Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most breathtaking parks in the United States of America. Its beauty and nature attract 14.1 million visits every year. Thus, making it one of the most visited parks in America. The park gets its unique name from the fog that lingers in the forest hills, giving it that distinctive smoky look. The smoke is the outcome of trees releasing water and hydrocarbons.
The location of the park is along the North Carolina and Tennessee border. It covers 520,000 acres of land. The blue mist that hovers over the mountains is what brings visitors from all over the world. Many waterfalls are present in the park, including Mingo, Rainbow, and Abrams. These waterfalls attract 200,000 visitors every year.
There are many fun things that adults and children can do, such as climbing Clingman’s dome, auto touring on historic park roads, and walking the Appalachian trail. The park is known for its beautiful waterfalls and streams. However, the most fun one can have is in the water spots. Here are five water spots to cool off in the Smoky Mountains:
- The Midnight hole in the big creek
Swimming and wading
Visitors can find numerous Smoky Mountain attractions, such as the grotto waterfall and the sinks on the little pigeon river. However, in the summertime, the temperature can get as high as 90F. So, the best way to beat the heat is to take a dip.
There are many water sites in the park for swimming and wading. One of the most popular is the midnight hole in the big creek. Situated on the Tennessee- North Carolina border off I-40, it is one of the most beautiful swimming holes in the park. It is the perfect spot for friends and family to swim and ditch the heat.
You can also wade in various streams of the park. However, taking all safety precautions is a must. Children should also be under adult supervision if wading.
- The Pigeon River
Rafting
If you want to do something more exciting than swimming or wading, then rafting is a perfect choice. The Pigeon River is a good site for rafting. Dozens of rafting outfitters line the river banks, ready to give an experience of a lifetime. Safety is a top priority. Thus, qualified rafters accompany each rafting trip.
Rafting is a fun activity for families. It is not just thrilling but relaxing as well. It also offers breathtaking scenery, making it the perfect adventure. If you are interested in an exhilarating ride, go for the 6.5-mile trip on class III and IV rapids. If that isn’t thrilling enough, they offer extreme upper river rafting. It includes a smaller boat with more rapids for more adrenaline.
While Cheoah River also offers rafting. It has equal potential for relaxing floating expeditions. Other rivers offer rafting, such as the Tuckasegee River and the Ocoee River, which has challenging waters. That is why it has hosted many National Whitewater Championships.
- Deep Creek
Tubing
Another way to spend a hot day in the park is by tubing down a river. Tubing is a fun way to relax and have a great day with family. So, pack your water shoes and splash them into the water with your tube to unwind.
Deep Creek is the only area that allows water tubing in the park. Most areas of the park do not allow tubing or other water sports. Furthermore, there are many tube-rental companies. Renting a tube costs around 10$, but you can bring your own too. It’s a great way to unwind and does not require special skills.
- The Cheoah Lake and Fontana Lake
Boating
Boating is another relaxing way to spend your afternoon in the Smoky Mountains. You can plan this experience on two lakes on the southern edge of the Great Smoky Mountain range. The Cheoah Lake is beautiful and offers beautiful scenic views. It is a narrow lake which makes it perfect for fishing boats. The lake is also home to various trout, including rainbow, brook, and brown trout.
Fontana Lake is the second option. It is a 35-mile-long lake and has undeveloped banks. That is because it borders the national park on one side, while the other side borders the national forest. The lake has multiple boat accesses, including a Cable Camp boat ramp, Fontana Village Marina, and Prince boat docks. There are also handicap-accessible boat ramps at Lemmons Branch and the old 288 boat ramp.
- Nantahala Gorge and Oconaluftee River
Kayaking and canoeing
The Smoky Mountains are home to one of the best spots for kayaking and canoeing. One of the best places to do these is the Nantahala Gorge. Over the years, it has built its reputation for kayaking. It is also the premier location for intermediate whitewater paddling. Paddlers come from all over the country here to test their skills.
Oconaluftee River is another excellent spot for canoeing. The water here is full of trout, making it the perfect place for fishing. The water flows calmly here, so you will not need expert skills.
You can also go to Fontana Lake in Bryson City, North Carolina. The water stays calm there, which makes it a relaxing paddle spot.
Conclusion
If you want to spend a day full of adventure and fun, then a visit to Smoky Mountain National Park is a must. It’s not just unique, but it is also a place that has something for everyone. It is the perfect place for families to enjoy and have picnics. It offers many activities and beautiful scenery to help you unwind. Fishing, swimming, and rafting are the most popular activities in the park, which are perfect for adults and children.
The park offers more than just water activities. The park has museums and aquariums if you want to learn some history and explore fish varieties. It also has multiple entertainment venues, including the Dollywood Amusement Park, founded by singer Dolly Parton. It’s a park that offers complete entertainment and is the best place to spend a nice relaxing day enjoying the rides.
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