Smoky Mountain Area Activities

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park
As the United States most visited National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Established in the 1930s to preserve the natural beauty of the southern Appalachian Mountains, the park is host to a rich diversity of plant and animal life and is an ideal place to connect with nature. Here, you can fly fish year round, take your family camping at one of the many park campgrounds, explore hundreds of miles of natural trails, test out your wildlife photography skills, or jump on a horse to explore the park. Friends of the Smokies supports and promotes the national park by continuous fundraising, so consider becoming a friend to support the place you visit and love - The Great Smoky Mountains. Membership also gives you discounts to Dollywood, OberGatlinburg, Ripley's Aquarium and more!

Hiking
Hiking is a very enjoyable pastime for Smoky Mountain land and property owners and it is one of the best ways to truly explore the area. In the winter you will have the opportunity to see the long range Smoky Mountain views as the hardwood trees shed their leaves. In the summer and spring you'll be treated to a delightful aroma of newly blossomed mountain laurel and other native plants. And of course in the fall the trails will truly allow you to take in the majestic orange, yellow and red colors of the autumn Smoky Mountain landscape. At The Homestead, you'll have access to several hundred miles of well manicured hiking trails in your own backyard. Or, you can take a special trip to the Smoky Mountain National Park and hike one of their 150 recognized trails.

Fishing
One of the most popular recreational activities in the Smoky Mountains is trout fishing. And close by you'll find no shortage of rivers and streams. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park itself boasts about 2,115 miles of streams within its boundaries open for fishing. Grab your pole and test your ability to catch that fish that you'll be talking about for years to come.

Wildlife Viewing & Photography
The Smoky Mountains are home to a diverse wilderness, ripe with opportunities for wildlife viewing and wilderness photography. In the Smoky Mountains you're certain to see white-tailed deer, black bear, raccoon, turkeys, and woodchucks. Just remember it's best to leave wild animals undisturbed so be sure to maintain a respectable distance and enjoy the view!

Golfing
The Great Smoky Mountains offer a very unique setting for golf. You'll find several golf courses in the immediate area around The Homestead with some of the most picturesque mountain views in the distance. Grab your clubs and test your skills!

Camping
There is no shortage of campgrounds within and outside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park if you are looking for an opportunity to "rough it" for a few days. Many campgrounds in the area offer basic amenities such as restrooms and shower facilities.

White Water Rafting
Feeling a little adventurous? You might consider trying white water rafting. There is nothing quite as exciting as taking a ride down an untamed river. In the Smoky Mountain area you'll find several outfitters to arrange excursions for you and your family.

Horse Back Riding
One of the best ways to see the Eastern Tennessee countryside is the old-fashioned way, on horseback. You can saddle up your horse at many stables throughout the area. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has several alone within its boundaries making it easy to explore the mountains on 550 miles of trails open to horseback riding.