Five Free Things To Do In The Smokies
Posted by Leif Palmer in Things to Do
We know that paying for a family vacation can be a challenge, especially if you're bringing kids along for the trip. Expenses like gas, food and Smoky Mountain cabins are have-tos when it comes to travel budgeting, but then you haven't even taken the family to a single attraction, outing or activity. This week, we'll give you five great ideas for places to go and things to do in the Smokies area that are essentially free. And there are enough different suggestions here to please just about anyone in your gang, no matter how old he or she may be.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Hey, that's great news, considering that the mountains are the primary reason most folks travel to this area. Our national park has always resisted the growing trend of charging fees to visitors, so all that hiking and auto touring costs you nothing. You will have to buy a license to fish or pay a nominal fee to camp in a campground, but to visit sites like Cades Cove, Mt. LeConte and Clingman's Dome costs you nothing.
In addition to points of interest in the park, the National Park Service presents a wide range of ranger-led programs and activities, offering multiple options each day during the summer. These can include hikes, walks, seminars and hands-on presentations that get adults and kids alike engaged in learning about their natural surroundings. The vast majority of these are free, although some do charge a nominal fee.
- The Old Mill, Pigeon Forge
This is one of the oldest structures in town, dating back to 1836, and you can watch its outdoor paddle wheel still faithfully turn in the Little Pigeon River daily as it grinds out fresh grains and meals for visitors. You can even go inside and tour the shop, although you'll have to pay just a few bucks for a guided tour of the actual internal workings of the mill.
- Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community
Consisting of Glades Rd., Buckhorn Rd. and U.S. 321 East, this 8-mile loop near Gatlinburg is home to hundreds of craftsmen and is the largest collective of independent artisans in North America. You'll see authentic artists and crafts people at work in media such as pottery, broom making, jewelry making, basketry, photography and much more. You can visit the shops and watch these folks at work for free.
- Douglas Lake
This TVA reservoir is located near Sevierville, TN and offers 33,000 acres and 513 miles of shoreline for warm-weather water fun. Put your boat in for a day of skiing or wakeboarding, go to a beach for some sunning and swimming, or take your favorite trawler out to catch some fish. Other than fishing permits, you can do all this for absolutely no charge.
- Free Kids' Admissions At Theaters
Adults have to pay admissions to get into all the music and theater shows in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, but many of these venues offer free admission for children under a specific cut-off age, usually around 12 years old. Be sure to check out that option when ordering your tickets or making reservations.
About Leif Palmer
Leif Palmer loves residing in the Smoky Mountains. He is an avid outdoorsman: rowing for exercise on the lake, trail hiking, and free climbing rocks in the mountains. He indulges his arty side by periodically beating up pieces of marble by sculpting. He is always frustrated by his inability to sink long putts, and hates his curly hair (but his wife loves it). Leif has been known to muster enough courage to change a diaper, and hopes his son will become a chip off the old block.
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Gatlinburg Hiking Pigeon Forge Pigeon Forge Attractions Places To Eat Places To Eat Rental Cabins Seasons Smoky Mountains Sevierville Smoky Mountain Attractions Smoky Mountains Things to Do Wears Valley