One of the many reasons people decide to vacation in the Smokies is because of the spectacular scenery. While you can soak up the view from the private deck of your cabin, some guests want to get out and explore the different sights and sounds of nature. Here are 4 fun ways to explore the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains during your trip:
1. Go for a Hike
Our Smoky Mountain cabins are located among the most scenic areas of nature. In just a few minutes, you can be at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Inside the park, you will find all sorts of marvelous nature, including wildlife, waterfalls, and plenty of mountain views. There are more than 800 miles of hiking trails in the Smokies, so you are sure to find the perfect trail for your liking and skill level. For an easy hike that is full of beauty, take a trip to Laurel Falls. The trail is only 2.3 miles roundtrip, but it features a gorgeous 80-foot waterfall you have to see to believe!
2. Enjoy a Scenic Drive
If you aren’t much of a hiker, you can still enjoy the scenic mountain view with a fun drive! One of the most popular drives in the Smokies is Cades Cove Loop Road, which covers 11 miles in a one-way loop road. Along the way, you will spot incredible wildlife, historical structures, and plenty of stunning views. If you want to get out and stretch your legs, there are plenty of pull offs along the side of the road where you can park. These spots are also great for taking some extra time to appreciate some of the animals in the park, including horses, deer, and black bears!
3. Take a Chairlift Ride
Throughout the Smoky Mountains, you will find numerous chairlift attractions that are great for soaking in the scenery. The Gatlinburg SkyLift is one of the oldest structures in downtown Gatlinburg, and it was the first four-season chairlift in the South when it opened in 1954. Since that time, it has been treating guests to fun rides up and down Crockett Mountain. Once you reach the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, be sure to walk across the SkyBridge for a panoramic view that will leave you speechless!
4. Ride a Mountain Coaster
Whether you are staying in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, there is an exciting mountain coaster nearby! For those folks staying in our Gatlinburg cabins, be sure to check out Ripley’s Mountain Coaster for the ride of a lifetime. This coaster will send you through the twists and turns of the mountains, where you can soak up the sweet smells of the mountain air. In Pigeon Forge, you will find a couple of incredible mountain coasters, including the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster. The neat thing about this ride is that you are in control of how fast you travel down the mountain, so you can either go full throttle or enjoy a leisurely ride to take in the landscape.
Now that you know about some of the best ways to explore the beauty of the Smoky Mountains, check out some of the most popular areas in the Smokies! We look forward to seeing you soon!
