If you?ve never been to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park before, you might be wondering what all you can see when you visit. We are here to share all the incredible natural features and man-made structures you can spot while you?re here. Look at these top 5 things you will see in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

1. Historic Buildings

Whether you drive the Cades Cove Loop or hike on one of the many trails, you?ll probably come across historic buildings. It?s neat to explore the inside and outside of these buildings. They all have rich history rooted in East Tennessee you?ll want to learn more about. It?s also cool to see how these older buildings differ from modern ones we use today. You?ll want to find these cabins, barns, grist mills, and other historic buildings on your trip to the Smokies.

2. Views of the Mountains

When you come to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you have to see views of the mountains. If you love to hike, you should go hike to Andrews Bald. You?ll have incredible panoramic views of the mountains. Any of the trails leading to Mt. LeConte will also provide you will great mountains views. If hiking isn?t your thing, you can always drive! Foothills Parkway has beautiful scenery you?ll love driving past. Blue Ridge Parkway also has a ton of gorgeous views.

3. Wildlife

The Smokies are teeming with wildlife. Since the black bear is the unofficial mascot of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you might just see some bears when you visit. Not only will you find black bears, you can also see white tailed deer, wild turkeys, elk, racoons, possums, and so many other animals. There are a ton of birds, from mockingbirds to bald eagles. Did you know the Smokies are known as the Salamander Capital of the World? This area has over 30 species of salamanders in the creeks and streams. There are also plenty of trout and bass in the mountain water. You?ll be blown away by all the creatures you have the potential to see in the Smoky Mountains.

4. Wildflowers

Wildflowers aren?t possible to see all year round, but you?ll find plenty of them in the spring and summer months. You can spot little flowers growing along hiking trails or in the balds at the top of mountains. You can find them in the fields of Cades Cove and along the banks of the creeks. Some of the plants you might see include mountain laurel, dutchman breeches, golden aster, and black eyed susans. The Great Smoky Mountains are also known for the variety of flame azalea in the summer, especially at Gregory Bald. Rhododendron is also found all throughout the Smokies.

5. Waterfalls

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has over 100 waterfalls you can see while you?re here. Some of them you can easily drive to. Most of them are accessible by hiking along trails. A few of the most popular waterfalls include Abrams Falls in Cades Cove, Laurel Falls, and Ramsey Cascades. You can see single drop waterfalls, huge falls with rushing water, tall waterfalls, and very wide waterfalls. These natural features are something you don?t want to miss.

You will definitely want to see all of these things when you visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Start planning your trip to the Smokies today by booking a room with us!