Best Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
August is the perfect time to explore all the incredible things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From family-friendly ranger programs and historic tours to wildlife encounters and evening adventures, there’s no shortage of Smoky Mountains events this summer. Whether you’re hiking scenic trails, spotting black bears in Cades Cove, or learning about pioneer life at the Mountain Farm Museum, these August activities offer something for everyone of every age. Plan your visit now and discover why summer in the Smoky Mountains is one of the most unforgettable times of year. These events are taking place now through August 31!
Since these National Park special events will have you enjoying the outdoors, let us suggest you don’t go unprepared! Stop in U Name It for a light jacket and umbrella ‘just in case’; a journal and pen from God’s Corner; and a bagged lunch from Josef’s Deli. You’ll be glad you did!
Down on the Farm – Step Back in Time
Roll up your sleeves and dive into Smoky Mountain life as it was in the 1800s! Every weekday from 10 a.m. to Noon, living historians and park rangers bring the past to life with hands-on demonstrations of blacksmithing, hearth cooking, fence building, and more. Smell the smoke, hear the clang of metal, and experience the rhythms of a mountain farm at the Mountain Farm Museum near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
Wild About the Smokies – Discover the Wildlife
Curious about black bears, elk, and the other wild residents of the Smokies? Join a ranger daily at 3 p.m. for a quick but fascinating 30-minute talk about the park’s most iconic animals. Learn where to spot them (safely!), how rangers study them, and what makes the Smokies a haven for wildlife. Gather on the porch of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center for this wild encounter.
Bear Aware in Cades Cove – Learn About the Smokies’ Most Famous Resident
Before you explore Cades Cove, take time to meet its most famous (and furry) inhabitant — the black bear. Every Sunday, Monday, Friday, and Saturday at 1 p.m., rangers share tips on spotting bears, staying safe, and respecting their home. Meet at the Orientation Shelter just before the entrance to the Cades Cove Loop Road for this essential primer.
Junior Ranger Ramble – Adventure for Young Explorers
Calling all young adventurers! Become a Junior Ranger by joining a friendly ranger every Thursday, Friday and Saturday for a short hike, fun activity, or storytelling session. Topics change daily, so every visit is a surprise. Check in at the Sugarlands Visitor Center to start your journey toward becoming a park protector.
History of Daisy Town – Explore a Hidden Mountain Village
Step into the Smokies’ past with a guided walk through the rustic cabins of Daisy Town — a charming former resort community that predates the park itself. Discover the stories of the people who once called this place home. Tours take place Tuesdays and Fridays near the Jakes Creek Trailhead in Elkmont.
Wild Things in Cades Cove – Wildlife Up Close
Get hands-on with the wild side of Cades Cove! Bring the whole family for an interactive ranger program featuring some of the critters that inhabit this historic valley. Meet at the Program Circle at the Cable Mill Historic Area every Thursday and Friday for wildlife stories, props, and surprises.
The Cove After Dark – A Nighttime Nature Experience
See Cades Cove in a whole new light — or lack thereof! Join a ranger-led evening walk every Friday at 8:30 p.m. to explore the sights and sounds of the Cove under the stars. Experience nocturnal nature, listen for owls and coyotes, and, if the skies are clear, enjoy some stargazing. Meet at the Cades Cove Orientation Shelter and bring your curiosity (and maybe a flashlight).