• The Smoky Mountain National Park provides lush scenery for the nature lover.smoky mountains and lone tree image by Jorge Moro from Fotolia.com
  
  When planning a family vacation, think about visiting the Smoky Mountains National Park. The park provides limitless activities in which to participate, as well as beautiful landscapes and nature trails. Visitors can take helicopter tours of the area, as well as hike or ride on horseback through the terrain.
  
  

Cades Cove

• Cades Cove is an 11-mile loop in the valley of the Smoky Mountains that allows visitors to view wildlife, including deer, bear, turkey and fox, in their natural habitat. Pull-offs are provided along the route for visitors who wish to get an up-close view. However, direct contact with and feeding of the wildlife is prohibited.
  
  

Cherokee Indian Reservation

• The Oconaluftee Indian Village is open to the public from May to October. The village depicts Cherokee culture and life in the 1750s. You can tour the grounds, including the sweat house, council house and ceremonial grounds, as well as view craftsmen and weavers completing work as they would have during that time. Ceremonial dances are held, as well as plays which depict the times as remembered and told by the Cherokee people.
  
  

Dollywood

• For a fun-filled day with the family, an amusement park is sure to please everyone. Dollywood, an amusement park created by country singer Dolly Parton, is in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. The park features thrill rides and shows that feature country entertainers throughout the year. Local craftsmen are also on hand to share their art and skill with visitors.