Cades Cove
Explore the 11-mile loop around the historic log buildings, postcard-perfect views, and local wildlife of Cades Cove.
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Mountain Farm Museum
The Mountain Farm Museum is an oasis of calm in the chaos of the Great Smokey Mountains, America's most visited National Park. Located on the North Carolina side of the park, this living history museum doesn't experience the same traffic density as similar attractions like Cades Cove. The Museum shares a parking lot with the Oconaluftee Visitor's Center with plenty of easy parking.
Ritchie Hollow Hiking Trail
Ritchie Hollow hiking trail is a 2.7-mile point to point trail connecting a parking lot along the Tennessee River to the Davis Pond campground in Prentice Cooper State Forest. The route covers a 1,200-foot elevation gain that ramps up from a relatively level terrain to extended stretches of stairs and steep inclines. While there are occasional trail markers, junctions can be confusing, and it helps to tackle the trail with a map to cross-reference. Even so, for all its challenges, the Ritchie Hollow trail is awash in waterfalls and, with a well-deserved detour, it can conclude with one of the best views of the Tennessee River Gorge.
Lost Dutchman State Park Campground
The Lost Dutchman State Park may be located in a remote stretch of wilderness, but it is notable enough (and close enough to Pheonix, Arizona) that the campsites fill up fast. Between the views and the southwest weather, It's a popular haunt for snowbirds in the winter. Those who are lucky enough to nab a campsite, often hunker down for an extended stay. We can't really blame them. We would have too if we could.