Top 10 Reasons To Visit The Smoky Mountains
Posted by Darryl Payne in Smoky Mountains
Whether you're a first-time visitor staying in a Gatlinburg cabin rental or a long-time fan of the mountains of East Tennessee, you don't have to think hard to come up with a list of reasons to make the trip. In fact, we could probably come up with a hundred or more, but just in case you need just a little more convincing, here are the remaining most popular reasons people cite for heading to the Smokies.
1. Peace and Relaxation
With more than 500,000 acres of pristine woodlands, 800 miles of trails and more than 1,500 types of plant life, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is definitely the place to get away from it all. And keep in mind that our cabins in Gatlinburg are typically located within a short drive of the park entrance.
2. Cades Cove
Situated within the national park, not far from Townsend, Tennessee, Cades Cove is an open-air museum that follows an 11-mile paved loop. This loop can be driven or, during certain hours, biked. There are even opportunities to horseback ride and to enjoy rides on hay wagons within this lovely historic community.
3. Tuckaleechee Caverns
Estimated to be 20 to 30 millions old, this cave system is also found near Townsend. It consists of many underground rooms and tunnels, with ceilings that reach as high as 150 feet. It features several stalagmites, stalactites, cave draperies, waterfalls and subterranean streams.
4. Great Golf Courses
Dozens of top-rated golf courses can be found throughout the area, including Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Townsend and beyond. Just take your pick for gorgeous scenery and challenging play.
5. Foothills Parkway
This seventeen-mile road is filled with fantastic views of the Smoky Mountains as well as its valleys and surrounding towns. Look Rock is also located on the Parkway. Here, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It's one of the area's best-kept secrets.
6. The Little River
This peaceful mountain river runs from the Sugarlands Visitors Center in the national park to Townsend along Highway 73. Its shores offer many hiking trailheads, scenic overlooks and photo opportunities. The waters themselves are ideal for trout fishing or inner tubing.
7. Attractions
Sevierville, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are well known for their family-friendly attractions. Dollywood is one of the best-known theme parks in the country, but beyond that you'll find unique museums, go-cart tracks and mini golf courses, minor league baseball, a world-class aquarium, a ski resort and dozens of music and entertainment theaters.
8. Shopping
Many find it hard to escape the Smokies without stopping at one of the area's popular outlet malls, where you can get name-brand merchandise at great prices. You'll also find dozens of arts and crafts galleries and studios, unique shops and antique malls.
9. Restaurants
From small mom-and-pop eateries to major national chains, you can find virtually any type of cuisine in this area.
10. Hospitality
No matter what town near the Smoky Mountains you visit, you're sure to be greeted by plenty of smiles and good ol' Southern hospitality.
Other blog categories:
Gatlinburg Attractions Gatlinburg, TN Golf Courses Local Events National Park Outdoor Adventure Outdoor Things To Do Pigeon Forge Attractions Pigeon Forge, TN Places to Stay Sevierville Attractions Sevierville, TN Smoky Mountain Cabins Smoky Mountain Shows Smoky Mountains Things To Do
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