The sheer beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains is indescribable. With the diversity of plant and animal life, old growth forest, and stunning mountains, it’s no wonder this is the most visited National Park in the United States!

To put that statement into perspective, the Smokies are between 200 million and 300 million years old. There are over 17,000 plant and animal species in the national park straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, and it’s estimated there are tens of thousands more that are unknown (as many as 100 species of trees are native to Great Smoky Mountains National Park).

The high ranges of the Great Smoky Mountains actually meet the criteria for a temperate rainforest, helping make this park the most biodiverse in the National Park System.

I’d recommend visiting between May and October for the best weather, and shoulder seasons will help you to avoid crowds.

Here are 10 things any nature lover can’t miss in Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

Hike the Alum Cave Trail to Alum Cave Bluffs (or out to Mount Le Conte). Alum Cave Trail is a popular one for good reason. It passes by waterfalls, through old growth forest, and through the narrow Arch Rock tunnel, leading to Alum Cave Bluffs (approximately 2.5 miles one way). Continuing on will take you to Mount Le Conte for absolutely breathtaking views (11+ miles round trip).

Check out Mouse Creek Falls and Midnight Hole on the Big Creek Trail. Located about an hour from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the Big Creek Trail is a bit off the beaten path — but well worth it. Midnight Hole is a pristine swimming hole that is perfect for a refreshing dip on a summer day. Continue on the trail to the beautiful Mouse Creek Falls, a good spot for lunch and turnaround point (4 miles round trip). On the way back to Gatlinburg, stop at Adventure Distilling Company to sample some real moonshine!

Hike Charlie’s Bunion from the Appalachian Trail. The hike to Charlie’s Bunion starts at Newfound Gap, right on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. You’ll traverse the infamous AT out to some incredible views of the surrounding mountains (including Mount Le Conte)!

Hike to Grotto Falls from Trillium Gap and drive the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. The Grotto Falls hike is approximately 3 miles round trip and leads to a beautiful walk-behind waterfall!

Take a gentle hike to Laurel Falls. Due to its ease, this is a popular hike along a paved trail, boasting some beautiful views before arriving at the beautiful Laurel Falls.

Visit Clingmans Dome. At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point on the Appalachian Trail (and the state of Tennessee) and the third highest point in the Eastern United States. From the parking area, it’s roughly 0.5 miles on a paved trail to reach the overlook tower. Keep in mind it is all uphill. Expect a temperature difference of at least 10 degrees (cooler) than lower elevations in the park. I also recommend hiking to Andrew’s Bald while you’re here, which is roughly 4 miles out and back through beautiful old growth forest.

Drive all of Newfound Gap Road and stop at the overlooks. Newfound Gap Road is a 33 mile scenic drive through the heart of the park from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to Cherokee, North Carolina. It takes about an hour to complete, depending on traffic and how many times you stop!

Visit the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and the old Grist Mill. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Cherokee, North Carolina. It also includes the Mountain Farm Museum, consisting of historic farm buildings moved from places throughout the park to be preserved in a single area. The nearby Mingus Mill is a historic grist mill built in 1886 that uses a water-powered turbine to power machinery. The mill is preserved on its original site.

Check out Mingo Falls just outside the park on the North Carolina side. Near the Oconaluftee area just outside the park sits the beautiful Mingo Falls. The short 0.4-mile hike is mostly stairs leading to a 95-foot waterfall!

Explore Cades Cove to spot wildlife. Cases Cove is a very popular area on the Tennessee side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Cades Cove Loop is an 11-mile scenic route that can be accomplished by vehicle, bicycle, or on foot (check for days/times when the loop is closed to cars). The big draw to Cades Cove is the high likehilood of seeing wildlife (like black bears) as well as the many historic buildings. If you do encounter wildlife, be sure to give them plenty of space!

A few tips

• Make sure you purchase a parking pass. It’s only $15 for a week.
• Start early to find parking and look for some off the beaten path trails.
• Always keep a respectful distance from wildlife for your safety and theirs!
• Help leave the park better than you found it. Take all trash with you (even food scraps), stay on established trails, and respect others.

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Kris Maria is a hiking and travel blogger based in the Washington, D.C., area. Visit her website, krismariawanders.com, for more East Coast adventure ideas.