4 of the Best Outdoor Activities in the Smoky Mountains

Over 11 million people visit the Great Smoky Mountains each year to take advantage of the area’s wonderful outdoor activities.

Both inside and outside the national park, vacationers in the Smokies will find a variety of fun things to do that are great for the whole family. To help you make the most of your getaway, Parkside Cabin Rentals has put together a guide to four of the best outdoor activities in the Smoky Mountains.

1. Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to over 800 miles of beautiful hiking trails for visitors to explore. Casual hikers will find a number of trails that are just a few miles long (and some that are less than a mile), while veteran hikers can enjoy challenging treks that span over 10 miles. Depending on the season, visitors to the park will see technicolor foliage, snow covered scenery, or gorgeous wildflowers. The national park does not charge an entrance fee, so hitting the trails won’t cost you a cent! Before you visit the Smokies, be sure to check out our guide to the trails of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

2. Ziplining at Adventure Park

Ziplining is another one of the most popular outdoor activities in the Smoky Mountains. Our favorite spot for a canopy tour is Adventure Park Zip Lines. Located in a 70 acre nature park in the foothills of the Smokies, Adventure Park boasts nine different ziplines that range from 450 to 2,000 feet long. As you whizz through the air during your zipline tour, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the area’s natural scenery. We can’t think of a more exhilarating way to get outdoors!

3. Taking a Trail Ride at Five Oaks Riding Stables

A scenic trail ride is one of the very best ways to enjoy the beauty of the Smoky Mountain area. When you visit Five Oaks Riding Stables, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in nature, but you’ll still be minutes away from the Parkway. Five Oaks offers a number of friendly horses who will take you on a peaceful ride through the forest that features spectacular views of Mount LeConte and a stunning mountain lake. No prior horseback riding experience is necessary, so just about anyone can take a trail ride at Five Oaks.

4. Conquering the Tree Tops Ropes Course

The Tree Tops Ropes Course is an outdoor adventure you’ll never forget! Located in the same nature park as Five Oaks Riding Stables and Adventure Park Ziplines, this ropes course is built right into the forest. Guests will have a blast climbing the trees, walking across rope bridges, and ziplining from one section of the course to the next. Tours of the ropes course are led by trained guides who stay with you every step of the way. The Tree Tops Ropes Course frequently offers special package deals with Adventure Park Ziplines and Five Oaks Riding Stables, so be sure to ask about bundling the three attractions for one low price.

When you stay at Parkside Cabin Rentals in Gatlinburg, you will be just a short drive from all of the excellent outdoor activities in the Smoky Mountains. With everything from 1 bedroom cabins for a romantic getaway with your sweetheart, to 7 bedroom lodges for a family reunion with the whole clan, we are sure to have the perfect accommodations for your trip. To start planning your next vacation, browse our selection of Smoky Mountain cabin rentals!