Millions of annual visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains and the neighboring, popular tourist destinations of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville know one thing for sure:  The Smoky Mountains offer some of the best scenic drives in the U.S.

Cades Cove Scenic Loop

At the top of our list of best scenic drives in the Smokies is Cades Cove.  Featuring a one-way, 11-mile loop around a spectacular, picturesque valley full of natural and wildlife, Cades Cove is chock full of things to see and experience unlike anywhere else on the planet.  Surrounded by mountains, Cades Cove offers rare wildlife viewing opportunities, including white-tail deer, black bear, coyotes, ground hogs, turkeys, raccoon, and more.

Along the drive through Cades Cove, sightseers will also come across some of the historical structures – log homes, churches, barns – that were left by the area’s early settlers after the National Park was formed and their homeland purchased.  Many of these structures are open to the public.

In addition to exploring the historical buildings, there are many places to pull off the side of the road or park to take in the great outdoors.  Many visitors take picnic baskets while others make a day of it and go for a hike on one of the park’s trails.  Abrams Falls is one of the best.

Traffic during the peak months of the year, including summer and fall, can make driving the loop a little slow and leisurely, so it’s best to allow at least 2-3 hours to tour the entire 11-mile loop.  There are a couple shortcut roads to shorten the trip, though, for those who want to limit their time a little.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Named after a beautiful mountain stream, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a short, easy-to-get-to drive for anyone vacationing in the Smokies.  Just a short drive from downtown Gatlinburg, this 5.5-mile one-way loop road is a favorite by many visiting the area.  Along the scenic drive, visitors enjoy coming across rushing mountain streams, old log cabins from original settlers, like the Ogles, and, of course, native wildlife.

Another reason people choose to drive Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail it to access the trailhead for Rainbow Falls, which is one of the most popular waterfalls and trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Vacations are all about relaxing, having fun, and, of course, shopping!  Here are our Top 10 places to shop on your next trip to the Smokies:

Tanger Outlets, Address/Map, 2.0 Miles Away, 800-408-8377
The Island, Address/Map, 0.8 Miles Away, 865-286-0119
Rocky Top Harley Davidson, Address/Map, 0.4 Miles Away, 865-774-3445
Christmas Place, Address/Map, 0.3 Miles Away, 800-445-3396
Smoky Mountain Knife Works, Address/Map, 9.8 Miles Away, 865-453-5871
Old Mill General Store, Address/Map, 2.0 Miles Away, 865-428-0771
Three Bears General Store, Address/Map, 1.3 Miles Away, 800-867-2272
Stages West, Address/Map, 0.8 Miles Away, 865-453-8086
Lid’l Dolly’s Dresses, Address/Map, 1.1 Miles Away, 865-429-4867
Thomas Kinkade Gallery & Gifts, Address/Map, 3.0 Miles Away, 865-366-3266

Whether you’re an adventure junkie or someone who likes a little thrill, the Smoky Mountain area boasts some of the best ziplining experiences in the country.  It’s also a fantastic way to experience our mountain area up close and personal for some of the best views around.

Here are three of our favorite ziplining adventure parks to choose from that offer safe, fun experiences for people of all ages and skill levels.

Climbworks Canopy

Climbworks Canopy provides guests with an incredible 2 ½ hour guided adventure in the treetops.  The nine ziplines are connected by sky bridges providing amazing views and the thrill of a lifetime.
Foxfire Mountain

One of the first ziplines in the area, Foxfire Mountain is a fantastic outdoor adventure park that’s easy to get to and great for ages 8 and up.  The two tour features seven ziplines, a swinging bridge and ATV rides.  The tours includes two certified guides and doesn’t require any climbing.  They also offer other packages, including whitewater rafting combos.

Gatlinburg Zip Lines Adventure Park

Boasting the area’s largest age range, Gatlinburg Zip Lines Adventure Park offers an adventure for everyone ages five to 75.  Like the other, certified guides ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, and are there to tour you for 1 ½ hours over nine ziplines.  The park also features a sky bridge, and views that overlook downtown Gatlinburg.

Wears Valley Zip Line Adventures

If height is what you’re looking for, then Wear Valley Zip Line Adventures has you covered with the highest zip line in the Smokies.  Located between Pigeon Forge and Townsend, this popular outdoor park offers spectacular views of the Smoky Mountains and is easy to get to for a short adventure.