5 Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains Away from the Crowds

The Smoky Mountains have always been a place where visitors can escape. That’s still the case today. We want you to know there are plenty of opportunities for fun and relaxation in the Smokies without having to deal with large crowds of people. To help you enjoy the peaceful escape you’re in need of, we’ve made a list of 5 things to do in the Smoky Mountains away from the crowds and tips for staying healthy when you visit:

1. Stay in a Smoky Mountain Cabin

Arguably the best thing to do in the Smoky Mountains to stay away from the crowds is to stay in a Smoky Mountain cabin. There are so many gorgeous Smoky Mountain cabins available that offer everything from hot tubs to indoor swimming pools. The privacy you’ll have in a cabin is unmatched, and so is the fun you can have in one! Escape to the Smoky Mountains with your family to spend time in your cabin watching a movie, playing games, sharing a meal, taking in mountain views and so much more. Not to mention, each cabin undergoes a thorough cleaning before and after each stay, and you’ll have enough of the necessary toiletries to last your whole trip. For the ultimate privacy away from everything else, choose a secluded cabin rental. Secluded cabins make you feel a world away from everything and everyone else. It’ll be just you, your family and the Smoky Mountains. Before booking your stay, take a look at our cabin discounts to save money on your escape to the Smokies.

2. Go for a Hike

If you want to do something that doesn’t involve a lot of other people, go for a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Some of the lesser known hikes in the area are Cataract Falls, the Troll Bridge at Elkmont, and Charlies Bunion. You can also visit now and enjoy some of the more popular trails without their usual congestion, like Laurel Falls Trail and Alum Cave Trail. Hiking in the Smoky Mountains is a great opportunity to take in the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains and enjoy fresh air without being around big crowds. Keep in mind when you visit the national park that Sugarlands, Oconaluftee and Cades Cove Visitors Centers are currently closed.

3. Go Fishing

Another great activity is fishing. The Smoky Mountains are home to more than 2,900 miles of streams, all of which allow fishing. About 20% of those streams are large enough to support trout populations! Fishing is permitted from 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon that involves just you, a fishing pole and the Smoky Mountains.

4. Go Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is another way you can enjoy the Smoky Mountains while avoiding the crowds. Cades Cove Riding Stables offers guided trail rides through the beauty of Cades Cove. Rides are being offered daily, and the company has implemented extra safety precautions to make your experience as safe and enjoyable as possible. These guided trail rides are great for any skill level, from beginners to experienced riders. You’ll be allowed to take in the views of the Smoky Mountains on horseback without people all around you!

5. Take a Scenic Drive

Avoid big crowds of people by exploring the Smoky Mountains from the comfort of your car! Take a scenic drive in the Smoky Mountains for the opportunity to see gorgeous mountain and valley views, wildlife and more. The Cades Cove Loop Road is the most popular drive in the Smokies. This 11-mile one-way loop takes visitors on a journey through the Cove, offering views of historic structures, mountains and wildlife. It’s one of the best areas of the national park to spot black bears! Other popular scenic drives include Newfound Gap Road, Foothills Parkway and Little River Road.

Tips for Staying Healthy on Your Trip:

You’ll have a great time in the Smoky Mountains enjoying all the things to do away from the crowds, but it’s important to take extra steps to stay healthy during your trip. Here are 2 tips for staying healthy when you visit:

1. Prepare Meals in Your Cabin

One of the best parts about staying in a cabin is the full kitchen. You can easily prepare your favorite home-cooked meals. All you have to do is stop by one of the local grocery stores and purchase your ingredients. Here are some of the top stores in the area:

Food City

• 1219 E Pkwy, Gatlinburg, TN
• 3625 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN
• 741 Dolly Parton Pkwy, Sevierville, TN

Kroger

• 220 Wears Valley Road, Pigeon Forge, TN
• 702 Winfield Dunn Pkwy, Sevierville, TN

Walmart Supercenter

• 1414 Parkway, Sevierville, TN

Whole Earth Grocery

• 446 E Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN

Publix

• 2656 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN

Preparing meals in your cabin is not only healthy, but it helps you save money you would’ve spent dining out at restaurants!

2. Enjoy In-Cabin Entertainment

Cabins come with plenty of entertainment, so you won’t even have to leave to have a fun time! You can spend your entire stay in your cabin and still make memories that will last a lifetime. There are cabins with home theaters where you can watch movies and shows on the big screen, and cabins with game rooms that have pool tables, air hockey, foosball and more! There are also cabins with indoor pools so you can go for a swim in the privacy of your own rental, with only your family around. Other amenities you can enjoy at cabins include hot tubs, fire pits, board games, and spacious decks with mountain views.

Find Your Perfect Cabin

Come escape the crowds and enjoy these fun things to do in the Smoky Mountains! Take a look at our selection of available cabin rentals in the Smokies, and book your stay.