Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Maggie Valley

"Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, standing at 6,643 feet. The best spot to take in the sights is from the observation tower, which offers 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains and beyond. The half-mile walk to the top of the tower is well worth it!"

"The highest point in the Smoky Mountains provides some of the best views you will ever see…period. Once you travel the 7 miles up Clingman’s Dome Road, the views become amazing. There’s a steep walkway up to the observation tower about half a mile from the parking lot."

"At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. That’s why it’s no secret that the Clingmans Dome Observation Tower offers the best views of the mountains!. On clear days, views can expand over 100 miles."

"At the 25-foot-high Grotto Falls, you can enjoy the unique experience of walking behind the falls, which can be a welcome refreshment on hot, humid summer days. The trail leading to the falls is beautiful as well, as it passes through old-growth forests and ecosystems and gives visitors opportunities to see animals such as black bears, elk and deer. To access the falls coming from Gatlinburg on the parkway, turn onto the Historic Natural Trail at traffic light #8, which will lead to Great Smoky Mountains National Park."

"Grotto Falls is a terrific hiking trail for seeing wildflowers and a truly unique waterfall. In fact, the Trillium Gap Trail passes underneath the falls – a great way to cool off in the heat of summer. If you have enough time, this hiking trail also continues to the summit of Mt. LeConte."

"Grotto Falls is one of the more unique waterfall hikes in the Smoky Mountains. The trail starts out on Trillium Gap Trail, and with a roundtrip of 2.6 miles, it is considered moderate. To get to the waterfall, you’ll have to cross some small streams."

"On this hike you get the benefit of seeing two Smoky Mountain Waterfalls. The first is the 80 feet high Toms Branch Falls. The park service has installed benches so you can sit and admire the falls."

"Visit Mingus Mill near the Mountain Farm Museum, and explore one of the most historic sites in the region, surrounded by some of Cherokee country’s finest hiking trails and numerous historic landmarks. Mingus Mill is the ideal place for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural world of the Cherokee people."

"Buncombe County Sports Park is a popular multi-use facility located very close to the Biltmore Lake community. Known for its seven soccer fields, BCSP is always busy on the weekends accommodating Asheville and Buncombe County soccer leagues. But there’s more than just soccer fields."

"Big Daddy’s Pizzeria Hand crafted dough, wood fired pizza, and an arcade. This restaurant is so committed to the freshness of their pizzas that they don’t keep a freezer on site. I’ve never even heard of that before!"

"This small, family-owned restaurant has built a loyal following for its super friendly service, mouthwatering food, and extremely reasonable prices. Guests will find a great selection of omelets, salads, soups, sandwiches, and more all-American fare. Standout menu items include the biscuits and gravy, fried bologna sandwich, and the patty melt."

"If you want to dine somewhere off the beaten path, choose Lil Black Bear Cafe!. This daytime eatery is known for its American breakfast and coffee. For a simple breakfast that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds, this is the spot for you."

"When you walk in this place you feel like you just joined the family. It is very small on the inside so plan accordingly. The food is fantastic and the prices..."

"Hummus and pretzel bites are other starter options and there’s a decent beer selection to wash it all down. Salads are also stars at the Mellow Mushroom and they’ll fix them up to your specifications, with a plethora of vegetables and plant-friendly options to choose from. Vegetarians will love the Veggie Calzone and customize an awesome pizza pie — vegan for veggie style."

"Vegan and vegetarian options are pretty plentiful in this laid-back and friendly pizza place. They have vegan cheese so you can gobble up a pizza topped with fresh veggies and there’s also hummus and pita to snack on to your healthy heart’s content."

"Mellow Mushroom is another great choice for an Italian restaurant in Gatlinburg. They have all kinds of food, including salads, sandwiches, and calzones. The main dish at Mellow Mushroom is their pizza."

"The Wild Plum Tea Room is an amazing place to have lunch in the Arts & Crafts Community. Named one of the top 10 restaurants in the state of Tennessee, this unique cafe features scratch-made food in an idyllic natural setting. Be sure to make reservations at The Wild Plum at least 24 hours in advance."