5 Top Free Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
A vacation to the Smoky Mountains comes with many opportunities for making memories of a lifetime. The area is filled with attractions, shopping, dining and more. However, during your time here you’ll also find many ways to have just as much fun but for free. We wanted to get you started by sharing with you some of our favorite things to do for free while staying at our Sevierville hotel.
Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the only national parks that doesn’t require an entrance fee. You can take a scenic drive through the park, hike the trails and splash in the streams for free. Cades Cove is a perfect place for a picnic and wildlife viewing. Catch the sunrise or sunset at Clingmans or Newfound Gap. At the Sugarlands Visitors Center near Gatlinburg, you can watch a film about the park and tour the museum for free. If you’re visiting with the children, check out the seasonal ranger-led programs. In early spring you can also participate in Junior Ranger Day. A day filled with hands-on activities, demonstrations, walks, and crafts. Check the park’s website for other opportunities throughout the year.
Wilderness Wildlife Week
Wilderness Wildlife Week is a free celebration of the great outdoors and is held every year in May. The indoor portion of the celebration is held at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge and includes workshops, exhibits, activities for families and more. The outdoor features of the week are a wonderful mix of guided hikes, photo-focused exploring, bus tours and sometimes even rafting.
The event will be held this year from May 7th – May 11th and all activities are open to the public and free.
Tour Local Landmarks
While visiting with us, be sure to take a day and explore our city. Sevierville is filled with beauty, history and interesting facts. Check out the Harrisburg Covered Bridge and stop by for a photo with the statue of our hometown sweetheart, Dolly. Just down the road from our hotel, you’ll find the Apple Barn, one of the most loved spots in the area. To read more about our local landmarks, read our blog “Sevierville Tourism: Top 4 Landmarks in town.”
The Great Smoky Mountains Arts and Crafts Community
Located 3 miles from downtown Gatlinburg, the 8-mile loop road is filled with Artists and Craftsmen. Within the Great Smoky Mountains Arts and Crafts Community, you’ll have opportunities to watch as artists share their gifts and to talk with them about their craft. Each shop offers plenty of free parking. You’ll find food shops and more along the way as well.
Ole Smoky Moonshine Music
Ole Smoky Moonshine is located in Gatlinburg as well as in Pigeon Forge at The Island. Both spots have an outdoor seating area with daily live music that you can enjoy for free. On May 7th they’ll also be hosting a free concert with The Band Perry at their Island location. That’s also the same time that Wilderness Wildlife Week will be happening at the LeConte center nearby. It will definitely be a great week to be in town and save money as well!
The opportunities that we have listed are just a few of the many chances that you’ll have to experience fun for free while on vacation in the Smokies. As guests at our hotel, you’ll also have, a free complimentary breakfast, seasonal pool access, fire pits to relax by, cookies in the afternoon, free parking, free wifi and more. The more save on the little things, the longer you can stay and explore.
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