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An Entire Tour Of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Can Now Be Taken From Your Couch

Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a popular virtual tour for those who can't visit in person.

Updated Jul 24, 2023

Written by 

Meghan Kraft

The Great Smoky Mountains are known around the United States and the world for their natural beauty. In fact, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited in the country and is a preferred vacation spot for folks in the South. Tennessee and North Carolina share the grand natural space, and folks have been known to travel from all over to come and see the craggy peaks of the Smokies for themselves. If you're not up to making the trip or your billfold feels a bit too light to rent a cabin, you can take a virtual Smoky Mountains tour.  We've included a direct link and everything you need to know about this fun experience below.

A misty valley surrounded by mountains at dawn, with sunlight illuminating the peaks and trees below.
Thomas - Flickr

The Great Smoky Mountains are known for their beauty and opportunity for adventure. There are miles and miles of hiking trails that crisscross the lush backcountry, and both locals and tourists, alike, visit and stay in the park throughout the year.

A panoramic view of vibrant autumn foliage on rolling hills under a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.
Tim Lumley - Flickr

In 2020, GoogleEarth launched a virtual Smoky Mountains experience.

A panoramic view of mountains under a colorful sky, with a grassy field in the foreground and trees lining the landscape.
Tim Lumley - Flickr

All you have to do is follow along as GoogleEarth takes you through the heart of the famed national park...

A panoramic view of rolling mountains under a cloudy sky, with lush green trees in the foreground and distant peaks.
Steve Harwood/ Flickr

...from the lush beauty of Newfound Gap...

A serene waterfall cascading over dark rocks, surrounded by lush greenery.
Zhans33/ Wikipedia

...to the gushing heart of Laurel Falls. You can also follow along with Adventuring in the Moment to see this beautiful waterfall.

youtube embeded image
A rustic wooden mill surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage and a winding path covered in fallen leaves.
Tim Lumley - Flickr

You can even travel to the historic Mingus Mill, which dates back to 1886.

Clingmans Dome

A scenic overlook with a circular platform at sunset, surrounded by mountains and trees.
Daveynin - Flickr

It's easy to get out and about in nature from the comfort of your home, and you don't even need to pack a snack! We've included a link to this neat virtual experience below if it catches your fancy. Happy (free! easy! fun!) adventuring, Tennessee! Make sure to also check out this video of Clingmans Dome for more information.

youtube embeded image

Take the virtual Smoky Mountains Tour yourself with this GoogleEarth experience. Love the idea of staying home next time you are off from work? Check out our guide to having the best staycation.

If you're looking for more fun experiences in the Volunteer State, though, here are some more cool facts about the Great Smoky Mountains.

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