Memorial Day is the official kickoff for summer with the promise of long weekends, lazy afternoons, and the freedom of the open road. Take advantage of the beautiful weather, the shimmering sunlight, and the fresh mountain air and get ready for an amazing weekend getaway in the Smoky Mountains this year!

  1. Celebrate Memorial Day in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Hands down, the biggest reason that visitors flock to the area is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As the most visited national park in the country, GSMNP is filled with ancient natural beauty, a deep storied history, and rich mountain cultures that draw people from all around the world.

  1. Pedal Your Heart Out on a Bike Ride

Spend your Memorial Day weekend getaway cruising on two wheels down breathtaking bike trails with gorgeous Smoky Mountain views. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist looking for a heart-pumping adventure filled with challenging climbs and thrilling descents, or you just want to take the family on an easy bike ride along paved paths, there are trails for every rider and skill level.

  1. Take a Scenic Hike

Stretch your legs and lungs when you enjoy one of the most popular things to do in the Smoky Mountains. Memorial Day is the perfect time of year to admire the area’s stunning wildflowers. Snap some photos along Porter’s Creek or Little River Trail. Or cool off in one of the many cascading waterfalls throughout the Smokies. Hike to Rainbow Falls, Abrams Falls, or Grotto Falls to enjoy the soothing sights and sounds of nature.

  1. Hit the Road and Drive

The Smokies have some of the most scenic drives in the world. Slip behind the wheel, roll the windows down, and hit the road! If you’re on the Tennessee side, you’ll find spots like Clingman’s Dome and the Cades Cove Loop offering up breathtaking scenery. On the North Carolina side, don’t miss the Blue Ridge Parkway. The high elevation of the stretch between Maggie Valley and Asheville means you get unimpeded scenic views that never seem to end.

  1. Enjoy a Spectacular Sunset (And a Picnic!)

If you happen to be on the Blue Ridge Parkway in the early evening, take advantage of those wide-open vistas and catch a spectacular sunset. One of the most stunning sunsets visible along the Parkway is just a short way up from the Maggie Valley entry point at Waterrock Knob. Don’t forget your camera because you’ll have incredible, long-distance views from both the east and the west. There are picnic tables and a gorgeous meadow right off the parking area, just perfect for a one-of-a-kind sunset picnic.

  1. Go Trout Fishing

Expert anglers and novice fishermen alike name trout fishing as one of their favorite things to do in the Smoky Mountains. It’s a first-rate destination with a diversity and class of wild trout that draws fly fisherman – both beginners and pros – from all over the world. Packed with over 200 trout streams that combine into more than 700 miles of breathtaking fishing spots, these gorgeous mountains make the perfect backdrop for catching trout that’s as varied as the landscape.

  1. Fly Through the Treetops on a Zipline

If you’re looking for a real thrill, try a ziplining adventure through the forest canopy. There’s nothing quite like the freedom of flying through the trees at top speeds with the wind in your face and the world at your feet. The Smokies are filled with amazing zipline adventures that offer stunning vantage points, a unique perspective of the world, and fun for the entire family. Whether you’re a daring thrill seeker or a novice flier, there are options for everyone, like Climb Works in Gatlinburg or Nantahala Gorge Canopy Zipline Tour in Bryson City, NC.

  1. Paddle Away on a Whitewater Rafting Adventure

Experience nature in a truly up close and personal way when you take on one of the Smoky Mountains’ most popular outdoor activities – whitewater rafting! There’s everything from heart-pumping Olympic-level rapids to relaxing stretches of calm ripples that are great for family-friendly excursions. Try whitewater rafting on any of the area’s major rivers for an unforgettable day of outdoor fun.

  1. Enjoy Great Memorial Day Shopping

Stroll down the streets of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in Tennessee, or visit any of the charming towns throughout the Western North Carolina Smoky Mountains and you’ll come across delightful shops filled with unique treasures like souvenirs, jewelry, and sweet treats. Or discover handmade arts and crafts created by local artisans on the amazing craft trails around the Smokies. Find that perfect item and take a piece of the Smoky Mountains home with you.

  1. Book a Cozy Cabin this Memorial Day Weekend

From cozy cabin hideaways to spacious chalets, you can find incredible accommodations in ideal locations like Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge on the Tennessee side or Maggie Valley and Haywood County in North Carolina. Enjoy spectacular mountain views atop the peaks or head deep into the forest for a private, peaceful getaway. With a cabin in the Smokies, you’ll enjoy all the comforts of home plus added amenities – like relaxing decks and bubbling outdoor hot tubs – that will give you an unforgettable mountain vacation.