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Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains

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Looking to go camping with your family in the Great Smoky Mountains? Be sure to check out Elkmont Campground in the Smoky Mountains, the largest campground in the park!

Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains entrance

Read on to hear about our family’s camping experiences at Elkmont over the years and get some ideas and inspiration as you plan your family’s next camping adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains!

*This post may contain affiliate links which help support this site, but won’t cost you anything extra. Read our full disclaimer.

Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains Information

Elkmont Campground is the largest and busiest campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with a total of 220 camping sites. It’s located about 6 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center and is one of the park’s more centrally located campgrounds.

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Download a Map of Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains

Be sure to familiarize yourself with the Elkmont area by downloading the Elkmont Campground map or picking one up at check-in upon arrival.

If you have a larger RV, be sure to reference the Elkmont Campground Map before you make your reservations as there are certain camp sites that will accomodate larger campers.

How Do I Reserve a Site?

Elkmont gets booked up rather quickly during the peak summer months, as it has become pretty popular over the years. Reservations are required, so be sure to reserve your site online before you head that way.

Does Elkmont Campground Have Electricity?

No, there are not any electric, water or sewer hookups at Elkmont campground. Also, there are no RV dump/fill stations in the campground. The closest RV dump/fill station can be found across from Sugarlands Visitor Center.

Does Elkmont Campground Have Showers?

No, Elkmont Campground only has flush toilets, cold running water and utility sinks…there are no showers. So if you require a shower daily, you may want to consider that tidbit of info.

Are dogs allowed at Elkmont Campground?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Elkmont Campground but must be on a leash that does not exceed 6 feet in length. Dogs are not allowed on the hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains except for two short walking paths. Click here to read more about the pet restrictions in the Smoky Mountains.

How Do I Get to Elkmont Campground in the Smoky Mountains?

From the Sugarlands Visitor Center, it is about 15 minutes to Elkmont Campground.

Trail Directions at Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains Entrance

The easiest way to get to Elkmont is to look up “Elkmont Campground” in your GPS. The actual address is: 434 Elkmont Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738.

The History of Elkmont

Elkmont was originally known as a logging town owned by the Little River Lumber Company. The center of the town was where the Elkmont Campground is currently located today. In fact, the Elkmont Store and Post Office was located right in the heart of the current campground.

Old Elkmont Store at Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains

Elkmont also became a bustling summer getaway for many families from Knoxville. There used to be tons of vacation homes along Little River Trail, which they called “Millionaire’s Row.”

The only one still standing from Millionaire’s Row is “Spence Cabin”. This cabin was originally built by Colonel Townsend, president of the Little River Lumber Company for his wife, Alice Townsend in 1928.

Spence Cabin Sign at Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains

The Elkmont Historic District has so much rich history. For extra reading, here are several books that we recommend!

Lost Elkmont

Last Train to Elkmont: A Look Back at Life on Little River in the Great Smoky Mountains

Elkmont’s Uncle Lem Ownby: Sage of the Smokies

For more history and information about the Smokies, be sure to check out more Great Smoky Mountains Books and Guides here!

Family History

My Great-Grandfather actually worked for the Little River Railroad Company back in the day. Here is a picture of him and my Mamaw on one of the trains.

Grandma at Elkmont at Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains

Elkmont is one of those areas in the Great Smoky Mountains that my family always took me to as a kid. I remember hearing stories from my family about their time living in the Elkmont area.

And every year we would go help decorate my Great-Grandfather’s grave at the Levi-Trentham Cemetery which is located right at the edge of the campground.

Cemetery at Elkmont at Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains

My Great-Grandmother also worked for Mrs Townsend at “Spence Cabin,” which was formerly known as “River Lodge”. She used to tell all kinds of stories about the various gatherings that they would have there.

Spence Cabin at Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains

The Elkmont Historic District has plenty of things to explore and see while you are there!

Things to Do at Elkmont Campground in the Smoky Mountains

While it is always great to just hang out at the campsite and relax, be sure to get out and see some of the surrounding areas that make Elkmont a unique area to camp in the Smoky Mountains.

Here are some of our favorite things to do when we camp at Elkmont Campground in the Smoky Mountains!

Lay in Hammocks and Read!

Several years ago we bought the kids some hammocks. They always look forward to hanging out in them any time we head to the Smoky Mountains.

After unloading the car and pitching the tent, the very next thing we do is find the perfect spots to hang their hammocks. They always love hopping in and opening up a new book that they just started reading.

They will seriously spend a few hours reading in their hammocks over the course of a weekend. Of course just laying there looking up at the canopy of trees is equally as awesome if you ask me.

View from Hammocks at Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains

Between the sights and sounds of nature and the beautiful scenery, it’s just so relaxing!

Play Games!

We will always throw some card games in the car and play some games together while camping. Some of our favorite games that are easy to pack are: Uno, Monopoly Deal and Phase 10.

We always make sure to grab just a plain ol’ deck of cards, too. You can play a ton of games with just a good classic deck of cards. Some of our faves are Spoons, Old Maid, Go Fish, Rummy and Solitaire to name a few!

Play Games at Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains

(Of course the LEGO mini-figs had to join us for the game as well.)

View the Synchronous Fireflies

One thing that Elkmont has become known for over the years is the unique synchronous firefly viewing that happens in late May/early June.

The fireflies sync up and will light up at the same time. It’s actually a pretty neat experience.

Sometimes it looks like waves as the lights start back in the woods and move across in wave-like form. At other times, they all light up at the same time and then complete darkness will occur.

You can reserve a campsite in the Elkmont Campground and have easy viewing by simply walking down a trail into the woods to view the fireflies.

Or you can put your name in the lottery that opens once a year in April. This will allow you to reserve your spot on a bus that will drive you into Elkmont to view the fireflies during the peak firefly season. You can read more about it on the NPS website.

Go Hiking and Exploring!

When you are ready for a little adventure, there are plenty of hiking opportunities to explore in the area. Elkmont is full of rich history around every corner, so be sure to stop and read the signs along the way, too!

Elkmont Historic District at Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains

Some of the favorite trails in the area are: Elkmont Nature Trail, Little River Trail and Jakes Creek Trail.

Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains Trail Signs at

The Little River Trail, Millionaires Row and the Troll Bridge

The Little River Trail is one of the most beautiful trails in the Great Smoky Mountains area. It follows along the Little River and has a ton of cascades and giant boulders in the river which make for a beautiful riverside hike.

Little River Trail Sign at Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains

The Little River Trail is also along “Millionaire’s Row” as they used to call it. This is also where you will find “Spence Cabin” and some old chimneys from other homes during that time.

Spence Cabin at Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains

There are plenty of old remnants of homestead sites to explore and a little bridge that is known as the Troll Bridge.

Troll Bridge at Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains

The kids always love exploring the old homesites with chimneys and of course they love finding the Troll Bridge!

Chimneys at Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains
Kids at chimneys at Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains

If you continue on along the Little River Trail for about 2.2 miles, you will find a 20 foot cascade called Huskey Branch Falls.

Jakes Creek Trail, Daisy Town, and The Appalachian Clubhouse

Another great option for hiking is the Jakes Creek Trail, which can also make a loop hike with the Little River Trail. (Be sure to get a trail map or do a little research beforehand!)

Jakes Creek Trailhead at Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains

Near the Jakes Creek Trailhead is also where you will find “Daisy Town.”

Daisy Town Houses at Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains

Be sure to follow the road down through Daisy Town to the Appalachian Clubhouse and check out some of the plaques with the history of this building!

Appalachian Clubhouse Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains

Laurel Falls Hiking Trail

Another very popular hiking trail for those staying at Elkmont Campground is the Laurel Falls Hiking Trail that is just right around the corner. It’s a short 2.6 mile roudtrip hike to the beautiful Laurel Falls that the whole family will enjoy!

Laurel Falls near Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains
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family friendly hikes in the smokies

Play in the River

Of course one of our absolute favorite things to do in the mountains is play in the river at Elkmont! There’s nothing quite like taking a dip or soaking your feet in the cool mountain water in the middle of the hot summer!

Play in the River at Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains

Both Little River and Jakes Creek run through the Elkmont Campground so there are plenty of places to splash and play in the water.

You can take some inflatable tubes and float down the river. Or take a chair and sit on the bank and enjoy the tranquility of the river sounds.

River going through Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains

And for the little ones, be sure to take some sand toys and buckets to extend the water time! My kiddos always love looking for little fish and salamanders and other creatures! And it’s always fun to look at the different river rocks.

Discover New Critters!

Besides the water creatures you may see, there is plenty of other wildlife and critters that may cross your path while camping at Elkmont!

While the Great Smoky Mountains are known for the Black Bears in the area, there are tons of other species that you may get to see if you keep your eyes peeled!

On one trip, we saw lots of caterpillars!

Caterpillars at Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains

And you can always find a crawdad or two in the river!

Crawdad at Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains

And we were also there during the peak Firefly viewing time, so we got to experience the Synchronous Fireflies as well, which is always a treat.

But our favorite surprise of all was a visit from Woody Woodpecker himself!

Pileated Woodpecker at Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains

This guy flew right into our campsite and I knew right away (from watching the Woody Woodpecker movie, of course!), that it was a Red Pileated Woodpecker!

It was so fun to watch its mannerisms and movement. The cartoon and movies actually do a great job of portraying some of its characteristics. It was definitely spastic and would just fly a little ways, stop, peck in the brush and jerk its head around…it was quite amusing!

So keep an eye out for wildlife and critters! You never know what you may see!

Eat Lots of Camp Food!

And of course when you are out camping in nature, it makes you really ravenous for some reason. So one of the best parts is eating lots of camp food!

Camp Food at Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains

We always have so much fun coming up with ideas of new camp foods to try out! The ideas out there are endless!

Plus cooking over a fire is always fun and something different. The kids love to help build the fire.

Building a Fire at Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains

For this trip, we tried several new recipes along with some old faithful ones. Lets just say that some of the new ones worked out great…and others did not (Pizza mush anyone?!?)

One of our new favorite recipes we tried was cooking cinnamon rolls in orange peels.

Breakfast Food at Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains

And Chocolate S’mores Cones which included waffle cones, peanut butter, chocolate chips and mini marshmallows…need I say more?!?

Camp Food at Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains

Visit the Elkmont Campground Store!

And when you have that CaddyWampus Moment and dinner turns to pizza mush…you can always visit the Camp Store and get some ice cream treats or candy out of the vending machines.

Vending Machines at Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains

I mean, ice cream has SOME kind of nutritional value in it, right?!?

Ice Cream at Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains

There are other various necessities that you can purchase at the camp store as well. So if you forget something, be sure to check there before you head into town! You might just be surprised at the variety of items that they carry.

Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains Camp Store

A Few Things to Consider

  • Do not feed the bears (or any wildlife for that matter)! Remember to always safely pack away your food when you leave your campsite for any amount of time.
  • Do your research and ask plenty of questions about the fireflies if you are there to view those. The park rangers and staff can help direct you to the best viewing areas.
  • Plan to buy your campfire wood at the camp store. They only allow certain wood to be burned in the National Park so do your research beforehand.
  • Be sure to read over the camping regulations prior to your arrival.
  • Include your kiddos in the planning part. Let them help you find new recipes to try. They will be much more excited about escaping to nature if they have a hand in the planning process!
  • Leave the electronics at home! It’s not always a popular decision with my clan at first, but as the weekend progresses, they don’t think another thing about it. It’s so important to model to our kids that detaching from technology from time to time is a good thing.

Final Thoughts

Taking time to get outdoors with your family is not always easy. And it definitely takes time and effort to plan a family camping trip. But the memories are always SO worth it in the end!

Our kids have some of the best memories of our little camping trips to Elkmont Campground and every year come springtime, they are asking when we are going to go! I love that we have finally instilled in them a love of camping, nature and exploring the outdoors.

Elkmont Campground Smoky Mountains Campsite

Elkmont Campground is a great place for camping with your family! There are plenty of things to see and do in this area, so be sure to check it out next time you are in the Great Smoky Mountains!

So what about you and your family? Have you ever camped at Elkmont Campground before? What was your favorite thing about camping at Elkmont? Leave a comment below!

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family friendly hikes in the smokies

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Hike Metcalf Bottoms Trail to Little Greenbrier School

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Looking for a family friendly hike in the Great Smoky Mountains? The Metcalf Bottoms Trail to Little Greenbrier School is a great family hike that is easily accessible and full of rich history!

Read on to learn more about this unique hike and what to expect before you head that way!

Little Greenbrier School in the Great Smoky Mountains
Little Greenbrier School in the Great Smoky Mountains

*This post may contain affiliate links which help support this site, but won’t cost you anything extra. Read our full disclaimer.

Metcalf Bottoms Trail Information

  • Round Trip Length: 1.2 miles
  • Trail Location: Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area
  • Directions: Metcalf Bottoms Trail Trailhead
  • Trail Features: Historic school house, foot bridges
  • Round Trip Hours: 1 hour (or less)
  • Difficulty: Easy

A round trip hike to and from the Little Greenbrier School usually takes us about 45 minutes – 1 hour. We usually allot about 15-20 minutes for exploring the schoolhouse and surrounding area.

Click here to get your free checklist of
family friendly hikes in the smokies!

Hiking in the Smoky Mountains

Any time you head to a hiking trail in the Smoky Mountains, be sure to do a little research beforehand so you are well prepared! Over the years we have collected several pocket guides to help us familiarize ourselves with the Great Smoky Mountains a little better.

Here are a few of our go-to guides that we recommend for hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains:

Hiking Trails of the Smokies

Day Hikes of the Smokies

Waterfalls of the Smokies

For more history and information about the Smokies, be sure to check out more Great Smoky Mountains Books and Guides here!

How Do I Get to Little Greenbrier School?

The easiest way to locate the trailhead for the Little Greenbrier School is to drive to the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area and park there.

Coming from the Sugarlands, the picnic area is about 9.5 miles on Little River Road and then will take a right onto Wear Cove Gap Rd.

From the Townsend Wye, it is about 7.8 miles on Little River Road and from there you would take a left into the picnic area.

Another option if you are in or near the Wears Valley area is to take the “back way” through Line Springs (Lyon Springs) Road. Turn off of Wears Valley Road onto Line Springs Road where the National Park Market is and follow that road all the way to Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area!

History of the Little Greenbrier Area

The Little Greenbrier Community is most commonly known for Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area, Little Greenbrier School house and the Walker Sisters Place.

When the Great Smoky Mountains became a National Park, most families had to leave their mountain homes. The Walker Sisters were an exception and had a lifetime lease on their property which allowed them to continue living in the Smoky Mountains.

To see the Walker Sisters Place you can continue on from the schoolhouse on the Little Brier Gap Trail which is about 1.3 miles (2.6 miles roundtrip).

History of the Little Greenbrier School

The Little Greenbrier School was built in 1882 and served as a school and a church for the residents of the Little Greenbrier area and the surrounding mountain communities until about 1936.

The Little Greenbrier residents were told that the government would provide funding for a teacher for the area if they would build a schoolhouse. So many of the residents came together and “raised” the schoolhouse in 1882.

Metcalf Bottoms Trail to Little Greenbrier School

Among these residents were Gilbert Abbott who donated the land, Ephraim Ogle who provided the logs (which were hauled to the site by oxen teams) and John Walker (father of the Walker Sisters). Many other residents of the area helped as well.

In the Fall of 1882, the school held its first classes. Richard Perryman was one of 39 teachers that would teach in the Little Greenbrier School.

It was a one room schoolhouse which means that all ages and grades were taught in the same room. Students came from many miles to be able to attend the Little Greenbrier School.

The Little Greenbrier School is also on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The school still contains an old blackboard and desks which gives you a little peek into what it was like in those days.

Family History

Our family used to have picnics at Metcalf Bottoms almost every Sunday in the summer when I was growing up. So this was a trail that we would hike very regularly.

My mom’s side of the family all lived and grew up in the Smoky Mountains. The tales I heard over the years continue to fascinate me and come to life a little more every time we visit the mountains.

I remember my Great-Grandma telling about the huge apples that the Walker family grew in that area. She said they were the best apples she ever had! My Great-Grandma also told stories about stopping by to visit the Walker Sisters from time to time. Here is a picture of her visiting with one of the sisters.

The Little Greenbrier area is full of rich history and will always be a favorite to take our kids to visit as well!

School Days at Little Greenbrier School

Sometimes in the Fall season, the National Park Service has been known to host “School Days at Little Greenbrier” where you can go back and see what it was like to live in a mountain community during that time.

Be sure to check the nps.gov website for upcoming dates and times! It is a great educational experience for all ages!

Hiking to Little Greenbrier School

The hike to the Little Greenbrier School is a popular hike in the Great Smoky Mountains. It is the only school house still standing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park which makes it a unique hike in and of itself.

Locating the Metcalf Bottoms Trailhead

From the parking lot of Metcalf Bottoms, you will want to look for a sign near the bridge on Wear Cove Gap Road, right next to the road.

Sign at Metcalf Bottoms Trail head to get to school

Once you locate the sign, you will want to head on across the bridge.

Bridge to Metcalf Bottoms Trail to the Little Greenbrier School

Then you will take a right at the gated area to locate the Metcalf Bottoms Trailhead sign.

Trailhead for Metcalf Bottoms Trail to Little Greenbrier School

From here, it should be easy sailing (well, with a few up and down hills along the way…) to Little Greenbrier School!

Click here to get your free checklist of
family friendly hikes in the smokies!

On the Metcalf Bottoms Trail

The first part of the trail is relatively flat. As you continue a short distance, you will see a sign directing you to the left to start ascending up the hill.

Take a Left up the hill to Little Greenbrier School
Hiking up Metcalf Bottoms Trail to Little Greenbrier School

Just a short distance into the hike, keep an eye out on the left for an old homesite. There is a rock wall and pathway that is still there from the Little Greenbrier Community.

Little Greenbrier Homesite on Metcalf Bottoms Trail

As you continue to make your way up the hill, you will see a gated area with a “Trail” sign that is pointing to the right.

Top of hill on Metcalf Bottoms Trail to Little Greenbrier School
Trail Sign pointing right

Although downhill, the trail has plenty of roots that are exposed on the trail making it a little more treacherous. Just be sure to watch your step!

Roots on Metcalf Bottoms Trail

The trail will wind down around the river and through some beautiful canopies of trees and then will lead you to a footbridge!

Footbridge on Metcalf Bottoms Hike to Little Greenbrier School

Just a little bit further on some more flat terrain…

On the Metcalf Bottoms Trail

And then as you make the last turn, you will see the final footbridge where you can take in your first view of the Little Greenbrier School.

First view of Little Greenbrier School on Metcalf Bottoms Trail

At Little Greenbrier School

Once there, take plenty of time to explore the school house. Be sure to go inside and sit at the benches to imagine what life was like to be a student in the Little Greenbrier School.

Inside Little Greenbrier School

Our kids always loved playing school in there.

Play Inside of Little Greenbrier School

Across from the school house is also a little cemetery. The school was also used as a church building for many years, so many of the congregants and Little Greenbrier residents are buried there.

Cemetery next the the Little Greenbrier School

Without knowing that little fact, it would definitely appear to be an odd place for a cemetery.

Once you have had plenty of time to explore, you can head on back to Metcalf Bottoms the same way you came.

Sign back to Metcalf Bottoms

Or if you did want to add some extra mileage to your hike, consider hiking on to the Walker Sisters Place which is 1.3 miles (2.6 miles roundtrip).

A Few Things To Consider

  • Be sure to take a picnic lunch to enjoy before or after your hike at the Metcalf Bottoms picnic area. Conveniently located next to the trailhead, you will also find easy to access restrooms and water refill stations.
  • Watch your step and take your time as there are lots of roots on the trail. And leave the stroller in the car- this is definitely not a stroller friendly trail.
Click here to get your free checklist of
family friendly hikes in the smokies!

Final Thoughts

The Metcalf Bottoms Trail to Little Greenbrier School is a great family friendly hike that all ages will enjoy! Take a step back in time and check it out the next time you are in the Great Smoky Mountains!

Have you been to the Little Greenbrier School before? What is your favorite part of this hike?

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6 Best Scenic Drives in the Smoky Mountains

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With over 12.5 million visitors in 2019, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited National Park in the United States. One of the easiest and simplest ways to experience the park is by taking one of the many scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains.

Cades Cove is one of the best scenic drives in the smoky mountains
Scenic Drive through Cades Cove

*This post may contain affiliate links which help support this site, but won’t cost you anything extra. Read our full disclaimer.

From swimming holes to historic buildings and beautiful panoramic views, we have listed some of our favorite scenic drives that will show you a little bit of everything that the Smoky Mountains has to offer! 

And of course for those that want a little extra adventure along the way, we have also listed a few side stops with some hiking options to check out while you are out on your drive!

Click here to get your free checklist of
family friendly hikes in the smokies!

Learn More About the Great Smoky Mountains!

There is so much to see and do while visiting the Great Smoky Mountains! From camping in Elkmont to family-friendly hiking to exploring Cades Cove, you definitely will not run out of things to see and do!

While one of our favorite things to do is just enjoy some of the best scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains, be sure to do some research and find other unique places to explore while you are visiting!

Here are a few great resources to learn more about the Great Smoky Mountains:

Lonely Planet Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Moon Great Smoky Mountain National Park

For more history and information about the Smokies, be sure to check out more Great Smoky Mountains Books and Guides here!

The Best Scenic Drives in the Smoky Mountains

1. Cades Cove Loop Road

Directions: Cades Cove Scenic Loop Road, Townsend, TN

One of the most popular scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains is Cades Cove. This 11 mile one-way loop road takes you by historic cabins, churches, beautiful views, and so much more!

One of the views from Cades Cove scenic drives in the smoky mountains

This drive gives you a look back into the rich history of the early settlers of Cades Cove. Be sure to grab an Auto Tour booklet ($1.00) at the entrance that shows you all of the main places of interest.

Take time to stop at a few of the cabins or churches along the way to get a good picture of what the early settler life was like. Be sure to keep an eye out along the way for deer, bears, turkeys and other wildlife that are often seen in this area.

Stop at the Cades Cove Visitor Center while on your scenic drives in the smoky mountains

About halfway around the loop, be sure to stop at the Cades Cove Visitor center. Here you can see the Grist Mill and more historic buildings.

scenic drives in the smoky mountains offer sights of grist mills and more!

Be sure to check the hours on the nps.gov site as the loop is closed to motor vehicles on Wednesday and Saturday mornings until 10am to allow for hiking and biking of Cades Cove.

*PICNIC OPTION* Be sure to pack a lunch and enjoy a little riverside picnic in the Cades Cove picnic area while you’re there as well!

Hiking Opportunities:

  • Elijah Oliver Homesite – And if you are up for a short hike, check out the Elijah Oliver homesite (1.0 mile roundtrip) that can be found midway around the loop.
  • Abrams Falls – Or for a more challenging hike, check out Abrams Falls (5.2 miles roundtrip) which is a beautiful 20 ft waterfall. This hike can also be found near the halfway point of the loop road.

2. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Directions: Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN

This 5.5 mile long loop, one-way, offers some beautiful views of mountain streams and old growth forests, along with some great hiking and historic buildings! Be sure to purchase an Auto Tour booklet at the beginning of the trail to read more about the history of the area.

For optimal viewing of the Roaring Fork’s gorgeous cascades, try to visit during a more wet season or after a recent rain.

The Roaring Fork is one of the most scenic drives in the smoky mountains

And make sure you look for the “Place of a Thousand Drips” that you will find along the roadside closer towards the end at Stop #15.

Another fun place of interest towards the end of Roaring Fork is the privately owned, Ely’s Mill which offers more unique history of the area. It’s also a great place to stop by to visit and grab some unique handmade souvenirs from the Smokies.

Be sure to check the nps.gov site for seasonal closures as the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is closed for several months during the winter season.

Hiking Opportunities:

  • Rainbow Falls – For a more challenging hike, try the Rainbow Falls trail that leads you to an 80 ft waterfall. This is a 5.4 mile roundtrip hike that is definitely considered more difficult. 
Rainbow Falls is on one of the scenic drives in the smoky mountains
  • Grotto Falls – Another great option that is only moderate in difficulty is the Grotto Falls trail. It is a 2.6 miles roundtrip hike where you can actually walk behind the waterfall!

3. Foothills Parkway

Directions: Southwest Entrance at Chilhowee Lake or Northeast Entrance in Walland or Wears Valley Entrance

From the lake to the mountains, the Foothills Parkway is a great place to see many of the beautiful features of the Smokies. With a total of 33 miles from Chilhowee Lake to Wears Valley, this drive offers amazing views right from your own car!

foothills parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the smoky mountains

Beginning at the Southwest Entrance at Chilhowee Lake, you can drive this 17 mile portion up to the Northeast Entrance in Walland.  

The section from Walland to Wears Valley is what’s called the “Missing Link of the Foothills Parkway.” This section travels from Walland to Wears Valley for 16 miles along the edge of the mountains and offers incredible views of the surrounding areas. You can read more about exploring the Foothills Parkway Missing Link here.

view from one of the scenic drives in the smoky mountains

If you are coming from the Wears Valley area, you can go half way (16 miles) to the Walland area. Or continue on to Chilhowee Lake for the full 33 miles.

There are so many ways to experience the Foothills Parkway! Plan to drive at least part of it at some point as it really is one of the most scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains!

Hiking Options:

  • Look Rock Tower – Between Chilhowee Lake and Walland, you can also stop by and do a short hike (1 mile roundtrip) to Look Rock Tower. The view at the tower offers 360 degree panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains and is worth the quick trek!
Click here to get your free checklist of
family friendly hikes in the smokies!

4. Newfound Gap Road

Directions: Start at Sugarlands Visitors Center, Gatlinburg, TN to Ocanulftee Visitor Center, Cherokee, NC

From the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Gatlinburg, TN to the Ocanaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee, NC, the Newfound Gap Road drive is about 31 miles. The Newfound Gap Road ascends about 3,000 feet.

It is the lowest drivable pass at 5,046 feet in the Great Smoky Mountains! There are so many incredible opportunities to experience the Smokies along this drive!

*PICNIC OPTION* As you begin from the Gatlinburg side, you will pass the Chimney Tops Picnic Area on your right. This is a great place to stop for a picnic and play in the river!

scenic drives in the smoky mountains visit the chimneys picnic area

From Sugarlands Visitor Center, Newfound Gap is about 13 miles and is a great stop along the way! You can hop out and snap a quick picture at the state line of North Carolina and Tennessee. Be sure to walk to the overlook and take in the magnificent views!

This is also where the Rockefeller Memorial is located where President Franklin Roosevelt dedicated the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

Stop by Rockefeller Memorial on the scenic drives in the smoky mountains

Immediately after that, you will pass Clingmans Dome Road (more on that below!) This is where you will find the highest peak in the Smokies! (Save this drive for another time!)

As you travel on, you will find several more overlooks to take in the beautiful views of the mountains. As you get closer to Cherokee, keep an eye out for Elk as they are often seen roaming along the roadside at times!

Once you make it to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, stop by and check out the history of this area! The Visitor Center also neighbors the Mountain Farm Museum, which is also worth exploring at some point.

Ocanaluftee Visitor Center is a stop on one of the scenic drives in the smoky mountains

Double check road closures at NPS.gov beforehand because Newfound Road is sometimes closed during the winter due to weather!

Hiking Opportunities:

  • Chimney Tops Trail or Alum Cave Trail – In the stretch between Sugarlands and Newfound Gap, you have several hiking options. From the Chimney Tops trail (4 miles roundtrip), to the Alum Cave trail (that will also lead you to Mt. Leconte, the park’s 3rd highest peak), there are plenty of great trails in this area.
  • Mingo Falls – If you make the complete drive to Cherokee, you can see one of the tallest waterfalls in the Appalachian Mountains, Mingo Falls. It is less than 1 mile (roundtrip) to see the 120 ft waterfall.
  • Deep Creek Waterfalls Loop – Head on over to the Deep Creek area and hike the Deep Creek Waterfalls Loop. This hike is about 2.2 miles roundtrip and you can see 3 spectacular waterfalls all within a short distance! 

5. Little River Road Drive

Directions: Start at Sugarlands Visitors Center, Gatlinburg, TN drive to the Towsend, Wye, Townsend, TN (or keep going to Cades Cove Scenic Loop Road, Townsend, TN)

From the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the Townsend Wye, it is about 17 miles. Along this route, you will pass several fun places to explore along the way!

About 12 miles from Sugarlands, you will pass the Sinks on your left which are beautiful anytime of year! It is easy to find as there is a designated parking area. It is also relatively congested during peak times.

the Sinks is on one of the scenic drives in the smoky mountains

Travel another mile from the Sinks (about 13 miles from Sugarlands) and you will pass Meigs Falls on your left.

It is a little more off the road, so keep your eyes peeled as not to miss this beauty! There is also a pull-off that you can stop and take a picture of the falls.

*PICNIC OPTION* Be sure to pack a lunch with you and stop by Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area. This is a great place year round to enjoy a picnic.

Even if you don’t make any stops, the drive itself is beautiful and winds along the edge of the Little River and offers many gorgeous sights. 

scenic drives in the smoky mountains along the Little River

Once you make it to the Townsend Wye, if warm weather allows, stop and take a little swim in this popular swimming hole. Or continue on straight ahead towards Cades Cove for more exploring!

From the Townsend Wye, Cades Cove is an additional 8 miles.

*SIDE-TRIP OPTION*– Along the stretch between the Townsend Wye and Cades Cove, you can take a left onto Tremont Road to see more beautiful river views. Be sure to stop in at the Great Smoky Mountain Institute of Tremont while you are there as well!

Hiking Opportunities:

  • Cataract Falls – At the Sugarlands Visitor Center, there is a quick and easy nature trail that you can follow to Cataract Falls (1 mile roundtrip).
  • Laurel Falls – About 3.8 miles from the Sugarlands, you will find the Laurel Falls hiking trail (2.6 miles roundtrip). Be sure to plan ahead as it is one of the most popular waterfall hikes in the Smokies.
scenic drives in the smoky mountains Hike Option to Laurel Falls
  • Explore Elkmont – Another unique area to explore nearby is the Elkmont Historic District near the Elkmont Campground. It has everything from a Troll Bridge, old homesites and chimneys to plenty more hiking options as well!
  • Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse – From the Metcalf Bottoms picnic area, you can also take a short hike (1.2 miles) to the Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse.
  • Spruce Flats Falls – From the Great Smoky Mountain Institute at Tremont, you will also find another great hike to Spruce Flats Falls. This hike is 2 miles roundtrip and takes you to the 30 foot waterfall that is absolutely gorgeous!

6. Clingmans Dome Road

Directions: Newfound Gap to the Clingmans Dome Visitor Center

Right around the corner from Newfound Gap (see #4 above), you will find Clingman’s Dome Road. This road has several beautiful pull offs along the way that offer amazing views of the Great Smoky Mountains. 

The Clingmans Dome Road is about 7 miles one way and is closed during the winter months. Be sure to check the road closures before you head that way!

scenic drives in the smoky mountains clingmans dome view

Clingmans Dome is one of the most popular places to visit in the Smoky Mountains, so try to get there earlier in the day or on a weekday if at all possible. 

The view from the Clingmans Dome Visitor Center area and parking lot is absolutely breathtaking. Stop in the Visitor Center and chat with a Park Ranger to learn more about the area. And be sure to get a stamp in your National Park Passport book while you’re there as well!

sunset at Clingmans Dome scenic drives in the smoky mountains

And if you happen to be there around sunset, be sure to stick around to see it! It’s a beautiful place to experience a Smoky Mountain sunset!

Hiking Opportunities:

  • Clingmans Dome Tower – For some extra panoramic views of the Smokies, head on up the trail for a 1 mile roundtrip hike to the Clingmans Dome Tower. While this is a paved trail, some find it a little challenging due to the rather steep incline. Be sure to allow plenty of time and be prepared for any temperature changes as the elevation does make a difference especially in the cooler seasons.
Click here to get your free checklist of
family friendly hikes in the smokies!

Final Thoughts

There are many ways to see and experience the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Be sure to take time to do at least one of theses scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains next time you are in the area!

And if you have more favorite scenic drives to add to the list, be sure to comment below! We love finding new ways to see the Great Smoky Mountains!

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Laurel Falls Trail – Hike to Laurel Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains

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Looking for a beautiful waterfall hike in the Great Smoky Mountains? While there are SO many to choose from, the Laurel Falls Trail is easily one of the most popular hiking trails in the Smokies!

Keep reading for more tips on where to find this waterfall and things you need to know before you head that way!

Laurel Falls
Laurel Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains

*This post may contain affiliate links which help support this site, but won’t cost you anything extra. Read our full disclaimer.

Hiking in the Smoky Mountains

As with any National Park, before you head out to explore, it never hurts to have on-hand some reliable and trustworthy resources for easy reference.

Here are a few of our favorite pocket guides about hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains:

Hiking Trails of the Smokies

Day Hikes of the Smokies

Waterfalls of the Smokies

For more history and information about the Smokies, be sure to check out more Great Smoky Mountains Books and Guides here!

Laurel Falls Hike – Trail Information

  • Round Trip Length: 2.6 miles
  • Trail Location: On Little River Road (between Elkmont & Sugarlands)
  • Directions: Laurel Falls Trailhead
  • Trail Features: Waterfall
  • Round Trip Hours: 1 – 2 hours

The Laurel Falls hike is considered easy to moderate (depends on who you ask!). The total elevation gain on the hike is about 314 feet.

This is one trail in the park that is actually paved. However, it is very rocky and uneven on many parts, so it is NOT ideal for strollers! (Although we still saw many brave souls attempting it…it is DEFINITELY not recommended!)

Hiking on the Laurel Falls Trail is rocky in some places

Laurel Falls is named after the beautiful mountain laurels that bloom in this area in May. Be sure to keep an eye out for mountain laurels that might be blooming during the spring.

The waterfall itself is about 80 feet in height. Laurel Branch flows on down the side of the mountain creating an upper and lower section. The trail actually crosses over the section between the upper and lower and is a really unique feature of this waterfall!

Click here to get your free checklist of
family friendly hikes in the smokies!

Why is Laurel Falls Trail Paved?

This trail was originally created to allow easy access to the Cove Mountain fire tower. The trail was completed in 1932 and the fire tower was completed three years later in 1935.

By the early 1960’s, the trail was experiencing quite a bit of erosion as it had become a very popular hiking trail for visitors. Part of the 1963 Accelerated Works Project grant by the Department of Interior was responsible for paving the Laurel Falls Trail in hopes to prevent further erosion.

Laurel Falls Trail is a Paved trail

How Do I Get to Laurel Falls?

If you are using your GPS to locate the Laurel Falls Trailhead you can type in “Laurel Falls Trailhead.” (However, be sure to choose the one in Sevierville, TN as not to be confused with another Laurel Falls in another part of Tennessee!)

Also, keep in mind that many areas of the park do not typically have reception, so be sure to have your directions saved somewhere, just in case!

Laurel Falls Trail Parking Sign

From the Sugarlands Visitor Center, it is about 3.8 miles to the parking lot for Laurel Falls. From this direction, the parking area will be on your right. (Although there is additional parking across the road as well!)

From the Townsend Wye intersection near Cades Cove, the Laurel Falls trailhead is about 14 miles.

Parking tends to fill up rather quickly during peak seasons, so be patient if parking is challenging. To avoid crowds, try getting there early in the day, on a weekday or try to visit during the non-peak season.

Hiking to Laurel Falls!

Locating the Laurel Falls Trailhead

From the parking lot, you should be able to see the trailhead rather easily. It’s marked well and is right off of the main parking area.

Laurel Falls Trailhead

And you can also read the sign about the Self-Guiding Nature Trail.

Laurel Falls Nature Trail

Or you can purchase a nature trail guide to take with you for $.50.

Nature Trail Guides

Take a minute to get a group photo before you head down the trail!

Family Picture at the Laurel Falls Trail sign

On the Trail

Once on the trail, you will notice numbered trail markers along the way. They most likely go along with the Nature Trail Guide…but we haven’t actually ever done it, so I can’t confirm that.

(Either way, number 11 is the one at Laurel Falls! So you can at least keep up with your progress that way!)

Trail Markers on Laurel Falls Trail

There are a couple of pretty cascades that you will pass over as you head up the mountain.

Laurel Falls Branch on the Laurel Falls Trail

As you start ascending, you will see some beautiful views over to the left of the mountains.

View from Laurel Falls Trail
Beautiful View on the Laurel Falls Trail

As you get further along on the hike, there are quite a few steep drop-offs along the trail, especially as you get closer to Laurel Falls. Be sure to keep an eye on the younger ones in your group and remind them to stay away from the edge!

Danger Sign on the Laurel Falls Trail

Bears

Another thing to take into consideration is bears! Be sure to brush up on what to do if I see a bear before you head that way as this area has been known for having bear activity at times!

Click here to get your free checklist of
family friendly hikes in the smokies!

At Laurel Falls

Once you arrive at the falls, you will see a beautiful bridge nestled right at the foot of the upper cascade.

At Laurel Falls

As you walk up closer to the falls, you can see the lower cascades below to your left and the upper cascades to your right.

Lower Cascades on Laurel Falls Trail

Be sure to take some time to walk across the bridge to the other side if the water flow isn’t too strong!

(Just remember to be careful as some of the rocks can be very slippery when wet!)

The flow of the waterfall definitely depends on the amount of recent rainfall.

Laurel Falls with Lots of Rainfall
Laurel Falls with Less Rainfall

Either way, Laurel Falls is always beautiful no matter what time of year you visit!

A Few Things To Consider

  • Although it is a shorter hike, the elevation gain can be challenging for some that are not used to hiking in the mountains. Take your time and let everyone in your group enjoy the journey!
  • There are not any restrooms at the Laurel Falls trailhead, so be sure to plan out bathroom breaks accordingly. Stop by the Sugarlands Visitor Center or the Elkmont Campground area beforehand to prevent any emergencies!
Click here to get your free checklist of
family friendly hikes in the smokies!

Final Thoughts

Laurel Falls trail is worth the short 2.6 mile (roundtrip) trek to see this beautiful waterfall. It is easy to access near the Sugarlands Visitor Center and is one of the favorite hikes of many visitors when they come to the Great Smoky Mountains! 

What about you? Have you been to Laurel Falls before? What are your favorite waterfall hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains? Be sure to share your comments below!

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Best Things To Do on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon

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Looking to plan a trip to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon? The Grand Canyon is one of those places that you always hear that you just HAVE to visit in person to appreciate the grandeur.

Well, no doubt, after finally checking the Grand Canyon off of our family bucket list, we walked away with so much appreciation for this incredible place. It is truly a sight to see and without proper planning, you could totally miss some of the most unique features of the Grand Canyon. 

Read on to learn more about some of our favorite things that we did on our visit to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, so you can make the most of every minute when you go!

best things to do south rim grand canyon first look
View from the South Rim Grand Canyon

*This post may contain affiliate links (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link we may earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more!) Read our full disclaimer.

Where is the Grand Canyon?

I’m not gonna lie…I wasn’t actually sure what state the Grand Canyon was in. Over in the eastern part of the U.S., everything just seems “out west” to us! So in case you are wondering, the Grand Canyon itself is located in the northwestern part of Arizona but is very close to the borders of Utah and Nevada.

About Grand Canyon National Park

With 6.4 million visitors in 2018, the Grand Canyon National Park is the second most visited National Park in the United States.

best things to do south rim grand canyon national park sign

Theodore Roosevelt declared the Grand Canyon a National Monument in 1909. However, the Grand Canyon didn’t officially become a National Park until 1919 when a bill was passed and signed by President Woodrow Wilson.

South Rim vs. North Rim

The Grand Canyon National Park has two parts: the South Rim and the North Rim.

Depending on your itinerary, many people will fly into Las Vegas or Phoenix and head up to the South Rim. The South Rim is by far the most visited part of the Grand Canyon.

If you wish to see both the North and South Rims, it is about a 4-5 hour drive between the two.

The North Rim’s peak season is May 15 – Oct 15. If you travel outside of that window then you may run into road closures and limited programs. Be sure to check the nps.gov site for up to date closures and information.

While there are SO many different ways to see the Grand Canyon on a trip out west, be sure to do plenty of research to decide if you will be going to the South Rim or the North Rim (or both?!?).

For us, we ended up only going to the South Rim so we will be covering the Grand Canyon South Rim extensively in this article!

Planning for a Trip to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon

It’s always good to be prepared and have a plan of attack before you get there. Here are several travel guides that we found to be VERY helpful as we mapped out our itinerary.

Fodor’s Arizona & The Grand Canyon

DK Eyewitness Arizona & The Grand Canyon

Moon Arizona & The Grand Canyon

How to Get to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon

As we started researching, there are SO many ways to get to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Two of the most popular that we came across were from Las Vegas and Phoenix.

Las Vegas Itinerary

Many people will start in Las Vegas and drive up making a stop at Hoover Dam and several other places along the way to the Grand Canyon. You can then head on up to Page, AZ to see Antelope Canyons and then Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park. That itinerary will get you back to your starting point, Las Vegas.

Phoenix Itinerary

Other itineraries may include flying into Phoenix and driving up to the Grand Canyon and also exploring more of the surrounding areas like Sedona, Flagstaff, and Page (Antelope Canyon). There are also plenty of other places to explore in the lower part of Arizona as well, like the Petrified Forest National Park, Sunset Crater Volcano and even the Meteor Crater in Winslow.

Train or Helicopter?

You can also ride the Grand Canyon Train out of Williams, AZ. Or take a helicopter ride to see the Grand Canyon from a different perspective.

There are so many ways to plan a trip to the Grand Canyon. Pick a starting point and start mapping out all of your must sees!

Hours of Operation & Park Entrance Fees

The Grand Canyon South Rim is open 24 hours a day and 365 days a year!

Whether you are staying in the Grand Canyon or on the outskirts, to access the park via car, you will have to pass through a toll booth to pay the entrance fees.

best things to do south rim grand canyon toll booth

Ranging anywhere from $20 (for individual permit) to $35 (for a vehicle and all passengers) for 7 days and includes both the South Rim and the North Rim. Be sure to read more about your options at the nps.gov website before you head that way.

There are also several annual pass options that may be worth looking into if you plan to visit any other parks with entrance fees. (America the Beautiful Pass, Military Pass, etc.)

*TIP! And if you happen to have a student in the 4th grade, your student is eligible for the “Every Kid Outdoors” 4th Grade Pass that will get you and your family into most National Parks for free! (Read more here!)

Best Times to Visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon

The best times to visit the Grand Canyon South Rim are during the months of March through May and September through November. If you visit during these times, you will be more likely to have cooler temperatures and thinner crowds.

If you do plan to visit during the summer months, be ready for higher crowd levels as well as warmer temperatures as this is the most popular time to visit the South Rim.

And if you go during the winter months, you will have better lodging availability. Be sure to plan ahead for visiting the Grand Canyon during winter and be prepared for cold weather and possible snow!

Where to Stay

Lodging inside the Grand Canyon National Park often gets booked up during the peak seasons. Several lodges are actually within walking distance of the South Rim.

The lodging inside the park includes the Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Kachina Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge, the Maswik Lodge and the Yavapai Lodge. Try to book your reservations 4-6 months in advance if interested in some of these options.

There are also a few hotels in the Tusayan area. From there it is about a 15 minute drive to the South Rim (7 miles south of the Grand Canyon Village).

The Grand Hotel, Holiday Inn Express and Best Western Canyon Squire Inn are several options. Read more about all of the options at the Grand Canyon Chamber and Visitor’s Bureau.

And if you are more of the camping type, there are several options for camping inside the park. Check out the different campground options at the South Rim on the nps.gov website.

Best Things To Do at the South Rim Grand Canyon Visitor Center 

Upon arriving at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, one of the first things you will want to do is stop by the Grand Canyon National Park Visitor Center, located at the South Entrance Road.

best things to do south rim grand canyon visitor center

This is a great place to familiarize yourself to the area. 

Get a Pocket Map

Be sure to pick-up a Pocket Map of the South Rim while you are there as well! (Or click here to access it from the NPS website.)

best things to do south rim grand canyon visitor center map

Become a Junior Ranger!

Be sure to grab the Junior Ranger book at the visitor center so your kids can earn the Grand Canyon Junior Ranger badge.

Most of the requirements can be completed by doing many of the activities right around the visitor center. And it is a fun keepsake to take home!

Attend a Park Ranger Program

Check on the posted schedule for the Park Ranger Programs. (Or you can check the nps website.)

best things to do south rim grand canyon ranger talk

We went to the “Critter Chat” and learned about some of the wildlife in the area. (Side note…did you know that the squirrel is the most dangerous animal at the Grand Canyon?)

Get a “Passport to Your National Parks” Cancellation Stamp

And of course, get your cancellation for your ‘Passport to Your National Parks’ passport book!

best things to do south rim grand canyon passport stamp

You can also find out what locations to visit to get specific Passport cancellations. (We got 6 out of the 7 stamps while there!)

best things to do south rim grand canyon passport locations

Plan a Hike and Talk to a Park Ranger

Also, you can inquire more about any trails or hikes that you were planning to take while there. The Park Rangers are at the desk to answer any questions.

And there are also plenty of signs posted to read more about the area trails. (Along with how many sandwiches you need for each hike!)

best things to do south rim grand canyon hiking sign

Watch a Grand Canyon Movie

They also have a great film, “Grand Canyon: a Journey of Wonder,” in the theater that plays every 30 minutes or so. There is a countdown above the theater door so you know when the next showing starts.

The film was very informative and gave us plenty more info to think about while we were there. It was also a great place to take a break and get out of the heat if needed!

best things to do south rim grand canyon journey of Wonder movie

There is also an 8 minute presentation called “The Canyon World” that was projected onto a giant globe, which was pretty cool, too!

best things to do south rim grand canyon world

Get a Souvenir

Another place to check out right across from the Visitor Center is the Grand Canyon Conservancy Park Store. This is a great place to check out some souvenirs!

Take Your First Look at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon

Once you are ready to venture to the rim and take your first peek at the Grand Canyon, head down the clearly marked walkways.

best things to do south rim grand canyon first look walking out

It was pretty surreal to take our first look at the Grand Canyon. It just didn’t even seem real. After taking it in for a few minutes, we spotted Mather Point and decided to head that way.

best things to do south rim grand canyon first look

This is a very popular overlook of the Grand Canyon and often the first look at the Grand Canyon for many (us included!). It is named after Stephen Tyng Mather who helped lay the foundation of the National Park Service. I would say that’s pretty cool to have a Grand Canyon overlook named after you.

best things to do south rim grand canyon Mather Point

This is a beautiful overlook of the Grand Canyon. And also a great place to take your first family picture to document it! 

best things to do south rim grand canyon family picture

Ride the Grand Canyon Shuttle Buses

After you are ready to move on from the Visitor Center area, you can make your way to the Shuttle Bus pickup area.

best things to do south rim grand canyon shuttle buses

(Don’t mind that guy, he was just protesting a restaurant…)

The Shuttle Buses were a little intimidating at first, but once you figure out their path and the stops they make, it’s actually pretty easy. They have signs posted to help you figure out which bus route you want to take. You can also read online on the National Park Service website (Link: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/shuttle-buses.htm) beforehand to map out your plan of attack!

best things to do south rim grand canyon shuttle bus

(Tip – The Pocket Map is also super helpful for navigating the Bus Routes. Be sure to grab one at the Visitor’s Center if you didn’t get one when you went through the Park Entrance Booth.)

Visit the Grand Canyon Village

The next area that we explored was the area called “The Village” which has restaurants, shopping, lodging and many more spectacular views of the Grand Canyon. 

While you definitely can walk down the South Rim Trail from the Visitor Center, we actually jumped aboard the Shuttle Bus and hopped off near the Hopi House.

The Hopi House

This unique house is actually a Natural Historic Landmark. 

best things to do south rim grand canyon Hopi House

We enjoyed reading the history. And it had some really interesting souvenirs (many made by Native Americans).  We had a fun time exploring in the Hopi House and we even found a new friend along the way.

best things to do south rim grand canyon Hopi House inside

Verkamp’s Visitor Center

best things to do south rim grand canyon Verkamps

Right next door, you will find the Verkamp’s Visitor Center where you can also get another Passport Cancellation! It also has some fantastic exhibits as well!

best things to do south rim grand canyon Verkamps inside

El Tovar Hotel, Lodges & California Condor!

Once you mosey on down the rim trail a little more, you will pass the El Tovar Hotel and some of the lodges.

best things to do south rim grand canyon El-Tovar

Along this path, we actually lucked out and got to see a California Condor perched out on one of the cliffs, which we of course sat and watched for a little bit!

best things to do south rim grand canyon California Condor

There are also some great signs in this area to read all about the California Condor. The story of saving this nearly extinct bird is pretty incredible. So keep your eyes peeled for one – it definitely is a treat!

best things to do south rim grand canyon California Condor Sign

There are also a ton of great photo opportunities along the way as well.

best things to do south rim grand canyon Family-Pic

Bright Angel Lodge

Once we made it to the Bright Angel Lodge, we grabbed some ice cream and coffee at the little ice cream shop and sat and enjoyed the view for a bit! 

We then headed inside the lodge to check out the gift shop and took a peek at the beautiful architecture!

best things to do south rim grand canyon Bright-Angel-Lodge

It’s really pretty and worth just walking in to take a quick peek!

Lookout Studio

Next we stopped by the Lookout Studio which looks like it is part of the Grand Canyon. It was actually constructed from Kaibab Limestone that was locally quarried to build this beautiful architectural building.

best things to do south rim grand canyon Lookout-Studio

Even upon entering, you will find a little encouragement posted on the outside of the building.

best things to do south rim grand canyon Lookout-Studio-Bible-Verse-Encouragement

After checking out some of the souvenirs, be sure to head outside and explore a little bit!

best things to do south rim grand canyon Lookout-Studio-walking-down

It has some pretty incredible viewing opportunities. 

Kolb Studio

The next stop was the Historic Kolb Studio which was a photographic studio created by the Kolb brothers. 

best things to do south rim grand canyon Kolb-Studio

It is also a gift shop and another place to get a Passport cancellation.

Besides being a gift shop and more beautiful views, you can also see some of the equipment that the Kolb brothers used in their filming endeavors. 

best things to do south rim grand canyon Kolb-Studio Kolb Brothers

Hike on the Bright Angel Trail

Right next to the Kolb Studio is where you will find the Bright Angel Trailhead.

best things to do south rim grand canyon Bright-Angel-Trail-Sign

Even if you don’t plan to do any serious hiking, be sure to walk just a little ways on the trail for a little different perspective. It really is a beautiful trail!

best things to do south rim grand canyon Bright-Angel-Trail

We ended up hiking for a couple of hours and then turned around at one of the suggested stopping points.

best things to do south rim grand canyon Bright-Angel-Trail Hiking

If you do plan to do some serious hiking, be sure to plan accordingly as this is a pretty legit hike. Do your homework and read up on the different hiking options at the Grand Canyon.

(And make sure you have enough sandwiches.)

Visit the Mule Barn

As you are wrapping up your exploration of the Village area, you can also take a little walk across the street to see the Mule Barn which houses the mules that trek on the Grand Canyon Trail.

We saw them hanging out around the barn later in the day after they had returned from their day’s journey. We thought it would be really cool to come back one day and do a mule ride into the Grand Canyon! Maybe next time!

There is also a great informational sign about the mules right next to the Bright Angel Trailhead. We were surprised to learn that most of the mules come from our home state, Tennessee!

The Grand Canyon Railway Train Depot

Also in the same vicinity is where the Grand Canyon Railway stops at the Train Depot. We took a few minutes to check it out and take a quick picture! (No stowaways though!)

best things to do south rim grand canyon Railway-Pic

The Grand Canyon Railway runs from Williams, AZ to the Grand Canyon Village area. Although we didn’t do it this go around, it does look like a fun experience! Read more about the logistics here.

Yavapai Point and Geology Museum

If you are looking for some more in-depth information about the geology of the Grand Canyon, be sure to stop by the Yavapai Geology Museum.

best things to do south rim grand canyon Yavapai-Geology-Museum

The displays are very informative not to mention it has the most amazing windows for viewing the Grand Canyon.

best things to do south rim grand canyon Yavapai-Geology-Museum window

Visit Hermit’s Rest

If you have time, hop aboard a Shuttle Bus for the Hermit’s Rest Route (located near the Bright Angel Trailhead). If the line is pretty long for the shuttle bus, you can always take a little hike on the Rim Trail to get to the first shuttle stop, Trailview Overlook, and hop aboard there instead.

best things to do south rim grand canyon Hiking-along-the-trail-rim-towards-Hermits-Rest

There are several more points (Maricopa Point, Powell Point, Hopi Point, Mohave Point, Pima Point, etc.) along the Hermit’s Rest route with many that offer exceptional views of the Colorado River.

best things to do south rim grand canyon Hopi Point

You definitely could spend a ton of time hopping off at each point, however we chose to just pick a couple and then head on to Hermit’s Rest.

Once you arrive at Hermit’s Rest, this unique rock sign will greet you.

best things to do south rim grand canyon Hermits-Rest

Head on inside and grab some coffee or ice cream and look around. It is a very unique building. Hermit’s Rest was started in 1914 and was the stop you would make after an 8 mile buggy ride.

best things to do south rim grand canyon Hermits-Rest-Coffee-Ice-Cream-maybe_

It was a sweet place to relax and enjoy the peacefulness of the Grand Canyon.

Visit the Desert View Watchtower

On the opposite end of the park, you will find the Desert View Watchtower near the Grand Canyon’s East Entrance.

best things to do south rim grand canyon Desert-View-Watchtower

The Desert View Watchtower is a National Historic Landmark that you can walk inside and see all of the amazing artwork and architectural features.

best things to do south rim grand canyon Desert-View-Inside

The kids loved exploring the inside of this unique building.

best things to do south rim grand canyon Desert-View-Inside 2

There are also some great viewing areas to see a good view of the Colorado River.

best things to do south rim grand canyon Desert-View-can-see-the-Colorado-River

Visit the Tusayan Museum and Ruin

best things to do south rim grand canyon Tusayan-Museum-Building

The Tusayan Museum is a great place to take a peek inside the lives of the ancient Puebloan people. The museum itself has a great display of artifacts to learn more about their daily lives as well as what the agriculture looked like in that day.

best things to do south rim grand canyon Tusayan-Museum-Ancient-Agriculture

There is also a short path you can walk around to see the remains of the pueblo.

Look for Wildlife

Besides keeping an eye out for the California Condors as we already mentioned, there are definitely plenty of other critters and creatures to look for!

The first night that we arrived at the Grand Canyon, there were a ton of Elk grazing alongside the road. We loved looking for these beautiful creatures while we explored in the area.

best things to do south rim grand canyon Elk

Another animal to keep an eye out for is the Mule Deer. We saw some grazing along some of the Shuttle Bus routes several times.

best things to do south rim grand canyon Mule Deer

And of course, be sure to watch out for the most dangerous animal in the Grand Canyon. The SQUIRRELS! Not even kidding…they really are the most dangerous as they can carry the plague! Also, there were a handful of them that were a little too friendly for my liking. So be sure to watch out for those guys!

Watch the Sunrise and Sunset over the Grand Canyon

If time allows, be sure to see either a sunrise or a sunset (or both!)

best things to do south rim grand canyon Sunset

We saw the sunset at Yavapai Point one night and it was pretty amazing.

best things to do south rim grand canyon Watching-a-Sunset

And then we saw the sunrise one morning at Mather Point which was also spectacular.

best things to do south rim grand canyon Sunrise

While there are definitely plenty of places to view the sunrise or sunset, be sure to check the nps.gov website for more suggested locations and updated times!

Bring a Water Bottle for the Water Refill Stations!

Another great tip is to make sure you bring your own water bottle or hydration backpack. There were plenty of water refill stations that you can enjoy clean Grand Canyon spring water! (And help reduce unnecessary waste, as well!)

best things to do south rim grand canyon Water-Refill-Stations

Final Thoughts

There are SO many ways to experience the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Be sure to take your time and make the most of your experience!

After spending several days there, we no doubt have a greater appreciation for one of the seven natural wonders of the world. You just have to see it to understand the grandeur of a place as magnificent as the Grand Canyon.

President Theodore Roosevelt’s words still ring true today…

In the Grand Canyon, Arizona has a natural wonder which is in kind absolutely unparalleled throughout the rest of the world.

-President Theodore Roosevelt

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Spruce Flats Falls Hike in the Smoky Mountains

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Looking for a beautiful waterfall hike in the Great Smoky Mountains? While there are SO many to choose from, Spruce Flats Falls is one of our family’s favorite hikes!

With an easily accessible trailhead from the Townsend side of the Great Smoky Mountains, this short 2 mile roundtrip trail is an easy-moderate hike that is well worth the sights. Keep reading for more tips on where to find this waterfall and things you need to know before you head that way!

Spruce Flats Falls Low Waterflow
Spruce Flats Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains

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Hiking in the Smoky Mountains

As with any National Park, before you head out to explore, it never hurts to have on-hand some reliable and trustworthy resources for easy reference.

Here are a few of our favorite pocket guides about hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains:

Hiking Trails of the Smokies

Day Hikes of the Smokies

Waterfalls of the Smokies

For more history and information about the Smokies, be sure to check out more Great Smoky Mountains Books and Guides here!

Spruce Flats Falls Trail Information

  • Roundtrip Length: 2 miles
  • Trail Location: Tremont (near Townsend, TN)
  • Directions: Lumber Ridge Trail Trailhead
  • Trail Features: Waterfall
  • Round Trip Hours: 1 – 2 hours

The Spruce Flats Falls hike actually isn’t officially on the map which is why it is often a lesser known waterfall hike!

Although you may find varying information, the hike is approximately 2 miles roundtrip according to most sources. Either way, it’s relatively short and most are able to do it with no problem!

It’s located near the Great Smoky Mountain Institute at Tremont which is also one of the main areas that was logged before the Great Smoky Mountains became a National Park in 1934.

(Side Note: Tremont and Elkmont both were two of the main hubs for logging. For extra reading be sure to check out these excellent resources for more background and history of the Great Smoky Mountains: Lost Elkmont, Last Train to Elkmont and The Great Smoky Mountains.)

The waterfall itself is about 30 feet in height and flows down the mountain into the Middle Prong. It is really a beautiful area to explore anytime of year!

Click here to get your free checklist of
family friendly hikes in the smokies!

How Do I Get to Spruce Flats Falls?

The easiest way to find the trailhead for Spruce Flats Falls is to put in your GPS, “Lumber Ridge Trail Trailhead” and park at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont.

Parking at Tremont for Spruce Flats Falls

Hiking to Spruce Flats Falls

Locating the Lumber Ridge Trailhead

From the parking lot of the Great Smoky Mountain Institute at Tremont, you will hop out of your car and take a left out of the parking lot and head up the hill. (Normally there is a sign there blocking the road for thru traffic).

Spruce Flats Falls Entrance to Hike

There you will spot a sign pointing you up the hill to the falls.

Spruce Flats Falls Sign for Lumber Ridge Trail

Once at the top, you will take a left at the building. It is marked with a sign that is pointing to the left to find the Lumber Ridge Trailhead.

Lumber Ridge Trailhead Sign for Spruce Flats Falls

As you continue on, you will find several more signs pointing you in the right direction. Once you make it to this point, it’s pretty easy to identify the trail.

Lumber Ridge Trailhead Sign to get to Spruce Flats Falls

On the Trail

On the first incline of the trail, you will come up to an opening where you will get a perfect view of Thunderhead Mountain. Be sure to take a minute to enjoy those sights! 

View of Thunderhead Mountain on Spruce Flats Falls Hike

As you get further along on the hike, there are some parts that have lots of tree roots exposed on the trail. Just remind the kiddos to watch their step!

Roots on the Spruce Flats Falls Trail

Once you get close to the base of the waterfall, the trail will start to descend pretty quickly. That’s when you will know that you are really close!

Descending Down to Spruce Flats Falls
Click here to get your free checklist of
family friendly hikes in the smokies!

At Spruce Flats Falls

Ahhh, finally…that sound of rushing water and the first sight of the waterfall! That’s always our favorite part of the hike! 

Base of Spruce Flats Falls

Take some time to walk around and explore while you are there! If you are daring enough, you can hop some rocks across the river to the other side where you can mosey up to the right side of the falls for a little closer look.

Hike up close to Spruce Flats Falls

(Of course always remember to be careful as rocks with water on them are often very slick.)

Depending on the recent rainfall, the falls may be really full or more of a trickle.

Spruce Flats Falls when Full
Spruce Flats Falls

Either way, it is still beautiful and definitely worth the hike!

Before you head back, be sure to take a quick group photo to document your trip to Spruce Flats Falls!

Family Picture at Spruce Flats Falls

Our Experience Hiking to Spruce Flats Falls

Our first time hiking this trail was in the Spring and we saw plenty of rhododendrons and azaleas blooming!

Flowers in Bloom on Spruce Flats Falls Hike

And in the fall of course you will see beautiful colors in the leaves!

We really enjoy hiking it anytime of year though! 

And of course you always have a chance of seeing deer, bear and other various wildlife. You just never know what you may come across in the Great Smoky Mountains! 

In the Spring, we saw a TON of bright colored millipedes along the trail.

Millipede on Spruce Flats Falls Hike

Aren’t the colors beautiful? We were absolutely fascinated by them. Their movements were so smooth and neat to watch.

Insect on Spruce Flats Falls Hike

Biodiversity in the Great Smoky Mountains

Side note...Did you know that the Great Smoky Mountains is the most biodiverse park in the National Park system? According to nps website, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to over 19,000 species with an estimated 80,000-100,000 species that have yet to be discovered!

You can read more about the biodiversity of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park at the nps.gov website. Or be sure to stop in the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont while you’re there to learn more about the latest programs and research going on in the park!

A Few Things To Consider

  • Although it is a shorter hike, it can be rather rocky and rooty on the trail at times.  Be sure to plan accordingly with proper shoes. Be mindful with little ones and watch your step carefully!
  • Access to a restroom is at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont building and is typically open even when the store itself isn’t. If you get there during their open hours, you can hop inside and browse the gift shop and support the park with your purchases while you’re there!
Click here to get your free checklist of
family friendly hikes in the smokies!

Final Thoughts

Spruce Flats Falls is a beautiful waterfall with a relatively short hike in the Great Smoky Mountains. It is easy to access at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont and is one of the easier hikes to see a waterfall up close in the Great Smoky Mountains! 

What about you? Have you been to Spruce Flats Falls before? What are your favorite waterfall hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains? Be sure to share your comments below!

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