Great Smoky Mountains National Park Among Top Free Attractions in the U.S.
When planning a vacation, it can be ideal to visit areas that offer fun and free attractions, as the money you can save along the way can make your getaway much more affordable than it might be otherwise. Fortunately, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the top free attractions in the United States, having just been recognized by USA today on their list of the best free attractions in the country. Read on to learn more about why Great Smoky Mountains National Park has received this recognition and more free things to do in the area:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Recognized
USA Today has released their 2024 list of the best free attractions in the United States, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been recognized with the number 8 spot on the list! With no admission fee and only a small parking fee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an excellent choice for travelers looking to explore natural beauty without spending tons of money. It is no surprise that visitors love coming to this amazing destination, making it the most visited National Park in the country during 2023.
Top Things to Do at the Park
When you visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you will have lots of options for how to spend your time. You can go hiking along any of the park’s over 850 miles of trails, take a scenic drive, discover historic buildings such as the John Oliver Cabin, look to spot native wildlife like the area’s famous black bears, and tons more. You can also go camping at Great Smoky Mountains National Park to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area during your trip. Some of the most popular places to visit within Great Smoky Mountains National Park include Cades Cove, the Laurel Falls Trail, and Clingmans Dome.
More Free Things to Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
While you are here in the Smoky Mountains, you will have plenty of other choices for things to do in addition to exploring the park. And the best part is, there are several free things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge that can keep your vacation affordable! For instance, you can stroll along the Gatlinburg Strip and breathe the fresh mountain air while taking in the sights of the area’s shops, restaurants, attractions, and more. You can also ride the free Gatlinburg trolley for a quick and easy way to get around town! The Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community is another excellent spot to visit, as you can interact with local artisans and learn about the processes they use to create their works of art. Many of the pieces are available for purchase, but simply browsing is lots of fun!
As you can see, the Smoky Mountains are an incredible vacation destination for anyone looking to enjoy an amazing and memorable getaway without dropping tons of cash. With Great Smoky Mountains National Park having been recognized as one of the best free attractions in the United States, plenty of free activities in the nearby towns, and lots more to love, you are sure to have a great time when you come to visit the Smokies. Plus, you can check out some of our best coupons and specials to discover even more ways to save money in the Smoky Mountains!