The 49 best parks and gardens in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Loved the experience, the park rangers were very nice and also very informative about the park. We walked some of the trails, seen the old cabins and the old churches, even got stopped by park rangers because there was a momma bear and her cubs walking around the area. The gift shop had had so many cool items and books about the family’s who once called cades cove home.

For obvious reasons, this should be 5 stars, but humans really have to ruin it every time. But first with the good stuff. We got SO incredibly lucky and saw 7 bears!!! We arrived at the front of the park at about 805 am. The fog was pretty thick for the first 20 min or so of the drive, but it was amazing watch it become clearer as we drove through. We saw so many deer and about 10 were playing in field that we watched for probably 15 minutes. Now. I absolutely expect that traffic is going to be slow. I get it if someone doesn't pull over and stops for 5-10 seconds to take a picture or quick video of something even though there are signs literally everywhere that say "don't idle". But when we saw the first group of 4 bears, we were stopped for almost 30 minutes. I guarantee you that probably hundreds more people would have able to also seen them if people in front of us had common decency. Like I get it, it's an amazing sight, but seriously the people who selfishly stop for 3 or 4 minutes when they could pull over ahead and walk back is ridiculous. It's literally just about being respectful and decent. So anyway, rant over, it was one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had and I absolutely recommend going early. I think we went at the perfect time to see what we saw.

Just a fun drive and lots of sights ,trails,wildlife and history. The most popular place in the park and for good reason. Trails are all accessible some easy some hard. Various trail lengths. Lots of different historical cabins and on one of the spots there's even a gist mill, that still makes stone ground cornmeal you can buy. Enjoy this scenic drive at Great smoky mountains National Park

Did the loop on a beautiful late morning. Only saw turkey, but it's a lovely drive with several historical sites to visit. During warmer months, the NP closes the loop to motorized vehicles giving bicyclists a chance to enjoy nature without having to worry about being run off the road. Dogs are allowed in the park, but aren't allowed on most trails.

I’m a lover of Mother Nature and this self guided driving attraction was breathtaking. Pictures don’t do it justice. I was looking for the bears none showed up. Nonetheless I absolutely loved this experience. Be prepared with enough gas, drinks or snacks. Make sure to use the bathroom before entering the cove. Expect to be in long line for about about 2 hrs driving time including traffic. It’s free, there is a gift shop at the end of the tour, the ice cream is delicious.

Absolutely breathtaking views. We wanted to take a drive to look at wildlife and decided to drive here and take the 11 mile loop. It was so pretty. We didn't see much wildlife unfortunately, but it was still worth it. We saw one bear when leaving, horses, lots of turkey and butterflies.

Pretty country. We took lots of photos along the way. Only issue was it was a rainy day and we didn't get to see as much as we would have like too.

Tons of parking and clean restrooms make this a super convenient stop. There are vending machines on-site and a great little gift shop with all kinds of cool national park merchandise. But the real gem is the covered back porch - rocking chairs and benches overlooking the stunning Smoky Mountains. The view is absolutely incredible, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot elk in the nearby field or close to the center. A peaceful, beautiful place to take a break and soak it all in. Highly recommend stopping here!

I would highly recommend stopping at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. They offer so much history about the area and some great displays. There is a historic settlement to walk through with old cabins, out buildings, and animals. You will also find hikes, restrooms, and a heard of elk if you time it right. (Around noon to 1pm and 4:30 to 5:30pm EST) Please take the time to stop, you won't be disappointed.

I stopped in just before sunset to take a few photos on the way into the area for the weekend, and came through just after sunrise on the way out. It's love getting to see the Elk every year, and this year I finally got some pictures. I didn’t have the opportunity to tour inside this time. Bathrooms are okay with all the traffic coming and going this time of year. I noticed they have vending machines outside for drinks, too.

Very nice, informative, friendly, and a nice facility! Only complaint is that all 4 soda vending machines by the bathrooms said “sold out” and there was no drinks inside for purchase. Nice small gift shop, cool 3D mountain topography that you can touch/see.

My family and I enjoyed walking through the farm museum made up of old farm structures like a corn crib, apple house, spring house, barn etc. They had chickens and pigs there as well. There is also a trail by the river that you can walk, which is fairly flat. Inside the welcome center is a gift shop and a small museum like display about early settlers life in the mountains as well as some info about the wildlife. There are restrooms available. Sometimes you can view elk in the fields next to the center around dawn and dusk. We didn't get to see any though.

River walk us great, saw 30+ Elk as we arrived around 9 am but they moved out. The Elk were clearly uncomfortable with the masses who were not backing away and stayed 10-20 yards distant, much less than the 50 yds allowed by LAW. They could have been ticketed but alas the rangers are 25% down from very low staffing levels so no rangers or police were supervising the humans. Gift store is great, however, need Marci Spencer's book Cherokee NF, a History. T-shirts too pricey, $40.

The Oconaluftee visitor center is found along New Found Gap Road, where breathtaking views ignite a sense of wonder. The visitor center's interpretive signs unveil the mysteries of life in the day, while the gift shop offers mementos to cherish. Behind the visitor center, the Mountain Farm Museum awaits, featuring buildings that reveal the distinct character of the other side of the park. It is totally free to walk around the museum and totally worth it.

It's a fairly easy hike. The fall was nice. Many people went with their children. Parking near the trail is a mess. Very less spots available. Had to wait for a long time to get parking.

This trail was recommended to us as a family friendly trail that my 5 year old could hike and I agree! It was perfect for us as a family and as beginners. It’s paved and took us around 2 hours total. The waterfall was beautiful and worth the hike. There are some spots towards the end that you need to be extra cautious if you have children but overall it was a fun and rewarding trail!

Loved this trail. Turned out to be easier than we thought. Can definitely be done with young kids and elderly as well. Took about 35 min to the waterfall and 25 or so back. Walk down to the base of the fall to great a great view!

So beautiful easy hike it is pretty steep at some points and can be a little slippery so be careful. It is a beautiful place and a must see if you visit the Smokeys. After the rain it is even better!

It is all up hill on the way up. It is paved but can be challenging for new people! Lots of places to stop and rest. Gorgeous views and the falls are wonderful.

Hard to find parking, nice little trail, it took me about 35 minutes walking at a medium to slow pace. The path is paved all the way, although towards the end, the pavement have eroded a bit. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes . The waterfall area was very crowded, but eventually we were able to get in and enjoy (there isn't too much space to get under the water, but you can lean against the rocks and get your back wet). This review was based on a sunny Saturday afternoon in August.

Beautiful waterfall. Trail is basically paved (some areas trail is crumbling) but pretty easy trail for an average hiker. No dogs allowed on this trail (or most trails in the Smoky Mountains).

Grotto Falls was amazing!! It’s a very popular place so plan to get there early. Parking is always full. The hike itself was mostly uphill and the path was pretty clear with some rocks and roots in the ground. There were little waterfalls and other beautiful scenery all along the way.

This is a beautiful waterfall and the hike isn't too bad. It is uphill, but all my kids were able to make it without complaining (from 10-21). Walking behind the falls is amazing and unique. Our oldest son proposed to his girlfriend there in October. Parking is very limited, we had to drive the loop twice and pile the 12 of us into one car once we were able to get to a larger parking lot & leave 2 vehicles there, this was 9am in the morning. Luckily, there was one parking spot available the 2nd time around. So go very early!

Great hike with beautiful scenes. The waterfall and little pools at the top were incredibly. The water was very cold! It was a great experience! Parking was totally full. We were praying for a spot to open up for us...and it did!

Grotto Falls is a gem in the Smokies, offering a unique opportunity to walk behind a cascading waterfall—a rare and magical experience. The hike via Trillium Gap Trail is about 2.6 miles roundtrip and moderately easy, with gentle inclines and shaded paths that make it suitable for families and casual hikers. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush greenery, cross small streams, and spot wildflowers and wildlife, especially in spring and early summer. The trail is well-maintained, and the forest canopy provides a cool, refreshing atmosphere even on warmer days. The waterfall itself is stunning, especially after recent rain when the flow is strong. The ability to walk behind the falls adds a playful and memorable twist to the hike. It’s a great spot for photos, quiet reflection, or simply cooling off. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes, as the rocks near the falls can be slippery. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful nature escape, Grotto Falls delivers a rewarding experience that blends accessibility with natural beauty.

Nice short hike! Good for the family. Parking filled up quickly on a Friday morning. I'd recommend going early if you don't want to add extra milage to your hike. You can walk behind the falls which is fun. The trail does continue up to a mountain path for those interested in a hike longer than 3 miles.

A Peaceful and Rewarding Hike! I absolutely loved the scenic trail that leads to Grotto Falls. The walk through the forest is peaceful and beautiful, and the reward at the end—a stunning waterfall you can actually walk behind—is totally worth it! I recommend bringing water and a few snacks, especially if you’re hiking with kids or taking your time. Don’t rush—soak in the beauty around you. It’s not just about the destination, the journey is just as breathtaking. Highly recommend!

Absolutely beautiful trail. Moderate level. There were plenty of children hiking it. It was a great short trail to do on our last day. There and back took about an hour and 20 minutes. The waterfall is breathtaking. So worth it.

It gets super crowded, so arrive early! We arrived after 11 and ended up parking at the Bus/RV lot because the car lot was full. Very crowded inside the visitor center as well. There is A/C, so it's a good place to cool off. There are restrooms outside the center, with multiple stalls (Men and Women). The employees are very helpful if you have questions about certain trails. You can purchase trail maps inside for $1.99, but honestly, just pre-download maps on your phone. It's 2025, who's pulling out maps while driving?! Easy access to Nature Trail/ Cataract Trail from outside the restrooms. It is an "easy" trail but no great views. Nothing to write home about. IF you have time and have nothing else planned for the day, do it. Otherwise, total pass! You can also purchase parking passes inside, but I highly recommend buying on advance ONLINE due to the crowds.

Kristina was extremely friendly and helpful! They had a good selection of apparel and keep sakes. It can be busy and congested but it’s one of the most popular national parks so… that is expected! I would recommend doing the Junior Ranger packet also.

Visited on a weekend with no wait to enter. No need to buy tickets in advance. Sugarlands is the go-to starting point for most visitors entering the park from Gatlinburg. The staff is knowledgeable and approachable, and the exhibits are surprisingly well-curated for a free visitor center. Restrooms are clean, and the short educational film is a nice touch for first-timers. The center connects directly to several trails, including Cataract Falls and Gatlinburg Trail, which makes it a practical launchpad for exploring. Parking is free and usually available, even on weekends. Whether you’re grabbing a map, asking about trail conditions, or just stopping for a break, Sugarlands delivers exactly what a national park visitor center should.

The road was closed through the park. We didn’t have time to go to the North Carolina side. Also the loop is closed on Wednesdays through the summer for pedestrians and bicyclists to access the full 11 miles safely. So we spent most of our visit here at the center. We enjoyed the museum, the gift shop, the restrooms. The shaded benches- and a little room to run around and explore without getting too far afield. We had to purchase (a first for that) our Jr. Ranger workbook, but all 3 kids were able to use the one to work on badges. It was a good day!

We tried for two days to visit this place last week and it was just so busy that it was difficult to find parking. If you just need to purchase a parking permit, there are parking kiosks located at both ends of the parking lot. We were able to park behind a few parked cars and quickly purchase a permit from one of the kiosks. I highly recommended purchasing online and printing them off if you're able to do so. We finally made it inside on our third attempt by arriving early( ~8:30am) and even then the parking lot was already filling up. The restrooms are located in another building but were open before the visitor center was. They weren't the cleanest but they're werent disgusting either. All of the visitor center staff were very helpful and polite. The lobby was spacious. The exhibit area contained some very cool displays and worth a visit. The gift area had a good variety of souvenirs, gifts, snacks, drinks, and clothing items. It can get a bit crowded but it was manageable. This is a nice stop if you can find parking.

Very friendly & helpful people working in or outside the facility. The restrooms & grounds are clean & that's great considering amount of ppl that go through daily. Parking tag kiosk is located in the parking lot. Stop by & tell Carolyn hi.

Traffic is a mess. They need a light. But the center is great!!! Staff was very helpful and friendly. Maps are great. Parking passes can easily be purchased here at the kiosk. Just make sure you select what you want before paying.

I've been camping in the campground for forty years. My parents brought me as a baby, and I definitely feel like I'm at my "summer home" when I visit. The campground is very dear to my heart; however, I will say my last few visits have been met with frustration. I now have children of my own and have been fussed at by park rangers for allowing the use of sidewalk chalk on pavement of my specific rented spot. I've also been fussed at for allowing my four year old to ride her old-fashioned, non-electric scooter directly in front of our rented spot. I've seen others fussed at for their tire narrowly missing the drive pad and touching 1 inch of the grass. The rangers I think need something to do. Maybe if they gave them a chainsaw and a paint bucket, the old Elkmont town restoration could go quicker? I think this nit-picking of what children are allowed to do in a primitive campground is excessive. The whole point of getting away is to find creative, healthy activities to connect and enjoy nature, family, and friends. Please remember that when you walk around critiquing families who are minding their own business, trying to relax.

I really like this campground, however the beautiful setting compensates for several negatives. The location is great with a beautiful river next to the campground and streams running throughout. The spots are nicely separated. You do need to put away (essentially) everything each night due to bears and that’s a bit of a hassle but not much you can do about that. The bathrooms are old and there is no soap. There are also no showers but bathrooms were kept fairly clean. The ice is overpriced and I think their supplier is shorting them on ice - a 7 pound bag seemed to have about 4 pounds of ice. There are several great trails nearby. If you can deal with the (relatively) minor issues, it’s a great place to stay.

Absolutely amazing. Camped my entire life but first time ever at a national park. Site c7 right next to the restrooms. Tent pad and picnic table and space for camper and fire ring at nearly all sites. . It was amazing. Saw several turkeys on site. No electricity but generator hours 8 a - 8 pm. Absolutely stunning. No Verizon service. Vzw less than 10 miles away towards sugarland to call text loved ones. Camp store was very friendly and offered camping basics. Restrooms were amazingly clean. Cleaned daily. Even if you don’t get a site on the river the camp is so quiet it can be heard from several 100 feet away.

Once-in-a-lifetime firefly magic at Elkmont Campground ✨ I came here to witness the synchronous fireflies in the Great Smoky Mountains — and it was absolutely breathtaking. For about two weeks in early June, thousands of fireflies light up in perfect rhythm, creating a natural light show that feels almost surreal. It’s something you have to see to believe — like nature’s own fireworks. The Elkmont Campground itself was peaceful, clean, and well-maintained. Campsites are nicely spaced out, and the surrounding woods add to the feeling of seclusion and calm. Rangers and staff were friendly and informative, helping everyone navigate the firefly viewing respectfully and safely. A few tips: Apply for the firefly lottery early if you want a parking pass during peak display dates. Bring a red-light flashlight, a low chair, and be ready to sit in silence — the experience is even more powerful in the quiet. This was one of the most awe-inspiring natural events I’ve ever experienced. Highly recommend for campers, nature lovers, and anyone who wants to feel a little bit of wonder.

Super nice campground with historic cabins. The cabins are not available as accommodations. They are preserved for posterity. This was once a community of summer homes built in the 1920s-30s. The cabins are open to walk through but are unfurnished. The campground is large and well appointed with a convenience store and bathroom facilities. The surroundings are gorgeous and there are excellent hiking trails. This spot is famous for viewing synchronous fireflies in late spring/early summer.

Stayed by the river on October 18th -19th I was a really nice campground Bathrooms were nice and kept up. Got up in the morning and went up to newfound Gap and hiked to Charlie's bunion beautiful hike especially during the fall! If you want to see the full video we made there you can check it out on our YouTube channel - Ad Adventure with Nick and Rachael

We had a campsite by the river and it was amazing. The lots were easy enough to back into and we're a fair price. The only thing that kept me from giving this a 5 star was the fact that there was no water or electricity at the campsite. Not great when you're tent camping like we did. However if you come prepared it's not a huge impact.

This major landmark just over state line of Tennessee from North Carolina located in the Great Smoky mountains national Park is a 360° concrete Tower on the pic of the highest point in the area there is a half mile trail and curving concrete ramp up to the tower from the parking lot this is not a very accessible walk for elderly people or people with health conditions such as long or heart ailments however the views from the parking lot at the base of the ramp up to the tower or spectacular and are worth the drive and the weight even if you don't make it up to the tower also there are very many overlooks on the way up to the parking lot from the entrance to the national Park that offer amazing views also

Breathtaking place to see on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. I visited November 2nd. There was no problem finding a parking spot. Weather was cold and freezing on top. Good to see 360 degree view of mountains. Climb is ok. Not too hard. Better to walk slowly to observation tower. Because it gets cold and windy up there. Seeing snow covered trees was spectacular.

Awesome view. We'll worth negotiating the windy road leading to it and the 1/2 mile uphill trek up to the tower.

A must visit place. The views are incredible. Took some amazing pictures. The trail is paved and easy to walk on. However, it is steep and requires some effort.

A small hike that leads to an amazing view point. On the observatory, one can see a 360 degrees view of the mesmerising mountains. The stretch of green is soul satisfying provided there is no fog and clouds blocking the view. We had a good time until the mist began to cascade the ranges and envelope the entire mountains.

This is one of our favorite places. We visited on a weeksday around 11 am the parking lot was packed, but we found a parking spot in about 5 minutes. The trail is a very steep paved hike up, but you can take breaks and it is so worth it. Last time we visited was 2 yrs ago and we got there late in the afternoon and that was better as there were lot less people so you could enjoy nature.

Thrilling experience! A must visit. Half mile hike till the dome. The path is paved and somewhat steep, but it is pretty easy.. once you reach the top, you will be blown away by the mesmerizing views of the mountains. Perfect for capturing landscape photos/videos and enjoying fresh cool breeze.

Fantastic area to some beautiful waterfalls and wildlife. The Newfound Gap is great to see the overall contour of the Great Smokey Mountains, but the Roaring Fork puts you deep into the mountain. Thick walls of greenery and creeks with big boulders. Saw a bear, 3rd one of the trip, and a few deer. Take it slow and look beyond the greenery. Due to health reasons we didn't take any trails to see the big falls, but I still had lots to look at and do.

Incredible place to go by car, bike, or motorcycle. Super easy, one-way, 6 miles, with great views and a river. For people with walking difficulties, it's an excellent option! Highly recommended! We would go again. It's just a few miles from the town entrance.

We enjoyed driving along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. It wasn't overly busy on a Thursday morning. We made several stops and explored. My daughter enjoyed splashing and playing in the water. We saw a bear in the woods which was very exciting. The mill and store at the end is a nice place to stop. We found a few treasures and they have a penny press.

Our GPS brought us to the wrong location to start the loop + we were going the wrong way. Signs would have been really appreciated. We were not the only people driving in the wrong direction. Once we found the entrance things went a lot smoother. There was not a whole lot to look at and I felt like it was a bit long for for a drive through the woods but it was still quite a nice afternoon and, it was nice that there were places to pull off and go take small hikes and pictures and such. Unfortunately people park in crazy ways, so that got a little hairy now and then. All in all it was a very nice day and it was completely free and worth the time.

This was absolutely beautiful! We enjoyed doing this drive more the Cades Cove. If you love nature, then this one's for you! Fall is always gorgeous in the mountains during fall, but this was exceptional!

Roaring Fork motor trail is amazing and it hits different in fall. There are lot of points to stop and hike. We did Grotto Falls and Rainbow Falls in two days! We saw lot of bears in grotto falls parking lot.

This was a beautiful drive. Amazing scenery. The temperature dropped like 10°. It was cool and made free perfect drive in our convertible. Will have to come back when we have more time to maybe hike some of the trails to the waterfalls that you can’t see from the road.

We were not blessed with great views up at the top so I cannot give it 5 stars. However it was a very enjoyable hike up to the top. We took Alum Cave up, which is a generally popular trail so we were sure to start right at sunrise. I would recommend doing that trail up as we had great views along the way.

Climbing a mountain ✅ on my bucket 🪣 list! Very strenuous but worth every drop of sweat! Views are majestic and just breathtaking at times. Bring hiking poles the terrain is difficult. When you are at the top take some time to rest and get a homemade chocolate cookie bar. Thank me later.

Great hike, I got there at 6am and it was a clear morning and we were able to see all the stars in the sky. Started at the Alum cave trail hiked to the Mt Le Conte point which didn't have much of a views but there were plenty of views on the hike up, the Clif top view point was amazing!

Amazing hike! Bring water, and expect your shoes to be soaked along the way as most the trail is wet rocks. You can have a nice lunch at Alum Cave which is close to halfway. Get there before 7am or expect to walk another mile just to get to the trailhead! You'll see why by the end of the day.

Strenuous hike, but mainly for the distance, most parts are not that steep, but there are some steep sections that can get slippery. I would hold onto the cable when you get high up. There is a reason why it’s there. Stay safe. When you get to the top, there is a nice lodge with some snack snacks and gifts. If you go out a little bit further, you can get to the top and hopefully it won’t be too smoky for you. When we got to the top, it was very smoky and we really couldn’t see that much. I will say we saw a lot throughout the entire hike and we had a wonderful time enjoying God’s a wonderful creation! God is so good! I hope God blesses you with a very rad day!

Great views, beautiful trails. Only downside is that since there are 5 easily reachable trails leading up it can be super crowded.

Worth it! The views are amazing, there is several spots your can rest along the way, parking is limited so arrive early, it will take in a moderate pace 3+hours, a lot of wood and rock stairs with support cables for the expose areas. The trail takes 5.3 miles to the cliff bluff overlook. There is potable water at the lodge available to the hikers.

I visited great Smoky Mountains diners and local eateries near the national park and found the southern-style cooking comforting and generous, especially dishes like fried catfish, pancakes, and BBQ ribs. I particularly enjoyed the hearty pancake breakfasts and the flavorful smoked brisket at spots like The Old Mill or Calhoun’s—each bite felt wholesome and satisfying. However, some meals felt over-fried or greasy, and service could be slow during busy tourist hours. Overall, it was tasty and memorable, but a few highlights stood out more than othe

Best places to go on summer. We were there for 5 days. We saw bears roaming around the streets. We had best food there. Took the cable car to go up in the mountains. The park up there was amazing. It’s a perfect gateway with the family.

What an experience! So beautiful in that area. Took a tour bus: Classic National Park Tour. Tour guide was amazing. He took us to areas we wouldn't go without a guide. There's little towns, cabins, area with fireflies that come out certain time of year and loads of them. They like to gather in certain area. Views are outstanding, breathtaking. The blue haze something must see. Worth seeing and taking a tour. Got to go on the Appalachia trail. Never thought be able to do that. Area near the trail, had sign that says both NC side and TN off the mountain. Love can be on both sides. Tons of areas for look out views.

Visiting the Smoky Mountains was one of the most peaceful and refreshing experiences I’ve ever had. The air feels clean, the sound of flowing streams is calming, and every corner looks like a postcard. The forest is filled with tall green trees, moss-covered rocks, and sunlight peeking through the leaves — it’s pure nature at its best. Driving through the mountain roads gives you stunning views, especially early in the morning when the fog rolls between the hills. Hiking trails are well-marked and offer something for everyone — from easy scenic walks to more challenging climbs. The wildlife adds even more charm; I saw deer and colorful birds along the way. What I loved most was the peaceful atmosphere — it feels like time slows down here. Whether you come to hike, take photos, or just breathe and unwind, the Smoky Mountains have something magical that makes you want to stay longer. It’s a perfect getaway for anyone who loves nature, quiet moments, and breathtaking views. Truly a must-visit destination. 🌿✨

I cant wait to come back here. So many cool things to see. Lots of cool scenery and waterfalls. Also saw a bear and some other wild life.

Pigeon Forge and Gaitlinburg have a lot to do, but tourist traps. Really busy places, lots of walking in Gaitlinburg. If you want quiet don't go that way. Go thru Gabes Cove/Sugarland part instead the back way.

Beautiful national park. Unfortunately, the road to Sugarland from Gatlinburg was closed due to a washout. I was still able to visit Cade's Cove and saw plenty of bears while in the park.

Nice campground . Maintained pretty good. There are restrooms with flush toilets but no showers. Our neighbors site was also right on top of ours. For some reason the two fire pits were like 10 ft away from each other and there kids cried the whole time so that was to fun. The other neighbors were a good distance away. The best part about it was we woke up early for hiking and on are way out there where elk in the creek and along the road right in the campground. It was pretty cool. I would definitely stay here again as long as I was able to reserve a site not so close to someone else. Getting reservations was not easy though so not sure how in the future it would be.

Smokemont Campground is a peaceful gem tucked inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The location is perfect — surrounded by forest, with the soothing sound of a nearby stream and easy access to scenic trails like the Smokemont Loop and Bradley Fork. The campsites are well-spaced and clean, with fire rings, picnic tables, and flat ground for tents. Restrooms are basic but well-maintained, and there’s potable water available throughout the campground. It’s a great spot for both first-time campers and seasoned nature lovers. Waking up to the misty mountains and birdsong here is truly special!

This was a very nice campground. Facilities were well maintained. The ranger was very kind when asking questions and checking in. Some of the campsites are very close to each other (which may be a plus for a group) but if you stick to the outer edge, there is plenty of space. Ready creek access was especially fun but watch out for poison ivy! Smokemont loop trail was a challenging trail and had significant elevation gain. Very close to many great GSMNP views and trails.

Such a well maintained & managed camp ground. Staff are so friendly and knowledgeable which makes the experience even more enjoyable.

Very well kept! Bathrooms were very clean, campground hosts/Park Rangers were extremely kind, hospitable, and helpful. And as is our usual experience, fellow campers were very kind and friendly as well. My family and I will continue to return to this camper ground every time we come back to the Smokies!

Smokemont campground was in a nice area close to alot of activities. However the bathrooms need alot of help. We were there for 3 days and they were not cleaned the whole time. Not even any soap to wash your hands!! The blower was broke and the floor was always wet. Would have given it a 2 but the sites were shady, which I like.

Beautiful campground near the River. Rangers are incredibly friendly :) The bathrooms are more sophisticated than usual with flush toilets

The Behind the Stave experience was a relaxed way to experience Sugarland's products. Jeff, our great bartender and host let us know that we would have an opportunity to experience new and unique cocktails in their distillery's speak easy, and that did not disappoint. The speak easy lounge has nice ambient lighting and mellow and loud jazz music so that conversations could be held without having to raise your voice. Jeff prepared 3 full sized drinks for us, two with moonshine and the third you had a choice of moonshine or whiskey. The first was a unique and a pleasant surprise, the second was delicious and a great brunch cocktail, and my third choice was a classic and smooth whiskey drink. The vibe overall was relaxing. Jeff was pleasant, and entertaining, all while not taking away from the relaxed atmosphere. Also, if you are a whiskey fan and want to pour and label and seal your own bottle of Sugarland's whiskey, that is an option you can purchase when booking. For the attendees who purchased it, they seemed very happy with the results and it was a neat process to observe. I do have two suggestions for the Sugarland Team,: 1) At the time of my reservation in early October, 2025, the package was advertised as including 4 drinks. However, Jeff let us know that prior customers requested full size drinks instead of 4 small drinks, so this change to three full drinks was reasonable. I suggest that the website be updated to reflect this change so visitors will know what to expect; and 2) While the website at the time of my booking stated a factory tour was included, there wasn't one at the 8:30 pm tour that I participated in. I would suggest updating the website to remove this because frankly focusing on the speak easy experience alone was worth it. Overall, these suggestions do not take away from the great job by Jeff or from this being an enjoyable way to be introduced to moonshine and trying local whiskey.

Gage is wonderful and kept the tasting going with his enthusiasm and energetic personality. His knowledge about the different products is unbelievable. You can tell he really loves his job and big on promoting not only the products but the company as well.

We just left this establishment and had an ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL TIME!!! We had Judge Abbey for our tasting and she "held court" above & beyond fabulous!!! She was very funny & knowledgeable! She gave great ideas for mixing the different flavors of moonshine once home! We would (and WILL) come back, hoping we get Abbey to make our tasting humorous, more fun, and soooo enjoyable!

Out of all the tastings we did, this was the most fun and we liked the samples the best! Payton was such a fun bartender and kept us coming back each day. They also have a bar in the back where you can try some of the flavors they don’t serve during the tasting!

Great service today at Sugarlands! Thier staff was very warm and accommodating! We got to try thier Roaming Man Whiskey and had 2 old Fashioneds that were delicious! A must stop if you’re visiting Gatlinburg!!

We had amazing experiences at all 3 tasting options!! DK went above and beyond to make sure the Behind the Stave and Roaming Man tours were amazing. If you can catch Rob Ham for a tasting- do it!!

We came here yesterday for the first time, had Brock as our host, he was HILARIOUS 😂!!! We had the best time, didn’t want it to end. My husband & I agreed that this distillery has waaaayyyy better flavors & tastes so much better than what Smokey Mountain offers. We will definitely be coming back next trip 🤍

This was breathtaking! The drive is beautiful with rock outcroppings, waterfalls, rapids, and pull offs to enjoy all the above. We rented a jeep for the day, and there is no other way I would have wanted to experience this adventure. We stopped at several different waterfalls and places where the river was rushing and creating some amazing rapids. Towards the end is a wonderful little mill with a gift shop full of beautiful pottery and souvenirs that you won't find on the Parkway! This drive is a must if you are in the area. It also offers trailhead for hiking!

Highly recommended! Beautiful introduction to the area!

Beautiful but very few parking spaces for the volume of traffic driving thru this one way trail.

Love this nature drive! You can stop as much as you want around this one way narrow road. Multiple sites of historic homes and outbuildings. Several hiking trails go to waterfalls.

You'll see it all on this drive, waterfalls, historic buildings, beautiful peaks, and the relaxing creek. It's a lot shorter then Cades Cove, so if you are pressed for time this is the one to do!

Probably one of the best motor trails in the country, with multiple trails and parking spots. JUST PLEASE: (please just don’t idle or stop for long minutes to wildlife - people behind you are visiting for the same reason). I am writing this because I have been here at least 50 times over the last couple of years and unfortunately people from states up north tend to stop for long times until nature life vanishes creating long lines because of their lack of respect for the national park rules and others.

Winding, paved, single lane road trail. We did not see any wildlife beyond a couple wild turkeys, but we could see some mountain views, streams, and small waterfalls

The views here are spectacular. This is a very iconic location, and it can get very busy in the summertime. However, it is definitely worth stopping by. It offers some of the best views of the North Carolina and Tennessee sides of the Smoky Mountains.

This is where we went on our first vacation together and it is also where I asked the love of my life to marry me. Amazing place and so many great memories and now we have our special moment from here.

“Where Heaven Wears Flannel and Hikers Flex Their Calves” Let me start by saying this: if you haven’t screamed “I CAN SEE TENNESSEE!” while dramatically pointing at absolutely nothing in particular, have you really been to Newfound Gap? Newfound Gap is where Mother Nature decided to show off and the Smoky Mountains said, “Hold my moonshine.” Perched high up on the Appalachian spine like a front-row seat to the world’s most scenic episode of Bob Ross, this spot delivers panoramic views so breathtaking they’ll slap the Wi-Fi signal right out of your phone—and honestly, that’s a gift. As you roll up the winding road (and pray your brakes are in a good mood), you’ll hit the parking lot and realize: this is a place where jean shorts meet hiking poles, and no one bats an eye. It’s part overlook, part Appalachian Trail launchpad, and part outdoor fashion show featuring everything from tactical REI gear to confused tourists in Crocs. Stand on the North Carolina–Tennessee state line and instantly feel like a powerful diplomatic figure mediating between barbecue styles. Look left: rhododendrons. Look right: slightly different rhododendrons. Look up: clouds hugging the peaks like nature’s own weighted blanket. Look down: probably someone regretting hiking in flip-flops. And don’t skip the Rockefeller Memorial. That’s where you learn that even rich people sometimes put their money toward good things—like making sure the rest of us can stand on a mountaintop, take a deep breath, and feel like we're in a Lisa Frank painting minus the neon leopards. Bring a jacket—it gets cool up here, both literally and spiritually. And maybe a snack, because staring into the vast, misty wilderness tends to awaken your inner philosopher and your inner squirrel at the same time. In short: Newfound Gap is a place to take photos, contemplate life, and maybe cry a little if the wind hits your face just right. Go there. Bring someone you like. Or don’t. Either way, the view won’t judge you—but the squirrels might.

Gorgeous drive!!! Worth the time it takes and the main scenic viewing area doesn't disappoint. Bring a picnic lunch and eat at 5040 feet! Plenty of places to stop and take photos. Friendly other people around you will be happy to take your photo if you're tired of selfies. There are trails you can walk if you want and a restroom, too. Wear sneakers and take your hiking poles- this is a beautiful place to stretch your legs.

Varies outlook to enjoy the sunset. Or you could just drive through to see the golden light shining over the mountain trees.

📍 Newfound Gap | Tennessee & North Carolina State Line Sometimes, all it takes is one small step… and suddenly, you’re standing in two states at once. At 5,046 feet above sea level, high in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, we paused between Tennessee and North Carolina surrounded by clouds, kissed by the wind, and wrapped in the peaceful silence of nature. This spot isn’t just a state line it’s a reminder that the best moments in life often happen when we slow down, breathe in mountain air, and let the view do the talking. If you ever find yourself near here, don’t miss Newfound Gap. You might come for the photo but you’ll leave with a little more calm in your soul. 🍃📸

Still open while 441 is under construction! Plenty of parking is available. Great views. Passes are available for sale via machines.

This Farm Museum is located in a field behind the Oconaluftee Visitors Center. Wonderful location, along the river, surrounded by mountains, and full of history. Even if you don't need/want to go to the visitors center, the museum is worth the stop. Also close by is the Mingus Mill and the Smokemont church, highly recommend adding all three to your road trip!

Great place to go and learn about the history of how mountain people lived. They have plenty of walking trails by the river. They also have a free museum. This is a beautiful place to visit.

The Mountain Farm Museum in Bryson City is a peaceful, scenic spot that offers a glimpse into 19th-century Appalachian farm life. The restored buildings, roaming animals, and river views make it a relaxing and educational stop for all ages. Worth the visit

Wow, this place was awesome. Driving to Pigeon Forge and happened to see this place. I absolutely love history and how people lived some 100+ years ago. This definitely shows you how life was. People complain today about having it so bad. People that lived on this farm, all they did was work every single day, mostly just to have food to eat. And nothing to just put in the microwave and take out and sit in front of a TV set. Everyone should have to live a week on a farm like this to know how good they have it. Rich or poor.

Before heading into Gatlinburg we made a stop here, and really glad we did. This was a pleasant surprise and a wonderful walk along the river to indulge in learning about the history of the items on the farm and the way of life. Run by the park service, and free it was great to get to walk and read about how things were utilized back in the day. I would recommend spending some time here and enjoying the walk-through time.

Well preserved farm in the national park. Loved seeing the chickens, pigs and historical buildings.

This was the coolest place ever!! The trails were well maintained and close to the river which was cool, the museum was very nice and informative! The visitors center was awesome, lots of friendly workers, a great gift shop, and an interactive exhibit for those that want to learn more about historic farming life within the area! Also, there was so many elk, they were everywhere nearby and it was so cool! This was in mid March btw, hopefully they’ll be there next time I come to cherokee!

We hiked the Alum Cave Trail yesterday and it was amazing! Parking was very difficult ,we arrived around 9 AM and had a hard time finding a spot, so I recommend getting there closer to 8. The trail itself is a bit challenging and mostly uphill, so make sure to wear good hiking shoes and bring some snacks and water. The views along the way and at the top are absolutely incredible and totally worth the effort!

Our favorite trail in gatlinburg so far!! You get beautiful views on the way up and get to hike along the creek. It's a steady climb so not too difficult until the very top. Or toddler loved this

Awesome trail, well maintained. Besure to wear good hiking shoes and take plenty of water and some snacks. It's gets steeper as you get to the top. But so worth doing your best to get there.

Pretty easy hike up to the Alum cave. Our 5 year old made it without complaining. Beautiful views

Went Easter Sunday. I had read that parking was hard to come by so we went at 11am hoping to grab spots as the earlier folks were leaving, but evidently everyone else was doing the same. We ended up parking a mile away and walking to the trailhead, which was ok but not ideal for my kids. The trail itself was well maintained and beautiful. Most of the trail was shaded and the sound of the water was wonderful throughout the hike. The steps toward the end were brutal but the views were worth it.

Not gonna lie, I was pretty much ded when I got to the top. I’m in pretty good shape but by the time I got up to Alum Bluff, my knees were shaky and my legs were sore the next day. The view was soooo worth it. It only took an hour to hike back down as well. It started raining towards the end but it was still quite enjoyable! If you’re gonna attempt to make it to the Mount LeConte Summit, bring more food and water!

Awesome trail if you make it the end i reccomend keep going to mtn leconte. Stay on trail almost slid of a cliff when i took a wrong turn at alum cave.

The entire trail top to bottom is great. All of the improvements are from the trail head to the falls. Beyond that, it's pure back country as you'd hope for. The final mile is a killer gradient that is extremely rewarding, but a humbling experience!

Hard hike! You are an incline all the way to the falls. A beautiful hike with lots of wildlife

Moderately challenging hike (1500 feet of gain over approx 2.8 miles) but if you take your time, I believe the view of the falls is worth the challenge. We saw plenty of families with children doing this hike, so I would say it is family friendly. Trail has several sections that are very rocky, so good trail shoes are needed for the experience.

It’s very good for hiking but the scenery is not that worth it… make sure plan must be the way, you must reach before sunset… no food is allowed… it’s better to keep bear spray and parking is available

Beautiful trail that is a good 5.5-6 miles. The waterfall at the end is a nice refreshed to look forward to at the end.

Beautiful trail! It’s definitely more of a 6 mile round trip. Lots of roots and large rocks on the trail to trip you up. Most would label it moderate since it is up hill to the falls. We saw a bear digging under a log about 15 yards off the trail. It had zero interest in us. Parking is tight but there were several lots and people coming and going enough that a little patience got us a spot. Bathrooms right at the trailhead was nice too. Take plenty of water!

Really cool trail with moderate inclines. A few smaller waterfalls on the way where you can cool off. Definitely recommend if you’re in the area.

Cool little hike for all abilities to see a waterfall. We arrived around 8:30 am and the parking lot was already filling up fast. The easy trail makes it accessible to all levels and therefore it gets busy. The trail leads to other more moderate and difficult trails too which is nice.

The falls were nice. Could have done without some of the visitors. We came here on a Monday early afternoon. The weather was a little bit of drizzle, but the place was a mob scene. We got lucky with a parking spot. You'll need to pay $5 for a daily pass to park anywhere in the Smokey Mountain state park. The trail to the falls is easy, but not easily accessible if you're toting strollers. Also, the people who are bringing strollers leave their disgusting used diapers all over the park which is not cool in the slightest. The site was pretty and there are other trails to follow after you see the falls. This place was good to see once, but I'd rather do a more difficult hike elsewhere if it means not dealing with people who can't respect their environment.

Visited on a weekday with no wait to enter. No need to buy tickets in advance. Cataract Falls is a short, shaded trail that starts just behind Sugarlands Visitor Center. It’s well-maintained and easy to follow, making it a great option for families with kids or anyone looking for a low-effort nature walk. The path is mostly flat, with a few gentle inclines and wooden bridges that add charm without difficulty. The waterfall itself isn’t massive, but it’s a peaceful spot—especially after recent rain when the flow picks up. It’s not a bucket-list destination, but it’s a solid warm-up if you’re easing into the Smokies or just passing through. Good signage, clean surroundings, and a quick payoff make it worth the stop.

Easy trail, we used it as an early morning jog. Not very dramatic but still beautiful and peaceful ❤️ hiker before us said we missed the bear by 5 mins and showed us pictures, he was a good size and beautiful, be on the lookout, went towards laurel falls path.

Nice little 1 mile hike from sugarland visitor center. Very easy and family friendly. The falls were pretty if not a little underwhelming. But I bet they are great in the spring when the water is higher. No dogs allowed 😢

Cataract Falls is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a quick, easy, and beautiful hike that the whole family can enjoy. The trail is short, flat, and well-maintained, making it ideal for young kids, older visitors, or anyone who just wants a peaceful walk without breaking a sweat. Even if you’re not in peak hiking shape, you’ll have no trouble making it to the falls. The reward is well worth the minimal effort — the falls themselves are scenic and serene, especially after recent rain. You’re surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle sound of water, making it a calming escape from daily life. It’s one of those rare spots that delivers both accessibility and natural beauty in equal measure. If you’re seeking a low-stress outdoor experience that still gives you that “wow” moment, Cataract Falls is an absolute gem.

Can be very busy but it's easy to get to. I'm glad they blocked it so people can't climb up the falls. Great photo opportunity.

We were staying in a Pigeon Forge and looking for a destination that wasn't so touristy so we decided to take a short drive out to the falls. Nice picnic area. Bathrooms were not opened yet which was a surprise as it was mid-March. About an hour hike to the falls. Did get a little tricky towards the end with a narrower path and it was a bit slick. The view was beautiful. Nice large picnic area.

We parked at Cosby Picnic area parking A and took Gabe’s mountain trail to Hen Wallow Falls. Beautiful hike with log bridges but heavy incline until you hit the waterfall. It was a challenging hike at the end but worth the reward.

This trail is a total of 4.4 miles to the falls and back. Definitely a moderate leaning towards hard as the terrain is very rocky/ lots of tree roots. Lots of elevation as well on the way to the falls. There are a few log bridges that were fun to cross. The last part to get to the falls is pretty steep and lots of roots. The trail is well marked. We saw quite a bit of flora and the falls were quite beautiful. Not a lot of other hikers which was nice. The parking lot is large as it's also a picnic area, so plenty of spaces. There is a restroom as well near the picnic tables.

Beautiful and moderately challenging day hike! In my opinion, one of the nicest trails in the park. I liked the elevation challenge and the fact that there were few other groups hiking on a Saturday, and those were all somewhat experienced hikers with excellent trail etiquette. We made it out and back in about 4.5 hours with a 3 year old.

The trail is 85% uphill on the way to the falls, with a lot of roots and rocks. Hard, but wonderful to be a part of. The last tenth of a mile is a steep downward climb, but pays off with Hen Wallow Falls! It’s cool and refreshing. Unfortunately, you have to climb back up to get back on the trail! It’s very strenuous but the rest is literally downhill from there. Great trail! Worth the pain!

Beautiful 90 foot falls surrounded by boulders and wild flowers, at least in July. The hike is a bit on the harder side due to elevation gain combined with the trail is largely rock and tree roots. Be prepared for uneven footing throughout the hike. I'd wear boots. We saw many unique mushrooms, lots of butterflies and beautiful flora at the falls and on the way. Would recommend this hike!

Its a pretty hike. If you are a not in good shape I wouldn't do it. We had to turn around after a mile because I couldn't do it. I ran out of breathe and couldn't do it even trying to pace myself. I cried. It was embarrassing. My husband and kids though were doing very well and could have made it though and there were several other hikers of all ages we met that hiked it just fine. All of which looked in much better shape than me.

I've camped here a few times, great location, but zero for privacy. Tent pads are within 10 feet of your neighbor's picnic table/fire pit. Restrooms have flushing toilets, no showers. Awesome camp store, bike rentals a bonus.

Absolutely beautiful country to camp in. The campground is very clean bathrooms are clean. We didn't see any bears this time but we did see wild turkeys and dear with the campgrounds. We would definitely like to to come back for a longer stay.

We stayed at Cades Cove Mar 10-Mar 17, 2025. This was our first time here and first time in the park itself. I will say, our first 24 hours were quite an adventure with the weather; we were predicted to have a violent windstorm and in Cades Cove everything is under tree cover. A Park Police officer came by and suggested we evacuate to the visitor center parking lot where there was no tree cover. The windstorm didn’t blow out to be as bad as they thought, but I greatly appreciated the caution they showed. For the site, we stayed a week in C48. The site was pretty level and wide & long enough to accommodate both our 35A and toad. It was an easy-angled back-in with tree cover. Of course the’re no hookups, so we ran our generator in the morning & night before quiet hours started. There’s the traditional fire-ring and picnic. The restroom was right in the middle of our loops it looked like the customary park buildings; we didn’t utilize it, so we couldn’t vouch for cleanliness. The visitor center/store that was near the entrance of the campground was nice and pretty well-stocked. They had some day programs for the children and rangers came through often. The CG has a very safe feel and very comfortable. Townsend is a winding 11 miles into town where there is a very nice IGA foods with friendly staff (They had good coffee too). There is also an excellent ACE hardware (propane) whose employees were fabulous, a laundromat that was clean and serviced and one of the three towns coffee shops (Artistic Bean, they had fabulous Almond Croissants) all in one central mini-mall; the other two of the three coffee shops is Towns End Coffee Co and The Dancing Bean. If there were others I didn’t find them. The visitor center there is very nice as well, it’s staff was friendly as well. Needless to say we didn’t have bad experiences in Cades Cove or Townsend. We already have our reservations for November 2025

Love the location and the visitor area. We camped in our 27 foot travel trailer and the sites were nice. We were in the generator loop- there was definitely some obnoxious overuse of these when we were craving quiet time to sit out and enjoy our sites during the day. It was a hot and muggy few days. It is disappointing there are no showers to cool off- especially as there are no hookups in the campground.

Absolutely amazing camping experience! No showers suck for a long stay tho! Everything well made up for it! 😍

Stayed in group camp bear,deer,squirrel, and turkey in camp quite and peaceful lots of room in group camps it is primitive so no power sink at bathroom to wash dishes. PUT YOUR FOOD UP IN YOUR CAR OR BEAR PROOF BOX Leave it out and you'll have a bear problem every time we leave camp trash goes to trash can

Wish the national park would do something about locals and tourist getting to close to wildlife. This was at 8am on May 3rd, 2025. Less than 10ft from a cub. Absolutely disgusting. And people wonder why they get attacked and bears are being put down.

Deep Creek trails has to rank among the top three best hiking trails I have hiked! The trails are very well maintained and are easy to access. The waterfalls are spectacular and while we didn’t go tubing there were plenty of people who did. The entire area is absolutely gorgeous and teeming with wildlife. Can’t wait to hike there again.

Quiet with plenty of space between the RV sites, surrounded by hiking trails and waterfalls. Tent sites are next to the creek in close proximity to one another and great for groups. No hookups at the sites, but the campground has a dump station and water as you exit the park. Bathrooms are simple and very clean, cold water only, no showers. Cell signal is good.

Deep Creek is a beautiful and wide body of water, perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature. It’s especially great for sitting on tubes and just letting the current take you along, such a peaceful and fun experience. I had a wonderful time here and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing outdoor adventure.

Site #55 - Slight incline. Nice site. Restrooms were clean but no hot water. No soap dispensers for washing hands or towels to dry. Very nice campground though and a very nice lady park ranger to greet you and to explain everything. T-Mobile (US Cellular) had a consistent 2 bars of coverage.

Water is clear and steep. Campsites are alone the river which make it easy to access. Campsite are clean and lots of trees.

Trails are short with gorgeous views. We got to see 3 waterfalls. Great campground for kids. It has a river for tubing down but when we were here the river seemed really shallow. Nice campground but I prefer the less busy more private sites. Tenting areas compact and open. Everyone is walking through your site in tent area to get to bathrooms or to there car.

This is a great little campground. I think the bathrooms could be better maintained, but overall, my experience was really nice and there are some great trails right next to the campground. Also, for tent camping, I’m not sure why they chose to use sharp rocks for each of the spots. That makes a little painful on your knees as you’re moving around the tent. Maybe there’s a reason, but it seems a little silly to me.

Deep Creek Campground is mine and my wife's favorite campground. It's in the beautiful smokey mountains and on a gorgeous creek. The camp sites are clean and powered and the bath houses are also clean. The staff is awesome and very friendly. We love the place and camp there twice a year.

9-2-2025 Site #15 An honest review of Deep Creek Tube Center and RV Campground. This was an enjoyable Labor Day Weekend. Good: The staff was friendly and not a overly noisy campground. The campground has a rustic wood theme and it is nicely modeled everywhere. The tubes are sturdy and well inflated. The playground amenities for children are wonderful. Bad: The restrooms are NOT up to date and in my opinion, not clean. Now with that being said, if you correlate it with the "rustic theme" then it's ok but I don't believe it's a theme, I believe they are making due with what they have. Which i can't fault them for. Over all, we would come back again if we are in the area.

We drove down from northwest Indiana and stayed in a primitive campsite right up on the creek. There are laundry and bath houses on site. We had a very comfortable stay. Next time we’ll check out one of the roomy cabins, they look nice!

Disappointing Experience-Would Not Recommend We booked this campsite for Labor Day weekend and were required to pay for a minimum 3-night stay, even though we only needed two nights. We ended up paying $177 for just two nights — not ideal, but we went along with it. We had pre_booked Site 19, but when we arrived, it was completely exposed to full sun with zero shade. The fire pit and water hookup were located right next to the neighboring tent, offering no privacy whatsoever. We went to the office to ask if we could switch sites. The only option offered was a spot meant for large RVs — again, no shade, no water hookup, and no access to a shower. Oddly, we saw one or two shaded sites still available, but the staff didn’t offer them unless we paid more. The campsites themselves are very small and packed closely together. The restrooms were dark, dirty, and not well maintained. Overall, we were so disappointed that we decided to leave and will not be returning-nor would we recommend this place to anyone. We’ e been to many campgrounds, and unfortunately, this was by far the worst experience.

Stopped by for renting some tubes. Tubes were $8, very clean and sturdy! It took about 5 mins to get to the parking area in the National park. They have plastic strings for tying the tubes, it was helpful. The staffs were friendly and informative!

We camped for six nights and loved every minute! The campground was clean, peaceful, and had level sites. Office staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. We will be back soon!

We had the best time. Stayed in cabin right next to creek. Kids loved playing in water. We tuned all the way from park back to cabin, then sat by warm fire. Couldn't ask for more

Before arriving at Cosby, I had just spent a couple of nights at Elkmont, the campground that carries all my childhood nostalgia. I love Elkmont, but it’s also the most crowded spot in the Smokies, so I was ready for something quieter. Cosby was exactly that. The campground is tucked into a more peaceful corner of the park—clean, beautifully kept, and far less congested than Elkmont. With my Jeep Gladiator overlanding rig, I could just pull in and pop up my rooftop tent with ease. The sites were spacious, manicured, and from my experience, completely tranquil. The real highlight is its access to Mount Cammerer. At the ranger station in Elkmont, I was told this hike was a must, and after some research I found the trailhead starts right at Cosby Campground. The route up Low Gap Trail to Mount Cammerer is no small task—about 12 miles round trip—but the fire tower at the summit rewards you with some of the most breathtaking views in the Smokies. Cosby may not carry the personal memories that Elkmont does for me, but it offers something I treasure just as much—solitude, beauty, and direct access to one of the park’s greatest hikes. Highly recommended for anyone looking to escape the crowds and experience the Smokies in a more serene way.

🍁 Cosby Tennessee:) 🍁 FALL LOVERS ! 🍁 !!!!One of the Most Beautiful camping ⛺️ we ever !!!! SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK !!! You can either book online or in person as longer is a Park person in office,,, or best booked through the national parks gov site , easy , The place is kept super clean bathrooms,,, also a beautiful hike just from the camp site ! To Hen Wallow waterfalls , the campground is just what the doctor recommended it ! You can see the effort from every person that works there ! Rangers volunteers,, Amazing 🤩. Just remember that is not electricity, or Showers ,, 🚿 that the best real campers ! Well enjoy

This place is amazing- if you want to have a complete reset, this is the place to be. No phone service. Well taken care of campground. Quiet hrs are from 10pm-6am. No electricity. Availability for RV & Tents. Access to different trails. There is a Dollar general about 20mins from the campground in case of emergency things. Great Place ! Off the grid. We didn’t see any bears but they are very strict with their bear policies and safety measures.

Fully wooded, clean bathrooms, no showers and great jump off spot for some challenging trail hiking

A great place with very well-equipped tent sites. As always, we arrive too late and leave too early, so we have to check in and out without a ranger. There are many hiking trails nearby, and in the fall, everything is covered with golden leaves and becomes so beautiful that you remember it for the whole next year! We have stayed here twice and always had a very good experience. I would like to mention one important detail that depends more on the visitors than on the camp itself: it can be noisy at night, so bring earplugs. Whether it's loud snoring in the neighboring tent or someone deciding to party with friends all night, it can ruin your vacation if you don't bring earplugs. Otherwise, everything is great. We always find local firewood from branches or fallen trees to sit around in the evening and roast pieces of bread and marshmallows.

We stayed at site B19 for one night, Saturday - Sunday, May 20 - May 21. It felt very safe and quiet, but we did experience heavy, steady rain the entire time we were there. I didn't notice any tent pads/ areas that were flooded or held standing water. We were on the outer edge of the B loop and definitely had more space than the inner B loop sites. We were close to the bathrooms but still felt secluded enough (for being close to the bathrooms). The bathrooms were lit up but they didn't feel like an intrusion on our dark evening. Even though we were on the outer edge of loop B, we could easily see loop A campsites, so keep that in mind. The campsites are not next to running water although the campground is. Parking is on the side of the road, parallel to the road, and site B19 definitely did not fit a truck. Neither would many of the sites (too narrow and uneven) Site B20 and B21 did, however. Everyone parking on the road made the campground feel very crowded and claustrophobic. Bathrooms were clean enough and relatively bug free. Sinks were nice and large. No paper towels to dry your hands on. I highly, highly advise downloading a map of the trails you wish to hike. We could not find the trailhead to Hen Wallow Falls no matter how hard we looked, and that was very disappointing. We hiked to the overhead instead but it was overgrown.

I’d give 0 stars if I could. The sites are tiny and I mean tiny. I arrived late and they had a paper to put on my campsite post. That was cool. When I got there, there was a fire going in my site someone didn’t put out and trash in the site. I put the fire out and cleaned up the trash. Got up early next morning to see park and when I came back I had a warning for not checking in and that they could give my site away. I did everything online I don’t need to check in and that was my site for two nights that I PAID FOR. Also they will try to make you buy a parking pass to park in your site that you paid for.

Very short trail, didn’t actually finish it but loved the experience. Wanted to see some elk, so got there about 7:30 am. Parking lot was still pretty empty and we saw plenty of elk in the pasture. Walked down the trail, pretty easy, flat, runs by the river. About half mile in trail was blocked by a group of female elk and their young ones. Got to watch them for a while until the bull elk came in and started driving them back. Then got to see them cross back over the river back into the forest. Was an amazing experience.

A beautiful short 1.5 mile trail. You are able to bring pets. Trail goes behind the visitor center and follows the river to the edge of the national park.

Nice well maintained walking trail along the Oconaluftee river. About 1.6 miles to Cherokee with several nice restaurants nearby.

I love this trail!! Very relaxing and you may see an elk or two on your journey!!

Great little spot.They put cute bears out for pics.

The Oconaluftee Trail is nicely maintained. Most walking trails in the area don’t allow dogs. This trail allows them to be walked on a leash. The trail is well marked and mostly shaded. It was very peaceful to walk beside the river. There are several benches along the way to sit and rest.

Beautiful trail that i hiked with my family and dog. Everyone loved it. Lots of elk.

Has bathroom with toilets and running water. No electricity. Had cell service (Verizon). Biggest disappointment with our tent ⛺️ site was that it had very little buffer and no tree cover. At least 5 trees had recently been cut down and zero had been planted. Too hot to stay at the site in the afternoon and evening.

Great quiet campground. Host was nice and checked in several times over the two nights we stayed. Bathroom was clean. Very secluded. Takes about 35 minutes to get to nearest visitor center. T Mobile service didn’t work. Would go again in a heartbeat.

We camped here one night and enjoyed it. We only slept here and didn't spend any time on the grounds since we found parking lots with a view to make our backpacking meals. The bathrooms were very clean and the hosts were very kind. We would stay here again when we visit the Smokey's next time. (Photos of wildlife were from the drive up to the campground.)

Beautiful campground. Wonderful camp hosts. Very nice and helpful people. The campsites are really cramped however. Temperatures are cool, which feels good. Bring some fall clothing for chilly nights which is between 50 - 60 degrees in July. Bathrooms clean. No showers, but hey... This is camping. Lots of elk, wild turkey. Grounds well cared for.

Wonderful experience. Stayed at site #10. Tent pads are flat and solid. Site comes with a very large picnic table, and a fire ring with grate to cook on. Plenty of room for a canopy to go over top. A nice mix of RV's and tents. Many folks had large 3-8 person tents that the sites accommodated nicely. Some sites have perfect trees to set up a hammock, too. There are bathroom facilities on each end of the grounds, so not far to walk in either direction. Keep in mind, no shower facilities. Small and quaint. The camp hosts were so incredibly pleasant and helpful. Lots of hiking either a short walk or short drive from the grounds. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a leash/tie-out. The grounds had full reservations, but I never felt like it was overcrowded. All the other campers were very pleasant and friendly. This was my first experience camping at a campground, and I'm happy I chose this location to be my first.

This is an amazing place to get a break from the intense heat of the summer in NC. During the day if you stay up in the mountain it will never get pass the 80’s and the night will drop in the 50-60’s, making it ideal to have a little fire and sleep comfortably. I would give 5 stars if they had showers and if the camp site had more space between them. 17$ a night very quiet campsites with clean toilet bathrooms it’s perfect for a 2-3 days adventures. Plenty of trails and you can bring your fishing poles too. This is a campsite that you will want to comeback too!

It is the best campground in GSMNP for those who like elevation, hiking, cool days and nights, cell phone signal, and wildlife. It is very small. Has several sites without tent pad and rangers may let you put two tents in one site. Some sites are extremely close to each other. Very clean and beautiful place with spectacular views on the way to the campground!

I LOVE this campground! I am a local and Cataloochee is near & dear to my heart. Full disclosure, I am a VIP (Volunteer in the Park). The campground is fairly remote, no cell service in the park, very clean, friendly park volunteers, if I do say so myself (we LOVE talking with visitors ) and the campground is heavily wooded which makes it the perfect get away. Lots of hiking in the park and old structures. I love the wildlife! Turkeys, elk and an occassional bear (it is not crawling with bears but it is bear country). By far my favorite campground. If you have children ask a volunteer about the antlers! Another volunteer in the park may have them but we love sharing them with everyone, they're pretty cool & kids get a big kick out of them. Please! Keep you distance from wildlife. They are NOT tame, they do NOT like being touched and are unpredictable. Keep your distance & they leave you alone.

Secluded! Make sure you double checked your lists before getting here,Including your own shower house. Takes a while to get back to civilization ( 2 gas stations). Bring firewood. You can scrounge and there is plenty on the ground, but it is hard work gathering fire wood from the surrounding forest. There are bears. If you are lucky enough to see one, it will run away. Chances are you will see their scat. The hiking trails closest to the campsite are not for beginners. Water crossings that require you to take off your boots and roll up your pants legs are many. Bring water shoes. Beginning of trails tricked me with wide flat groomed paths. That doesn’t last long. Bring your map. I got lost and added 4 miles to my planned hike after I jacked my knee. Worth the drive and I’ll be back.

Great location. When there are rock slides etc the crews need to get on it full send. Surprised forest rangers Wildland firefighters don't help clear the roads like they do in other states. One stream of water, road shut down for weeks.

Just an okay campground. As of 8/15/2025, half of site #5 is closed off, so you don't have as much room as the website states. This is the only site like that and I wish we had known before we reserved it. With no electricity available, we expected a peaceful stay, but due to a generator running, loud families, and someone chopping wood at 7 am, it wasn't. We have stayed at many campgrounds that were a lot better. Just my opinion.

This is a basic campground. It has a picnic table and fire ring. There's a bathroom but no showers or hot water. It is my favorite campsite in the Smokies. If you can't handle driving on a dirt mountain road don't bother making the trip. Don't expect too much from the volunteer camp host and you will not be disappointed. You may get a phone signal every once and a while but don't count on it. It's another reason I love this campground

It’s one of the best campgrounds I’ve ever stayed at, it has a beautiful creek and restrooms are clean 10/10.

Please make generators not allowed here!! Why go to a remote location for peace and quiet to just make a bunch of noise and disturb everyone else.

Pretty cool camping spot tucked away in the TN mountains. Easy to get to and right by the creek. Very nice waking up next to the water sipping coffee in the morning. The facilities werent as clean but got the job done.

We decided to go for a short stroll in the woods, one afternoon, which starts at the end of the camping sites. It was perfect for young kids. We enjoyed the stream going by the Campground. We saw some people swimming where the water was moving slower. All of the camping areas were taken. There must be a bit of a wait to reserve a spot.

Quite, nice to place to relax next to the Abram’s creek. Good for tents and shorter RV class B (22ft or less). The access is a little steep at one point.

This is a small, very remote campground on the edge of the national park. We were set up to stay here a week, but after a change of plans, ended up at Elkmont instead. As a result, we only stayed here a night, in site A10. I saw several reviews before we went saying the the sites are small. I don't know that I'd agree with that - our site, at least, was fairly spacious - but the layout was downright weird. Our tent pad was positioned behind the parking spot for the site next to us, and their tent was on the far side of that spot. Perfect for a group that wants both sites, I suppose, but a bit uncomfortable for us, especially since we got in late at night and had trouble finding our spot. The tent pad was comfortable, but I have my doubts about the size. I could've sworn the reservation said it could fit a 9x12 tent, which is the size of our tent when the sunroom isn't set up, but our tent was too large for the pad. We ended up fudging the set-up so we could get everything to fit. There's one restroom in the campground and it's a bit of a hike to get to it; there's a paved path between two campsites, and the restroom is the lit building in the woods behind them. It's a long walk in the middle of the night, but not too bad if you have a flashlight. There are flush toilets and running water. While many of the sites aren't on the river directly, there is access to the water either through empty sites or between some of the sites.

It is $30 per night and must make reservations online. Beautiful area. Flush toilets. No showers. 16 campsites available. Nice quiet camping.

Nice place, temperature was much better than the Northern VA area. Very quiet and peaceful. If you're down by the river and in a tent, the sound of the river is wonderful. So relaxing. We stayed in a "cabin", but it's actually like a large storage shed turned into sleeping quarters. No bathroom nor kitchen. The bathroom was and old porta potty. We didn't like that at all. Because of that, we probably won't go back.

This is a amazing campground! The sites are great and spacious. It is a dog friendly campground. The bathroom is up a hill. You have to walk up a sidewalk to the bathroom. There were many trees around many sites so if you enjoy hammocks this is a good campsite for you.

Incredible experience.., upon arrival at the trailhead, there was a sign saying we need some kind of pass which could only be purchased at the visitor center. We didn't have cell service, so we decided to not worry about it and never got a ticket... Moderately long and hard hike to the top, and access to the top is technically closed, we decided to ignore the signs and finish the hike, since the views are certainly worth it and it would've been sad to hike that long and not actually get to the best part!

Great hike and the view is worth it. Parking can be tuff as it's a busy hike. Gates are currently closed at top blocking entrance to pinnacles. Hiking sticks where very useful on this hike.

Wow!! What an amazing hike. Beautiful from beginning to end. The peak was well worth the struggle to get there. It’s stunning. The trail on the way up is pretty difficult. You gain a ton of elevation rapidly. It was wet and there was melting snow around so trying not to fall became a goal. If you’re out of shape this one will work you pretty hard. We burned 800 calories on the way up 😀

A great trail in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Have a significant elevationa but the river, trees and smoke mountains are all with their unique beauty.

Amazing hike!! I would consider a little difficult going up just because of the steep steps, but it was worth the views!

beautiful hike! sadly, you can’t actually go to the very top because of wildfires:( the hike is short, maybe 3.5 miles round trip, but some parts are pretty strenuous. definitely worth the trip!

Distance: Its a total round trip of close to 4 miles (1.75 miles one way, and the last .25 miles is closed post 2016 fire ) Hiking Level: Moderate , its very steep , has lots of steps - wooden log steps and stone steps Have 3 to 4 mini wooden bridges Recommend carrying hiking poles, wear warm / layers even though the temperature was 54 F it felt cold, wear gloves 🧤 Visited on the weekend of Valentines day, it was less crowded. Hardly 6 to 8 groups Parking: It’s right at the trail start, if u run out of parking space their u get a couple more spots just 150 ft ahead

This is in the National Forest and is fantastic. The only moderate part is the trail to Juney-Whank. If you wish to see all three falls, I would suggest Juney-Whank to Tom Falls and then on to Indian Creek. Many great photo opportunities. Parking lot is paved and has nice facilities. If you go to the Bryson City area, this is a don't miss!

Awesome tubing and creek

My wife and I both enjoyed our visit very much. The park was clean and the rangers were so nice. The trails were well maintained. We definitely will be visiting again.

The Gatlinburg Trail is one of only 2 trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that allows dogs. We parked at the Sugarlands Visitor Center (there are restrooms here, praise be) to access the trailhead. It's about 1.9 miles one-way alongside the Little Pigeon River to the outskirts of Gatlinburg. Relatively flat, although there many places to scramble up and down the bank to be closer to the water. The website Hiking in the Smokys is an excellent resource for a more detailed description of the trail.

The Gatlinburg Trail is a beautiful trail that follows the Little Pigeon River. The trailhead is accessible from downtown Gatlinburg. The trail is wide & graveled with a few small hills that make it interesting. The autumn colors during the first week of November were gorgeous. It also wasn’t too crowded & there were hardly any bugs at this time of year. We loved this trail!

Well maintained trail and glorious views along the way. Not too busy either. Will be greeted by a few bridge crossings over rapids. Then long steep stairs and peaceful streams. Then open views of the mountains and finally the chimney. FYI, the trail to the rock formation is closed and overgrown and not well maintained but there's a nice view of it at the top.

Good looking trail. Crowded at prime times. Some steep parts. Good views along the way.

Wow!! Absolutely a beautiful hike. A must visit for the nature/hiking lover. The only tip I have is to make sure your phone is charged, you have water, and wear appropriate clothing/shoes. I would not recommend bringing any food here because I'm nearly positive there are bears. After you finish the hike here and head back to your car, make sure you keep driving up the mountain for more great views.

Nice trail, didn't make it all the ways up. Closed due to fire.

A well marked and kept trail, but despite the name’s implication, it does not get you to the Chimney Tops (though a sign at the trailhead warns of the closure). The elevation gain is slightly difficult (compounded by alternating steep trail, stone steps, and wood retention steps), the overlook at the end is worth the hike. Though the parking at the trailhead was packed, the hike was peaceful and the other hikers were spread out (some enjoying the water at the beginning, some resting at benches along the trail, and a bunch catching their breaths and enjoying the view at the overlook). Though there’s no scrambling or unimproved portions of the trail, it could be difficult for children or individuals with movement limitations to complete the hike.

This is a steep incline with many rock or garden tie steps. It does tell you at the beginning that the last 1/2 mile is closed due to the damage from the fires. Just over a 1300 ft elevation climb. View is pretty at the top. Take your time, and you can do it!

Intense hike that is well worth the trek!

Beautifully laid out for an easy stroll around the different exhibits. Very educational and informative. There was a short video explaining the history of the area. At the end of the tour there is also a small car museum attached included in the price of your ticket.

This is a wonderful museum. We all learned a lot about the area's history. The historical maps were a favorite of mine. Such a beautiful property!

First of all , I highly recommend pairing this visit with a drive through Cades Cove...made the perfect day trip . The museum and gift shop areas are very nice . Lots to see and read throughout the building and I feel it's just enough to hold the interest of younger children while also being informative and thought provoking for teens and adults . The tour of the outside structures are probably better suited for a cooler day ...but if you really want to have an authentic experience and see just how it felt living and working without electricity I highly suggest a visit in July .

This was fun and interesting. A nice thing to do on a quiet day. We bought tickets online .. note that they have you pick a time but I don't think the time really matters at all.

My husband Wes has Indian in his blood. He loved seeing all the Indian artifacts and where all they come from. I like looking at the house and how they lived. I seen things my grandparents used when I was younger.

Best place to find out more about the Smokies and surrounding areas. They also have bluegrass concerts at event area.

It wasn't on our radar, but glad we found it. Great self guided walk between old houses and exhibits from the time Indians live on this land.

This is a beautiful place to visit. You can actually walk out and put your feet in the water, sit on a rock and let the water roll over you. It’s very cold, but very refreshing. Very nice picnic tables to bring a lunch. We visited there on a weekday around noon. There were plenty of spots at the picnic tables with beautiful views of the water rushing by. I would like to see some security, Park Rangers, drive-by once in a while, as there were a lot of cars driving by slowly with just one person looking at us. We saw that several times and it’s not someplace you’d want to be alone. But all in all, it is a beautiful place to visit.

Great place to just come hang out, bathrooms are very accessible and park is staffed. video is just downstream a bit on the Little River. Parking pass needed.

A very nice and calm picnic area. Relaxe and listen to the stream flowing along its path. A play area in the river for small kids. A river for older children and adults. Fishing with appropriate licenses.

My sisters and I grew up camping in the smokies every weekend, so our last get together was a picnic in this park to avoid weekend traffic in Cafes Cove. The place was very busy but we found a nice table in the shade. The tables aren’t crammed together so that was nice. The restrooms were clean and everything was working. It’s a very nice picnic area located in my favorite place in the world 😊

This is a great place to stop and have a picnic while visiting the Smokies! Lots of tables, and scenery is spectacular! I was hoping to trout fish the Little River right here, but there were lots of people swimming in the cold water. Next trip, I'll fish the hard to reach areas of the river. The drive to Metcalf along Little River Gorge Road is amazing!

It's a great place to spend the day with your family. It can be overcrowded , but if you get there in time you can get a good spot and relax.

Had a wonderful picnic in the park right by the river at Metcalf Bottoms picnic pavilion. They have good restroom facilities and a parking pass machine on site. All the spots have a picnic table and grill right there. The scenery is top notch and there's plenty of shade. You can fish or walk in the river. Several historical sites and trailheads to these sites start here or are nearby. I highly recommend Metcalf Bottoms to have a great picnic and make some family memories.

Great views. Not a huge viewing area and it is a popular trail. I would recommend getting an early start so you don’t have to wait to get a turn at the view point. The trail was moderate, but a little bit slick after a recent rain fall.

We were told at the Sugarlands Visitor Center that the hike would take about five hours, but we made it to the peak in just four hours, even with plenty of photo breaks! The trail has a nice mix of terrain including rocky, flat, and sometimes a bit wet, which keeps it interesting. I’d say families with middle schoolers and older can handle it. The view at the top was absolutely breathtaking and 100% worth every step!

This was a great hike! The parking lot had plenty of parking on a weekday. The trail itself wasn’t too crowded but the viewpoint was. Lots of people just camping out there. It had been raining a lot so it was quite soggy, but luckily it wasn’t too foggy.

Great view!! this hiking is a mid-level, not easy, and not difficult. We can grab a nice view! Oh, Don’t forget to buy a parking ticket before hiking. :)

Went at 5 am and got down by 9 with a 15 minute stop at the top! Definitely hustling a little but it wasn’t as miserable as I was expecting having not hiked for a year. Sunrise is gorgeous on the way up and at the top even though we got there 20 minutes after official sunrise.

Amazing views at the top. The incline was pretty tough for me, had to keep stopping to catch my breath. Took us 5 hours because of that lol. We started at 5:30 am no crowds at all, and on our way back, there were probably 30+ people that we passed by and a parking lot full of cars. Definitely go early on this one!

get to parking before 7:00am, moderate hike, great view if the fog lifts

This was such a beautiful experience. Everyone i ran into hiking was pleasant and cheerful. Getting to the falls is an easy hike but stay away from the edge. After the falls, the hike gets a bit intense but once you get to the top, it is worth the view. As the young kid told me "you can see the world" Highly recommend a visit here and take the kids with bathin suits ! Beautiful place !

Nice view and very easy to get to but it was dried up when we visited. I'm sure it's beautiful when it's flowing but not on my visit. It was a trickle. I still enjoyed the scenery and small walk. Maybe next time it'll be flowing.

It is visible from the road... almost missed it. There is a pull out right where the waterfall is. Worth a quick stop, but no hike from the spot on the road. Nice spot if you are not up for hiking to some of the other waterfalls in the area.

Almost missed this waterfall because it’s in a pocket across from the parking spots. This was one of the most strenuous waterfalls I’ve been to just because of the creek had to be crossed and it was a pretty strong current with a lot of slippery rocks. If you don’t navigate just right you’ll be waist deep in water. Once across the creek it was an easy hike up to the falls. A lot of places to rest and take it all in. Don’t regret getting water in my boots for this one. Buy the parking pass if you plan on hiking to it, will be there longer than 15 mins.

Beautiful...didn't stay long but going back in the spring for sure

I visited this during October fall season and it’s looks absolutely beautiful in the fall! This is a quick stop on the road and you cant go near but you can sit there as long as you want!

It's not as big as photos would have you believe, but it's a great stop. The nearby hiking path is nice. It's not a pave walkway. It has lots 9f tree roots to deal with and fallen trees to climb over, but if this 70 year old can do it, so can you. The falls area us wheelchair friendly, but it stops there. We didn't go to the end of the trail, so I don't know what's up there. It's a good stop in a beautiful part of the ride.

Had to hike 2.7 mile on way to get to this falls. It’s pretty difficult hike/ moderate , but for me the waterfalls made it worth it. Have to be careful, the uneven terrain, cliff and muddy area can be dangerous. For summer time the water felt so fresh & I brought a swimsuit to go into the waterfall and put my head & arm under( IT’S VERY STRONG SO AT UR OWN RISK). But it’s not deep. Very relaxing, but the stones can be slippery & not even. It’s secluded & private & quiet. Loved it. Worth it, but going back is a pain because it’s uphill and 2.7 miles to go back.

The rocks coming down the hill right before the waterfall can be slick and today (7/29/25) there was a ground nest of yellowjackets right in that area before arriving at the falls, about 1.5 miles from the trailhead/parking. They were very aggressive and multiple people were stung. When you’re approaching the falls, the hive is in the rocky hill to your left so stay to the right and move quickly. The falls are not super large but they’re pretty. Very nice trail to hike but some of the climbs can be a bit tough. Arrive early because parking fills up quickly.

Everything I read about this trail said it was easy to moderate, which is why I picked it for me and my children on our trip to the Smokies in August. Nothing about this trail was easy. For starters, I expected to actually see people on this trail, as everyone said to get there early because the parking lot fills up fast. We did just that, and the parking lot filled up fast, but we did not see a single soul on this trail. The parking lot is the same one used for Rainbow Falls, so that is the reason it fills up fast. Everyone is hiking to Rainbow Falls. As a newcomer to hiking, I chose hikes under 4 miles round trip and hikes listed as easy to moderate with my young children, which is part of the reason I chose this hike over Rainbow Falls. This hike was very difficult compared to Grotto and the other hikes we did that week. It was scary not seeing anyone else on the hike. If that is your thing, you may like this, but I need to see some people to feel safe. A bear ran across the trail in between my 2 boys halfway through the hike. I get it that we may see bears, as we did on our hike to Grotto Falls, but when you don't see a single human and you're a mile away from the road it was pretty scary. The cemetery sign halfway through did not help. We did not walk to the cemetery, I did not want to scare my kids even more. The total bummer was making it so close to the falls, but the rocks and hill we would have had to climb down to actually get close enough to see it were so steep and dangerous, we decided not to attempt it. My husband made that call. It was wet and foggy from an earlier rain, and way too steep and muddy. To add to the disappointment of not seeing the falls, the grueling 1.7 mile hike back to the trailhead was awful. Completely uphill the entire hike back. My kids were crying, dry heaving, we kept having to stop, it was absolutely miserable. I didn't think we were ever going to make it out. It seemed like FOREVER. When we finally did, and I looked up the trail again and saw the elevation gain, no wonder it was so tough. About 1000 feet elevation gain! And trust me, that was all on the hike back to the trailhead. I can't believe this is listed as an easy hike! The trail also seemed very unmaintained compared to Grotto. Having to climb over downed trees and walk across tree branches to stay on the trail. Very narrow in some spots. Like I said, this may be your thing, but it was very scary and not fun at all for my children. We wouldn't do this hike again. Note: the photos look very beautiful. The scenery is amazing, it's the Smoky Mountains! Just a very desolate, tough hike.

If you are young and in good shape, this is an easy trail. The trip to the falls is fairly easy and mostly downhill. There is a small cemetery near the beginning of the trail. Obviously a family plot and we took a little time to look at some of the headstones. After the cemetery, the trail is fairly clear and easy to walk. When you near the falls, you have to do a little climbing and the trail to the falls is pretty steep. The trip, for me and my wife, was worth it. We enjoyed the falls and got some great pictures. Now for the trip back. It's only 1.35 miles one way, but the way back is mostly up hill and steep in some parts. My wife kept taking breaks, which was fine, but reminded us we were not prepared. We did have water but you will want to carb up before hiking this trail or, at least, take a couple of protein bars. Dispute the unexpected difficulty, we both enjoyed the trail and felt accomplished when we got back to the car.

For first timers this trail was pretty difficult.. just a heads up .. waterfalls make it worth it but kinda dangerous if your not up to a challenge

Decent elevation for a shorter hike. Make sure to cross the creek to the other side of the falls for the best view. Also be careful we saw a family of bears on the trail

Beautiful trail but BEWARE of aggressive ground hornets (or some other aggressive stinging insect…we didn’t stick around long enough to identify them). We hiked this on 10/02/2025 in the morning, as a group of 7 adults. There is a ground hornet nest at the very end of the trail right before the final path leading to the waterfall. As the other review mentioned, it’s after a big rock you have to jump down. They described that it was on the rock hill itself, but we encountered the nest in the middle of the trail path. We didn’t notice the nest on our way down but may have disturbed it without noticing. On our way up after enjoying the waterfall, the first two members in our group were attacked by the hornets. They ran away until the hornets stopped attacking while the rest of us stayed back to avoid being stung/chased. The rest of us eventually found a less frequented trail on the other side of the waterfall and hiked up and around the top of the waterfall until we reached the main trail.

Wonderful hike. Fall weather so no swimming at the Midnight Hole for us but really lovely with the leaves starting the change. We didn't hike all the way to Mouse Creek Falls because we stopped too long at the swimming hole. Looking forward to going farther next time! Some trail closures were posted so took a current photo at the trail head. Google maps will steer you wrong and take you across the bridge and up. Head to the ranger station to get your orientation better. No cell service :)

Great hike. 2 miles to the falls, several places along the trail to stop by and take pics of the water. Midnight hole is 1.5 miles into the hike, awesome place to cool off and touch the water. It's a gradual incline the whole way up which makes it easier leaving! My 7 year old had no problem with this hike.

Great trail, very nice walkway beside creek lots of places to walk close and see very nice cascades . Water was very clear. You can’t miss the falls you will see a hitching post for horses to the left , and falls are right there. Make sure you walk up about another .15 of a mile until you get to bridge. Nice cascade there to look at with good spot to take pictures. Very nice waterfall for not a bad hike.

This is part of Big Creek Trail. I put Mouse Creek Falls into my GPS and it took us to the wrong place. If you find yourself on a one lane gravel road going up a mountain, you’re going the wrong way. If you find yourself on a gravel road that drives through a small creek before a steep incline, you’re going the wrong way. Just put Big Creek into the GPS and you will find it. Absolutely gorgeous hike with lots of places to go off the trail and get into the water. The swimming hole was packed so these other options were great. Easy hike but definitely wear good shoes and bring water shoes to get into the water. We made a whole day of it but it could be done in two hours if you didn’t stop to enjoy the surroundings. The falls themselves were amazing. My 10 year old was able to cross the stream and stand in the waterfall itself. (He is not athletic) I could not recommend this hike more.

Mouse Creek Falls is a historic place and a beautiful waterfall along the Big Creek Trail. The trail is an old railroad grade so it's not a super difficult trail to hike. Along the trail is multiple waterfalls and places to swim and picnic. You can possibly see animals in Big Creek watershed such as elk or black bears. I love hiking to Mouse Creek Falls with my daughter and wife.

This is the best place in NC. I promise you won't be disappointed. You can hike about 1.4 miles to get to the "midnight hole" which is a beautiful swimming hole. We loved this place! and we have been to so many other places, but nothing compares to this one. My children had so much fun and enjoyed the hike.

The big creek is not easy to access since you need to drive on unpaved road for about 20 mins. The first mile of the trail is in the forest and away from the creek so you don’t want to waste time. Once you get closer to the creek, you have many access point of the creek and they all look pretty. The mouse creek fall was at a stunning view. The fall was pretty and the cascades of the big creek is right at the bottom. Definitely a good hike and a view worth the hike

Love me a good baldy, it’s an easy hike there and back, however if you take a lot of edibles and go down to the bald, then go up to Clingmans dome on a rush with only one and half hours, it isn’t the easiest.

It's really beautiful, and walking here will make you feel very relaxed. We had a very good picnic in the park inside. Haha, although the weather has disrupted our itinerary, it still makes us very happy this time. My wife said that when there are really many holidays in the future, we will come here to play again and bring all the children to play.

Absolutely loved the hike. Can’t say enough how beautiful it was. Bathroom near the trailhead next to Clingsman if I remember correctly. (There were a few outhouses). Andrew’s bald was not busy, but the summit was.

Loved our hike here. Went in early spring and the weather was awesome cool in the morning and warmed up nicely. Hiked here from the dome. Very easy hike through the woods not much to see, but awesome sight when you exited onto the Bald.

Awesome, reasonable length trail with incredible views at the end. Highly recommend if you're on your way to Kuwohi.

This hike is not the easiest hike with many inclines, it almost feels endless at times making one turn after another, so make sure to take breaks if you get too tired. Everything else about this hike was amazing, it never gets hot at this elevation and you can hike through forests not seen anywhere else but the Northern US and Canada. When I did this hike my view at Andrews Bald was obscured by clouds but it was peaceful regardless. If you are looking to have a picnic this would also be a good place haha. Pictures were taken September 15 2021 in the afternoon.

Beautiful trail and great hidden gem at the smokies!!