Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Kids
We absolutely love taking our kids to national parks, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park might just be our favorite to visit with kids. While not as dramatic or expansive as parks like Yellowstone or Yosemite, it still offers SO MUCH for families while also possessing a cozy feeling.
Since we live in the southeast, the Smoky Mountains are by far our most frequented national park. While there’s certainly several state parks that are much closer to us that also offer great camping, hiking, and mountain views, there is just something magical about the Smoky Mountains that keep drawing us back.
So from a family that visits the Smoky Mountains SEVERAL times a year, here’s our tips and tricks to make this a fantastic trip with kids.
And just a quick note on how I structured this: Great Smoky Mountain National Park is BIG. Deceptively big. While certainly not as expansive as parks like Glacier or Yellowstone, the curvy mountain roads can make trips from one area of the park to the next longer than it looks like on a map. To avoid being in the car all day, especially with little ones in tow, we tend to focus on just one area of the park at a time. So for the same reasons, I broke down this article into the best things to do in each major region of the park with kids.
(And be sure to scroll to the end for a free downloadble Smoky Mountain scavenger hunt!)
The Gatlinburg Area With Kids
The heart of the park, the area around Gatlinburg has some of the most well-known areas of the park. This is the area highest in the mountains and offers some of the most iconic views. If you’re only in the Smoky Mountains for a couple of days, or if this is your first trip, this is the area that I most highly recommend.
Visitor Centers
The Sugarlands Visitor Center is the largest visitor center in the park and is located right as you enter the park from Gatlinburg. I highly recommend stopping here on your way into the park to get your bearings straight with maps, parking passes, and a quick trip through the gift shop and small museum (the museum is free!)
And when the road to Kuwohi (formerly Clingman’s Dome) is open, there is also a small visitor center and gift shop up at Kuwohi.
Drives
This Great Smoky Mountains offer some of the most scenic drives in the country and is not something to be missed. This area of the park is no exception.
Newfound Gap Road(Highway 441)
The main road running through the park takes you from the Sugarlands Visitor Center up into the mountains. There are stunning overlooks along the way that you can pull off and enjoy. Some of the best views are up at Newfound Gap, where there is a large parking area (Newfound Gap is also a place where many of the best higher elevation hikes begin).
Along this route between Sugarlands and Newfound Gap (Highway 441) are also some pull off areas for picnics- Chimney Tops picnic area is probably the most popular picnic area along this route.
If the road is open, you can turn at Newfound Gap and keep driving about 7 more miles up to Kulwohi, which is the highest point in the park. While there is a paved path for ¾ of a mile on up to the actual peak and observation tower, the views from the parking lot are still just as good.
Roaring Motor Fork Loop
If you’re looking for a scenic loop, just out of Gatlinburg is the Roaring Motor Fork Loop. Much of it is one-way, so once you’re on it, you’re pretty committed.
While it doesn’t offer incredible mountain views, it does offer pretty views of the river. Additionally, several of the more popular trails like Grotto Falls and Rainbow Falls begin from Roaring Motor Fork.
This isn’t my favorite drive in the park- I definitely prefer going up to Newfound Gap, but it is still worth checking out if you have extra time.
Hikes
There’s a VARIETY of hikes in this area, ranging from easy and paved to much longer day hikes along the Appalachian Trail, making it a perfect area for a wide range of families. Some of our favorites, in order of difficulty, are:
Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail
Paved and easy to navigate, this trail is stroller and little kid friendly. Right past the Sugarlands Visitor Center, this little trail is a great way to stretch legs and burn off some energy after a drive without having to commit to too much.
Plus, it’s one of the few trails in the park that’s ADA accessible, so it’s great for families of all different levels of mobility.
Offering river views as well as views of old foundations and chimneys from historic settlements, it’s a good taste of the park’s history.
Cataract Falls
Behind the Sugarlands Visitor Center, this waterfall is incredibly beautiful. With how easy and short the hike is, it’s a big payout for very little effort.
The trail leaves from the Sugarlands Visitor Center, so if you already snagged a parking spot to step into the Visitor Center, go ahead and venture down this short trail to see one of the prettiest waterfalls in the park.
While it is not paved (leave your stroller behind), this trail is still flat and wide and great for kids new to hiking on their own two legs. My oldest daughter started doing this hike when she was about three years old.
It also offers great views of the river and a hollowed out tree along the way that my daughter loves to climb under and explore every time we go.
The Gatlinburg Trail
Running from the edge of Gatlinburg to the Sugarlands Visitor Center, this trail is paved for part of the way. The entirety of the trail is 4 miles both ways, but to be honest, the best parts of the trail are right at the beginning from the trailhead in Gatlinburg. You’ll cross a lovely bridge over the river and then have a nice and quiet forest walk.
If you do keep going closer to the visitor center, you’ll also eventually pass by some very old cemeteries from families that lived in the area before it became a national park.
This trail is also one of the very few areas in the park that allows leashed dogs.
Grotto Falls
If you’re looking for more of a traditional hike (i.e. not paved at all), but one that is still doable for young hikers, Grotto Falls is perfect. It’s around 3-4 miles round trip but very doable.
We did this hike with a preschooler and a toddler. Our toddler rode on my back and our preschooler was able to hike to the waterfall on her own, but she opted to ride back down on her dad’s back.
What’s so unique with this hike is that you can walk BEHIND the waterfall- it’s a great way to cool off on a warm day.
This trailhead is along the Roaring Motor Fork Loop, so after completing the hike, you can drive through the loop and enjoy the views.
Just a note- this is a really popular hike. Get there early to secure a parking spot- especially if you’re visiting on a weekend.
Charlie’s Bunion/The Jump-Off
If you’re looking for more of a challenge, have older kids, or want a taste of the Appalachian Trail, this is one of my favorite stretches of trail in the Smokies.
Park at Newfound Gap (the views are incredible) and the trail leads directly from the parking lot.
If you’re looking for a shorter hike, only 0.6 miles from the trailhead is an INCREDIBLE view of the mountains. It’s the perfect length for families who want a taste of hiking on the AT without having to commit to a full day hike.
And if you want a full day hike, keep going either to the Jump Off or Charlie’s Bunion for absolutely amazing panoramic views.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg was made for families. We don’t spend a ton of time in town as we prefer to be in the mountains, but we definitely go in at least one morning for donuts from the Donut Friar.
It’s worth at least walking through town once to smell the different foods cooking and see some of the more eclectic shops.
There’s also several attractions for kids including Ripley’s Aquarium, Annakeesta, a ski lift, and arcade style games.
Gatlinburg is best seen by walking, but there are paid parking garages and lots throughout the town.
Where to Stay and Eat in the Gatlinburg Area
Elkmont Campground
We prefer camping for about a thousand different reasons. Camping is the best way for us to spend as much time in the park as possible instead of sitting in traffic.
But there is something extra magical about camping in the Smokies. Our favorite campground is Elkmont- right in between Townsend and Gatlinburg.
It’s convenient to get to most of the major hikes in the park as well as to go into town if we choose to do so. It also happens to be absolutely beautiful.
There are also some great hikes that leave right from the campground and go through historic settlements. If you’ve never tried family camping before- this would be a place I would recommend starting out in. It’s worth the extra effort. Trust me.
Air BnBs and Hotels
If camping isn’t your scene, there are plenty of hotels in Gatlinburg as well as Air BnB rentals around Gatlinburg. Many of the rentals up in the mountains feature cabins and a rustic feel.
Dining
Gatlinburg is full of dining options, ranging from fast food to sit down dinners. Even when we’re camping, we’ll come into Gatlinburg sometimes for a meal. Be sure to check out some of the restaurants that have been staples in Gatlinburg for decades, such as Best Italian.
We also love to get donuts at the Donut Friar (located in The Village).
Cades Cove Area With Kids
If you’re traveling to Great Smonky Mountains National Park with kids, visiting Cades Cove is a must.
Drives
Cades Cove Loop
The Cades Cove loop is BEAUTIFUL. Winding through a valley, this is the best place to see wildlife including bears and deer.
Additionally, there are historic cabins throughout that you can get out and explore.
The best time to visit the Cades Cove loop is early in the morning when the animals are most active. This also helps you avoid most of the traffic. If you are visiting later in the day though, be prepared to sit in long lines as people look for wildlife.
Hikes
There are some really great family hikes in the Cades Cove area that are perfect for kids.
Oliver Cabin
There’s a couple of different ways to get to the Oliver Cabin. For a VERY short walk, you can pull into a parking area on the Cades Cove loop and pick from either a wooded trail or a paved trail to get to the cabin. The paved trail is great for strollers or anyone needing a flatter surface- the wooded trail is a fun little taste of “real hiking” for kids.
Or if you want a longer walk (and to avoid being committed to driving all of the Cades Cove loop), you can begin this trail right before the Cades Cove loop becomes a one-way road.
This makes it about a 2 mile hike, but it’s mostly flat with some easy river crossings. It’s a fun and easy walk through the forest.
Spruce Flats Falls
If you want a slightly more challenging hike with an incredible waterfall, check out Spruce Flats Falls. Again, this is about two miles, but the trail is a little more rugged. Be prepared for uneven terrain, tree roots, and rocks. (I’ve definitely twisted an ankle on this trail and had to limp my way through the rest of the hike.)
The trail starts out pretty steeply uphill, but as you near the falls it levels off.
The falls themselves are absolutely beautiful. One of the tallest waterfalls in the park- it’s just stunning.
Abram’s Falls
If you’re looking for more of a challenge, Abram’s Falls is one of the more popular hikes in the park. About a five-mile roundtrip hike, this is definitely more strenuous than others in the Cades Cove area.
The first part is mostly uphill, but you follow a river and that’s beautiful.
When you finally reach the top of the hill you’re climbing (about halfway to the falls), there are some great views.
Then the rest of the trail is mostly downhill to Abram’s Falls but it does have some tricky spots that require careful footwork. I highly recommend sturdy shoes and hiking poles.
The falls themselves are beautiful, BUT this is also one of the deadliest hikes in the park. Drownings here have been numerous, so definitely keep kids close by and don’t let them underestimate the power of the falls.
Where to Stay in the Cades Cove Area
You can certainly reach Cades Cove if you’re staying in other parts of the park. In fact, we only just recently started staying in Cades Cove at all- for years we just made the Gatlinburg area our hub to explore from.
But if you want more time in Cades Cove without having to drive back and forth as much, or you’re wanting to avoid some of the traffic in Cades Cove loop, or you just want a quieter experience, staying in Cades Cove can be so relaxing.
Cades Cove Campground
While we don’t love this campground quite as much as Elkmont, it’s still a good experience. The sites are a little less private than at Elkmont, but the convenience of it makes up for that.
Staying in Cades Cove itself made it much easier to do the Cades Cove loop early in the morning or at sunset to see the animals when they’re most active and to avoid most of the traffic.
There is also a river that runs through the campground and is much easier to walk alongside than the river in Elkmont. The river is calmer and with a gentler bank- helping me relax more when my toddler wanders near it.
Additionally, there is a camp store that opens in May that has THE BEST soft serve ice cream.
Townsend
If you’re not wanting to camp, Townsend is nearby. Known as the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” Townsend offers a few hotels and Air BnBs with a fraction of the crowd you’ll find in Gatlinburg. There’s a handful of family restaurants, a small IGA, and some ice cream places. Additionally, there’s a heritage center and places that rent tubing equipment. It’s family friendly and much less commercialized than Gatlinburg.
If you want a few more options, drive a little furhter into Maryville where you’ll find all of your chain restaurants and fast food places.
(But if you’re wanting to avoid crowds, it might help to check ahead of time and see if Townsend is hosting any festivals! We have seen some pretty crowded festivals and conventions here before.)
Ocunfaletee/Cherokee Area With Kids
Definitely less visited than the Gatlinburg and Cades Cove areas of the park, this is still a BEAUTIFUL section of the park that warrants exploring. On the North Carolina side, you can reach it by driving over Highway 441. The views on the North Carolina side of the road might just be the best in the park.
Once you’re in the area, there’s plenty to do to take up an afternoon.
Look for Elk
Elk are common here. They’re frequently seen in the fields outside of the visitor center. We’ve also seen them while walking along the river. If you visit in the fall, be sure to spend some time listening for the elk bugling. (And just a note- if the elk are present in the fields, then those fields are closed.)
Learn about Cherokee and Settler History
The visitor center and settler farm offer some great learning opportunities for kids. There are frequent talks on the porch of the visitor center about the region and the settler farm next to the visitor center is a great place for kids to walk around and explore how people used to live.
Inside the visitor center is a small museum that has artifacts collected from cabins in the area. My kindergartener especially loved looking at the different household items and seeing what’s changed and what’s happened.
Additionally, just outside of the park is Cherokee, NC where a Cherokee Museum is. Learn about the Cherokee, how they interacted with settlers, the Trail of Tears, and the remnant that remained in the Mountains after the Indian Removal Act of 1830.
Hikes
River Walk
There’s a lovely river walk just behind the visitor center. It runs alongside the settler farm and through some bends in the river. It’s calm, short, and peaceful.
If you’re lucky, you might even see elk crossing the river.
Mingo Falls
If you want to see one of the tallest waterfalls in the region, check out Mingo Falls. It is technically outside of park boundaries, but it’s only a fifteen minute drive from the Oclajgugh visitor center. (Ask in the visitor center for directions- they’ll give you a little print out.)
There’s 165 steps to get up to the falls, and it’s not stroller or ADA accessible, but if your knees are up for the climb- it’s absolutely stunning. It’s a big payout for very little effort as far as waterfall hikes go.
Additionally, the signage is in both English and Cherokee, which is a great way to reinforce the idea with kids that the Cherokee still have an active culture in the Smokies and that they have a long history in the area.
Where to Stay
Smokemont Campground
One of the only campgrounds open year round in the park, Smokemont is a great choice if you’re staying in the winter or if you’re only visiting the North Carolina side of the park.
Cherokee, NC
Just outside of the park is Cherokee, NC which offers the usual hotels, lodgings, and Air BnBs. There’s also places here to grab a quick bite to eat.
Additional Areas
These are the three areas that we enjoy the most as a family, but there are additional areas of the park as well.
Pigeon Forge island DollyWood are just past Gatlinburg headed back up towards Knoxville. Pigeon Forge offers more shopping, more kids’ attractions, and very kitsch things like dinner theaters. However, it isn’t walkable, so make sure you plan for that.
I’ve heard GREAT things about DollyWood if you’re looking for an amusement park with kids. While we haven’t been there ourselves, I’ve never heard anyone say they didn’t enjoy it.
Within the park, Crosby and Greenbrier are a little more off the beaten path, but also a lot less crowded. There are some great waterfall hikes here as well as a campground.
Seasons to Visit In
Fall
Nothing beats fall in the Smoky Mountains. The foliage, the crisp mountain air, seeing animals get ready for winter- the fall is probably my favorite time to visit.
If you were only going to pick one season to take a trip to the Smoky Mountains- I’d recommend fall. Days are mild, nights are cool- it’s perfect camping weather.
For peak foliage, think about a trip in late October or even very early November.
Be sure to pack light layers as it’s warm in the day and cool at night. Don’t forget hats and gloves- especially if you’re going up into the higher elevations.
And be sure to pack plenty of extra patience as it can get incredibly crowded at this time of year.
Winter
I also really enjoy visiting in the winter. The leaves have fallen to expose a quieter beauty of the forest. Streams are crystal clear and sometimes a light snow dusts the tops of the mountains (or even your trail.)
Be sure to pack crampons if you’re planning on hiking in the higher elevations- it can get pretty icy up there (before we had kids we once took a hike up to the Jump Off in the winter and ended up having to slide back down the trail- I promptly ordered crampons the next day).
Spring
Spring is magic in the Smokies. The warm light filtering in and the wildflowers blooming make for an incredible trip.
Make sure you still pack cold weather gear as there can still be late snowfall- even well into April.
Summer
If there was a season in the Smokies that I would personally skip- it’s summer. It can get really humid and suddenly you’re reminded that you are indeed in a rainforest.
Early summer is still tolerable, but well into June and July I would be prepared for high heat, humidity, and plenty of insects- not to mention the summer crowds.
Basic Logistics
While the park is free to enter, make sure you have a parking pass. These can be purchased at the visitor centers as well as kiosks at several popular parking areas, including Newfound Gap and as you enter the park from the Townsend side. They can also be purchased online ahead of time.
The parking fees go to help maintain the park (and have even helped keep it open during a government shut down), so it’s definitely a good value.
There is very limited cell phone service once you enter the park, so make sure you’ve saved any directions or trail maps before entering the park. I also recommend double checking their website for any information about potential road closures (which will also be posted on traffic signs in the park, but I like to plan ahead!)
Additionally, check on road conditions before entering the park. Occasionally major routes are closed due to construction, rock slides, or ice. While there will always be signage about this, I always recommend making a backup plan before you enter the park and lose cell service.
Lastly- don’t forget you’re in bear country. Leave no trace and practice basic bear safety. We have run into black bears on our trails, but they’ve also been known to wander into Gatlinburg.
The Smoky Mountains is absolutely one of our favorite places to visit as a family. We have so many treasured family memories here. I hope they become a special place for your family as well!
Additional Resources
If you’d like at add in an activity kit for your kids to learn more about the Smokies, check out what I created for my own kids here.
If you’re looking for more tips on how we hike and camp with little kids, check out my posts here:
Additionally, if you’re looking for National Park activities for toddlers, check out that post here.
Lastly, my favorite website for information on hikes in the Smokys is here.
