America has some of the most mysterious yet scenic places you will ever see. We often think of urban development when we think of United States, and the sheer wealth of its natural beauty always goes unnoticed.
Few people get to experience the charm of untouched nature the way it is on display in America. One of the best places to visit to behold the mountainous green forests and the majestic natural beauty is the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee.
Aspen may be a close second but comes no where near the spectacular scenes offered by the Smoky Mountains. It the perfect mountain vacation retreat, hands down.
This article will discuss some of the best things that you should consider doing on your vacation in the Smoky Mountains. Gatlinburg has several things that may pique your interest, however, unfortunately, we can only talk about a few of them here.
Read on to know about the things to do on your visit to the Smoky Mountains.
Rent a cabin in the mountains
Your trip to the Mountains would be incomplete if you didn’t pitch tent surrounded by nature. It would be a pity if you visited the Mountains but didn’t stay in some of the authentic cabins in Gatlinburg. Not only do they come in varying shapes and sizes, but these cabins have all the possible amenities that you could want during your stay in the Mountains. However, you may want to check for bookings in advance because bookings are hard to come by.
Moreover, the proximity to nature gives you the chance to truly experience the majestic mountainous beauty of your surroundings. Therefore, when looking for places to stay in gatlinburg tn, make sure you consider those cabins surrounded by raw nature as far as the eye can see.
Few people can ever truly appreciate the novelty of experiencing nature from inside a rustic cabin in the woods. Open your windows, let the fresh mountain air waft through room. Just make sure you pack warm because even in summers, the mountain breeze can be harsh and cold.
Campfire in the woods
Starting a campfire in the woods with your loved ones is something many children dream about yet never get to experience. We’ve all seen it done in movies where all sit in a circle around a well-lit fire, surrounded on every side by raw and rugged nature. When visiting the mountains, you can make those dreams a reality.
Skewer the marshmallows on the sticks and with a basic fire begin to live out your childhood fantasy. Everyone deserves to experience the warmth and peace that washes over one, surrounded with loved ones all over, is sitting around a fire telling or listening to stories. There is a raw aesthetic charm to a fire lighted in the woods.
However, with the prevalence of wildfires in the United States, please ensure you practice safety at all times. Ensure that nothing in the surrounding is flammable. Keep a bucket of water nearby to put out any fire if one breaks out.
A winding drive
It may seem anticlimactic to read about, however, once you experience a drive through the mountains, no other drive will even come close to compare. There’s something special about the winding road that runs along a mountainside. The cool mountain air pouring in through your windows, the sounds of nature, and the rush of the trees passing by, are things that will always bring you peace.
Get your family into a car, gather some snacks, and go for a long drive to the Great Smoky Mountains. The national park at the Smoky Mountains has charms of its own which you can explore either on foot or from a car. At night, the place can get pitch dark, so its best to head back to the cabin before nightfall.
When out for a drive, make sure you have a spare tyre and the tools to change in car’s trunk if you ever get a puncture. Moreover, ensure that there is enough fuel in the car before you set out because getting stranded in the pitch-black wilderness can be scary, if not downright dangerous.
Stargaze
With its high elevation and lack of any pollution, the Smoky Mountains is the perfect place for you to gaze at the stars during the night. City folks might never have experienced a star-studded sky before, but out in the Smoky Mountains that can be a stellar experience.
The highest point in the Smoky Mountains is Newfound Gap which is perhaps the clearest place to stargaze. If you are in the mood to pop the big question to your lover, this would be one of the best places to do that. Hundreds of people propose their better halves for marriage here every year.
Whether you are traveling alone, with a partner or family, stargazing in the mountains is an experience you will never forget.
White water rafting
Finally, an adventure in the rapids is something you have to try when visiting the Smoky Mountains. White water rafting may be considered dangerous, but the waters in the Smoky’s aren’t nearly as dangerous as in other parts of the country.
However, it would be a good idea to protect yourself at all times and ensure all safety protocols before getting into the raft. Moreover, strap your camera to your hand and make sure that it’s waterproof. You would be shocked to learn how many people lose their devices during these activities.
If you like thrill, rafting is for you. However, if you are prone to motion sickness and can’t handle stress, please stay away from the activity and reconsider safer and less stressful options.
Conclusion
These were some of the best activities you can engage in on your trip to the Smoky Mountains. You don’t need to follow these down to the T, however, there are a few things on the list that we hope you try. From booking an authentic cabin to white water rafting in the mountains, we have covered a few of the must-do activities to make your time in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains memorable.
