Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Iconic Mountain Views, Wildlife & Outdoor Adventure

For guests staying at Sunshine Around the Bend, a visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the defining experiences of a trip to the area. The park offers a chance to trade the energy of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg for winding mountain roads, quiet forests, rushing streams, historic communities, and expansive Appalachian scenery.

Whether your group wants a short scenic outing or a full day exploring the mountains, the park makes it possible to build an experience around your group’s pace.

About Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park protects more than 500,000 acres across Tennessee and North Carolina and is the most visited national park in the United States.

The park is known for its exceptional biodiversity, mountain landscapes, historic buildings, streams, waterfalls, and extensive trail system. More than 800 miles of trails provide options ranging from short walks to challenging backcountry hikes.

For families and multi-generational groups, there are plenty of ways to experience the park without committing to a strenuous hike. Scenic drives, picnic areas, historic structures, overlooks, and shorter trails can all become part of a relaxed day in the mountains.

Popular areas include Cades Cove, Newfound Gap, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, and Oconaluftee. Each provides a different perspective on the park’s landscapes and history.

Why Guests Love It

The scenery changes with every season
Spring wildflowers, summer greenery, autumn color, and winter mountain views each create a different reason to return.

You don’t have to be an avid hiker
A national park visit does not have to mean a difficult trail. Families can enjoy scenic drives, overlooks, historic buildings, picnic areas, and shorter walks.

Wildlife encounters are possible
The park is home to black bears, elk, deer, wild turkeys, salamanders, and hundreds of bird species. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but they are part of what makes a visit memorable.

Rich Appalachian history
Historic cabins, churches, mills, cemeteries, and other preserved structures provide glimpses into the communities that lived in the mountains before the park was established.

A natural counterpoint to Pigeon Forge
After spending time around the Parkway’s attractions, the park offers something completely different: quiet roads, mountain air, forest trails, and room to simply slow down.

Insider Tips

• Check current road, trail, and weather conditions before leaving. Mountain conditions can change quickly.
• The park does not charge an entrance fee, but parking tags are required when parking within the park for more than 15 minutes.
• Buy a parking tag ahead of time or at an authorized location before settling in for a longer stop.
• Cell service can be limited or unavailable in many areas, so download maps and important information before entering the park.
• Start early for popular areas such as Cades Cove, especially during weekends and peak fall-color season.
• Keep a safe distance from wildlife. Never approach, feed, or attempt to photograph animals from an unsafe distance.
• Black bears are wild animals. If you encounter one, give it plenty of space and follow park safety guidance.
• Bring water, snacks, comfortable footwear, and layers. Temperatures can differ significantly between Sevierville and higher elevations.
• Some roads and facilities close seasonally or temporarily because of weather, construction, or other conditions.
• Do not assume that a short trail is automatically easy. Check elevation gain, trail conditions, and current recommendations before taking young children or older adults.
• Leave no trace. Pack out trash and help preserve the park for the next group of visitors.

Stay Hello Sunshine Tip

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is best enjoyed without trying to see everything in one day. For a Sunshine Around the Bend group, choose one area that matches your family’s energy level and let the day unfold from there.

Pack a simple picnic, take a scenic drive, stop for photographs, and choose a manageable trail. Then return to the cabin before everyone is exhausted. After a day surrounded by mountains and forests, the wooded views from the wraparound deck, a soak in the hot tub, and an evening around the private fire table are the perfect way to slow things back down.