Ryan and I stopped in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park back in 2009 on our cross-country trip and we promised ourselves that we would return for a longer stay. This area of the country is amazingly beautiful. My photos don’t even begin to capture the awe-inspriring landscape. We stayed in on a river front site in Elkmont Campground, and spent an amazing few days immersed in nature. Here’s a few of the things we did.

Clingman’s Dome

Reaching Clingman’s Dome requires a winding drive up a mountain, followed by a short but steep hike up to the top. Once at the top, an elevation of 6,644 feet, there is an obeservation tower that provides for amazing views.

Highlights: It’s all about the view here, and there are several places to pull off and enjoy the views on the way up. Take your time and enjoy it!

Travel Tip: Don’t go first thing in the morning. We usually try to beat the crowds, but the cloud cover needs time to burn off or you won’t have a view of anything but fog.

For Kids: The path to the top is paved, and the observation tower has a long ramp, rather than stairs. This makes it easier for small children to reach the top.

 

Little Greenbriar Schoolhouse

The Little Greenbriar Schoolhouse is a well-preserved one room schoolhouse that was built in 1882 and used until 1936. The desks and several other artifacts from the time period were available for viewing.

Highlights: At scheduled times, a volunteer leads a session in which she shares information about the school, how it was organized, what the children studied, and more. Even the boys found it interesting.

Travel Tip: The road to get up to the school house is a one-lane dirt road with cars going in both directions. It is also on a hill. Luckily we didn’t have to back up at all, but it was nerve wracking. My suggestion is to leave early and hike up through the forest. There are well-marked paths leading right to the schools house.

For Kids: The program is better for older children, with many chances to ask questions and see the books, toys, and lunch boxes from the late 1800’s.

Cades Cove Hayride

Cades Coves is not to be missed on a visit to the Smoky Mountains. It is a 12 mile loop that includes beautiful mountain views, fields of wildflowers, historic buildings and even a working mill! The loop can be traveled by car, bike, or even on horseback. Bikes are available for rent, and the road is closed to cars a couple of times each week. Because our little guys aren’t ready for a 12 mile ride, we opted for a two-hour evening hayride that was guided by a park ranger. 

Highlights: We saw three black bears! It was a mother and her two cubs, and we stopped to watch them for almost ten minutes. We had to keep moving once they got within 30 feet of our wagon!

Travel Tip: If you opt for the hayride, sit on the driver’s side of the wagon. This will give you an unobstructed view of the most scenic parts of Cades Cove.

For Kids: The ranger was great, and even gave each child a turn to ride up in the front with him. He brought animal pelts and other items to share with the kids as we went. 

Roaring Fork Motor Trail

This is another driving loop in a different area of the park. The road was quite winding and narrow, but there were some beautiful views and several places to get out and examine the surroundings. 

Highlights: Most of the drive is through thick forest, but every so often there would be a spot where the trees would clear and the view would be breath taking. 

Travel Tip: The Sugarlands Visitor Center sells a $1 guide for the Roaring Fork Motor Trail. It describes the changes in vegetation, identifies points of interest, and provides historical background for the many buildings along the route.

For Kids: My boys enjoyed getting out and exploring the old homes and barns. They couldn’t believe that ten people could live in such a tiny home!

Laurel Falls 

Laurel Falls is an 80 foot waterfall accessible by a 1.3 mile paved hiking trail. It’s a beautiful walk for the whole family!
Highlights: The star of this one is the waterfall. There are some benches at the top to sit on and enjoy the surroundings.

Travel Tip: This is one of the most popular hikes in the Smokies and the parking area fills up fast. Get there before 9 to avoid the crowds.

For Kids: It’s a short, paved hike to a waterfall. It’s perfect for kids. Strollers are not recommended and there are some steep edges so keep the little ones close.

If you haven’t been to the Great Smoky Mountains, add it to your bucket list. The national park is amazing, and the surrounding towns are chock full of family-friendly fun!