Things to Do in Kentucky & the Smokies: A Complete Traveler's Guide

The adventure begins in one of America's most awe-inspiring natural settings. Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers 522,427 acres, includes 848 miles of trails, and holds the title of the most visited national park in the country, drawing more than 12 million recreational visits in 2024.

That scale sets the tone immediately. Travelers arrive to panoramic overlooks, forested drives, rushing streams, and a remarkable variety of plant and animal life, with more than 22,744 documented species recorded within the park. Waterfalls are another major draw, attracting more than 200,000 visitors each year to their trailheads alone.

The park suits many travel styles. Avid hikers can focus on elevation and trails, while casual sightseers can take in scenic drives and short walks without missing out. Nearby Gatlinburg offers a welcoming base camp, with dining and local charm just minutes from the park entrance.

​Starting the journey here makes a strong impression. The open vistas and fresh mountain air create a natural contrast with the cultural landmarks waiting in Kentucky. Moving from the Smokies into Louisville and Bardstown gives the trip a satisfying arc, one shaped by both wide-open landscapes and rich, storied heritage.

Pigeon Forge adds a playful counterpoint to the serenity of the national park. The town is known for family-friendly entertainment, dinner shows, and easy access to major attractions near the Smokies.

Dolly Parton’s Stampede remains one of the area’s signature experiences, combining horse-riding stunts, music, comedy, and a hearty meal in a large arena setting built for crowd-pleasing fun. Dollywood adds even more energy with rides, live performances, and a strong focus on Appalachian crafts and music, making it more than a typical theme park stop.

In Bardstown, My Old Kentucky Home State Park offers one of the state’s most recognizable cultural landmarks. The site centers on Federal Hill, a historic mansion long associated with Stephen Foster’s “My Old Kentucky Home.” It remains an important part of Kentucky’s identity and storytelling tradition.

Visitors can tour the mansion and stroll the grounds. The experience feels personal rather than hurried, which suits Bardstown’s reputation for gracious hospitality and deep-rooted history.

What makes this stop special is the atmosphere. The home itself is elegant, yet the setting feels approachable. You are not just looking at classic rooms, paintings, and antiques. You are stepping into a place where music, memory, and regional pride still shape the visit. That sense of connection is one reason this landmark stays high on many Kentucky itineraries.

Louisville holds two of Kentucky’s most recognizable attractions, and each reveals a different side of the city. Churchill Downs speaks to the state’s horse racing legacy, while the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory celebrates an American sports icon.

Churchill Downs earns its bucket-list reputation with ease. The racetrack is home to the Kentucky Derby Museum. This preserves the story of the Derby and the wider history of Churchill Downs through exhibits devoted to racing, training, and the traditions surrounding the sport.

Even when the grand spectacle of May is not underway, the setting still carries a sense of ceremony. The architecture, the track, and the museum all convey why horse racing remains such a defining piece of Kentucky culture.

A short distance away, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory offers a very different, but equally distinct, local story. The attraction combines sports history with hands-on curiosity. Its factory tour takes guests through the production line where Louisville Slugger bats are made. The museum’s giant bat outside the building is an attraction in its own right, stretching 120 feet into the sky and turning a sidewalk stop into an easy photo moment.

A trip with this many moving parts can be rewarding on your own, but it is often easier to enjoy when the details are already arranged. Holiday Vacations offers a Kentucky & the Smokies tour that highlights Great Smoky Mountains National Park, My Old Kentucky Home, Churchill Downs Racetrack & Kentucky Derby Museum, and the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory in one guided journey.

The Holiday Advantage also emphasizes transparent pricing, round-trip airfare included, and the support of expert Tour Directors, which can remove much of the stress that comes with organizing transportation, hotels, and major sightseeing separately.

For travelers who want the history of Kentucky and the beauty of the Smokies in one seamless vacation, this itinerary delivers a strong balance of landmarks, landscapes, and local flavor. Ready to experience the best things to do in Kentucky? Book your Kentucky & the Smokies tour online or call 1-888-867-2190 to start planning your adventure.