You're sure to want to get in on the most exciting Tennessee outdoor adventures while you're here. When you stay at one of the fantastic nearby cabins available from Mountain Vista Getaways, you'll be right around the corner from all the best Smoky Mountain activities. From wildlife viewing, workshops and auto touring to horseback riding, hiking, biking, fishing and rafting—there is much more to take in of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park than you'll have the time for, which means, of course, that you'll just have to keep coming back!

Places to Go

To quote the great Dr. Seuss, when you visit the Great Smoky Mountains, "oh the places you'll go!" One of the most popular sites in the park is Cades Cove, which offers an 11-mile driving, biking and hiking loop from which to view the gorgeous scenery and nearby wildlife. Cataloochee is also a great place for wildlife viewing and features a delightful tour of historic buildings. Please check out the park's official website for a full listing of all the places to go in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Auto Touring

Whether some of your party isn't able to walk or bike long distances or you want to get in as much sightseeing as possible in the shortest amount of time, numerous options for auto tours of the park's most breathtaking and inspiring features are available. And given the Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers more than 800 square miles of natural beauty and amazing wildlife, this is the best way to get it all in. Tours include Cades Cove Loop Road, Cataloochee Valley, Newfound Gap Road, Roaring Fork Nature Trail and Upper Treemont Road.

Bicycling

What could be more refreshing and invigorating than cycling up and down the paved peaks and valleys of some of the most beautiful bits of country you're likely to see in your life? While the narrow surfaces, traffic and steep terrain may keep cyclists away from many roads in the park, Cades Cove Loop is paved and primed for smooth riding, and is especially popular in the Spring and Summer months when it is closed to vehicular traffic. While this is no place for mountain biking, the Gaitlinburg Trail, Oconaluftee River Trail and lower Deep Creek Trail are open to bicycle traffic.

Fishing

The pleasure of fishing is as much in the waiting as it is in the thrilling satisfaction of the catch. Standing near or in the fresh streams, taking in the lulling rush and trickle of the 2,115 miles of streams found in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biding your time, breathing in the clean air and finally getting a bite—this meditative sport is a wonderful way to bond with friends and family or take in some solitude all on your own. Check out the park site's official fishing guide for details about the best places for your favorite kind of fishing.

Hiking

Every single season is a perfect time for invigorating hiking and backpacking treks through the miles and miles of trails found in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Whether you prefer a brisk autumn hike rich with the height of fall foliage splendor, the decided quiet stillness of snowy peaks and open vistas in winter, or the warm, flower-filled hikes of Spring and Summer, numerous trails are yours for the trekking. Be sure to review the park site's safety warnings, tips and trail selection before you get to the park.

Horse Riding

What could take you further away from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind than getting in the saddle and riding a fine and strong horse along the mountainous and beautiful trails of the gorgeous Smoky Mountains? For safety purposes, all horse rides are guided, and hayrides, carriage and wagon rides are also available.

Wildlife Viewing

What wildlife will you find at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Elk. Black bears. White-tailed deer. Turkeys. Woodchucks. Raccoons. Turkeys. Coyotes. Owls. Red squirrels. Box turtles. Since these are wild animals, strict laws regarding feeding and approaching these animals are upheld for the safety of animals and humans alike. Be sure not to disrupt the animals or their habitat. Just take in the view, and follow the rules of safety provided by the park.

Waterfalls

Even when you're just looking at a waterfall, you can feel its clean mist in the air, and often even catch the splash upon your skin. These natural wonders are inspiring to behold, and are myriad in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many of the more popular trails include maps pointing out the locations of the most impressive waterfalls, but be sure to check out the parks site for a full overview of all the parks waterfalls. While the pictures are beautiful, they're nothing compared to the real thing.