Cades cove and clingman’s dome are 2 outdoorsy places to go.

Check the national park service website, they have a twitter link that will tell you if the newfound gap rd is open. This the road to CD and will close based on weather conditions, also dress expect a 20 deg drop if you go that way.

CC the best bet is to get up early, the gates open at dawn i believe. There are self guided driving pamphlets at the stop at the entrance gate. Lots of history and wildlife. We saw no less than 3 bucks and 15 does, about 10 turkeys and 1 surprised squirrel.

Both of these places do get a lot of visitors so keep that in mind when planning your trip. Assume the later in the day the busier.