What to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Kids
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The Views in Great Smoky Mountain National Park will never ever get old
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The kids and I enjoying the view from one of the pull offs!
If you’re looking for what to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with kids, you’re in the right place. Whether you are traveling with kids or without, you’ll find plenty to do here. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the highest visited park in the United States. Approximately 11 million people explore this park annually and is the 19th largest U.S. National Park coming in at about 522,426 acres.
Every visitor to the Great Smoky Mountains should make a stop at one of the park’s 4 visitor centers to get a park map and find an up-to-date weather report or share info about the park’s road conditions and possible closures. Park Rangers are also a wonderful resource for finding out the parks more off the beaten path spots. Since we were staying in Cherokee, we visited the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. The park’s visitor centers vary in opening hours, so reference the National Park Service’s website for up-to-date times. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is the headquarters of the National Park and offers the park film. Restrooms and water fountains are available at all 4 Visitor Centers.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
When to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park is from June to October during the summer and the autumn seasons. The summer brings warmer temperatures perfect for hiking and swimming in the rivers. Autumn brings crips, cool weather perfect for hiking and “peeping” the gorgeous colors of the fall foliage. The warmer months bring out many of the parks animals and their famous fireflies.
The worst time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park is during peak winter months. Typically winter peaks in between November and February. These hard winter months leave the park bogged down under snow and sub freezing temperatures. The temperatures are very cold during these months and many of the animals living in the park won’t be out. In addition, the park closes many of it’s trails and roads for the safety of visitors, so access to many locations is limited.
The average annual weather for reference - Photo Courtesy of Weather-US.com
How to get to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is absolutely massive and has 3 different entrances located in different towns across 2 states. To give you an idea of how long it will take to get to the park, here are a few examples.
Obligatory national park sign photo! this one is at the Oconaluftee Entrance in cherokee, North Carolina.
Gatinburg to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is 5 minutes.
Knoxville to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is 50 minutes.
Charlotte to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Roanoke to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is 4 hours.
Atlanta to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is 3 hours.
Nashville to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is 3 hours and 20 minutes.
Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is about 5 hours and 15 minutes
This park is easiest accessed from Gatlinburg or Knoxville. It is a very easy drive and doable as a day trip.
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The NEW Parking Pass Requirment in Great Smoky Mountains
While there are no entry fees to get into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there is a new parking pass that is required for all visitors. This is being implemented in March 2023, but parking passes will be available for purchase starting in January 2023. You can read all of the FAQ from the National Park Service HERE.
Parking Tag Basics directly from the NPS:
Three tag durations will be available for purchase for all vehicle sizes and types:
Daily - $5
Weekly - $15
Annual - $40
Parking tags will not be replaceable, refundable, transferable, or upgradable.
Each tag will be valid for a single vehicle and must include a license plate number matching the vehicle in which it is displayed.
Parking tags will be available for purchase both online and onsite.
Display of physical parking tags in each vehicle will be required. Digital representations will not be accepted.
Parking tags will not be location-specific. A parking tag will be required to park anywhere within the boundaries of the Smokies.
Parking tags will not be required for motorists who pass through the area or who park for less than 15 minutes.
Where to Stay in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains Lodging:
Le Conte Lodge is the only lodge inside of Great Smoky Mountain National Park and it’s located atop Mount Le Conte at an elevation of 6,593 feet. The lodge is only accessible by foot, so you must be able to hike to it. You are able to make reservations by phone, email or visit the lodge’s website. The lodge is open from mid-March to mid-November, but always call and be sure. You can find the rates to stay HERE.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Camp Grounds:
There are ten front country campgrounds in Great Smoky Mountains National park. All of the campgrounds have cold running water and restrooms. However, there are no showers, electrical hookups or water hookups at any of the campgrounds. Every campsite is drive-up with a limit of two cars and six guests per spot.
All of the campgrounds are listed below and you can find site-specific information, costs, and reservation information. (All provided by the National Park Service)
Abrams Creek Campground - $17.50/night
Balsam Mountain Campground - $17.50/night
Big Creek Campground - $17.50/night (NO RVs)
Cades Cove Campground - $25/night - Open Year Round
Cataloochee Campground - $25/night
Cosby Campground - $17.50/night
Deep Creek Campground - $21/night - first come/first serve
Elkmont Campground - $25-27/night
Look Rock Campground - Currently Closed
Smokemont Campground - $25/night - Open Year Round
The kids at an overlook off the main road in Great Smoky Mountains National park
Where to Stay Outside of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located within walking distance to Gatlinburg and Cherokee. There are so many amazing places to stay surrounding the park.
Our campervan parked at the KOA in Cherokee, North Carolina
Cherokee, North Carolina
Cherokee/ Great Smokies KOA This is where we stayed for 2 nights in our RV. This RV park is located less than 5 minutes from the Oconaluftee entrance. The KOA offers incredible amenities for families like playgrounds, riverfront sites, a pool, a pizza shop, a general store, laundry, and firewood for purchase. The staff was very friendly too.
If you’re wanting to camp, but need some luxury check out the Best Place to Glamp in the Smokies.
If your family feels more comfortable in a hotel, use this map to find one near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The most popular place to stay is in Gatlinburg, but also check out Cherokee which is at the Southern Entrance to the Park.
10 Things do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Kids
1) Take A drive Scenic Drive in the Smoky Mountains:
Great Smoky Mountain National Park is known for its Auto Touring. Starting back when the park first opened, people came from all around to see the mountains and valleys at the park’s many overlooks. Inside the park, you will find over 384 miles of road.
Since auto touring is so popular in the Great Smoky Mountains, you will find many options for self-guided tours. Simply stop by a visitor center, snag a booklet and follow the guide to learn about plants, wildlife, and the park’s history. The Smokies Road Guide is the perfect guide to grab before your trip to help you along your auto tour! If you prefer a downloadable audio guide, this one is great and is only $10!
If you’re in Great Smoky Mountains with a baby or looking for things to do in smoky mountains with toddlers, add a scenic drive to your list. This is a fantastic thing to do with kids in Great Smoky Mountains during nap time! Pop the kids in the car seats and head off on an educational drive!
2) Hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
One of the most popular things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is hiking. With 311 trails to choose from, every hiker will find something for their skill level and time available. You will find many family friendly trails in Great Smoky Mountains! There are easy trails for when you’re hiking with kids in Great Smoky Mountains or harder trails for when you’re looking for the best hikes for teens in Great Smoky Mountains.
Best Hikes for Toddlers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The View smoky Mountain views are unmatched
Clingmans Dome: (DO NOT MISS) This 1-mile round trip paved trail is one of the best family activities in Smoky Mountains. The paved path leads to a watchtower that you can climb. At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the highest point in Tennessee and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi! This is a must-do on any family vacation in Great Smoky Mountains!
Look Rock Tower: This 1-mile round trip hike has a moderate climb but is rewarded with spectacular views from the tower.
Oconaluftee River Trail: This easy 1.5-mile trail follows the Oconaluftee river down to the town of Cherokee. It is one way, so walk as far as you’d like and turn around when you are ready.
Laurel Falls: This 2.3-mile hike is a very popular hike for families with young children. It takes hikers up to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Smokies and the trail is completely paved. This is one of the best hikes for kids in Great Smoky Mountains.
Best Hikes for Kids in Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
Porters Creek Trail: This trail is 2 miles round trip. Along the trail you’ll spot the remnence of an old community that was built in the 1700s and abandoned about 100 years ago. The kids will enjoy seeing an old cantilever barn, springhouse and old cabin! With gorgeous waterfalls and a blanket of wildflowers, Porters Creek Trail is one of the most scenic family friendly trails on the list
Part of the appalachian trail goes through great smoky mountain national park
Kephart Prong Trail: This trail is 4 miles round trip. Here you will cross a few log bridges, encounter an old fish hatchery, spot wild life, enjoy scenic views and even have the chance to enjoy the plethora of wild flowers blooming in the park.
Big Creek/Mouse Creek Falls: This 4.2 mile hike has a gradual 605 foot climb, but rewards hikers with waterfall views and an up close look at an old logging trail.
Andrews Bald: This 1.7 mile hike may be short, but it can be slightly difficult at times. However, there are spectacular views of the Southern Smokies and there are several acres of open grassy meadows along the trail.
Grotto Falls: This 2.6 mile hike leads to the only waterfall that you can walk behind in Great Smoky Mountains! During the spring hikers are rewarded with throngs of wild flowers.
Best Hikes for Teenagers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
Abram Falls Trail: This popular trail is 5.2 miles that reward hikers with the most voluminous waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains. While it’s only 20 feet tall, it packs a punch. This is a great hike in Great Smoky Mountains with teens!
Mount LeConte (Via Alum Cave Trail): This is an 11-mile hike, but is arguably the best hike inside the National Park. Read all about this epic hike and staying at LeConte Lodge!
Gregory Bald: This 11.3-mile hike is one for true flower lovers. Azalea lovers from all over the world come here to witness the many acres of fire red, wine red, orange, salmon, yellow, white, pink, and multi-colored azaleas that reach peak bloom around mid-to-late June. If you can't make it in June, another great time to visit Gregory Bald is in August when the wild blueberries are ripening at the summit. The outstanding views from the summit make anytime throughout the year a great time to visit Gregory Bald.
For a 4-Day Hiking and waterfall Adventure with experienced guides in Rocky Mountain National park, check out this cool tour! I would only recommend this tour for parents with teenagers or adults only. This is a guided overnight trip.
Jimmy and latham at the overlook at Clingman’s dome
3) Go Chasing Waterfalls
Waterfalls are sprinkled throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Most of them you have to hike to, but there are three you can actually drive to see! Take your family out to find the tallest waterfall in the park, the waterfall with the most volume, the only one you can walk behind, or how about the tallest cascades in the park? If you’re looking to get some gorgeous photos without a ton of other people in them, I suggest heading out first thing in the morning or later in the evening just before dark. Mid-day brings high crowds. Learn more about ALL of the waterfalls in Rocky Mountain National Park.
If you’d like a guided waterfall tour, you can check out THIS TOUR. The guide will take you to 3 different waterfalls inside the National Park. These guided hikes allow you to be in the outdoors with someone experienced to lead the way.
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It’s easy to find amazing views of the rolling mountains in great smoky mountains national park
4) Get a Junior Ranger Badge
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has their own Junior Ranger Program. Your children will have a great time exploring and learning about the Smoky Mountains, the wildlife, conservation, and the history of the Great Smoky Mountains along with you. Junior Ranger books can be purchased for $2.50 at any of the Visitor Centers. In the Spring, Summer, and Fall there are specific Ranger programs geared towards children and can help them earn their Junior Ranger badge! For more information about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Junior Ranger program, head HERE.
5) Wild Life Viewing:
Did you KNow great smoky mountains national park has elk? They were reintroduced to the park in 2001 and are thriving
The wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park can be spectacular. From Elk, Bear, White Tail Deer, Woodchucks, turkeys, to over 200 species of birds and 80 types of reptiles and amphibians - this national park has it all. However, it can be a challege to get up close or witness these amazing animals because the forest is dense and hard to see through. However, the park offers two main open areas for viewing; Cataloochee and Cades Cove.
The streams of Great Smoky Mountain National Park are home to more than 50 different species of fish. Here in the over 700 miles of streams, you will find Brook Trout, Smoky Madtom, Yellowfin Madtom, Spotfin Chub, and Duskytail Darter. You will also find what some call, Salamander Capital of the World. Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts over 30 species of Salamander; making it the most diverse place in the world for salamander families.
In 2001, the park reintroduced 20 Elk back to the park. Since then, the population has been thriving and has grown to a population of over 150.
6) Go Horseback Riding
Photo Courtesy of the National Park Service
Over 550 miles of the park’s trails are available for horseback riding. There are also 5 places horse owners and horses can camp throughout the park. See the 5 Horsecamps HERE.
You can bring your own horse into the park or you can join a guided horseback ride at one of 4 locations within the park. Find more information about riding horses in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park HERE. The rides last anywhere from 45 minutes to several hours and start at $30 per hour.
Your family may also enjoy joining one of the Ranger-Led hayride tours or Carriage/Wagon rides inside the park. Hayrides take you on a scenic tour around Cades Cove and the Wagon Rides will take you down one of the park trails. Find more information on how to book HERE.
7) Go Fishing
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the perfect spot to go fishing. With about 2,900 miles of streams within its boundaries, everyone will find their perfect spot to angle. The park offers a wide variety of fishing experiences from remote, headwater trout streams, to large, cool water smallmouth bass streams. Most streams remain at or near their carrying capacity of fish and offer a great opportunity to catch these species throughout the year.
Fishing is permitted year-round in the park, from 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset. The park allows fishing in all streams. To find out more about licensing and regulations visit the NPS HERE.
8) Take a Guided Tour:
There are several options for guided tours in Great Smoky Mountain National Park (offered through the National Park Service)
Friends of the Smokies offers guided hikes and events that increase awareness of and support the national park. Hikes vary in distance and difficulty, and feature trails in both North Carolina and Tennessee.
Smokies Life offers hikes and activities that enhance the knowledge and appreciation of the national park. The programs cover a variety of topics from cultural activities, night walks, and guided hikes.
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is a year-round residential environmental education center in the Smokies which offers workshops and programs for everyone, from grade school children to Elderhostel groups and teachers. Programs may include summer camps, family camps, naturalist workshops, hiking adventures, and more. (865) 448-6709
And if you’re feeling extra spunky, check out this helicopter tour! Get an amazing aerial view of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park area, and take in miles of spectacular natural beauty on this 25-minute helicopter tour. Delight in the longest-running tour in the area and fly with an expert pilot who will ensure you have an unforgettable experience.
This was taken at the Oconaluftee Mountain Farm Museum located at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center
9) Go Cycling Through the Park:
Cycling is a very popular activity in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The most popular spot for cycling is the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop that takes riders through 19th-century homesites and areas that are great for wildlife viewing. The National Park Service has accommodated this growing sport by closing Cades Cove Loop Road on Wednesday and Sunday Mornings until 10:00 am from Early May to Late September to motor vehicle traffic.
If you can’t travel on a bike, but want to do some cycling, you can rent bikes from the Cades Cove bike rental counter in the campground store in the Summer and Fall. Find out more about where Bicycles are allowed inside the park. Biking in Cades Cove is one of the best Smoky Mountain activities, so be sure not to miss it!
10) Take a Photography Class:
In this guided photography class, participants will be taught how to use their personal cameras. The guide will meet with individuals or a group smaller than 6 participants and take them on a hands-on photo safari in the Smoky Mountains while teaching them how to operate their cameras. You’ll learn how to come away from auto settings and get the best images by using camera controls. You’ll take home new knowledge, personal images, and a new appreciation for the art of photography.
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a wonderful destination for a family trip. There are so many mountain views, streams, hikes, gorgeous mountain views, and an incredible amount of wildlife. No matter whether you camp out, stay nearby in Gatlinburg, or in Cherokee, the Smoky Mountains National Park is an easy trip for an unforgettable family adventure. I hope you enjoy your time in the Smoky Mountains with kids!
Smokies Mobile App: Don’t forget to Download the Free Smokies Visitor Guide for your phone. Includes trip planning, recreation, and services information, along with the park map. Everything works without a cell signal.
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