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46 Places

Free Things to Do

You do not have to spend a dime to have an incredible time in the Smokies. From the National Park itself to free shows, walking trails, and scenic overlooks.

Gatlinburg Sign Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg Sign

Iconic photo spot & city welcome

★★★★★ 4.6 (1,234 reviews)
place918 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
scheduleOpen 24 Hours
View Details →
Lumber Ridge Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Lumber Ridge Trail

Connects Meigs Creek & Mountain

★★★★★ 4.595591083974204 (591 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Albright Grove Loop Great Smoky Mountains NP

Albright Grove Loop

Old-growth forest hike loop

★★★★★ 4.532233040290432 (581 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Kanati Fork Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Kanati Fork Trail

Trail from Gap to Divide

★★★★★ 4.6287096586158745 (576 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Crib Gap Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Crib Gap Trail

Trail from Anthony Creek to Turkeypen

★★★★★ 4.565400326305724 (554 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Gold Mine Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Gold Mine Trail

Hiking trail to Cane Creek

★★★★★ 4.73347003832755 (530 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Forney Creek Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Forney Creek Trail

Long trail from Jonas to Forney

★★★★★ 4.528654228884064 (529 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Juney Whank Falls Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Juney Whank Falls Trail

Waterfall near Deep Creek

★★★★★ 4.664500499566519 (525 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Greenbrier Ridge Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Greenbrier Ridge Trail

Connects Middle Prong to AT

★★★★★ 4.850510953901802 (501 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Tunnel Bypass Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Tunnel Bypass Trail

Short trail bypass around road tunnel

★★★★★ 4.661871417515115 (493 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Sweat Heifer Creek Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Sweat Heifer Creek Trail

Hiking trail connecting Kephart Prong to Appala...

★★★★★ 4.777736005504437 (481 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Cooper Road Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Cooper Road Trail

Historic road to Hatcher Mountain

★★★★★ 4.672013446104068 (477 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Maddron Bald Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Maddron Bald Trail

Old-growth forest to Albright Grove

★★★★★ 4.869523837884459 (470 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Bradley Fork Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Bradley Fork Trail

Streamside trail from Smokemont

★★★★★ 4.692239315341487 (469 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Goldmine Loop Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Goldmine Loop Trail

Loop trail with Tunnel Bypass

★★★★★ 4.578588075426136 (440 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
West Prong Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

West Prong Trail

Trail from Tremont to Bote Mountain

★★★★★ 4.856791243495768 (439 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Mingus Creek Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Mingus Creek Trail

From Mingus Mill to Newton Bald

★★★★★ 4.778969423508011 (420 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Grassy Branch Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Grassy Branch Trail

Trail connecting to Dry Sluice

★★★★★ 4.631630894104788 (418 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Cataloochee Divide Trail North Carolina

Cataloochee Divide Trail

Ridge trail with scenic views

★★★★★ 4.577512310041989 (406 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Finley Cane Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Finley Cane Trail

Easy trail from Turkeypen to Lead

★★★★★ 4.61849201928752 (399 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Old Settlers Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Old Settlers Trail

Trail through historic settlements

★★★★★ 4.565500477437768 (367 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Forney Ridge Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Forney Ridge Trail

Trail to Clingmans Dome area

★★★★★ 4.794005434316037 (354 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Bullhead Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Bullhead Trail

Wildflower-filled route to LeConte

★★★★★ 4.892048569360152 (348 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Grapeyard Ridge Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Grapeyard Ridge Trail

Long trail from Roaring Fork

★★★★★ 4.66356341397183 (341 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Historic Downtown Dandridge Dandridge

Historic Downtown Dandridge

Tennessee's second-oldest town, founded 1783

★★★★★ 4.7 (320 reviews)
placeDowntown Dandridge, TN 37725
scheduleDawn to Dusk · Free
phone(865) 397-7420
languageVisit Website View Details →
Little River (Fishing) Great Smoky Mountains NP

Little River (Fishing)

Popular Trout Fishing Spot

★★★★★ 4.7 (300 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
schedule30 min before sunrise to 30 min after sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Boulevard Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Boulevard Trail

High-elevation trail to Mount LeConte

★★★★★ 4.590705967313916 (292 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Anthony Creek Trail Townsend

Anthony Creek Trail

Scenic creekside trail

★★★★★ 4.699884376511065 (285 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Beech Gap Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Beech Gap Trail

Trail linking Benton MacKaye & Hyatt

★★★★★ 4.580487140555509 (280 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Hughes Ridge Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Hughes Ridge Trail

Ridge connecting Bradley to Enloe

★★★★★ 4.515252711928765 (271 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Turkeypen Ridge Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Turkeypen Ridge Trail

Connects Schoolhouse Gap to Finley Cane

★★★★★ 4.761719591596828 (262 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Hemphill Bald Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Hemphill Bald Trail

Ridge trail to Cataloochee

★★★★★ 4.730755762178495 (248 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Boogerman Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Boogerman Trail

Loop through ancient giant trees

★★★★★ 4.536534542804058 (245 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Crooked Arm Ridge Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Crooked Arm Ridge Trail

Trail between Scott and Rich Mtn

★★★★★ 4.771015333154474 (231 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Beard Cane Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Beard Cane Trail

Trail connecting Cooper to Hatcher

★★★★★ 4.6043445309181426 (224 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Ace Gap Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Ace Gap Trail

Scenic forest trail in park

★★★★★ 4.813126766741135 (212 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Twentymile Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Twentymile Trail

Trail from Twentymile Station to Appalachian Trail

★★★★★ 4.693237184794727 (208 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Baxter Creek Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Baxter Creek Trail

Steep climb to Mount Sterling

★★★★★ 4.814596649498699 (207 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Twentymile Loop Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Twentymile Loop Trail

Loop combining Twentymile and Wolf Ridge trails

★★★★★ 4.752573261801525 (205 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Palmer Creek Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Palmer Creek Trail

From Pretty Hollow Gap to Cataloochee

★★★★★ 4.546617845000742 (201 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Rough Fork Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Rough Fork Trail

Cataloochee to Big Fork Ridge

★★★★★ 4.8532218434539205 (148 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Jakes Creek Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Jakes Creek Trail

Elkmont to Panther Creek

★★★★★ 4.804496809673502 (138 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Newton Bald Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Newton Bald Trail

Connects to Thomas Divide

★★★★★ 4.668725256926835 (129 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Cabin Flats Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Cabin Flats Trail

Short connector from Dry Sluice

★★★★★ 4.841636278198956 (125 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Enloe Creek Trail Great Smoky Mountains NP

Enloe Creek Trail

Connects Hyatt Ridge to Chasteen

★★★★★ 4.715306557081254 (116 reviews)
placeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
scheduleSunrise to sunset
languageVisit Website View Details →
Dandridge Historic Walking Tour Dandridge

Dandridge Historic Walking Tour

Self-guided tour of TN's second-oldest town

★★★★★ 4.6 (85 reviews)
placeDowntown Dandridge, TN 37725
scheduleDawn to Dusk · Free
languageVisit Website View Details →

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the best free things to do in the Smoky Mountains?
You'll find free things to do across Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville, all within an easy drive of our Smoky Mountain cabins.
Is free things to do a good option for groups and families?
Yes. The Smoky Mountains are a popular destination for families and large groups, and most free things to do options welcome all ages.
When is the best time of year to visit the Smoky Mountains?
The Smoky Mountains are a year-round destination. Spring and fall offer the best weather and scenery, summer is the busiest season, and winter brings quieter visits and holiday events.

Vantage Stays · Smoky Mountain Guide

Free Things to Do

Free things to do in the Smoky Mountains. No-cost attractions, scenic drives, hiking, and free events in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the National Park.

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hours & details

46 places5 areasvantagestays.com/explore/free-things.html

The Checklist

PlaceRatingHoursPhoneAddress
Dandridge
Historic Downtown Dandridge4.7 ★Dawn to Dusk · Free(865) 397-7420Downtown Dandridge, TN 37725
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg Sign4.6 ★Open 24 Hours918 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Great Smoky Mountains NP
Lumber Ridge Trail4.595591083974204 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Albright Grove Loop4.532233040290432 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Kanati Fork Trail4.6287096586158745 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Crib Gap Trail4.565400326305724 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Gold Mine Trail4.73347003832755 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Forney Creek Trail4.528654228884064 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Juney Whank Falls Trail4.664500499566519 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Greenbrier Ridge Trail4.850510953901802 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Tunnel Bypass Trail4.661871417515115 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Sweat Heifer Creek Trail4.777736005504437 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Cooper Road Trail4.672013446104068 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Maddron Bald Trail4.869523837884459 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Bradley Fork Trail4.692239315341487 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Goldmine Loop Trail4.578588075426136 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
West Prong Trail4.856791243495768 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Mingus Creek Trail4.778969423508011 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Grassy Branch Trail4.631630894104788 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Finley Cane Trail4.61849201928752 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Old Settlers Trail4.565500477437768 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Forney Ridge Trail4.794005434316037 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Bullhead Trail4.892048569360152 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Grapeyard Ridge Trail4.66356341397183 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Little River (Fishing)4.7 ★30 min before sunrise to 30 min after sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Boulevard Trail4.590705967313916 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Beech Gap Trail4.580487140555509 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Hughes Ridge Trail4.515252711928765 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Turkeypen Ridge Trail4.761719591596828 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Hemphill Bald Trail4.730755762178495 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Boogerman Trail4.536534542804058 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Crooked Arm Ridge Trail4.771015333154474 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Beard Cane Trail4.6043445309181426 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Ace Gap Trail4.813126766741135 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Twentymile Trail4.693237184794727 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Baxter Creek Trail4.814596649498699 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Twentymile Loop Trail4.752573261801525 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Palmer Creek Trail4.546617845000742 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Rough Fork Trail4.8532218434539205 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Jakes Creek Trail4.804496809673502 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Newton Bald Trail4.668725256926835 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Cabin Flats Trail4.841636278198956 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Enloe Creek Trail4.715306557081254 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
North Carolina
Cataloochee Divide Trail4.577512310041989 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Townsend
Anthony Creek Trail4.699884376511065 ★Sunrise to sunsetGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
+ 1 more places online; scan the code above for the full list
Hours change seasonally; scan the code above for live info. Book your cabin: vantagestays.com · (865) 408-1817
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