Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Chasing a waterfall turns an ordinary day into a story. Purple Top Retreat gives you a beautiful place to begin, recharge, and come back to after exploring the region’s lush mountain landscapes.
Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park
About an hour from Bear Lake Reserve, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers waterfalls, scenic drives, wildlife, historic sites, mountain trails, and some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Southeast. Whether you’re looking for an easy afternoon adventure or a full day of exploration, these are some of our favorite places to visit.
Deep Creek
Drive from Bear Lake Reserve: Approximately 45 minutes
Best For: Waterfalls • Hiking • Tubing • Fly Fishing
Why Go
One of the easiest and most rewarding park entrances from Bear Lake Reserve. A gentle trail leads past three beautiful waterfalls, while the creek offers summer tubing and excellent wild trout fishing. A flexible half-day adventure for families and first-time visitors.
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Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Drive from Bear Lake Reserve: Approximately 50 minutes
Best For: Elk Viewing • History • Families • Scenic Drives
Why Go
The visitor center, historic Appalachian buildings, riverside paths, and one of the best opportunities to see elk in the Smokies make this a memorable first stop. Visit around sunrise or sunset when wildlife is most active.
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Newfound Gap
Drive from Bear Lake Reserve: Approximately 1 hour
Best For: Mountain Views • Scenic Drives • Photography • Appalachian Trail
Why Go
The drive is part of the experience, with scenic overlooks and easy access to one of America’s most famous hiking trails. Newfound Gap sits on the North Carolina–Tennessee border and offers spectacular panoramic views.
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Clingmans Dome
Drive from Bear Lake Reserve: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
Best For: Panoramic Views • Sunrise & Sunset • Appalachian Trail • Photography
Why Go
The highest point in the park, Clingmans Dome rewards visitors with incredible 360-degree mountain views after a short paved climb to the observation tower. On clear days, visibility can extend nearly 100 miles.
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Cataloochee Valley
Drive from Bear Lake Reserve: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
Best For: Elk • Wildlife Photography • Historic Buildings • Quiet Exploration
Why Go
Historic churches, preserved homesteads, and large elk herds create one of the most memorable experiences anywhere in the Smokies. Cataloochee Valley is a quiet place to slow down and explore.
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Road to Nowhere
Drive from Bear Lake Reserve: Approximately 50 minutes
Best For: Scenic Drives • Photography • Short Hikes • Local History
Why Go
This unique attraction ends at a dramatic tunnel overlooking Fontana Lake and provides access to peaceful hiking trails. Pair it with lunch in Bryson City for an excellent day trip.
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Plan Your Visit
Before heading into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, check the official National Park Service website for current road conditions, trail closures, weather alerts, parking tag requirements, seasonal information, and visitor updates.
Visit the Official National Park Service Website
For the most current information on weather, road closures, trail conditions, parking, and park alerts, always refer to the official National Park Service website before your visit.
Owner’s Smokies Tips
Start Early.
The park becomes significantly busier later in the day. Early mornings offer cooler temperatures, easier parking, lighter crowds, and the best opportunities to see wildlife.
Cell service is limited throughout much of the park, so download maps before leaving Bear Lake Reserve. Weather changes quickly in the mountains—bring water, a light rain jacket, bear spray, and an extra layer.
Instead of trying to see everything in one day, choose one or two destinations and enjoy them at a relaxed pace. If wildlife is on your list, plan to be in Cataloochee Valley or Oconaluftee around sunrise or just before sunset for your best chance of seeing elk.
Why Purple Top Makes the Perfect Smokies Basecamp
Purple Top Retreat provides the perfect home base for exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Spend the day hiking to waterfalls, driving scenic mountain roads, spotting elk in open meadows, or discovering quiet historic valleys, then return to Bear Lake Reserve to relax on the deck, enjoy the mountain air, and unwind before tomorrow’s adventure.