More than 520,000 acres of multifaceted, fog-draped, mountain euphoria await you at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s a terrain that appeals to the full spectrum of ages, especially kids.
There are some key considerations to keep in mind if you’re visiting the Great Smoky Mountains with children. Our top tips will help keep the whole family safe, happy, and planning the next trip before you even leave.
Is Great Smoky Mountains National Park Good for Kids?
Entry to the park is free, making this a cost-friendly destination for families. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is loaded with activities for children to enjoy, including guided horseback rides in Smokemont, 20-minute carriage rides in Cades Cove, trout fishing along the Little River, and paved, stroller-friendly trails. The key here is pinpointing what you know your child will love.
As with all national parks, you’ll need to keep a close eye on wandering little ones, particularly along waterfall hikes (adjacent cliffs can be steep). Moreover, there are black bears here that your kids – and perhaps you – may want to see up close, but that’s a very bad idea.
1. Where Should We Begin Our Trip?
When traveling with children, it is inevitable that questions will arise: Why is it called the Smoky Mountains? How did these mountains come to be? And, what can we do to help preserve it? To stay ahead of the game, get informed at the Sugarlands and Oconaluftee Visitor Centers.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has four visitor centers to explore, with Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg being the largest and most focused on the geography of the park. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee has an extensive selection of taxidermic critters.
2. When Can We See the Famous Firefly Show in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Rivaling peak foliage in September and October, the summer months bring blooming wildflowers and melted snow that trickles to the park’s waterfalls. If you’re really looking to nail a timeframe that will dazzle your kiddos, keep an eye on June for a firefly mating season spectacle (if you snag a rare ticket).
Each year, near the Elkmont Campground, the photinus carolinus firefly species synchronously lights up the night sky, one of only two places on Earth where this phenomenon occurs. To experience it with your children, keep an eye on the National Park Service’s website which announces the firefly viewing dates annually in mid-April.
3. What Is the Junior Ranger Program?
Select national parks have a junior ranger program, in which kids between ages 5 and 12 can earn an honorary badge by completing educational activities on-site – and Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of these sites. Obtain an activity booklet at any visitor center for $2.50 and, from there, embark on adventures within the park.
Recent activities have included tours of the one-room, 1880s-era Little Greenbrier School, geology talks at Metcalf Bottoms, and wildlife-centric chats at Sugarlands Visitor Center.
4. Can We Rent Bikes at Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
The Cades Cove Loop – an 11-mile scenic drive within the park with trailheads aplenty, a campground, and a historic European settlement dating back to the 1800s – is one of the most popular destinations. However, the loop itself can get backed up with traffic, which may take some of the fun out of the experience for younger visitors.
If you’re looking for a biking adventure, this is the spot for it – specifically on Wednesdays from May through September. On these days, vehicular traffic is prohibited, making it car-free and open solely to bikers and walkers. If you don’t have bikes, there is a shop adjacent to the Cades Cove Campground that offers rental options for all ages.
5. Are There Kid-Friendly Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Amid the park’s skyline, adorned with soaring hardwoods and mysterious fog, you and your family will undoubtedly want to hit the trails. Make sure to pack the essentials to mitigate some of the elements that can quickly become an annoyance.
Key essentials include ample water (few trails have water stations), snacks, bug repellant for the occasional mosquito or tick, sunscreen, and rain jackets. With the right gear, pick a waterfall hike to experience the best of the Smokys’ diverse terrains. Laurel Falls – approximately 2.4 miles round-trip – has a smooth asphalt trail leading to its magnificent 80ft (24m) waterfall.
For children looking for a longer and more challenging adventure, Abrams Falls is ideal. Accessible near Cades Cove and a 5.2-mile round trip, expect rocky paths and scenic ridges. There is a rushing 20-foot waterfall at the end, but it is too dangerous to swim in.
6. Can Children Go White-Water Rafting in the Great Smoky Mountains?
Whether basking in the summer sun or enjoying a crisp autumn day, the waters within Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be a frigid 60°F (15°C). While refreshing for some, it may be uncomfortable for others; therefore, it’s advisable to pack or rent a wetsuit for the little ones.
There are guided rafting trips suitable for those as young as three years old available through local providers. These excursions down the Pigeon River strike the right thrilling-yet-safe balance for a family adventure.
7. What Should We Do If Our Kids Get Bored?
Nature’s majestic charms can lose their appeal for some children. Fortunately, modern activities await in the nearby tourist havens of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Offerings include the 50-acre Soaky Mountain Waterpark, the Titanic Museum Attraction featuring hundreds of artifacts from the real ship, and multiple mini-golf options.
Gatlinburg also boasts a variety of Ripley’s attractions, including a Penguin Playhouse and Believe It Or Not!, in addition to a pinball museum and even more mini-golf. If your children tire of walking and wildlife watching, there are countless options to keep them entertained.
Where to Stay with Kids
There is limited non-camping lodging within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Besides an arduous hike of up to 8 hours to reach LeConte Lodge, which requires booking months in advance, it might not be the best choice for families. Instead, explore options just outside the park like local resorts that offer family-friendly amenities and activities.
