Free or cheap things to do in the Smokies

There are PLENTY of free or cheaper activities to do while in the Great Smoky Mountains ⛰️ for just about any interest!

⛰️ Drive through Cades Cove or along the Foothills Parkway. Both are free and a must-do for us!

⛰️ Go to Smoky Mountain Knife Works. My husband is a big hunter and outdoorsy kind of guy, so we visited SMKW quite a lot on our last trip. You don't have to buy anything, just browse the store and make sure to visit the basement! Grab a coupon book before you head over and visit the Relic Room to redeem a special gift!

⛰️ Grab as much free and/or discounted items from the coupon books. You can find these all over town. My husband loved getting the free firecrackers from the fireworks place in Sevierville.

⛰️ Visit Cooter's Garage in Pigeon Forge. My husband is a huge Dukes of Hazzard fan, so we had to stop here. Don't expect a huge museum, but it's cool to see nonetheless!

⛰️ Hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are SO MANY trails and places to hike in the GSMNP. If you get a chance and are physically able, Clingman's Dome is a beautiful hike!

⛰️ Go to the Island. My husband and I just liked to walk around here! There's the fountain show, and you can sit around in rockers to watch it.

⛰️ Go to the $9.99 or less stores. They're definitely an experience, lol! However, you can get cheap souvenirs here, so even if they're a little strange, definitely worth saving the extra 💰 while you're there!

⛰️ Sugarlands Vistitor Center. I want to go here next time I'm in the area!

⛰️ Ride the trolley in Gatlinburg or walk the parkway. I'm personally not a huge fan of the actual town of Gatlinburg, mostly because it's so busy and over commercialized, in my opinion. But, it is super fun just to walk around for an afternoon and see where all you can eat or shop!

⛰️ Arts & Crafts Community. I wanted to go last time we were in town, but didn't have the time. It looks super cool!

⛰️ See Dolly Parton's statue and the Wings of Wander Mural in Sevierville. If you love Dolly as much as the next person, make sure you visit these! I was bummed I didn't get to go last time, but I plan to the next! 🦋

⛰️ Take a picture in front of the Gatlinburg Mural. I definitely plan to next time since my family grew since last time!

⛰️ Gatlinburg Farmer's Market. I didn't know it existed until I was researching things to do for my next trip, but I plan to go!

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