- Discover off-season adventures in the Smokies, from Cades Cove to ziplining.
- Explore historic sites like Elkmont Ghost Town and Cataloochee Valley’s elk herds.
- Enjoy family-friendly waterfall hikes, scenic drives, and local artisan shopping.
- Sample moonshine, wine, and cider, or take in mountain views from Gatlinburg’s top attractions.
- Plan your next rafting trip with Smoky Mountain Outdoors; online bookings open now!
When Smoky Mountain Outdoors wraps up its whitewater rafting season, a whole new world of adventure opens up. Whether you’re a returning or first-time visitor to Gatlinburg and the Smokies, the off-season is packed with hidden gems, local flavors, and unforgettable views. Keep reading for fun things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains:
1. Spend the Day in Cades Cove: More Than Just a Scenic Drive
Cades Cove is a must-see, especially after rafting season winds down. Rent a bike at the Cades Cove Campground Store and cruise past open meadows, historic cabins, and grazing deer. Prefer horseback? The Cades Cove Riding Stables offers guided rides, carriage tours, and hayrides.
Don’t miss the historic Carter Shields Cabin, Becky Cable House, and Primitive Baptist Church. For hikers, the Abrams Falls Trail (5 miles roundtrip) is a favorite, as well as the easy Cades Cove Nature Trail and the lesser-known Ace Gap Trail.
2. Explore Elkmont Ghost Town: Step Into Smoky Mountain History
Elkmont isn’t just a ghost town; it’s a living storybook of Smoky Mountain history. Once a bustling logging camp turned resort village, Elkmont now features 18 preserved buildings, including the whimsical Daisy Town cabins, Appalachian Clubhouse, and Spence Cabin. Wander the quiet lanes, imagine the laughter of early vacationers, and snap photos of these lovingly restored relics. Ongoing NPS preservation ensures Elkmont remains a fascinating stop year-round.
3. Hike to a Smoky Mountain Waterfall: Family-Friendly Trails for All Seasons
The Smokies are famous for their waterfall hikes, and fall or winter is the perfect time to explore them without the crowds. Here’s a quick comparison of the best family-friendly trails that lead to Smoky Mountain waterfalls:
| Waterfall | Trail Length (Roundtrip) | Trailhead/Access Details |
|---|---|---|
| Rainbow Falls | 5.6 miles | Cherokee Orchard Road, 1,500 ft elevation gain |
| Hen Wallow Falls | 4.3 miles | Gabes Mountain Trail near Cosby Picnic Area |
| Mouse Creek Falls | 4 miles | Big Creek Trail, parking at Big Creek Picnic Area |
| Spruce Flat Falls | ~2 miles | Great Smoky Mountain Institute at Tremont area |
4. Have a Picnic in Cosby: Relax by the Creek
Looking for a quieter corner of the Smokies? Head to one of the top Smoky Mountain picnic areas in the Cosby area, open mid-April to late October. With 35 picnic sites, a pavilion, and easy access to hiking and fishing, it’s a perfect spot for a family lunch or a lazy afternoon by the creek. The nearby Foothills Parkway offers a scenic drive with four overlooks, ideal for leaf-peeping or sunset photos.
5. Drive Through the Cataloochee Valley: Elk, History, and Solitude
Cataloochee Valley, on the North Carolina side of the park, is a hidden gem for wildlife lovers. Elk were reintroduced here in 2001 and now thrive in the open fields. The best times for elk viewing are early morning and late evening; just remember to stay at least 50 yards away (it’s the law!).
This is one of the best Smoky Mountain scenic drives for historic buildings and a peaceful alternative to more crowded areas.
6. Sample Local Moonshine, Wine, and Hard Cider: Cheers to the Smokies!
The Gatlinburg Wine Trail is a delicious way to explore local flavors. Stroll between stops like Tennessee Homemade Wines, Tennessee Cider Company, Smokin’ Banjo, and Old Mountain Wine Company in downtown Gatlinburg, then finish at the combo location at Tanger Outlets in Sevierville.
For moonshine fans, Bootleggers Distillery in Hartford ( near the SMO rafting outpost!) offers tastings and tours seven days a week.
7. Take the Kids Fishing at Gatlinburg City Parks
Introduce your kids to fishing at Herbert Holt Park or Mynatt Park in Gatlinburg. Both parks feature children’s-only streams, and kids 12 and under do not need a Tennessee fishing license in Gatlinburg’s city parks or national park streams.
8. Browse Gatlinburg’s Arts & Crafts Community: Handmade Treasures Await
The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is a haven for local artisans. Shop for handmade brooms, pottery, leather goods, jewelry, soaps, quilts, and more. If you’re visiting in October, don’t miss the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair at the Convention Center: over 200 booths, live music, and artisan demos make it a can’t-miss event!
9. Take in the Views from Downtown Gatlinburg: Sky-High Adventures
For panoramic mountain views and family fun, check out Gatlinburg SkyPark (home to the iconic yellow chair SkyLift and the record-breaking SkyBridge), Anakeesta (with its Crystal Express all-glass gondolas, treetop skywalk, and more), and Ober Gatlinburg (Aerial Tram, year-round activities).
Each offers unique attractions, dining, and entertainment, perfect for a day of fun in the Great Smoky Mountains!
10. Go Ziplining with CLIMB Works: Soar Above the Smokies
If you’re craving adrenaline after rafting season, CLIMB Works is your ticket to adventure. Choose from the Mountaintop Zipline (six dual ziplines, four sky bridges, ATV ride, and a controlled rappel) or the Treetop Zipline. Open year-round and just minutes from Gatlinburg, it’s a thrilling way to see the Smokies from a whole new angle. (Minimum age 7; weight limits apply.)
Q&A: Things to Do in the Great Smoky Mountains
What months is whitewater rafting closed in the Smokies?
Whitewater rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors is closed from November through February. The rafting season opens in March, and online bookings are open now.
Do I need a parking tag for hiking or sightseeing in the national park?
Yes, a parking tag is required for any visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park when your vehicle is parked for more than 15 minutes, including all trailheads, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks.
Where can I see elk in the Smoky Mountains?
Elk are found in Cataloochee Valley on the North Carolina side of the park. The best viewing times are early morning and late evening. Always stay at least 50 yards away from elk for your safety and theirs.
Can kids fish without a license in Gatlinburg?
Yes! Children 12 and under do not need a Tennessee fishing license to fish at Herbert Holt Park and Mynatt Park in Gatlinburg, as well as streams in the national park.
Ready for Your Next Adventure?
From waterfalls and wildlife to ziplines and artisan fairs, there’s always something new to discover and fun things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains after whitewater rafting season.
Even when the rafts are stored away, the Smokies are bursting with things to do. Whether you’re planning a fall getaway, a winter escape, or dreaming of next year’s whitewater thrills, Smoky Mountain Outdoors is your trusted guide to adventure.
Learn more about the Smoky Mountain rafting off-season and get details about the next whitewater rafting season. It’s never too early to start planning your next rafting adventure after all!
