Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America's most visited national park, welcoming millions of visitors each year with breathtaking mountain scenery, diverse wildlife, scenic drives, waterfalls, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or a week, the park offers unforgettable experiences for every age and activity level.
Bear Claw Vista is conveniently located just minutes from several park entrances, making it the perfect home base for exploring the natural beauty of the Smokies before returning to relax in your private mountain cabin.
1. Go Hiking
With more than 800 miles of maintained trails, the Smokies offer hikes for every skill level.
Popular trails include:
- Laurel Falls
- Alum Cave Trail
- Rainbow Falls
- Chimney Tops
- Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome)
- Andrews Bald
- Grotto Falls
Whether you're looking for a short walk or a full-day adventure, you'll find spectacular mountain views, waterfalls, wildflowers, and peaceful forests.
2. Drive Through Cades Cove
Cades Cove is one of the park's most famous destinations.
This scenic 11-mile loop features:
- Historic churches
- Log cabins
- Working grist mill
- Mountain meadows
- Exceptional wildlife viewing
Early morning and late evening are often the best times to spot black bears, deer, wild turkeys, and other native wildlife.
3. Visit Kuwohi
Formerly known as Clingmans Dome, Kuwohi is the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
A short paved walk leads to the observation tower, where visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views that stretch across Tennessee and North Carolina on clear days.
It's one of the park's most iconic destinations.
4. Explore Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
This beautiful one-way scenic drive winds through old-growth forest, mountain streams, historic cabins, and waterfalls.
Along the route you'll discover:
- Historic homesteads
- Noah "Bud" Ogle Cabin
- Grotto Falls Trail
- Beautiful overlooks
- Frequent wildlife sightings
Many visitors consider this one of the park's hidden gems.
5. Chase Waterfalls
The Smokies are home to dozens of beautiful waterfalls.
Some visitor favorites include:
- Laurel Falls
- Rainbow Falls
- Abrams Falls
- Grotto Falls
- Hen Wallow Falls
Each offers a unique hiking experience and incredible photo opportunities.
6. Watch for Wildlife
One of the biggest reasons people visit the Smokies is the opportunity to see wildlife in its natural habitat.
You may encounter:
- Black bears
- White-tailed deer
- Wild turkeys
- Elk
- Red foxes
- Salamanders
- Hawks and songbirds
Recently, guests staying at Bear Claw Vista have been fortunate enough to spot a local mama black bear with four cubs near the cabin. While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, seeing bears from a safe distance is an unforgettable part of many Smoky Mountain vacations.
Always remember to keep a safe distance from wildlife and never feed wild animals.
7. Enjoy Scenic Picnics
The park offers numerous picnic areas surrounded by mountain scenery.
Popular picnic locations include:
- Metcalf Bottoms
- Greenbrier
- Chimneys
- Cades Cove
Pack a lunch and enjoy the peaceful sounds of rushing streams and birdsong.
8. Experience Every Season
No matter when you visit, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers something special.
Spring: Wildflowers blanket the forest floor.
Summer: Lush green forests, waterfalls, tubing, and long days for hiking.
Fall: Brilliant foliage creates one of the country's most spectacular autumn displays.
Winter: Snow-dusted mountain peaks, peaceful hiking trails, and stunning scenic vistas.
Every season offers its own unique beauty.
Stay Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
After a day exploring the park, return to Bear Claw Vista to unwind in the private hot tub, enjoy long-range mountain views, gather around the fire pit, or relax beside the wood-burning fireplace.
Located just minutes from Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Dollywood, Anakeesta, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bear Claw Vista offers the perfect combination of convenience, comfort, and mountain serenity.
Ready to experience the beauty of the Smokies? Book your stay at Bear Claw Vista.