10 Hidden Gems of Great Smoky Mountains Really Need A Visit

Dashed Trail Plus Story Created by: Olivia Williams

In the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains lies a collection of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Beyond popular spots, these lesser-known wonders offer a quieter side.

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Embark on a journey unveiling 10 hidden gems, from serene waterfalls to secret trails. Each holds a unique charm, inviting exploration and discovery.

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Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

[{"selector":"#anim-67174849-d93c-420f-b0ef-ffa719c353d4 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(14.843749786673241%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":5000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-166ff595-6de4-483e-babf-16180d3c6647","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":1500,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] A scenic loop road with waterfalls, historic buildings, and old-growth forest. Experience the beauty and history of the Smokies. 1

Cades Cove

[{"selector":"#anim-5e25ca63-4301-4c63-8c96-8b41f41d3b76 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(14.843749786673241%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":5000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-aa4c4114-4075-42f6-8102-6896be45a42d","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":1500,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Uncover Cades Cove's historic charm with wildlife, trails, and 18th and 19th-century buildings. Explore by car, bike, or foot for a glimpse into the Smokies' past. 2

Spruce Flats Falls

[{"selector":"#anim-977c9e59-e1ce-48ab-acba-7cf78eee1999 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(14.843749786673241%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":5000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-7302083f-f7ab-48df-84e1-5c86aba1eb37","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":1500,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Undiscovered treasure in Tremont featuring a demanding trek and a four-tiered waterfall. Enjoy this historic logging area's vistas and history. 3

Upper Tremont Road

[{"selector":"#anim-4e12e2a4-1988-4869-8403-e3243fe00053 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(14.843749786673241%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":5000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-68813ae6-b222-4078-97ee-a7cab61ac22b","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":1500,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Follow Upper Tremont Road, a gravel path tracing an old railroad route. Discover streams, waterfalls, and historic sites on this scenic and adventurous drive. 4

Foothills Parkway

[{"selector":"#anim-8076180e-7749-472a-9ee2-1648da85a2e4 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(14.843749786673241%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":5000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-b3f8b271-468b-4d68-8829-304df7518147","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":1500,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Discover the stunning vistas of Foothills Parkway, a national parkway. Drive along its scenic route to revel in overlooks trails and delve into its captivating history. 5

Chimneys Picnic Area

[{"selector":"#anim-49ea5a5e-be89-43b2-acac-42012cb9ce27 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(14.843749786673241%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":5000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-8ff6efe5-0b68-4c58-8069-a2248fe4e58a","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":1500,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Unwind at Chimneys Picnic Area, nestled riverside with grills, tables, and a brief nature trail. Take in the scenic beauty and rich history of the Smokies as you relax. 6

Elkmont Ghost Town

[{"selector":"#anim-940bbc54-1264-4610-a59a-b9f61b032362 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(14.843749786673241%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":5000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-ba8534eb-2c76-4111-af2a-ed7366d50336","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":1500,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Enter the spooky yet captivating world of Elkmont Ghost Town, with abandoned buildings revealing its logging and resort past. Explore its history and mysteries. 7

The Sinks

[{"selector":"#anim-1faaaa62-95a0-475f-b5d3-ea7c8da189ac [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(14.843749786673241%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":5000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-a9118187-ef73-473b-ae7f-f58e9018c98a","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":1500,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Witness the power and beauty of nature with a stunning waterfall and pool formed by a dynamite blast. Admire from a distance; swimming here is perilous. 8

Greenbrier Picnic Area

[{"selector":"#anim-7225b6e2-4160-4ac9-8fd5-304dad3c4cb2 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(20.458984161673236%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":5000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-acb68111-9830-4caf-bb0c-073293b3ba83","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":1500,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Visit Greenbrier Picnic Area for a cozy spot with tables, grills, and a nature trail. Embrace the secluded ambiance while soaking in mountain and stream views. 9

Middle Prong Trail

[{"selector":"#anim-a9913a1d-0dab-475e-9926-3e9d9fbd4129 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(14.843749786673241%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":5000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-c275bbdb-461d-4489-a02d-f9182073d9f9","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":1500,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Embark on the Middle Prong Trail, tracing a former railroad bed. Revel in 8.2 miles of stunning waterfalls, cascades, and wildflowers for a captivating hiking experience. 10