While these places are amazing and beautiful, be aware that they are areas heavily populated with tourist almost year round.
1 Cades Cove:
More of a one-way road than a trail you drive on, this 8 mile loop has some amazing scenery and open areas. I’ve heard stories of this area getting so busy that it has taken people 1-2 hours to go around this loop. My family and I got lucky and were able to enjoy the views here without any congestion. Mid-afternoon seems to be a great time to come out, but if you are trying to catch the sunset here you might end up regretting it catching a traffic jam instead.
2 Clingmans Dome:
Although an amazing place to hang out, eat lunch, and just take in the breathtaking views – on a clear day you will be able to see over 100 miles into 7 states – you will also be spending that time around a crowd of people as well. Clingmans Dome is only open from April through November so while it’s open, it’s busy. Parking gets a little scary at times too, especially on Opening Day as it’s just tourists parking on the side of an already narrow road.
(Bigfoot Bonus: if you do decide to get up here on opening day, go as early as possible.)
3 Laural Falls:
This is a 2.6 mile paved trail which makes it great for kids to hike, and also why it gets easily conjested. We had so many kids running around and falling everywhere that kinda made the hike a little annoying. During April you can see the mountains through the leafless trees. Once you get to the falls is where the majoraty of the crowd forms with everyone waiting to get a fairly decent picture.
Overall even though these hot spots can definitely be crowded and even unbearable at times, I do recommend going and checking them out as long as you plan for it. They have incredible views that I believe everyone needs to see and experience at least once.
