Plan your family adventure to Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Discover must-visit spots, fun activities, and fascinating facts for kids.
THE ULTIMATE PARENT’S GUIDE
Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: A Family Guide
Fun Facts
Interesting Things To Know About Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
- WOW! The park is home to over 1,500 black bears – that’s about two bears per square mile!
- HOLY MOLY! These mountains are so old they were around when dinosaurs roamed the Earth – they’re over 200-300 million years old!
- SUPER COOL! The park has more different types of salamanders (30 species!) than anywhere else in the world – they call it the “Salamander Capital of the World!”
- AMAZING! Over 1,600 flowering plants bloom in the park throughout the year – that’s more than any other national park in North America!
- INCREDIBLE! The park gets its name from the natural fog that looks like smoke rising from the mountains – the Cherokee people called these mountains “Shaconage” (Shah-con-ah-hey), meaning “land of the blue smoke!”
Must-Visit Spots
Where To Go At Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
Sugarlands Visitor Center Get Ready for the Sugarlands Visitor Center : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This is your family’s gateway to adventure! The center features kid-friendly exhibits where little hands can touch real animal furs, see live demonstrations, and watch an exciting movie about the park.
INTERESTING FACT! The name “Sugarlands” comes from the sugar maple trees that once filled this valley. Native Americans and early settlers would make sweet syrup from these trees!
COOL ACTIVITY! Join the Junior Ranger program here! Kids get a special activity booklet and can earn a real ranger badge.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could be any animal living in these mountains, which would you be and where would you make your home?
DISCUSS: Black bears in the Smokies can climb trees when they’re just four months old – that’s probably younger than your little sister or brother!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Bears in the Smokies are excellent climbers and swimmers. They can run up to 30 miles per hour, which is faster than the fastest human! They love eating berries, nuts, and insects, and they have an amazing sense of smell that’s 100 times better than humans. They can even smell food from miles away!
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think they call these mountains ‘Smoky’?
DISCUSS: The “smoke” isn’t really smoke at all – it’s actually tiny water droplets made by the trees!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The trees in these mountains release a special vapor that creates the misty, smoke-like appearance. It’s like the mountains are breathing! This natural fog helps protect the trees and provides water for all the plants and animals. The Cherokee people called these mountains “Shaconage,” which means “place of blue smoke.”
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find the special “touch table” and feel three different animal furs. Can you guess which animals they came from?
HINT: Look for the black, brown, and reddish-colored furs – one might belong to a bear!
OBJECTIVE: Spot the giant map of the park on the wall and try to find where you are right now.
HINT: Look for the star or “You Are Here” marker near the park entrance.
Cades Cove Loop Road Get Ready for the Cades Cove Loop Road : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This 11-mile loop is like driving through a storybook! It’s the best place to spot wildlife from the safety of your car, and you can stop at historic log cabins that look just like they did 100 years ago.
INTERESTING FACT! The meadows in Cades Cove were created by Native Americans who used to grow corn, squash, and beans here hundreds of years ago.
COOL ACTIVITY! Play “Wildlife Bingo” – create a simple bingo card with pictures of animals you might see (deer, turkey, bears, butterflies) and check them off as you spot them!
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think people lived in these cabins without electricity or running water?
DISCUSS: Children who lived in these cabins would use slates (like small chalkboards) to do their homework by candlelight!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Life was very different in these cabins. Families would cook food in the fireplace, get water from streams, and use candles or oil lamps for light. Kids would help with chores like feeding chickens, gathering eggs, and bringing in firewood. They made their own toys from wood and corn husks, and played games like hide-and-seek and tag, just like you do!
ASK YOUR KIDS: What do you think bears do all winter long in these mountains?
DISCUSS: Bears can sleep for up to 6 months during winter without eating or drinking anything!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Bears prepare for winter by eating lots of food in fall – up to 20,000 calories a day (that’s like eating 40 hamburgers)! They find a cozy den in a hollow tree or cave, and their heart rate slows way down while they sleep. Baby bears are actually born during this winter rest, and they stay warm and cozy with their mama until spring.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Count how many white-tailed deer you can spot in the meadows.
HINT: Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to see deer grazing.
OBJECTIVE: Find the old wooden fence that zigzags like a snake – it’s called a “split-rail fence.”
HINT: Look near the old cabins and fields; these fences were built without using any nails!
Laurel Falls Trail Get Ready for the Laurel Falls Trail : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This trail leads to a spectacular 80-foot waterfall that looks like nature’s own water slide! The paved path makes it easier for little legs to walk.
INTERESTING FACT! The waterfall is named after mountain laurel, a pretty pink and white flower that blooms along the trail in spring.
COOL ACTIVITY! Play “I Spy” along the trail, looking for different colored leaves, interesting rocks, and small wildlife like butterflies and birds.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think waterfalls are made? Where does all the water come from?
DISCUSS: The water in Laurel Falls has been flowing over these rocks for thousands of years, longer than any person has been alive!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Waterfalls form when water flows over hard rocks onto softer rocks below. Over time (many, many years), the falling water slowly carves away the soft rock, making the waterfall taller. The water comes from rain and melting snow high up in the mountains, which is why the waterfall flows all year round!
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think some trees along the trail are so twisty and bent?
DISCUSS: Trees can bend and grow in funny shapes to reach sunlight – they’re like nature’s acrobats!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Trees need sunlight to grow, just like you need food to grow. When trees are growing on a mountain, they sometimes have to twist and turn to find patches of sunlight. Some trees might bend because of strong winds or heavy snow. Each twisted tree tells its own story of survival!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Look for small pools of water near the waterfall where salamanders might be hiding.
HINT: Check under rocks near the water’s edge, but remember not to touch the salamanders!
OBJECTIVE: Find three different shapes of leaves along the trail.
HINT: Look both on the ground and up in the trees – you might find leaves shaped like stars, hearts, or ovals.
Mountain Farm Museum at Oconaluftee
Visitor Center Get Ready for the Mountain Farm Museum at Oconaluftee Visitor Center : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Step back in time to see how mountain families lived and farmed! Kids can explore real farm buildings, see old-time tools, and often spot elk grazing in the nearby fields.
INTERESTING FACT! The buildings here aren’t replicas – they’re real historic buildings that were carefully moved here from different parts of the mountains.
COOL ACTIVITY! Try the “Farm Chores Scavenger Hunt” – look for the corn crib, apple house, and springhouse, and imagine what chores kids your age would have done in each place.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you lived on this farm 100 years ago, what would you eat for breakfast?
DISCUSS: Farm families made their own breakfast cereal from corn they grew, called cornmeal mush – like oatmeal’s mountain cousin!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Mountain families grew or made almost everything they ate. They had gardens full of vegetables, fruit trees for apples and cherries, chickens for eggs, and cows for milk. They even made their own butter and cheese! In winter, they ate food they had preserved by drying, smoking, or storing in the cool springhouse.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think elk are so much bigger than deer?
DISCUSS: A male elk can weigh as much as 700 pounds – that’s heavier than your whole family combined!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Elk are like the giants of the deer family. They need to be big and strong to survive cold winters and protect themselves from predators. Male elk grow huge antlers every year that can weigh up to 40 pounds – that’s like carrying a kindergartener on their head! They use these antlers to compete with other males and show off to female elk.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find the old washing machine – it looks very different from the one at your house!
HINT: Look for a wooden tub with a stick (called a plunger) used to clean clothes.
OBJECTIVE: Spot three different types of farm animals carved into the wooden signs.
HINT: These signs show what animals used to live on the farm – look near the barn and fences.
Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Get Ready for the Clingmans Dome Observation Tower : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? You’re standing on top of the Smokies! This is the highest point in the park, where you can walk up a spiral ramp to feel like you’re touching the clouds.
INTERESTING FACT! On clear days, you can see seven different states from the top of the tower!
COOL ACTIVITY! Make a cloud in a jar! Bring a clear jar with a lid, and when you reach the top, open it to catch some mountain air, then quickly seal it. When you go back down the mountain, you might see clouds form inside!
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why does it feel colder up here than it did at the bottom of the mountain?
DISCUSS: For every 1,000 feet you climb up a mountain, the temperature drops about 3-5 degrees – it’s like climbing into your freezer!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Mountains are like nature’s skyscrapers – the higher you go, the colder it gets because you’re getting closer to space! This is why mountain tops often have snow when it’s warm in the valleys below. The cold air at the top also helps create the “smoky” clouds that give these mountains their name.
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do the trees growing up here survive in such strong winds?
DISCUSS: The trees at the top are much shorter and more twisted than trees at the bottom – they’ve adapted to survive the harsh mountain weather!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: These trees are like mountain superheroes! They grow slowly and stay small to handle strong winds. Their roots grow deep into the mountain to hold them steady, and their branches grow mainly on one side – away from the prevailing winds. It’s like they’re all leaning away from a giant hair dryer!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Count how many steps it takes to reach the top of the observation tower.
HINT: Take it slow and steady – remember, you’re already over 6,000 feet above sea level!
OBJECTIVE: Try to spot the different colored layers of mountains in the distance.
HINT: Look for shades of blue and purple – the further away the mountains are, the bluer they look!
Other Nearby Points of Interest
Other great things to do near Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
BEFORE YOU LEAVE – Make sure to check out more of what this area has to offer! Here are a few nearby spots that we think you’ll love just as much as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
Dollywood Theme Park (Pigeon Forge): A family-friendly theme park with gentle rides for little ones, fun shows, and craft demonstrations. Don’t miss the train ride through the mountains!
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies (Gatlinburg): Get up close with sea creatures in this world-class aquarium featuring a moving walkway through a shark tunnel and penguin encounters.
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park: Take a scenic chair lift ride up the mountain and walk across the SkyBridge – North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge (don’t worry, it’s very safe!).
Read before you go
To make your visit even more exciting, check out these age-appropriate books:
- “Who Pooped in the Park? Great Smoky Mountains National Park” by Gary D. Robson – A fun way to learn about animal tracking and wildlife in the park
- “The Salamander Room” by Anne Mazer – A beautiful picture book that introduces children to the park’s most famous amphibians
- “B is for Blue Ridge” by Craig Kunce – An alphabet book featuring the plants, animals, and culture of the Smoky Mountains
- “Molly and the Bear” by Daniel Postgate – A charming story about a girl’s adventure with a black bear in the mountains
- Download the free “NPS Junior Ranger” app
- Visit the park’s official kids’ page: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/kidsyouth/index.htm
- Watch the park’s educational videos on their YouTube channel
Fun Facts
Interesting Things To Know About Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
- WHOA! The park is home to over 1,500 black bears – that’s about two bears per square mile!
- AMAZING! Scientists have discovered over 30 different species of salamanders here, earning the park the nickname “Salamander Capital of the World!”
- INCREDIBLE! The park contains trees that were alive during the Revolutionary War, with some being over 400 years old!
- MIND-BLOWING! The park’s name comes from the natural fog that often looks like smoke rising from the mountains – it’s actually created by plants releasing organic compounds!
- HOLY MOLY! Over 850 miles of trails wind through the park – that’s like hiking from New York City to Chicago!
Must-Visit Spots
Where To Go At Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
CADES COVE LOOP ROAD AND HISTORIC BUILDINGS Get Ready for the CADES COVE LOOP ROAD AND HISTORIC BUILDINGS : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Step back in time on this 11-mile loop road where wildlife and history come together! This broad valley surrounded by mountains was home to pioneer settlers, and their preserved buildings tell fascinating stories of mountain life.
INTERESTING FACT! The valley was named after Cherokee Chief Kade, and Native Americans hunted in this valley for thousands of years before European settlers arrived.
COOL ACTIVITY! Become a Pioneer Detective! Get a Cades Cove tour booklet and create a scavenger hunt to find specific items in each historic building (like the corn crib, butter churn, or blacksmith’s tools).
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you had to build a house using only materials from the forest around you, what would you use and why?
DISCUSS: Pioneer families built their cabins using logs cut from massive tulip poplar trees – some logs were so heavy it took 12 men to lift just one!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The pioneers used a fascinating technique called “notching” to build their homes, similar to how we might connect LEGO blocks today. They would carefully cut V-shaped grooves in the ends of logs so they would stack perfectly. The spaces between logs were filled with clay, straw, and small stones – a natural type of cement called “chinking.” These cabins could last for over 100 years when built properly!
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think early settlers chose to live in this valley?
DISCUSS: Cades Cove has some of the richest soil in all of the Smokies because it was once an ancient lake bed!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The settlers were like nature’s smart shoppers! They chose Cades Cove because it had everything they needed to survive: fertile soil for growing crops, abundant fresh water, plenty of wild game for hunting, and natural barriers (mountains) for protection. The flat valley floor made it easier to farm than the steep mountain slopes, and the surrounding mountains created a natural fence that helped keep their livestock from wandering too far.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find three different types of pioneer fences and figure out why they were built differently.
HINT: Look for zigzag rail fences, post-and-rail fences, and picket fences – each had a special purpose!
OBJECTIVE: Locate the mill race at John Cable’s Mill and trace where the water flows.
HINT: Follow the wooden channel that carries water to power the mill wheel.
SUGARLANDS VISITOR CENTER AND
MUSEUM Get Ready for the SUGARLANDS VISITOR CENTER AND MUSEUM : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This is your ultimate basecamp for adventure! The center features fascinating interactive exhibits about park wildlife, geology, and ecology, plus you can meet real park rangers and touch actual animal furs and rocks from the park.
INTERESTING FACT! The name “Sugarlands” comes from the sugar maple trees that once dominated this valley, where early settlers made maple syrup.
COOL ACTIVITY! Join a ranger-led program and become a “Junior Ranger” by completing activities that teach you about park preservation, wildlife, and ecology.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you were a black bear in the Smokies, where would you make your den and what would you eat throughout the year?
DISCUSS: Black bears can smell food from over a mile away and can run up to 35 mph – that’s faster than the world’s fastest human!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Bears in the Smokies are nature’s ultimate survivors! They change their diet with the seasons, just like we might change our wardrobe. In spring, they munch on tender plants and insects. Summer brings a feast of berries and fruits. Fall is their “power eating” season, where they devour acorns and nuts to prepare for winter. During winter, they can lose up to 30% of their body weight while sleeping in dens made in hollow trees, rock crevices, or even under fallen logs.
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think the Smokies were formed, and why are they so different from the Rocky Mountains?
DISCUSS: These mountains were once taller than the Himalayas but have been slowly wearing down for over 300 million years!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The Smokies are like Earth’s greatest puzzle! Unlike the jagged Rocky Mountains, these mountains were formed when two giant pieces of Earth’s crust collided, folding rocks like a giant carpet. Over millions of years, rain, ice, and wind have sculpted them into the rounded shapes we see today. The rocks here tell amazing stories – some were once ancient seabeds, and others contain fossils of creatures that lived before dinosaurs!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find and identify three different animal tracks in the museum’s display and match them to the correct animal.
HINT: Look for the track-matching interactive display near the wildlife exhibit.
OBJECTIVE: Locate the seismograph and discover what it measures about the park.
HINT: This instrument records the Earth’s movements – even tiny ones you can’t feel!
LAUREL FALLS TRAIL Get Ready for the LAUREL FALLS TRAIL : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This 2.6-mile round-trip hike leads to one of the park’s most spectacular waterfalls, where water cascades 80 feet over multiple tiers of rock.
INTERESTING FACT! The trail was originally built to help prevent forest fires by allowing fire crews quick access to the area.
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a nature journal during your hike, sketching interesting plants and recording wildlife sightings. Try to identify different tree species using the park’s tree guide.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think some plants only grow near waterfalls, and how do they survive in the constant spray?
DISCUSS: The mist from the waterfall creates a unique microclimate where rare plants thrive – it’s like nature’s sprinkler system!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Waterfalls create their own tiny ecosystems! The constant mist provides perfect conditions for moss, ferns, and specialized plants called “spray cliff communities.” These plants have adapted to live in this wet environment, much like how cacti have adapted to survive in the desert. The water spray also keeps the area cooler in summer and warmer in winter, creating a protected space where these plants can thrive year-round.
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could measure the power of this waterfall, how would you do it, and what makes some waterfalls more powerful than others?
DISCUSS: During heavy rains, Laurel Falls can transform from a gentle cascade to a thundering torrent that moves enough water to fill an Olympic swimming pool in just a few hours!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Waterfalls are nature’s power plants! Their force depends on water volume, height, and the shape of the rocks. The water at Laurel Falls has carved its path through layers of rock over thousands of years, creating the beautiful stepped appearance we see today. The force of falling water can even create its own wind, which is why you might feel a cool breeze near the falls even on a hot day.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Count the different levels of the waterfall and observe how the water’s path changes at each level.
HINT: Look for places where the water changes direction or spreads out.
OBJECTIVE: Find evidence of the water’s erosive power on the surrounding rocks.
HINT: Look for smooth, worn areas on rocks near the falls and compare them to rocks farther away.
CLINGMANS DOME OBSERVATION TOWER Get Ready for the CLINGMANS DOME OBSERVATION TOWER : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Standing at 6,643 feet, this is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains and Tennessee! The unique spiral observation tower offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains.
INTERESTING FACT! On clear days, you can see seven states from the top of the tower, and the air here is so pristine that scientists use it as a benchmark for air quality studies.
COOL ACTIVITY! Become a meteorologist! Track the temperature difference between the base of the mountain and the summit (it’s usually 10-20 degrees cooler at the top), and observe how clouds form around the peak.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think the trees at the top of Clingmans Dome look different from the trees in the valley? What makes them shorter and more twisted?
DISCUSS: The spruce-fir forest at the top is a survivor from the last Ice Age, similar to forests found in Canada today!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: These trees are the tough survivors of extreme conditions! The harsh winds, freezing temperatures, and thin soil at high elevations create what scientists call a “harsh environment zone.” The trees adapt by growing shorter and developing thick, twisted trunks to withstand powerful winds – kind of like how you might huddle up and brace yourself against a strong wind. This forest is so unique that it’s often called an “island in the sky” because these species can only survive at these high elevations in the southern United States.
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could design a tower to withstand extreme weather conditions at this elevation, what shape would you choose and why?
DISCUSS: The tower’s unique spiral design helps it withstand winds up to 150 mph, as strong as a Category 4 hurricane!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The observation tower is an engineering marvel! Its spiral ramp design serves multiple purposes: it makes the climb easier by creating a gradual slope, allows more people to enjoy the view at once, and helps the structure resist powerful winds. The concrete and steel construction must endure extreme temperature changes, ice storms, and even lightning strikes. Engineers had to carefully consider how to anchor the tower into the mountain while protecting the delicate ecosystem around it.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Create a panoramic sketch of the mountain ranges, marking the different colors you see (blues, greens, and purples) and try to figure out why distant mountains appear blue.
HINT: Look for information about “mountain haze” and how light interacts with air particles.
OBJECTIVE: Find and identify three different types of clouds from the observation deck.
HINT: Look for the cloud identification chart in the tower and compare it to what you see in the sky.
MOUNTAIN FARM MUSEUM AT
OCONALUFTEE Get Ready for the MOUNTAIN FARM MUSEUM AT OCONALUFTEE : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This fascinating outdoor museum features authentic 19th-century farm buildings where you can experience how mountain families lived and worked over 100 years ago.
INTERESTING FACT! Every building here was moved from its original location in the park and carefully reconstructed piece by piece, like a giant historical puzzle!
COOL ACTIVITY! Try your hand at traditional farm chores using period-correct tools (during demonstration times), or participate in seasonal activities like corn shucking or apple butter making.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think mountain families preserved food before electricity and refrigerators existed?
DISCUSS: The cool, dark springhouse kept food fresh by using flowing spring water – nature’s refrigerator – maintaining temperatures around 55°F year-round!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Mountain families were masters of food preservation! They used multiple methods: smoking meat in the smokehouse, drying fruits and vegetables in the sun, pickling vegetables in crocks, and storing root vegetables in cool, dark root cellars. They even made their own sauerkraut in huge barrels and hung herbs from rafters to dry. These methods weren’t just about keeping food from spoiling – they also created unique flavors that people still enjoy today.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think the farm buildings were arranged in this particular way, and how did their placement help the family’s daily life?
DISCUSS: The barn was built on a slope with two levels – animals below and hay storage above – using gravity to make feeding time easier!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Mountain farmers were brilliant architects of efficiency! Each building’s location was carefully planned: the springhouse near water, the smokehouse downwind, the barn close to fields, and the kitchen garden near the house. This arrangement created a workflow that saved time and energy – imagine it as a life-sized game of Tetris where every piece had a specific purpose and place. The layout also protected buildings from fire spread and made the best use of natural resources like sunlight and water flow.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find five different types of tools used for farming and try to figure out their purposes.
HINT: Look for tools in the barn and compare their shapes to modern farm equipment.
OBJECTIVE: Locate three different methods of food preservation used on the farm.
HINT: Check out the springhouse, smokehouse, and look for drying racks in the main house.
Other Nearby Points of Interest
Other great things to do near Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
BEFORE YOU LEAVE – Make sure to check out more of what this area has to offer! Here are a few nearby spots that we think you’ll love just as much as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
Dollywood Theme Park (Pigeon Forge, TN): An award-winning theme park combining thrilling rides with Appalachian crafts and music, just 20 minutes from the park entrance.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies (Gatlinburg, TN): One of America’s top-rated aquariums featuring a moving walkway through a shark tunnel and interactive penguin encounters.
Cherokee Indian Reservation (Cherokee, NC): Experience Native American culture through museums, traditional craft demonstrations, and the outdoor drama “Unto These Hills.”
Read before you go
To make your visit even more exciting, check out these age-appropriate books:
- “Who Pooped in the Park? Great Smoky Mountains National Park” by Gary D. Robson – A fun way to learn about wildlife through animal tracking and scat identification
- “The Great Smoky Mountains National Park for Kids” by Tom McCarthy – Packed with activities and interesting facts about the park’s history and wildlife
- “Salamander Room” by Anne Mazer – A beautiful picture book that introduces children to the park’s most numerous inhabitants
- Download the free “SmokiesSafe” app for real-time park conditions and safety information
- “Hiking Trails of the Smokies” (Official Park Guide) – Detailed trail descriptions and difficulty ratings
- “Smokies Life” magazine – Available at visitor centers, featuring seasonal activities and park updates
- Great Smoky Mountains Association website (www.smokiesinformation.org) – Educational materials and virtual tours
- Park’s Junior Ranger program website – Download activity books before your visit
- National Park Service’s “Teaching with Historic Places” lesson plans specific to the Smokies
Fun Facts
Interesting Things To Know About Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans 522,419 acres of ancient mountains and diverse ecosystems.
- WOW! The park is home to over 1,500 black bears – approximately two bears per square mile!
- INCREDIBLE! The park contains over 2,900 miles of streams, supporting one of the last wild brook trout habitats in the eastern United States.
- MIND-BLOWING! Scientists discover an average of one new species per week in the park – many of them microscopic organisms never before documented!
- AMAZING! The park’s trees remove 27,000 tons of pollutants from the air annually, providing an estimated $375 million in air quality benefits!
- FANTASTIC! Some of the park’s trees were alive during the Byzantine Empire – the oldest trees are over 400 years old!
Must-Visit Spots
Where To Go At Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Get Ready for the Clingmans Dome Observation Tower : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? At 6,643 feet, this observation tower offers the highest vantage point in the park and spans views across seven states on clear days. It’s a perfect spot for understanding the park’s vast ecosystem and capturing stunning photos for social media.
INTERESTING FACT! The tower sits in a unique spruce-fir forest ecosystem that’s a remnant from the last ice age, similar to what you’d find in Canada.
COOL ACTIVITY! Download a night sky app and visit during sunset to stay for stargazing. The elevation makes it one of the best spots in the park for astronomy, and teens can photograph star trails or time-lapses.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think they call these the ‘Smoky’ Mountains, and what causes that signature haze?
DISCUSS: The “smoke” is actually caused by organic compounds released by trees that create a natural haze, producing about 30 million tons of these compounds annually.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The trees release these compounds called terpenes as a defense mechanism and for communication. This process has been happening for millions of years, creating the iconic blue haze. Scientists have discovered that trees use these compounds to warn other trees of threats, share resources, and even attract pollinators. This natural phenomenon has influenced everything from Cherokee legends to modern climate research.
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think climate change is affecting this ecosystem, and what clues can we observe from this vantage point?
DISCUSS: The spruce-fir forest you’re standing in is considered a “sky island” – an isolated ecosystem that exists nowhere else in the region.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: These high-elevation forests are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Scientists have documented shifts in species ranges, with some moving upslope by as much as 2,000 feet seeking cooler temperatures. The red spruce and Fraser fir trees around you are remnants from the last ice age, making this location a living laboratory for studying climate change impacts. Researchers use this site to monitor everything from air quality to wildlife adaptation patterns.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find and photograph three different types of clouds from the observation tower.
HINT: Look for the interpretive signs that explain different cloud formations and their weather implications.
OBJECTIVE: Locate Mount Le Conte and identify the unique wave-like cloud formation often seen around it.
HINT: Use the tower’s directional markers and look southeast – the mountain often creates its own weather patterns.
Cades Cove Loop Get Ready for the Cades Cove Loop : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This 11-mile loop offers a perfect blend of history, wildlife spotting, and photography opportunities. It’s an excellent place to understand how human settlement shaped the park’s landscape while observing deer, black bears, and coyotes in their natural habitat.
INTERESTING FACT! The valley was home to Cherokee hunters for thousands of years before European settlement. They called it “Tsiya’hi,” meaning “otter place.”
COOL ACTIVITY! Rent bikes and cycle the loop during “vehicle-free Wednesdays” (May-September). Create a time-lapse video combining historic buildings, wildlife, and mountain vistas.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think the early settlers survived here without modern technology, and what survival skills would be most important?
DISCUSS: The settlers used every part of the landscape – from chestnuts for feeding livestock to specific tree types for building different parts of their homes. The average family here could identify and use over 200 different plant species.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The settlers developed an intricate knowledge of natural cycles and seasonal patterns. They used white oak for building because it resisted rot, tulip poplar for cabin walls because it grew straight and tall, and chestnut for fencing because it was naturally resistant to decay. Their agricultural calendar was based on natural indicators like blooming plants and animal behaviors, much like modern permaculture practices. This knowledge was a blend of Cherokee wisdom and European farming techniques.
ASK YOUR KIDS: What evidence can you find of how this landscape has changed over the past 200 years?
DISCUSS: The open fields you see today were created by settlers who cleared the forest, but they’re maintained by the park service to preserve this historical landscape.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The landscape is a living time capsule. The fields would return to forest within 5-7 years if left unmaintained. The chestnut blight of the 1920s dramatically changed the ecosystem – American chestnuts once made up 35% of the forest. Today’s wildlife patterns are different too; bears now inhabit areas that were once farmland, and elk have been reintroduced after being absent for 150 years. The current management practices balance historical preservation with natural ecosystem processes.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Document evidence of three different wildlife species (tracks, scat, markings on trees).
HINT: Look for bear claw marks on trees near the apple orchard and deer tracks in muddy areas near streams.
OBJECTIVE: Find and photograph architectural features that show how settlers adapted to the mountain environment.
HINT: Look for the orientation of buildings, chimney placement, and foundation materials.
OBJECTIVE:
HINT: Use the interpretive signs to identify key locations and compare current landscapes with historical photos at the visitor center.
Laurel Falls Trail Get Ready for the Laurel Falls Trail : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This 2.6-mile roundtrip hike leads to one of the park’s most spectacular 80-foot waterfalls, offering perfect opportunities for photography, geology study, and understanding watershed ecosystems.
INTERESTING FACT! The trail was originally built to help prevent forest fires by allowing access to the Laurel Branch area, but its paved surface now serves as a case study in how infrastructure affects natural habitats.
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a time-lapse video of water patterns at different sections of the falls, or conduct a mini water quality study using pH strips and temperature readings (bring your own equipment).
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think these waterfalls shaped the surrounding landscape over millions of years, and what evidence can you find?
DISCUSS: The rock face behind the waterfall retreats about 1 millimeter per year due to erosion, meaning the waterfall has moved backwards approximately 25 feet since the time of the American Revolution.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The falls demonstrate geological processes in real-time. The harder cap rock at the top creates the dramatic overhang, while softer rock underneath erodes faster. This same process created the entire Appalachian landscape over millions of years. The water’s path reveals different rock layers, each telling a story about ancient environments – from shallow seas to mountain-building events. The mist zone around the falls creates a unique microhabitat for rare plants and salamanders.
ASK YOUR KIDS: What role do you think this waterfall plays in the larger ecosystem, and how might climate change affect it?
DISCUSS: The mist from the falls creates a microclimate where the temperature can be up to 10 degrees cooler than surrounding areas, supporting species that couldn’t otherwise survive here.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Waterfalls are crucial ecosystem engineers. They add oxygen to the water, supporting aquatic life downstream. The constant moisture creates perfect conditions for moss and ferns, which in turn provide habitat for the park’s famous salamander populations. Climate change affects water flow patterns – during droughts, the falls can slow to a trickle, while increased extreme weather events can cause destructive flash floods. Scientists use this location to monitor long-term climate impacts on water resources.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Identify three different types of erosion patterns in the rock faces around the falls.
HINT: Look for horizontal lines in the rock, curved hollows behind the water, and angular breaks in the cliff face.
OBJECTIVE: Create a sound map of the waterfall environment, marking different water sounds and their locations.
HINT: Move to different vantage points and note how the water creates different pitches and rhythms as it hits various surfaces.
Elkmont Ghost Town Get Ready for the Elkmont Ghost Town : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This abandoned resort community offers a unique glimpse into early 20th-century tourism and social history, plus it’s one of the best spots for viewing synchronous fireflies in late spring.
INTERESTING FACT! The wealthy families who once vacationed here arrived by train with steamer trunks full of formal wear for dinner parties, creating a “Great Gatsby” atmosphere in the wilderness.
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a then-and-now photo essay using historical photos from the visitor center compared with current shots of the same locations. Document the way nature is reclaiming the structures.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: What does this abandoned resort tell us about how American society’s relationship with nature has changed over the past century?
DISCUSS: The Elkmont resort was once known as “Little River City,” complete with its own railroad station, hotel, and social clubs – all built before the concept of environmental conservation existed.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The resort’s history reflects America’s evolving environmental consciousness. In the early 1900s, the wealthy viewed nature as something to be conquered and commodified. The same families who built these vacation homes later became instrumental in establishing the national park, showing a shift from exploitation to conservation. Today’s ruins demonstrate nature’s resilience – plants growing through floorboards, chimneys becoming bird habitats, and foundations serving as salamander shelters. This transformation raises questions about sustainable tourism and preservation versus natural processes.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think the synchronous fireflies choose this specific location, and what might their presence tell us about ecosystem health?
DISCUSS: The synchronous fireflies at Elkmont are one of only a few species worldwide that can synchronize their flashing patterns, and scientists still don’t fully understand how they coordinate.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The fireflies’ presence indicates a healthy, undisturbed forest ecosystem. Their larvae need specific soil conditions and decomposing wood to survive. The darkness at Elkmont, free from light pollution, is crucial for their mating displays. Climate change affects their timing – warmer springs cause earlier displays. The fireflies represent a broader story about biodiversity, habitat preservation, and the impact of human activity on natural cycles. Their two-week display draws thousands of visitors, showing how conservation can support both nature and tourism.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Document evidence of how different architectural styles reflected social status in the former resort community.
HINT: Compare the simple hunting cabins to the more elaborate vacation homes, noting details like porch size and decorative elements.
OBJECTIVE: Create a timeline of natural reclamation by photographing different stages of decay and regrowth.
HINT: Look for buildings in various states of deterioration, from those recently stabilized by the park service to those almost completely returned to nature.
OBJECTIVE:
HINT: Use remaining foundations and roads to piece together the community’s original plan.
Alum Cave Trail Get Ready for the Alum Cave Trail : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This challenging trail showcases dramatic geological formations, rare high-altitude ecosystems, and historical mining sites, making it perfect for combining physical adventure with scientific discovery.
INTERESTING FACT! The cave’s epsom salts were mined during the Civil War to make gunpowder, and the site contains rare minerals found nowhere else in the park.
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a geological field journal documenting different rock formations and their origins, including sketches and photos of unique features.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think these unique geological formations were created, and what forces are still shaping them today?
DISCUSS: The “cave” isn’t actually a cave – it’s a concave bluff of Anakeesta Formation, created by geological forces over 400 million years ago when this area was under an ancient ocean.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The rock formations tell a story of massive geological forces. The tilted layers were once flat sediments at the bottom of an ancient sea. During the formation of the Appalachian Mountains, these layers were pushed upward and folded like a carpet. Acid rain continues to weather the rocks, creating unique minerals. The presence of rare minerals like alum and Epsom salts indicates the unique chemical composition of these rocks, providing clues about the ancient environment.
ASK YOUR KIDS: What evidence can you find of how humans have interacted with this landscape over time, from Native Americans to miners to modern hikers?
DISCUSS: The Confederate Army extracted over 100 pounds of minerals per day here during the Civil War, using enslaved people and local miners in dangerous conditions.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The trail represents layers of human history. Cherokee people considered this area sacred and used it for ceremonial purposes. The mining operations left visible scars that are still healing. Modern trail construction demonstrates evolving attitudes about balancing access with preservation. The cables and steps along steep sections show how we’ve adapted to the landscape rather than trying to conquer it. This site raises important questions about resource extraction versus preservation.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Identify and photograph three different types of geological features that show different formation processes.
HINT: Look for folded rock layers, erosion patterns, and mineral deposits.
OBJECTIVE: Find evidence of historical mining activities while respecting protected areas.
HINT: Search for old tool marks and unnaturally smooth rock faces near the cave area.
Other Nearby Points of Interest
Other great things to do near Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
BEFORE YOU LEAVE – Make sure to check out more of what this area has to offer! Here are a few nearby spots that we think you’ll love just as much as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
Tuckaleechee Caverns: Known as the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies,” these ancient caves feature dramatic formations and underground streams.
Cherokee National Forest: Adjacent to the park, offering additional hiking trails and water activities with typically fewer crowds.
Museum of the Cherokee Indian: Located in Cherokee, NC, this museum provides fascinating insights into the indigenous history of the region.
Read before you go
To make your visit even more exciting, check out these age-appropriate books:
- Hiking Trails of the Smokies – Official trail guide with detailed maps and trail descriptions
- Smokies Life Magazine – Published by the Great Smoky Mountains Association
- Natural History of the Great Smoky Mountains by Donald W. Linzey
- Download the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park app for offline maps and trail information
- Watch Ken Burns’ “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” documentary series, particularly the segment on the Smokies
- Follow the park’s social media accounts for current conditions and seasonal highlights (@GreatSmokyNPS)
LOCATION SUMMARY
Imagine stepping into a magical kingdom where misty mountains touch the clouds and wild animals roam freely through ancient forests! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is nature’s most incredible playground, where curious explorers like you can discover hidden waterfalls, spot real bears in their natural habitat, and walk through clouds at the top of mountains. Did you know that these mountains are so special that they’re home to more different types of salamanders than anywhere else in the world?