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Tennessee is a state of striking contrasts. Misty mountain peaks rise in the east, while broad river valleys stretch across the west. Many visitors head straight to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but Tennessee offers much more. The state is home to 13 National Park Service sites, each telling a different story of American history and natural beauty.
Exploring these sites often means dealing with winding mountain roads, long drives, and extended stays. Whether you are driving a pickup truck or pulling a gooseneck trailer, knowing the terrain and planning for your vehicle’s needs helps ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
What You’ll Learn
In this guide, we will answer:
Which National Park Service sites in Tennessee are worth visiting beyond the Smokies?
What natural and historical experiences define Tennessee’s national parks?
How can travelers plan efficiently for multi-park trips across the state?
Overview
The Crown Jewel: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains is America’s most visited national park for a reason. World-renowned for its biodiversity and the "smoky" mist that clings to its ancient ridges, the park offers over 500,000 acres of accessible wilderness.
Kuwohi: The Highest Point in Tennessee
Formerly known as Clingmans Dome, renamed Kuwohi in late 2024 to honor Cherokee heritage
The highest point in Tennessee is at 6,643 feet
Accessible by a steep half-mile paved walk to the observation tower
Offers 360-degree views that can extend over 100 miles on clear days
Historic Preservation in Cades Cove
One of the park’s most popular areas for history enthusiasts
A scenic valley that functions as an open-air museum
Preserves over 80 historic structures, including log cabins, three churches, and a working grist mill
Features an 11-mile one-way loop road
A prime location for spotting white-tailed deer, black bears, and turkeys
Can become crowded during peak travel seasons
Things To Do In Great Smoky Mountains
Great Smoky Mountains National Park features ancient peaks, misty forests, and a wide range of outdoor experiences.
Drive the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop for wildlife viewing and historic homesteads.
Hike the steep half-mile trail to the observation tower at the park’s highest point for wide mountain views.
Visit waterfalls like Laurel Falls for an easy walk or Grotto Falls, where you can walk behind the cascade.
Travel Newfound Gap Road to see changing forests and cooler temperatures at higher elevations.
Camp at developed campgrounds that can accommodate trailers and pickup trucks.
Explore the Elkmont Ghost Town to see abandoned cottages from a former logging community.
Checklist for Camping in the Smokies
Book Early: Reservations for popular campgrounds like Elkmont or Cades Cove often fill up six months in advance.
Bear Safety: Strictly use the provided food lockers; black bears are highly active and will investigate any scented cargo or storage.
Prepare for "Smoky" Weather: Pack high-quality waterproof gear, as rapid elevation changes often lead to unexpected rain and mist.
Mind the Grades: When hauling heavy loads, use lower gears on steep descents to prevent brake overheating and maintain stability.
Buy Local Wood: To protect the forest from invasive pests, only burn heat-treated wood purchased within the park.
Check Your Hitch: Before heading into the mountains, double-check your coupler connection and latch to ensure everything is secure for winding terrain.
Waterfalls and Wildflowers: Hiking in Tennessee
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Tennessee, hit the trails. The Smokies feature over 800 miles of maintained paths, ranging from easy strolls to strenuous climbs.
Waterfalls of East Tennessee
The park is renowned as one of Tennessee's best national parks, featuring waterfalls.
Abrams Falls: Though only 20 feet high, the volume of water rushing over the ledge into a deep pool makes it one of the most powerful and popular sites.
Laurel Falls: A paved 2.6-mile round-trip hike leads to an 80-foot waterfall, making it a top choice for families.
Grotto Falls: Located on the Trillium Gap Trail, this is the only waterfall in the park that you can actually walk behind.
Wildlife Wonders: Salamanders and Fireflies
The Smokies are often called the "Salamander Capital of the World". You can find these elusive creatures in damp areas near streams, particularly around the waterfalls of East Tennessee.
Another magical experience is the Synchronous Fireflies event. Each year in late May or early June, thousands of fireflies in the Elkmont area flash in unison. Because of its popularity, the NPS uses a lottery system for parking passes at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, with shuttles transporting visitors to the site.
Beyond the Smokies: Tennessee’s Hidden Gems
Tennessee’s NPS portfolio extends far beyond the mountains.
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Located on the Cumberland Plateau, Big South Fork offers a more rugged and less crowded alternative to the Smokies. It is a premier destination for campsites in East Tennessee, especially for horse travelers, as it offers over 200 miles of equestrian trails.
Shiloh National Military Park
Considered one of the best-preserved battlefields in the U.S., Shiloh commemorates the 1862 battle that saw nearly 24,000 casualties. Visitors can tour the site via a self-guided driving tour or explore the Shiloh Indian Mounds, remnants of a prehistoric village dating back 800 years.
Logistics: Planning Your Road Trip
The drive from the Great Smoky Mountains to Nashville takes about four hours using I-40. That is the fastest route, but some of the most challenging driving happens off the highway. Local mountain roads are narrow, steep, and often crowded during peak seasons.
Towing and Vehicle Setup
If you plan to camp in the Smokies with an RV or haul heavy gear, proper vehicle setup matters. Mountain terrain puts extra strain on your truck and trailer, especially on long climbs and steep descents.
Key points to keep in mind:
Choose a vehicle with enough towing and payload capacity for mountainous driving.
Make sure the weight is evenly distributed to reduce trailer sway on downhill grades.
Use lower gears on steep roads to maintain control and reduce brake wear.
For gooseneck trailers:
Make sure the gooseneck hitch is securely mounted over the rear axle for maximum stability.
Use a gooseneck conversion or adapter when switching from a bumper pull setup to improve handling and tight turns, especially in areas like Elkmont.
Check tire pressure, coupler connections, and safety latches before driving roads such as Newfound Gap Road.
Final Thoughts: Turning Challenges Into Meaningful Travel
Tennessee’s national parks reward those who prepare. When logistics, terrain, and timing are handled with care, the focus shifts back to what matters most. Connection to place, history, and the journey itself. With the right planning, the challenges fade, and the experience becomes exactly what it should be. Memorable, grounding, and worth every mile
Plan the Journey With AmeriFreight Auto Transport
Exploring Tennessee’s national parks takes preparation, especially when long distances, mountain roads, or towing are involved. If moving your vehicle feels like one challenge too many, AmeriFreight Auto Transport can help.
With more than 20 years of experience coordinating vehicle shipments, we help make travel planning simpler and less stressful. We work with vetted carriers to help ensure your vehicle arrives safely.
That way, you can focus on the parks, the history, and the journey ahead, not the logistics of getting there. Get your free, no obligation quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are the Smoky Mountains part of the Blue Ridge Mountains?
Yes, the Smokies are a subrange of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are themselves a major province of the Appalachian Mountains. This connection explains the similar geological features and the characteristic blue haze seen across the region.
What are the best places to find salamanders in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Salamanders thrive in the park's cool, moist environments. The best places to look are under rocks in or near streams, particularly along the Trillium Gap Trail near Grotto Falls or the Porters Creek Trail.
How many historic structures are preserved in the Cades Cove area?
There are over 80 historic structures preserved in Cades Cove, including cabins, barns, and mills, which provide a window into the lives of the Southern Appalachian mountain culture.
What is the best time of year to see the Synchronous Fireflies in the Smokies?
The peak viewing period usually occurs during a two-week window in late May or early June.
Is it permitted to camp overnight in the backcountry areas near Elkmont?
Yes, but you must obtain a backcountry permit and stay at designated campsites in East Tennessee. The Elkmont area is popular, so booking well in advance via the NPS website is required.
