3 Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg for Nature Lovers

For outdoor adventure seekers, there’s little that can compare to a spectacular view after an uphill hike or heart-pounding, whitewater rafting ride down the river. In the Smoky Mountains, stunning views are a regular for those who love exploring nature. For families and couples who want to dig into nature on a vacation, there are a few things to do in the Smoky Mountains that will have you feeling rested, relaxed and in tune with the outdoors in no time.

1. Hiking Trails in the Smoky Mountains

Hiking is one of the best ways to see nature in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hikers enjoy the Smoky Mountains during all months of the year with every season offering is own special rewards. During winter, the absence of deciduous leaves opens new vistas along trails and reveals stone walls, chimneys, foundations, and other reminders of past residents. Spring provides a weekly parade of wildflowers and flowering trees. In summer, walkers can seek out cool retreats among the spruce-fir forests and balds or follow splashy mountain streams to roaring falls and cascades. Autumn hikers have crisp, dry air to sharpen their senses and a varied palette of fall colors to enjoy.

Here are some of the most popular destination hikes in the park:

2. Fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has about 2,900 miles of streams within its boundaries, and protects one of the last wild trout habitats in the eastern United States. Approximately 20% of the park’s streams are large enough to support trout populations.The park offers a wide variety of angling experiences from remote, headwater trout streams to large, coolwater smallmouth bass streams. Most streams remain at or near their carrying capacity of fish and offer a great opportunity to catch these species throughout the year.

Fishing is permitted year-round in the park, from 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset. The park allows fishing in all streams.

You will need a fishing license/permit before you cast your line in the streams,

Tennessee License Requirements
Residents and nonresidents age 13 and older must have a valid license. Residents age 65 and older may obtain a special license from the state. Buy a license from the state government of Tennessee.

Season
Fishing is permitted year-round in open waters.

Daily Possession Limits
Five (5) brook, rainbow or brown trout, smallmouth bass, or a combination of these, each day or in possession, regardless of whether they are fresh, stored in an ice chest, or otherwise preserved. The combined total must not exceed five fish.

Twenty (20) rock bass may be kept in addition to the above limit.
A person must stop fishing immediately after obtaining the limit.

Size Limits
Brook, rainbow, and brown trout: 7 inch minimum
Smallmouth bass: 7 inch minimum
Rockbass: no minimum

3. Go Whitewater Rafting

In spring and summer, there’s no better way to cool off than with a wet and wild ride down the Pigeon River on a whitewater rafting adventure. Whitewater rafting in Gatlinburg TN is a great way to spend an afternoon or a full day out on the water! Plus, believe it or not, whitewater rafting is great for people of all ages. There are a variety of whitewater tours, including some that are just a relaxing ride down the river without any rapids.

Smoky Mountain Outdoors Rafting Adventures
3299 Hartford Rd
Hartford, TN 37753

Final Thoughts

Do you love spending time outside when you’re in the Smoky Mountains? What are your favorite outdoor attractions and things to do when you visit?

Trying to find the perfect place to stay for your next vacation to the mountains?