Have you visited Oconee State Park in Mountain Rest, SC? This state park has everything from mini-golf to wooden checker tables, great hiking, and boating on the lake. Local mom Andrea Beam visited with her family and is sharing her experience!
Looking for other things to do in Oconee County? Check out our Guide to Oconee County to plan the perfect day trip throughout this gorgeous Upstate county!
We set out on an overcast (misting rain, which is so much worse, if you ask me) day to visit two parks. Our first stop, Oconee State Park, made a mess of our well-laid plans. There’s so much to do, even in the rain!
Driving through the park, I felt like we were adventuring through the Blue Ridge Parkway. So much foliage, it didn’t matter that it was raining.
Have you ever stayed at Sky Ridge Yurts in Bryson City, NC? If you’re looking for a fabulous outdoorsy adventure away, that’s not too far from the Upstate, you’ll want to check them out. KAG’s Kristina brought her family and they had a blast. Here’s what you can expect at Sky Ridge Yurts.
I never quite understood people who said they felt like home when staying somewhere other than their home. A hotel? Nope. An AirBnB? Maybe. But I finally got it when I opened the door to my yurt in Bryson City after a long day of driving, that feeling of just being in a place where it’s inherently like home, like a place you belonged and where you can relax and just breathe easy. That’s Sky Ridge Yurts, just a couple of hours’ drive from Greenville.
What’s a Yurt?
A yurt is a round tent-like structure with a high ceiling that forms an open dome at the top. Its walls are made of strong, waterproof fabric held up with lattice wood and it’s a typical home for people who live in Central Asia. I first heard of yurts when one of my very best friends stayed in one during her travels abroad and then I saw them on the Travel Channel.
I thought they were super cool but never in a million years would have guessed I could stay in one near Greenville – and that is would be beyond my wildest expectations. The “wow factor” was considerably off the charts as soon as I caught a glimpse of them driving up the gravel road to the yurt village.
The Sky Ridge Yurts Are an Epic Experience
Sky Ridge Yurts have modern amenities like beautiful bathrooms, central heating and air, wi-fi, and satellite television and are oh-so-stylish. These yurts take glamping to a whole other level. The beds are outfitted with luxurious sheets, the bathrooms have super soft towels, and the comfort level is one where I never wanted to leave. These yurts have a deck with a gas grill and share a firepit with other yurts. I met a couple from Ohio when I was there and we chatted about our travels – it was fun to meet other people who were sharing the same experience.
Since I stayed in the yurt during the hot and humid summer months, a midnight thunderstorm wasn’t uncommon. The rain sounded incredible as it hit the roof of the yurt. It was something out of a movie or song, the raindrops creating a symphony in the middle of the night.
The dome of the yurt allows you to see the night sky and do the whole outdoor experience without the inconvenience of a bathhouse away from your campsite or a lack of air conditioning in the summer heat.
Grilling Out + S’mores Are Easy
When I travel with my kids, I try to plan out meals to bring and make instead of eating out, which can become very pricey. There is either a full or efficiency kitchen in each yurt with a small refrigerator, sink, microwave, and coffee pot (with local coffee!), which really helps out on the food budget. We ate breakfast at the yurt, packed lunches for our day excursions and then used the grill at night, picking up essentials at the Ingles nearby. There is a picnic table on every deck so you have plenty of space to gather for meals. It doesn’t get any better than grilling out on the deck of your yurt while overlooking the mountains of the Nantahala Gorge right next to the Great Smoky Mountains.
And every night we roasted marshmallows at the campfire for s’mores to end the day, something my kids really looked forward to. I’ve found that eating outside, making s’mores, and having adventures all day make for some great dinner conversations with the kids. I was relaxed, the kids were tired, and we all slept so well in the yurt, well-rested for the next day’s fun.
Rising from Tragedy
Melissa Little, owner of Sky Ridge Yurts and a mom herself, overcame exceptional tragedy that led to the creation of her business and memories for families and couples for years to come. When she lost her husband, Adam, in a cycling accident nine years ago, she was a stay-at-home-mom with two little girls and no idea of what to do next.
Originally from Charlotte, NC, her and Adam loved Western NC and often took trips there to enjoy the outdoors. When the property on the ridge came up for sale, she jumped at the chance, using the insurance money to purchase the land and build the yurts.
“It felt a lot like Adam saying ‘do it here; you have my blessing’,” she said. “It’s nice to be on the Ridge for most everyone that visits; for me, it’s extra special knowing he was here with me so much in our life together.”
Her family initially thought she had lost her mind but supported her and eventually became investors in the business. As to why she chose yurts, she said they are just cool. Her mom was already living in one so she had an idea of the unique vibe on the structure and the experience she wanted to create for people. She thinks that people ultimately choose Sky Ridge Yurts because of the view, which I agree is stunning.
“I think guests like that we’re only a few minutes for the Nantahala Outdoor Center, which is a huge draw for this area,” said Melissa. “And I like to think that they choose us because we offer them a true experience rather than just a place to stay in the mountains.”
She’s absolutely right. I wanted to go for the experience and location. I wanted to share something unique with my kids, something that they will remember and bring a smile to their faces.
Sky Ridge Yurts is located just 20 minutes from downtown Bryson City where you can enjoy shopping and restaurants. I feel like the true gem of the location of the yurt village is its proximity to tubing, rafting, zip lining, and kayaking, and the Polar Express of the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. Of course, the leaf-peeping season is a big draw as well.
I had some kayak envy checking out all the beautiful kayaks atop dozens of cars around the area. The Nantahala Outdoor Center is right down the road so rafting and water sports are very close. I took my kids tubing at Deep Creek in the Smoky Mountains, where there are no less than half a dozen tube rental places just outside the entrance to the park. You can rent a tube for cheap and spend your day on the river.
The super-popular Polar Express is nearby as well, just 20 minutes away. Staying in a yurt can help save on the budget and certainly make for an even more memorable family trip. Bryson City is also in the heart of prime real estate for viewing the leaves changing colors in October. Check out the leaves during the day and then get cozy at the firepit to top off an enviable trip.
If hiking, waterfall chasing, or mountain biking is your thing, Bryson City is a gateway to the Smoky Mountains, a huge playground for the outdoor enthusiast. There is literally no shortage of things to do in the area.
Yurts Are Great for Families & Couples
The yurts at Sky Ridge can accommodate anywhere from four to six (maybe more, especially kids) people. You can rent just one or the whole village – perfect for a family reunion or girls’ weekend or whatever else you can come up with to stay in a yurt. There are 7 yurts total, sleeping anywhere from 3-6 people. All are outfitted with the same luxurious linens, towels, and an unmatched glamping experience.
I wish I took a photo of the faces of my kids when they saw the yurt. They had nothing to compare it to so their reaction was pure excitement – in all honesty, mine was too. I was blown away. I thought the yurt would be pretty awesome; I just didn’t know it would be this awesome.
Sky Ridge also has two cabins available for rent. One is a glass cabin available called Stecoah House, and the other is the Wayah House, a newer modern cabin. Both cabins sits atop a mountain and can sleep six people comfortably, which is perfect for families. Both cabins have a full kitchen, washer and dryer, wi-fi, and complimentary, locally-ground coffee. Prices range from $200-$360 depending on the season and whether you book a weekday/weekend.
I Want to Stay In a Yurt
Rates for the yurts vary by size, season, and weekday/weekend. Winter and spring are usually the least expensive, starting around $104/night for weekdays and $114/night for weekends.
Sky Ridge Yurts are also pet-friendly. I was a little nervous about this aspect since I have terrible allergies to cats and dogs but I had no issues at all. For guests who want to bring their pets, there is a $100 pet fee for up to 2 pets.
The yurts are spotless and comfortable and just have that feeling of being wrapped in a hug by a longtime friend. It feels so good to stay at Sky Ridge. It’s relaxing and rejuvenating. We all need time to unwind and escape from our daily lives, even if just for a night or two. This place is absolutely where to do it. I loved watching my kids explore the area and be amazed by something they had never seen before. Those are the kinds of memories I try to create for my family and Sky Ridge Yurts delivered big time in helping me do that. I can’t wait to come back.
Have you heard about the Beech Bottom Falls trail? KAG contributor Liene explores another one of the Upstate’s waterfalls, Beech Bottom Falls, also known as Pinnacle Falls! An adventurous trail will take your family across a footbridge straight out of a fairytale, to a viewing platform overlooking a beautiful waterfall. This is a perfect hike to combine with a day trip up to Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina!
Camping can be such a fun family activity to get outside, enjoy nature, and detach from technology. There are lots of great places in our area to go but Hester’s Bottoms Campground in Mt. Carmel, SC is a special campground under two hours from Greenville, SC that we think our readers will really like.
Camping is truly an enjoyable activity for my kids and I, even though I get so little sleep from a lack of finding a comfy sleeping pad (send recommendations if you have a good one!). I’m always looking for great campgrounds to bring my kids, which usually looks like a good location with either nearby trails in the fall and spring or a lake over the summer, spacious campsites, and a safe environment.
Hester’s Bottoms in Mt. Carmel, South Carolina checks all those boxes and way more.
Whether you like fishing, kayaking, or just somewhere peaceful and relaxing, you must visit Lake Cooley! South Carolina doesn’t have a shortage of lakes, but finding one close to home can make your day a little easier. We have everything you need to know about Lake Cooley, including how to obtain a fishing license, how to rent a kayak, and more.
You’ll find a day full of fun at these 20+ recreational lakes near Greenville, SC. You can boat, kayak, fish, and maybe even swim at one of these lakes for year round fun!
What You’ll Find at Lake Cooley: South Carolina Lakes
Lake Cooley is a 330-gallon watershed located in Wellford, just about 10 minutes north of Wade Hampton Boulevard near Lyman and Duncan, SC. This hidden gem is home to the Lake Cooley Outdoor Education Center. The center is a two-story building that includes a classroom filled with live & mounted wildlife. Please contact the Outdoor Education Center to make an appointment to visit. The ground level of the center houses the 40-person rental facility.
Paddle Board and Kayak Rentals on Lake Cooley
Several different styles of kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent on a first come first serve basis. The rates start at ten dollars for a two-hour rental and are currently available Thursday through Sunday. Swimming at the lake is prohibited to the public, so keep that in mind when the temptation to go for a swim arises.
Kayaks can be rented from May 23rd – July 28th from 12 pm – 7 pm on Thursday and Friday, and from 8 am – 7 pm on Saturday and Sunday. From August 3rd – September 1st, you can only rent on Saturday and Sunday from 8 am – 7 pm.
Things you will need to bring include a driver’s license, a credit/debit card or exact change, and a life vest for children under 10 (not provided). Lifevests for children and adults over 10 are available.
If you are fortunate enough to have your own kayak, then you’ll need to purchase a permit decal from SJWD in person Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. The office is located on Highway 29 in Wellford. The permit is $40 for Spartanburg County residents, is good through December of the year purchased, and is only valid for Lake Cooley.
Spending Time With Your Family on Lake Cooley
Our family spent a day on the lake. My son received a kid-size kayak for Christmas, and this was his kayak’s maiden voyage. He used his kayak, and we rented a tandem kayak. If you are bringing children under 10 and plan to use a rental, you will need to provide a life vest for them to wear. They are required the entire time you are on the lake. Also, be sure to allow plenty of time to check-in, fill out waivers, and get fitted for life vests.
Our day on the lake was memorable. Our son took to his kayak like it was second nature and the toddler was surprisingly well behaved. Towards the end of the rental time, she was getting ready to jump off the kayak and go swimming (which is prohibited, even though you might see it happening).
I like this lake because it seems like the boat traffic is minimal. Most of the traffic was kayaks or paddleboards. We did see a few pontoon boats, but they were anchored. We were already planning our next trip to the lake before we even left.
Fishing on Lake Cooley
If you are a fishing enthusiast, you’re in luck. There are two fishing piers at the lake and they also offer specialty fishing kayak rentals. Small fish are plentiful around the shore and make the perfect bait for the bass fish that lurk deeper in the lake, just be sure to bring a net. I can’t say I’ve caught one, but the bass have taunted me while swimming past my hook.
A freshwater fishing license can be obtained from the SCDNR website and is only $10 for an annual license. Children do not need a license if with a licensed adult.
Events at Lake Cooley
Mark your calendars! The Discover Your Watershed event, hosted by USC Upstate each May, is a great way to meet the environmental and conservation groups in the community. There are activities for kids, free giveaways, and the opportunity for everyone to receive a free boating permit from SJWD.
Picnic Shelters and Grills at Lake Cooley
If you pack a picnic or would like to grill at the lake – there are three picnic shelters available for rent as and a picnic pavilion available for rent. There are also restrooms available. Not to worry if you forget snacks or refreshments! The rental area has drinks, bagged snacks, and frozen treats.
The Playground at Lake Cooley
As if we haven’t already given you enough reason to head to Lake Cooley, the playground is all the more reason. This is a great, small playground with lake views and right next to a huge picnic shelter.
This lake has everything you could want, and it’s conveniently close. I hope that you decide to check Lake Cooley out this summer. I promise you won’t regret a day on the lake with your family.
Are you ready to visit Lake Cooley (South Carolina)?
Has your family been to Otter Creek Water Park in Greenville, SC? As one of three waterparks operated by Greenville County Recreation, Otter Creek has multiple waterslides, a big sprayer pad, and a beach access pool to splish and splash around with your kids. Find out what we love most, and check out our Otter Creek Water Park review before you visit.
Otter Creek Water Park in Greenville, SC
A special thanks to Greenville County Recreation for providing us with media passes to help write our 7th Inning Splash, Discovery Island, and Otter Creek Water Park reviews!
What Fun You’ll Find at Otter Creek Water Park
Otter Creek is the perfect waterpark for your family to cool off from the humid southern heat or lounge by the pool under the gigantic sun shade umbrellas. Your family can spend a day of fun in the sun at a waterpark, without ever having to leave Greenville!
Waterslides
The water park has four awesome water slides in total. The 32 ft tall tower houses three of the slides, including two body slides and a tube slide. The body slides require you to be 42” or taller to enjoy, but children shorter than 42” can enjoy the tube slides with an adult.
The green body slide has lots of twists and turns, which I thought was exciting and not too intense. This slide goes fast but not too fast, so younger kids can enjoy it. The white slide, however, is for the more adventurous at heart. It features a steep drop at the beginning that will have you slightly hovering during takeoff (as my husband says) and is pretty fast. The blue tube slide has inflatables, and my two year old had a blast riding down the 100-yard slide with me.
There is also an adorable kiddy slide where younger children get a taste of what a water slide is like. The slide is very wide so parents can go down with their children, or multiple children can slide down together into the pool below.
Beach Entry Leisure pool
The beach entry pool is wonderful and baby-friendly! It is large enough so that you can have some space between you and those around you, which is nice considering how packed the waterpark can get a prime time. There is a shallow area for small children to practice their swimming skills, and a slightly deeper area if you want to go for a swim yourself. Surrounding the pool are lots of lounge chairs, so you can find a spot to lay out a towel before going in and out of the pool. There are also a dozen or so extra-large umbrellas that provide ample shade, but be sure to get to the waterpark early to secure a spot.
Splash Pad
The splash pad was the highlight of my three-year-old daughter’s waterpark adventure. The 2,400 square foot splash pad has several sprayers, a bucket dump, and geysers that my 8-month-old enjoyed sticking her toes in. The splash pad is a great size, and it is something everyone can enjoy to cool off from the heat, even if you are just enjoying the lounge chairs instead of a swim.
Party Hut Rentals
Otter Creek offers party hut rentals located at the back of the park closer to concessions. Otter Creek party packages are for groups of 10 children and two adults. The package includes waterpark admission, a 2-hour hut rental, 2 pizzas, cake/ice cream, drinks and cutlery, and downloadable invitations. Birthday party packages cost $20 per child with a 10 child minimum. And just an FYI, you can also rent the entire waterpark during evening hours for a couple thousand dollars!
Otter Creek Splash Pad in Greenville, SC
Before Going Into Otter Creek Water Park
Tickets
Otter Creek offers affordable ticket prices that include reentry if you need to leave for a few minutes to have a picnic or grab something from your car. Tickets purchased online for adults and kids over 42 inches are $14.50 while anyone under 42 inches is $11.00. Children 2 years old and under are free!
Just be aware that if you purchase your tickets online, they are all $14.50 because of the inability to check height beforehand. You can also purchase an individual waterpark season pass, including the Rec’N Crew Annual Pass which allows you to visit all three parks for the summer season.
What to Bring
Of course, bring towels and your swimsuit.
Bring sunscreen to avoid those pesky sunburns.
Water shoes or sandals are amust so that you and your kids can easily travel from the water areas to the concessions or your lounge chair. The ground gets HOT!
If your child is under 42”, they will be required to wear a lifejacket, so bring your own or borrow one for free from the waterpark.
Non-potty-trained kids will also need a swim diaper that is fitted and snug.
Lockers are available if you would like to store anything valuable while out for a swim.
Concessions Offered
Otter Creek does have limited concessions to purchase, with treats like ice cream and freeze pops available. They also have pizza, soda, water, chips, and a few other simple foods. You can purchase a whole pizza (if they haven’t run out). If you are looking for something more satiating, I recommend bringing a cooler with water and lunch with you and leaving it in the car (you will not be allowed to bring it inside.) You can go have a picnic lunch and come back afterward for more water time.
Parking
There is deceivingly a lot of parking (that I didn’t notice until I was waiting at the top of the water slide). The main lot is located off Darby Road, and it gets full quickly, but drive up past the fork and you will find additional parking. If you are lucky, you may even find a spot in the shade!
Hours
The water park is open from May 23rd 2026 through Labor Day. Starting August 9th, it is only open on weekends through Labor Day. The hours are below. Monday – Saturday, 10:30 am – 5:30 pm Sunday, 1:00 – 5:30 pm
If you’ve been on the Swamp Rabbit Trail recently you may have stumbled upon the Cancer Survivors Park in Greenville, SC. This awesome park includes beautiful gardens, an amazing sculpture, and more.
Have you met a person who has not been touched by cancer? Cancer is all around us and even the word triggers feelings of fear and sadness in many of us. Maybe you are like Tom Bates who lost his daughter, Lindsey Motley, at 29 to colon cancer. He is the president of the board for the new Cancer Survivors Park. What used to be a narrow, grated bridge connecting Cleveland Park to Falls Park is now a large park filled with waterfalls, gardens, walkways, and art.
About Cancer Survivors Park
The Cancer Survivors Park is providing hope and tranquility amid the darkness of this disease. You will find hope as you walk underneath the butterflies welcoming you to the park. You may have noticed more butterflies around Greenville. Each of these butterflies is a “Butterfly Keeper” paid for by private donors to support the Cancer Survivors Park and designed by Yuri Tsuzuki.
Another picture of hope and the focal point of the park is the amazing Celebration Pavilion. You can see it from Church Street or Cleveland Street without even getting out of your car. Standing under it will allow you a panoramic view of the entire park.
How can you not find tranquility as you walk past the man-made waterfall and enjoy the rushing of the Reedy River throughout the park! Once you cross the Spirit Bridge, you can go to your left and walk down through the Healing Garden to the Reedy River and let the sound of the river wash over you.
When you cross the bridge and go to your right, you will come to the Children’s Garden. A life-size sculpture called Fear Not by Charles Pate Jr. shows a lion comforting a child. It is a warm symbol of the strength a child receives going through cancer.
Where you’ll find Cancer Survivors Park
The main parking area of the park is off Cleveland Street. You can also access the park by parking in Cleveland Park and walking up the Swamp Rabbit Trail towards Fall Park. Another parking option is at the Next building on Church Street. This is a fun entrance as you walk the Boardwalk that weaves down through the woods, past two overlooks, and brings you out at the Turning Point Plaza of the park.
Come visit this park as soon as you can! Your children will love the walkways and water, and you can take some very deep breaths.
If you are hanging out around the Davidson River, tubing in Brevard in the summer months is the way to go! Pick up your tube for a small fee at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest and a full day of floating fun awaits. If you’re looking to do a little summer tubing, Brevard, NC is a great place to be.
Photo Credit to Kevin Stinehart
Note: As of June 2025, we have learned that the river is doing well after Hurricane Helene (minimal damage or debris), and the abundance of rain this season has kept the water levels good for tubing.
Baby goat alert. There are lots of family-friendly farm events and happenings going on at Double Blessing Farm, Travelers Rest, SC. And if you’re not following the farm, you are missing out! If you, or your kiddos, love spending time with sweet goats and other farm animals, enjoy goat milk soap, cheese, and fudge, or want to learn about homesteading, you’ll want to keep reading.
This farm invites the public to learn and enjoy the farm at public events throughout the year, and hosts field trips and private events. We visited for a birthday party and we have ALL the details on this little goat farm gem.
Quick Facts: Double Blessing Farm
Red Clay Soap is the goat milk soap made at Double Blessing Farm. It smells amazing.
Double Blessing Farm is a working farm with dairy goats, chickens, a mini horse, and donkeys.
There is a dairy barn where the goats are milked, and the farm uses the milk to make soap.
The little farm is beautiful and run by two friendly folks, Rachel and John. You can read about their farm story.
Guests to the farm can experience and learn about a variety of things, depending on the event or visit scheduled, including:
Soap-Making
Homesteading
Dairy barn tours
Playing with baby goats
Watch!
Take a little peek at our trip to Double Blessing Farm.
Public Events at Double Blessing Farm
Throughout the year, Double Blessing Farm offers a variety of different family-friendly events. They vary from workshops and classes to festivals and vendor events.
The next public event at Double Blessing Farm is June 21, 2024 from 9 am to 12 pm, and that is their Blueberry Festival. It will feature, of course, blueberries for sale from Arrowhead Acres, plus lots of fun farm vendors, coffee, pastries, AND playing with baby goats.
The farm is also open for private events like field trips and birthday parties. Field trips for schools, homeschools, even special needs or nursing homes are common at the farm and they will customize for your group. Have some littles ready to learn about farm animals? That can happen at Double Blessing Farm. Have an older group of homeschoolers? They can learn about the chemistry of soap making! Want to learn about running a dairy and homesteading? Red Clay Soap at Double Blessing Farm knows all about that.
We loved visiting Double Blessing Farm for our friends’ birthday adventure. All the kids really enjoyed spending time with the animals and both Rachel and John were a wealth of knowledge when it came to goats and homesteading that they happily shared with our group.
The farm is gorgeous and it was such a pleasant place to spend the morning. We had lots of time to play with the goats, and we got to taste some goat milk cheese and delicious fudge! Everyone brought home a little goat milk soap. I would not hesitate to book an event or visit this farm!
Have you visited the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or maybe looking for things to do in the Smokies? The park straddles Tennessee and North Carolina, and it is the most visited national park in the entire nation. And the best part? It’s less than three hours from Greenville.
This park has been on my bucket list of places to visit for a while and the more I learned about it, the more I wanted to take a trip there with my kids. When I finally got the chance, it blew me away. The scenery is overwhelmingly beautiful. The mountains stretch for miles, green upon green upon green. The fall colors are unreal. The park has the highest concentration of black bears in this part of the country, two per square mile, along with other abundant wildlife like elk, deer, turkeys, and coyote.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited in the country, with 13.3 million people setting foot there in 2023. While the park is majestic and beautiful, it is also highly accessible to a big part of the nation and there is no entrance fee but there are parking fees.
You must have a parking pass on your car if you park for more than 15 minutes inside the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. A daily pass is $5, a weekly pass is $15, and a yearly pass is $40. You can purchase them at any visitors center or online.
I’ll tell you all about places to visit in the park plus where to stay, eat, and play.
Find a place to stay near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.
GSMNP Visitors Centers
Sugarland Visitors Center & Nature Trail
If you are visiting the Tennessee side of the park, start your visit at the Sugarland Visitors Center, only a ten-minute drive from nearby Gatlinburg. You can pick up maps and booklets and explore a small nature center that has stuffed snakes, turtles, boar, and other wildlife native to the park. You can also attend a short presentation by a Park Ranger and learn about different aspects of the park. We listened to a fascinating presentation on elk, where the ranger showed us an elk skin, rack, hoof, and cast skull. It was really cool.
There is a one-mile round trip easy nature trail you can take along a creek that goes to the small but pretty Cataract Falls. It’s perfect for families with small kids. We saw parents even pushing strollers along the flat path.
If your kids want to become Junior Rangers, they can fill out a book ($2.50) that has several activities divided by age and then have a ranger sign off on the book and get the pin. My oldest did this with her scout pack and we had a blast. We learned about different vegetation, trees, and wildlife in the park. It’s fun and educational and I highly recommend it as a great introduction to the park.
Oconaluftee Visitors Center
On the North Carolina side of the park, the Oconaluftee Visitors Center is super cool. You can also do the Junior Ranger program there but one of the big draws is the elk that roam the grassy area outside of the building. I’ve seen elk almost every time I’ve visited there. The best time of year to see the elk there is in mating season, which is September mostly, because the bull elk make a bugle call and it’s just incredible to hear.
The Visitors Center there also has an amazing bookstore, topographical map of the park, clean bathrooms, and plenty of Park Rangers to answer your questions. There is also an old village you can tour as part of the Junior Ranger program on that side of the park. My kids and I really enjoyed doing this as part of our homeschooling field trip there.
This is the question I see on every major social media page about the Smokies. This isn’t a zoo so you can’t just go and see animals whenever you want. While there are places you are more likely to encounter wildlife, the most important part of visiting the Smokies and seeing wildlife is to be respectful of the animals and keeping your distance. In fact, you can be fined thousands of dollars if you are too close to the wildlife. And do not, under any circumstances, leave trash or food outdoors in an unsecured area because as you’ll see on signs all over the park, a fed bear is a dead bear.
Now that you know to keep your distance and take out your trash, here are a few places to possibly see wildlife in the Smokies.
Cades Cove
Cades Cove is about an hour drive from the Sugarlands Visitors Center through a winding road. It’s beautiful and goes by quickly since there is so much to view along the way. The Cove is a one-way 11-mile road that snakes through a valley amongst the mountains. It is rich in history and wildlife. Be sure to stop at the information center on your way in and grab the Cades Cove guidebook for a $1. It helps to explain what you’ll see along the way.
Cades Cove was one of the earliest settlements in the area dotted with log cabins and primitive churches. The coolest part is that you can explore them all. My kids absolutely loved checking out these buildings that dated in the 1800s. They look like something out of an old movie and are a unique part of the experience.
My favorite stop is always at the Primitive Baptist Church, which dates back to the mid-1800s and set off the main road. We love to explore the old building and twice have stumbled upon people singing or making music – once was a youth group and their leader with a guitar singing worship songs and the other was an older gentleman playing a harp. The setting, the music, all of it made it easy to picture what this place may have been like when people lived there all those years ago.
As we traveled through the Cove, we pulled over many times, as signs instruct you to do if you want to stop, and jumped out to take photos of the mountains and log cabins. We have seen bears and other wildlife every time we have visited Cades Cove.
There are multiple signs along the route that urge visitors to stay 50 yards away from wildlife because they can be dangerous and result in injury or death. Nevertheless, we saw many people getting way too close to these bears, including a mama and her cubs. Remember you are in their home and you have to be careful. Basically, use common sense.
There is no charge to enter Cades Cove but you must have a parking pass. With the weather changing quickly at times and icy winters, always check with the Visitors Center or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Twitter account to make sure the road to Cades Cove is open.
Biking Cades Cove
Cades Cove is closed to vehicles every Wednesday during the summer months (it starts on May 1, 2024) and in my opinion, this is the absolute best way to see Cades Cove. It is so peaceful without the noise from the cars and motorcycles. I’ve done this twice with my kids and both times were amazing. We camped there one of the times, which made it easy to get an early start on the bike loop and the other time, we stayed about 45 minutes away and just got there early, around 8:30am. Both times I’ve biked the loop, it took us about four hours just because we stopped so many times at the cabins to check them out.
We brought our bikes but you can rent them from the Cades Cove campground store. They don’t take reservations so you need to get there early. They start renting bikes at 7 am and are usually sold out by 8:30 am. They rent by the hour so if you decide to go later in the day, there’s a decent chance they will have some bikes back from those who went out in the morning. Prices are $10/hour for age 15 and under and $15/adult.
Roaring Fork Motor Trail
Accessed from traffic light #8 off the main strip in Gatlinburg, the Roaring Fork Motor Trail is a 5.5 mile one-way loop that includes access to popular hiking trails like Rainbow Falls and Grotto Falls. You can also stop at the Noah Bud Ogle cabin and take the short hike to the creek and back, which is just beautiful. There are other historical spots to stop at along the way.
Since the road is very narrow, if a bear is spotted, you’ll likely be caught in a bear jam for awhile as tourists will want to stop and take photos. Keep your distance from those cuddly creatures. I’ve seen bears and turkeys during my travels through Roaring Fork. The first time I drove through the trail was with the Pink Jeep tour – it was fascinating because I learned so much about the history of the area. I highly recommend that tour!
Oconaluftee Visitors Center
As mentioned above, there is an elk herd at the Oconaluftee Visitors Center. They are usually out in the open field next to the Visitors Center or down the road a bit. If you don’t see them, they are probably just in the woods. I have been at this place at all hours during the day and have usually seen elk there. I’ve also seen elk on the way over to Cherokee, NC just outside the borders of the park.
There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and tourists always go to just a few of the trails, notably Laurel Falls, Alum Cave, and Grotto Falls. The only one I have not been to of those is Laurel Falls because I don’t want to deal with the crowds. My best piece of advice is to get to wherever you want to go early, like at sunrise or before, if you want to find parking and avoid the mass of tourists. While there is no admission fee to enter the Smokies (they cannot charge one by law) but they have instituted parking fees.
Need to know: Dogs are not allowed (except on two trails)
One important point to note about hiking in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is that dogs are not allowed on any trails except two (and they must be leashed): the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconoluftee River Trail. This is for the safety of both the dogs and wildlife. If you are caught with your dog on a trail by a Ranger, you will be asked to leave and likely fined.
Alum Cave
This trail is so cool and it’s not hard to figure out why it’s beloved by tourists and locals alike. The pinnacle of the hike is to a cave-like rock outcrop that is more like a bluff than a cave. The views are beautiful and you can walk through stunning scenery the whole way. It’s about a five-mile round trip hike to Alum Cave and back. If you want to keep going to Mt. LeConte, another popular place, then you’ll be hiking about 10 miles in total. You can stay at Mt. LeConte at the lodge there but reservations are hard to come by!
Mt. LeConte
I’ve hiked Mt. LeConte via Alum Cave with my daughters (they were 8 and 12 at the time) and it was fantastic. The steepest part was right after Alum Cave and near the top of the mountain. The views were spectacular and hanging out at the lodge was fun. We hiked to the Cliff Tops viewpoint, which added about another .75 miles to the hike. It was worth it. We felt like we were on top of the world.
We bought the sack lunch – my kids called it a “snack lunch” because it consisted of all their favorite snacks and a bagel – for $14 and we each got a commemorative t-shirt that said we hiked Mt. LeConte. The gift shop opens at Noon so we had to wait a bit until it opened since apparently we got up there faster than I expected. Are we doing this again? Absolutely yes. Total mileage was around 11 miles.
We made it!
Grotto Falls
This is a beautiful waterfall you can walk behind and the route that the llamas take up to Mt. LeConte (we got to see them when we went, which was super neat!). Grotto Falls is only 2.6 miles roundtrip and it’s not a difficult hike. But you need to get there early as there is not a lot of parking at the trailhead off Roaring Fork Motor Trail. Roaring Fork is closed during the winter but you can still walk on the road to get to the trailhead, although it adds many miles to your hike.
Abrams Falls
Abrams Falls is a moderate 5.2 mile round trip hike that you have to access through Cades Cove. It’s about halfway through the 11-mile loop and you can park in a gravel lot. I loved this trail. It winds through a beautiful forest and comes out at an incredible waterfall. We went over the summer and lots of people were swimming. We even saw a family of otters!
Midnight Hole
On the North Carolina side of the park is a super popular trail to Midnight Hole, a crystal clear swimming hole that is freezing – but gorgeous! It’s only a three-mile hike and not hard. We even got to see some horseback riders on the trail. If you go only about a quarter mile further past Midnight Hole, you’ll get to see Mouse Creek Falls.
Deep Creek
Deep Creek is also on the North Carolina side of the national park and consists of three waterfalls and a great spot for river tubing. It’s not a hard hike but again, it’s a popular place so if you want to hike there, go early as the parking lot fills up, especially during the summer. We saw some dogs on this trail – they are not allowed – and a Ranger was about to go fine them and ask them to take their dogs out. So be aware of that rule and leave your pups at home.
Mt. Cammerer
Mt. Cammerer is an awesome trail because it ends at a spectacular lookout/fire tower. To get there is a beast though. My daughters and I tracked about 12 miles total and it was really hard. We started at the Cosby campground and it took us about seven hours total. As cool as the fire tower was, especially when we went in the fall, I’m not sure I’d do this one again!
Other Trails
There are a lot of amazing trails throughout the park and it doesn’t take much time to find some of the less traveled ones – Google is helpful, as is this popular Facebook group. We have also hiked the short trail to the Elijah Oliver homestead in Cades Cove – it’s just a mile but is off the beaten path and totally worth the walk. I have a long list of other hikes I want to do in the Smokies. Do your own research and find your next adventure on the trails there!
We took a whitewater rafting trip on the Lower Pigeon River with Smoky Mountain Outdoors and had a blast. They have several different trips but the one we did was best for smaller kids – they allow kids ages 3 and up, which is great for families. The Upper Pigeon River has more rapids and kids need to be at least 8 years old for that trip. Make sure you check their website when making a reservation since they often have great deals online.
Other places to go whitewater rafting are Smoky Mountain River Rat and Rafting in the Smokies.
The Townsend Wye swimming hole is a lot of fun in the summer. We brought our own tubes and towels and hung out there for a couple hours. You can chill in the water or take your tube down the small rapids or swim as it is deep enough. It’s right at the Townsend, TN entrance to the park and not too far from Cades Cove.
You can also swim at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area and Greenbrier swimming hole outside Gatlinburg. You may see that The Sinks is a popular swimming hole but we do not recommend this place as several drownings have happened there. Always use caution wherever you choose to swim.
I’ve tubed in Deep Creek a few times and while the water is really cold, it’s also a lot of fun! You have to walk the trail back to the starting point every time but it’s totally worth it and pretty cheap, especially if you bring your own tubes. A new rule that the national park has instituted is that every child ages 13 and under must wear a life jacket while tubing. Here are some places to go tubing in the Smoky Mountains:
They have two tubing locations in East Tennessee near the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area: 205 Wears Valley Road, Townsend (Ages 3+) 8435 State Highway 73, Townsend (Ages 6+)
Tubing passes for both outposts are $16.99 (6-12 years old) and $21.99 (13+ years) in advance online. Day of tickets online are $26.99/adult and $21.99/kids. Walk-in ticket purchases are $30+. Dog passes start at $14.99.
Every time we’ve got to the Smokies, we have seen fisherman in the creeks and rivers that run through the park. As long as you have a fishing license, you can fish the 2,900 miles of streams and creeks within the park. Take a look at the Smokies website to get all the best information and rules on trout fishing within the park.
I think the park harbors many secrets just given its history (read about it before you go!) but there are some pretty incredible things to see here that you’ll find hardly anywhere else.
Synchronous Fireflies
These fireflies are very unique because unlike other fireflies, they will light up all at the same time, which is quite the show. Because they are so cool, the Park severely limits visitors during May and June to the areas where the fireflies light up because humans have done so much damage to the environment over the years. To see the fireflies, you have to enter the lottery, which costs a dollar. If you manage to win, you’ll pay a parking fee at Elkmont -around $25 – to take a shuttle into the park to see the fireflies. The lottery opens in late April just for a few days and you will be notified by mid-May if you won.
My daughters and I have seen the synchronous fireflies at Elkmont and it’s hard to describe just how special that experience was. It felt like you were walking in space with an otherworldly light show happening everywhere you looked. You’re in complete darkness and are so mesmerized by what you’re seeing that you don’t want to go anywhere. You just want to watch the magic happen.
Walker Sisters Cabin
Pick up this trail to the Walkers Sisters Cabin at Metcalf Bottoms picnic area. The cabin was built in 1859 where John and Margaret Walker lived with their 11 children. Only one of the girls married, another died a decade later, and the last five Walker sisters ended up living at the cabin together as their homestead. They stayed after the park was acquired by the U.S. Government and sold handmade items to visitors who happened upon their cabin. The trail isn’t hard and goes past an old schoolhouse and cemetery as well.
I have never gotten tired of the views of the Smokies no matter how many times I see the majestic peaks and clouds weaving through the tree tops. Here are a few places to see some incredible views.
Newfound Gap
In the other direction from Cades Cove is Newfound Gap, which is on the way to Clingmans Dome. There is a large parking lot at the pull off for the site, with plenty of viewing points and photo opportunities.
Newfound Gap sits at just over 5,000 feet above sea level and is the lowest possible pass through the park. Since it’s so high up, it gets a hefty amount of snow a year, average is 69 inches, and is about 10 degrees cooler than Gatlinburg.
The Appalachian Trail crosses here so you can take a stroll to enjoy the view and stretch your legs.
Clingmans Dome
At 6,643 feet above sea level, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Smokies, in Tennessee, and on the Appalachian Trail as well as the third highest point east of the Mississippi River.
Clingmans Dome is about 40 minutes from the Sugarlands Visitors Center and just seven miles from Newfound Gap. The road to Clingmans Dome is closed from December 1 through March 31st, although the observation tower is open year round, but can also close at other times for weather to be sure to check to make sure its open before you go.
The drive up there is stunning. You feel like you’re one top of the world and can see into Tennessee and North Carolina on clear days. The parking lot for Clingmans Dome sits a half mile from the observation deck and it’s a steep hike up there. It’s straight up and not suitable for people with health problems, strollers, or wheelchairs. Don’t worry too much if you can’t make it to the top because the views from the parking lot are amazing.
The storied Appalachian Trail runs through the Great Smoky Mountains and up to Clingmans Dome and you can take a short part of it on the way up or down to the observation tower if you like. It connects to the Clingmans Dome Trail for a total length of almost a mile to the parking lot or back, one way. The vegetation is so vastly different from that of the parks and trails near Greenville that is feels like you’re in another world. It’s beautiful.
Once you huff and puff your way to the top of the observation tower, you’ll be rewarded with a 360 degree view of the park. I’ve seen so many stunning photos of both the sunrise and sunset from this point and while I’m not hiking up there in the dark, the views during the day are breathtaking. It is absolutely worth it to hike up there (maybe bribe the kids with a snack when you get to the top).
The history of the area surrounding Clingmans Dome goes back to the Cherokee tribe as they were pushed out of their lands and walked through what is known as the “Trail of Tears.” Even with the crowds up there, I found the area to be peaceful, especially as we took the trail from the observation tower back down to the parking lot where we only saw a handful of people. Perhaps those spirits of the Cherokee still linger.
Foothills Parkway
Don’t miss the less traveled Foothills Parkway, where you’ll be rewarded with less traffic and beautiful views of the Smokies. This was the first place I stopped on my maiden visit to the national park and it did not disappoint.
I’ve done a lot of things in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and it’s really hard to choose my favorites but I’ll try. You can see more things to do and reviews in our larger guide to the Gatlinburg area.
Anakeesta
I think this mountaintop village is amazing. You can either take an open air chondala or ride up to Anakeesta in a huge truck to the top. Once there, you can run through the treetops on swinging bridges, eat lunch or dinner while enjoying beautiful views, climb the highest tower on a mountain, go zip lining and ride the mountain coaster, play on the forest-themed play areas, and cool off in the splash pad.
Sky Bridge
You can see the Sky Bridge from downtown Gatlinburg and it’s no wonder you can: it’s the longest pedestrian bridge in North America. They have two glass floor partitions on the swinging bridge which will probably test your courage. There are short trails at the top and a new Tulip Tower to climb plus a cool gift shop and snack bar.
Dollywood
The iconic theme park is a lot of fun for families as it has areas for little and big kids plus a locomotive train and awesome shows. Dollywood at Christmas is especially fun with the unique shows and massive display of Christmas lights.
Take a boat ride in an underground lake at the Lost Sea Adventure. This is absolutely as cool as it sounds.
Smoky Mountain Llama Treks
This is on my bucket list and one of the things I really, really want to do in the Smokies. You can hike with llamas with Smoky Mountain Llama Treks and I am sure this is super cool.
Where to Stay Near Great Smoky Mountain National Park
There are lovely campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. I’ve stayed at Elkmont, the Cosby one (quiet and spacious) and the Cades Cove one, which is beautiful and also pretty spacious, plus right next to the Cove. Greenbrier and Smokemont are other popular campgrounds.
There are so many great spots to stay: theMargaritaville Island Hotel in Pigeon Forge, Greystone Lodge in Gatlinburg, the Go Lodge, Westgate Smokies, Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort, Camp LeConte, Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge, The Ridge Outdoor Resort, and Wilderness at the Smokies. This Gatlinburg area guide has several options and reviews.
Where to Eat Near Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Your best bet is to bring food with you for a day at the park. We enjoyed probably the best pancakes I’ve ever had at the Little House of Pancakes in Gatlinburg one of the mornings and brought lunch and snacks the rest of the time. The nearest Walmart Supercenter is 25 minutes north in Sevierville.
Townsend is the nearest town to Cades Cove and there are a few places on the way back to Pigeon Forge if you drive through there. We ate at Paw Paw’s Catfish Kitchen, which had a great selection of catfish, crawfish, and gumbo.
With one of our national treasures being so close to Greenville – and nearly free! – it is absolutely worth the time to make a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
