At over 6,600 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s also the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi River. It’s a great place to visit for the view or as the starting point for several of the park’s trails. The observation tower will give you sweeping 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains. On a clear day, the view can be as far as a hundred miles. Because of the elevation, be prepared for temperatures that can be as much as 20 degrees Fahrenheit colder than in lower elevations. The area can also be crowded during the busy season, which includes both summer and the fall foliage season.

For a taste of the history of the area and some of the settlers who inhabited what is now the park, a visit to Cades Cover is a must. Here you’ll find a valley lush with valley full of wildlife, including white-tail deer, black bears and coyotes. The area is also home to three old churches, barns and a working mill, all remnants of the early 19^th century settlers. There are abundant opportunities to see both the natural beauty and history that make the park so special. An 11-mile one way road encircles the area. You can take it at your own pace and pull off to explore or for pictures. The area is very popular, so make sure you plan to avoid crowds if possible.

The Laurel Falls are an 80-foot waterfall that’s easily accessible via the Laurel Falls Trail. The falls are the picturesque and highest in the park and a great spot to take in some of the park’s natural beauty or get some amazing pictures. The trail is a 2.5 mile out and back trail that will lead you through the woods to the falls. Along the way, you may see some of the park’s wildlife including deer and black bears. The trail has a bit of an incline, but it should be manageable for most people. It’s very popular, so try to arrive early or during the off-season.