We visited Great Smoky Mountains National Park twice—first in July 2021 during the Independence Day weekend and again in April 2022, this time accompanied by family members from all three generations.

Across these visits, we explored scenic drives, waterfalls, peaceful forest trails, and historic areas within the park. The park’s easy accessibility and variety of attractions made both trips enjoyable in different ways.

We were fortunate to see bears, including cubs, during both visits.

Visit 1 – July 2021

Day 1

Cades Cove Drive

We began our visit with the scenic loop drive through Cades Cove, one of the most popular areas in the park for wildlife sightings.

Elijah Oliver Cabin Trail (1.2 miles)

This short trail led us to the historic Elijah Oliver Cabin. The peaceful wooded path and preserved cabin gave us a glimpse into early mountain life in the Smokies.

On the very first day of the trip, we were excited to spot a bear during this hike.

Day 2

Laurel Falls Trail (2.4-mile out-and-back)

One of the park’s most popular hikes, this paved trail led us to the beautiful Laurel Falls waterfall. The waterfall was refreshing and offered excellent photo opportunities.

Newfound Gap Road Drive

Driving along Newfound Gap Road offered stunning mountain views and several scenic pullouts.

Clingmans Dome (1.2 miles round trip)

We walked up the steep paved path to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park. The observation tower offered panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

The uphill hike tested our breath, while the return walk tested our balance.

Day 3

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (Drive)

This scenic one-way drive passed through dense forests, streams, and historic cabins. It was one of the most peaceful drives of our trip.

Grotto Falls Trail (2.6 miles)

This enjoyable early morning forest hike led us to Grotto Falls, where visitors can walk behind the waterfall. The shaded trail and flowing streams made the hike especially pleasant.

Cataract Falls / The Sinks (1.1 miles out-and-back)

We explored the Cataract Falls area and also stopped at The Sinks, a powerful roadside waterfall. Both spots were easy to access and very scenic.

Day 4

Drive to Cherokee

We drove toward Cherokee, enjoying more mountain scenery along the way. The drive offered a different perspective of the Smokies near the North Carolina border.

Linville Falls (Outside the Park)

Although located outside the national park, Linville Falls was worth the visit. The waterfall and gorge views were impressive and added variety to our trip.

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Visit 2 – April 2022

Day 1

Foothills Parkway Drive

The Foothills Parkway offered wide mountain views and a quieter driving experience. The overlooks provided excellent opportunities for photography.

Day 2

Cades Cove Drive

We returned to Cades Cove during our second visit, and once again we were rewarded with bear sightings.

Day 3

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (Drive)

We revisited the Roaring Fork area, appreciating its scenic forest setting and flowing streams once more.

Riverview Trail (0.9 mile)

This short and easy trail followed the river through a peaceful wooded area. It was a calm and relaxing walk.

Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail (0.5 mile)

This accessible trail offered a pleasant walk along the river with views of the surrounding forest. It was simple yet enjoyable.

Day 4

Greenbrier Drive

The Greenbrier area provided another scenic drive through quieter sections of the park. The streams and wooded surroundings made it especially peaceful.

Cades Cove – Elijah Oliver Trail (1.2 miles)

We revisited the Elijah Oliver Cabin Trail hoping for another bear sighting, but we were not lucky this time.

Day 5

Fighting Creek Trail (1.4 miles)

This easy trail offered a relaxing walk through forested surroundings near the visitor center area.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a wonderful combination of scenic drives, waterfalls, mountain views, wildlife viewing, and easy hiking trails. The park is very accessible and provides activities suitable for visitors of all ages and fitness levels. Across both visits, the Smokies gave us memorable experiences in different seasons, making it one of the most enjoyable parks we explored.

One more bonus—during both visits, we drove from home to the park through parts of the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, making the journey itself a memorable experience.