Great Smoky Mountains National Park Is One Of The Best For A Road Trip & It's Clear Why

If you're in search of an easy summer getaway in the US where you can immerse yourself in stunning natural scenery, look no further than Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Smoky Mountains make up a small part of the ancient Appalachian Mountain range that extends for 2,000 miles. Beginning in Canada, they stretch through the eastern part of the US all the way to Alabama. Smoky Mountain National Park encompasses 800 square miles and over 522,000 acres of breathtaking mountain scenery along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee.

Each year, millions of visitors from all over the world flock to the Smokies to enjoy the great outdoors. Hiking, fishing, camping, scenic drives, and chasing waterfalls are just a few of the many adventures that await you on a visit to the popular national park. Colorful wildflowers dot the landscape each spring. During the summer the thick forests become a haven of lush greenery. In the autumn the forest explodes with color. In the winter, the mountains are often dusted with snow. Each season brings its own special magic to the mountains.

Regardless of when you visit, there's plenty to explore. Out of all of America's national parks, Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the most-visited year after year. It's also one of the most accessible, and can be reached within a day's drive for about 60% of people who live in the US.

Since about two-thirds of the US population can reach Great Smoky Mountain National Park within a day, it's an ideal destination for road trips. Columbus, Ohio, the nation's 14th most populated city, is just over six hours away from the park. Charlotte, North Carolina is the 15th most populated city, and is just under three hours from the entrance. Other major cities in proximity include Indianapolis, Atlanta, Nashville, Lexington, and Asheville. If you're a resident of one of those or if you're planning a visit to one this summer, you can easily escape for a long weekend getaway in the Smokies and soak up some of the most gorgeous scenery in the eastern US. The park is rich in biodiversity. During a recent twilight drive through the park visit I saw a fox, two black bears, and dozens of elk all within a half hour.

During your visit, you can explore 848 miles of hiking trails, including 74 miles of the iconic Appalachian Trail.  Traverse through old-growth forests, climb to the top of towering peaks that reach over 6,000 feet in elevation, or follow babbling streams to plummeting waterfalls — the adventures are truly unlimited. Charlies Bunion, Alum Cave Bluffs, Andrews Bald, Rainbow Falls, and Chimney Tops are a few popular hiking areas. 

There are also 90 historic buildings throughout the park, including traditional cabins, barns, churches and schools. If you aren't up for hiking, you can take a scenic drive and stop at some of the epic overlooks along the way. Cades Cove Loop Road is a popular route. For jaw-dropping panoramic views head to Newfound Gap Road/US441 which crosses over the state border between North Carolina and Tennessee. 

For travelers looking to unplug and connect with nature, camping within the park is the perfect option. If you're feeling adventurous, wild camping excursions are allowed if you apply for a permit ahead of time. There are also ten established campgrounds. Cades Cove and Smokemont are both open year-round and the rest are seasonal. Remember, it's an extremely popular park, so you should be booking your campsite well in advance.

Cabin rentals are a great choice if you want a bit more comfort during your stay. LeConte Lodge is the only lodging within the park itself. It's perched atop Mount LeConte and is only accessible by foot. There are several hiking routes to reach the lodge ranging from five to 10 miles in length.There aren't any other hotels or private cabin options located within the park's boundaries, but there are plenty in surrounding communities. 

The towns on the North Carolina side of the park are relaxed and picturesque. Cherokee, North Carolina is a beautiful town that is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. There are some great restaurants, a beautiful riverside park that twists through the center of town, and plenty of places to shop for unique goods handmade by Indigenous locals. The Tennessee side of the park seems like a whole other world. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are two popular tourist destinations located just outside the park that feel like a mix between Las Vegas and a mountain town. The hustle and bustle is somewhat jarring after the serenity and natural beauty in Smoky Mountain National Park, but activities like mini-golf, rides, shows, shopping, and nightlife may appeal to some.