fall.  Read on to learn more! Here is a list of 3 seasonal activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

1. Horseback Riding

One seasonal activity in the national park is horseback riding. The Cades Cove Riding Stables are on the Tennessee side of the park. It is open to visitors from mid-March through late November. If you have never ridden a horse before, don’t worry.  The staff will teach you the basics! They also provide safety gear as well, such as helmets. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about getting lost because you’ll have a tour guide. They will tell you interesting facts about the scenery and answer questions.

2. Driving on Clingmans Dome Road

Another seasonal activity in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is driving on Clingmans Dome Road. At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the park. Visitors love to go to the observation tower to admire the beautiful views. In the early spring through late fall, you can get to it by driving on Clingmans Dome Road. When you get to the parking area, there is a 1-mile uphill hike. When the road is closed, visitors can still get to the observation tower from the Appalachian Trail or by hiking Clingmans Dome Road. Keep in mind that both of these routes are challenging and ideal for experienced hikers. You will be rewarded with beautiful views of the route regardless of which route you take.

3. Taking a Scenic Drive on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

There are places to take a scenic drive in the park year-round, but the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is only open from March 29 through December 1. It is a 5.5-mile route with lots of things to see. You’ll pass by Grotto Falls and Baskins Creek Falls. Grotto Falls is 25 feet tall while Baskins Creek Falls is 40 feet tall and has two tiers. In addition to the natural scenery, there are some cool historical remnants to look out for. One of them is the gristmill. It was built in the 1800s by Alfred Reagan, a settler in the area. When it was operational, it made work easier for farmers. The tubmill redirected water to power a grindstone. Before that, doing the task by hand was very time-consuming! As you’re diving along, you’ll also see Alfred Reagan’s cabin which is not far from the gristmill.

We hope you enjoy all of these seasonal activities at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Need ideas for more activities? Check out our list of top things to do in the Smoky Mountains with a large group!