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Great Smoky Mountains National Park   Travel Guide

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15 Best Things To Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Updated Jun. 10, 2022

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a mecca for outdoor lovers. Along with its abundant wildflowers and wildlife, the park offers stunning waterfalls along wooded trails ( Grotto Falls ), strenuous climbs ( Clingmans Dome or Chimney Tops ) and scenic

• All Things To Do

Newfound Gap Newfound Gap free

Also known as notches or passes, gaps are the low points in a mountain ridge. Newfound Gap, which sits at an elevation of 5,046 feet, is the lowest drivable pass in the park. Scenic, roughly 30-mile-long Newfound Gap – U.S. Route 441 – runs through the center of the park from the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, Tennessee , over the mountains and into Cherokee, North Carolina. Mile markers denote several interesting attractions along the way, including Newfound Gap, Mingus Mill, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Mountain Farm Museum, and the Smokemont Campground and Nature Trail. 

Recent travelers who drove along this route raved about the mountain views and photo ops, although some warned that the road can be narrow and winding at times. Many recommended the Newfound Gap parking area for its scenic overlooks and access to trailheads, noting that the Appalachian Trail also crosses here. If you're visiting on a weekend, prepare for crowds: some travelers said they were unable to find parking at many of the stops.

Sugarlands Visitor Center Sugarlands Visitor Center free

According to recent travelers, the Sugarlands Visitor Center should be your first stop in the park. The visitor center features extensive natural history exhibits and screens a free 20-minute film about the park. The center also houses a bookstore, a gift shop, restrooms and a variety of information, including trail maps. There are also several ranger-led programs offered seasonally.

Recent visitors recommended picking up both driving and trail maps here, as well as getting your cancellation stamp if you have a NPS passport. Most travelers appreciated the helpful staff and the gift shop, as well as the clean restrooms. However, some lamented the limited parking during peak seasons.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail free

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a nearly 6-mile-long, one-way loop road, offers spectacular mountain scenery and access to two of the region's most popular waterfalls: Rainbow Falls and Grotto Falls . You can walk behind the 25-foot high falls at the Grotto via the Trillium Gap Trail. You'll also see historic log cabins, grist mills and an array of wildlife from birds and deer to black bears.

Recent visitors who raved about the beautiful waterfalls and mountain scenery on this motor trail said this is a must-see and a great place to spot bears in the wild. However, some summer tourists bemoaned the fact that the trail was crowded and offered limited parking areas. To avoid the midday rush of visitors, plan your drive in the morning to beat the crowds.

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Cades Cove Cades Cove free

Surrounded by mountains, Cades Cove is an isolated, fertile valley that was once home to many of the early Southern Appalachian settlers. You'll see 19th-century cabins, three churches and a working grist mill, as well as other historic outbuildings. The 11-mile, one-way loop road surrounds the Cades Cove valley and is one of the best places in the park to view wildlife. Once a hunting ground for the Cherokee American Indians, the area is now home to deer, black bears and wild turkeys. Several hiking trails, including one to Abrams Falls , begin here. Longer hikes, including Thunderhead Mountain and Rocky Top, also start here but are better suited for experienced hikers due to their steep inclines and narrow pathways.

Because the loop road is closed to motor traffic on Wednesdays from early May until early September, it's a favorite among cyclists. If you don't have your own set of wheels, you can rent bikes at the Cades Cove Campground Store (rentals for adults cost $15.00 per hour).

Clingmans Dome Clingmans Dome free

Clingmans Dome is not only the highest point in Tennessee, but also in the park itself. On a clear day, you may be able to see more than 100 miles. Take a jacket along – even in the summer – as temperatures at the 6,643-foot peak will be much colder than those in the lower elevations. There are several scenic pullouts along Clingmans Dome Road, which ends in a parking area at the trailhead. The trail is paved, but very steep, and leads to an observation tower at the summit. There are also several other trails that start at Clingmans Dome Road and its parking area, including the Appalachian Trail , which crosses Clingmans Dome and is the highest point along its route from Georgia to Maine.

Recent travelers called this the most amazing sight in the mountains, despite the steep trail. Many advised visiting on a sunny day, as clouds and fog can obscure the stunning views from the dome, or arriving during sunset. Some noted that parking is limited and especially hard to snag at peak times during the summer and on weekends. Most also advised bringing warm clothing, as the weather at the top of the summit can often get windy.

Cades Cove Visitor Center Cades Cove Visitor Center free

The Cades Cove Visitor Center is located about midway on the 11-mile, one-way Cades Cove Loop Road. One of the most popular areas in the park, the Cades Cove valley is known for its abundant wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bears, turkeys, raccoons and other animals. The visitor center features both indoor and outdoor exhibits detailing Southern mountain life. Visit the Cable Mill, a grist mill that operates in the spring, summer and fall, and the historic Becky Cable House, or explore the exhibits inside the center. Several ranger-led programs are available seasonally and the visitor center offers a bookstore, public restrooms and trail maps for hikers.

Recent travelers complimented the friendly staff members and extensive information available at the Cades Cove Visitor Center, but noted that public restrooms are scarce on the Cades Cove loop, so many recommended utilizing the ones at the center before embarking on the 11-mile drive. Many also praised the well-stocked gift shop. Some reviewers noted that on busy weekend days during peak seasons traffic was very slow on the loop road.

Abrams Falls Trail Abrams Falls Trail free

Named for a Cherokee chief whose village once occupied a spot alongside the creek, Abrams Falls is small, but mighty. While the falls are only 20 feet high, they pump out a large volume of water, creating a long, deep pool at its base. The 5-mile, round-trip hike through the forest is considered moderate for experienced hikers, but difficult for novices, and rangers recommend carrying a supply of water and wearing sturdy hiking shoes. Swimming in the pool at the base of falls is extremely dangerous, due to strong currents and an undertow.

Many recent visitors said this hike offered a great way to escape the summer heat, with many recommending hikers pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by the water. Some also advised using hiking poles on the rough and unpaved path and wearing your best waterproof hiking boots (sections of the trail cut across water). Hikers also suggest setting out on the trail early in the morning or later in the afternoon to enjoy some peace and quiet, although many agreed this trail is less crowded than others in the park.

Grotto Falls Trail Grotto Falls Trail free

Located along the Trillium Gap Trail – off the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail – Grotto Falls is a nearly 3-mile-long, round-trip hike that runs behind a 25-foot waterfall. Summer hikers love the cool environment through the old-growth hemlock forest and by the falls, although park officials caution that swimming or climbing on rocks near the falls is prohibited.

Although some recent visitors said Grotto Falls was doable for amateur hikers, most cautioned that the rough and slippery trail – and its exposed tree roots – is not recommended for novices or children. Many also commented on the uphill climb and the stream crossings, which can be very slippery, but all visitors were impressed with the amazing waterfall. Some reviewers also recommended wearing sturdy hiking shoes with good traction, due to the mud, and keeping an eye out for bears.

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Laurel Falls Laurel Falls free

Named for the mountain laurel (an evergreen shrub) that blooms throughout the park, Laurel Falls is one of the most popular trails in the park. The path has an upper and a lower section, divided by a walkway at the base of the upper falls (which measure 80 feet in height). Although the round-trip hike is only 2.6 miles, it takes about two hours, due to the rough and uneven pavement and steep incline. Because of its popularity, the trail is busy year-round, especially on weekends and during the peak summer season.

Some recent hikers thought the trail was somewhat dangerous, mentioning steep drop-offs with no handrails and the rocky nature of the trail itself, while other more experienced hikers found it easy. All agreed that it was incredibly scenic and a great location for photos, especially in May and June, when the laurel is in bloom. Many advised that the lack of ample parking required some extra walking to reach the trailhead and noted that the area is known for its bear population, cautioning visitors to carry bear spray and refrain from discarding food along the trail.

Chimney Tops Chimney Tops free

Chimney Tops is one of the few mountains that has a bare rock summit and the views from the top are spectacular, according to travelers. The more than 4-mile out and back trail is a short climb, but a very steep and strenuous one that requires scrambling over rocks to reach the top, so it's not for novice hikers or young children. Even with the high degree of difficulty, it's still one of the most popular trails in the park.

Hikers who visited recently noted that although climbing the pinnacles is not possible due to fire damage from 2016, the vistas from the viewing platform (which is part of the lower portion of the trail that is still accessible) are worth the trek. Some recommended taking a break at the scenic picnic area by the stream, located below the chimneys. Many also cautioned that the area is bear territory.

Oconaluftee Visitor Center Oconaluftee Visitor Center free

The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is the main welcome and information center for the North Carolina side of the park. It is the first new visitor center to be constructed in the park since the 1960s and features eco-friendly materials and an energy-efficient design. Here, visitors can enjoy a bookstore, a gift shop, restrooms, trail maps and a museum detailing the history of the park. Adjacent to the center also lies the Mountain Farm Museum, a preserved 19th-century farmstead, including a barn, spring house, an apple house and a working blacksmith shop. Farm life demonstrations and ranger programs are conducted seasonally. For hikers, a short, 1.5-mile trail runs along the Oconaluftee River, leading from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center to the outskirts of Cherokee, North Carolina. It is one of two trails in the park that allows pets and bicycles.

Recent travelers loved watching the elk that roam the fields next to the visitor center and recommended visiting the Mountain Farm Museum. Many also praised the center's gift shop and clean restrooms.  However, some reviewers noted crowds during peak seasons.

Alum Cave Trail Alum Cave Trail free

Visitors looking for a challenging hike filled with sweeping mountain vistas and unique geological landmarks should consider the Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte. This popular 11-mile out and back trail passes under Arch Rock, a narrow natural tunnel formed over time due to wind and water erosion, and leads to the Alum Cave Bluffs and overlooks, such as Inspiration Point and the summit of Mount LeConte. Much of the trail passes through old-growth hardwood forest, where beautiful rosebay rhododendron blooms in summer.

Recent visitors loved Arch Rock and Alum Cave, with several travelers noting that the trail gets steeper and more difficult on the second leg. Many also praised the well-maintained trail and beautiful mountain views, but warned that the summit of Mount LeConte is often shrouded in clouds. Some hikers also cautioned that the trail becomes covered in ice in winter, so some recommended bringing spikes for your shoes and hiking poles and arriving in the afternoon to allow time for the sun to melt the ice.

Cataloochee Valley Cataloochee Valley free

One of the most remote places in the park, Cataloochee Valley is a tranquil place to spend an afternoon. Several well-preserved 19th- and 20th-century historic buildings can be found in the area, remnants of a pioneer community that once flourished on the grounds. Two churches, a barn, a school and several homes can be toured, and a self-guided auto tour booklet (which can be purchased online for $1) gives brief histories of each structure. The valley is also known for its herds of elk, the result of a 2001 project that reintroduced elk to the park. Arrive at dawn or dusk for the best chances of seeing them grazing the valley fields. In addition to ample wildlife viewing opportunities, this section of the park features hiking trails, fishing in Cataloochee Creek and a primitive campground.

While many visitors complimented Cataloochee's beautiful scenery and roaming herds of elk, some complained about the less-than-stellar restrooms and dangerous, narrow gravel road leading to the valley. Many travelers recommended driving cautiously (the road is winding with steep drop-offs) and using a four-wheel-drive vehicle if possible.

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The Country's Most-visited National Park Has Year-round Wildflowers, Stunning Mountain Views, and Diverse Wildlife

Here's everything you need to know about visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

• Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

How to get there, best things to do, wildflowers, places to stay, places to eat.

Inhasker/Getty Images

There’s a reason Great Smoky Mountains National Park sees more visitors than any other national park in the United States. Its sprawling 522,419 acres straddle two states — North Carolina and Tennessee — and the Great Smoky Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountains. Tucked inside are some of the highest mountains in the eastern U.S. (including Clingmans Dome at 6,643 feet), dense forest, year-round wildflowers, stunning drives, and hiking trails. 

Beyond its natural beauty, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to southern Appalachian culture and around 1,500 American black bears (that’s approximately two bears per square mile.).

“Each visitor to the park, whether it’s their first time or they’ve been coming for decades, has their own reason for a visit. That’s part of the magic of the Smokies” said Emily Davis, a public affairs specialist for the park, in an interview with Travel + Leisure . “Some people come to see wildflowers and wildlife, some want to challenge themselves on a new trail, some like exploring the park’s history, and some want to take a scenic drive.”

We chatted with Davis and a few other local park experts to put together a comprehensive guide to the park. Here's everything you need to know before visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Meet the Expert

Emily Davis is a public affairs specialist at Great Smoky Mountains National Park who previously worked in public affairs and as a park ranger at other parks around the country.

Amie Newsome is the social media and content manager for the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority in North Carolina.

Mark Van Osdal is the owner of Carolina Bound Adventures based out of Bryson City, North Carolina, and Sarah Spiro is a lead guide at the tour company.

Alisha Bube/Getty Images

Planning Your Visit 

The park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round. Some secondary roads will close during the winter, but main routes, like Newfound Gap Road (US-441), Little River Road, and Laurel Creek Road are open all year, depending on the weather. 

The park is one of a handful of national parks with no entrance free, meaning it is completely free to visit. That said, if you plan to park your car for longer than 15 minutes within the park boundaries, you will need a parking tag — which is $5 a day, $15 for the week, or $40 for the year. Tags are available for purchase online or can be picked up from most visitor centers in person.

Dogs are allowed in Great Smoky Mountains National Park campgrounds, picnic areas, and roads, but they must be leashed. There are just two dog-friendly walking trails, the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail , since most of the park’s hiking trails are set in the pristine backcountry.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is busiest during the summer and fall. Amie Newsome, the social media and content manager for Haywood County Tourism Development Authority, recommends pushing your trip to the fall if you’re a wildlife fan, saying, “My favorite time to visit the park would be in the rut season, which is usually September/October. This is when the elk are most active and vocal amidst the beautiful fall foliage. Our section of the park, Cataloochee Valley, is where the elk were reintroduced in 2001.”

Meanwhile, both Davis and lead guide Sarah Spiro with Carolina Bound Adventures (based out of Bryson City, North Carolina) love springtime in the park. “I have never seen the variety of greens anywhere else!” says Davis of springtime in the park, while Spiro says, “The GSMNP (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) is often referred to as the ‘wildflower park’ and for a good reason.  Every single week in springtime, a new variety of over 1,500 species of wildflowers begins popping up.”

It’s worth noting that from late October to early May, some secondary roads — including Clingmans Dome Road — can be closed due to weather or closed to certain vehicle types (think buses, motorhomes, long vans, and trailers).

There are plenty of ways to get into Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a hike or to set up camp, but there are only three true entrances. The main entrance is in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on the north side of the park. From Gatlinburg, visitors will quickly come upon Sugarlands Visitor Center, the park’s headquarters. The other Tennessee entrance is in Townsend, which is close to the Cades Cove Visitor Center.

North Carolina's main entrance to the park is in Cherokee, North Carolina, which is part of the Qualla Township and home to the Eastern Band of the Cherokee. The nearby visitor center, Oconaluftee Visitor Center, is the best way to access the park from the south.

No matter which entrance you plan to use, you won’t want to plug it into Google Maps and zone out. Car navigation and GPS don’t always work in the park, and they often lead drivers down one-way roads or to remote areas. Your best bet is to drop by a visitor center to get a paper map or download a free topographic map on your phone.

Todd Ryburn Photography/Getty Images

Scenic Drives

If you want to take it easy and enjoy the beauty, hop in your car and drive the 384 miles of (mostly paved) road inside the park. Davis says, “Driving to Newfound Gap or Clingmans Dome gives a first-time visitor an opportunity to see the Great Smoky Mountains live up to the name.”

Road Biking

If you want to cover some distance and still enjoy the fresh air, make your way to Cades Cove Loop Road. The 11-mile one-way road passes through 19th-century homesites and is so popular with cyclists that it’s closed to cars (bikes only!) every Wednesday from May to September. During peak cycling season (summer and fall), you can rent bikes at the campground store near Cades Cove Campground. There are no mountain biking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to one of the last wild trout habitats in the eastern U.S. As such, you’ll find plenty of trout, along with smallmouth bass. Angling in the 2,900 miles of streams within the park boundaries is a popular activity year-round. Before you grab your pole, make sure you have a fishing license from either Tennessee or North Carolina (both state licenses are valid throughout the park). Special permits are required for fishing in Gatlinburg and Cherokee.

Historic Buildings

There are over 90 historic structures in the park, including barns, churches, schools, and homes. The best places to experience the land’s long human history are the Cades Cove, Cataloochee, and Oconaluftee areas. There’s also plenty of history to be had along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail , which provides access to an authentic mountain farmstead along with plenty of waterfalls.

Tammi Mild/Getty Images

If you want to get away from civilization and find your own quiet corner of the park, there are more than 800 miles of trails waiting to be explored. Below are a few local favorites, but if you really want to avoid the crowds, visit one of the less-visited routes outlined on the park's website. As a general rule of thumb, the park notes on their website that “hikers in the Smokies travel about 1.5 miles per hour. Many people travel slower.” So make sure to plan your hike so you will return well before the sun sets.

Deep Creek Loop Trail

If you want to be surrounded by water — both streams and waterfalls — plan a hike on Deep Creek Loop Trail. Spiro, who leads the hiking division at Carolina Bound Adventures, says on the North Carolina side of the park she recommends “the Deep Creek Loop Trail a couple of miles outside Bryson City, where you’ll see three waterfalls within a very short hike.” The trail is also one of the few routes within the park where bicycles are allowed.

Caldwell Fork Trail

If you want to have nature to yourself (for the most part, at least), head to the Cataloochee Valley, which tends to be a bit quieter. The valley was once a Cherokee hunting ground and now has plenty of trails, including the Caldwell Fork Trail , which Newsome enjoys because it “begins with a beautiful, picturesque log bridge crossing.” The entire loop is over 16 miles (and therefore popular with backpackers), but you can cut the route as short as you want.

Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail passes right through the park, topping out at Clingmans Dome, the highest point along its journey from Georgia to Maine. If you’re feeling fit, you can hike part of the famous route to Charlies Bunion, a notable stone outcropping with stunning mountain views. “Hiking the Appalachian Trail to Charlies Bunion is hard, but so worth it if you’re prepared,” said Davis.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is often called the “Wildflower National Park” because it has over 1,500 kinds of flowering plants (more than any other national park). And while spring is the best time to visit for wildflower viewing (there’s even a weeklong Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in May), there are blooms year-round — including winter. 

Notable blooms include the spring ephemerals — trillium, lady slipper orchids, crested dwarf iris, columbine, bleeding heart, and violets, to name a few — and the summer arrival of red cardinal flowers, purple-fringed orchids, and black-eyed Susans. In the fall, goldenrods, sunflowers, and several varieties of asters begin to bloom, while February marks the arrival of spicebush blossoms, rhododendrons, and flame azaleas. The park has even put together a complete list of wildflower walks .

Beyond the 1,500 blooming plants, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to around 65 species of mammals, over 200 varieties of birds, 67 native fish species, and more than 80 types of reptiles and amphibians. The park’s most famous inhabitants are likely the American black bear (with an estimated population of 1,500), but the reintroduced elk population in Cataloochee Valley is also a big draw. 

You can see the noble creatures on your own, but for more likely sightings (and information on the animals and their reintroduction), Newsome recommends booking a guide through Cataloochee Valley Elk Tours or Scenic Tours and Rentals . 

WerksMedia/Getty Images

Campgrounds

Camping is plentiful within the park, with 10 developed campgrounds , along with a handful of backcountry camping sites for backpackers. For the former, only Cades Cove Campground (on the Tennessee side) and Smokemont Campground (on the North Carolina side) are open year-round. The other three major campgrounds are Elkmont Campground with 211 sites near the Sugarlands Visitor Center, Cosby Campground with 157 sites (and plenty of shade), and Deep Creek Campground with 92 sites and a creekside setting near some of the park’s best hiking.

LeConte Lodge

There is just one lodge within the park’s boundaries, but you have to hike 5 miles to get there. The rustic cabins of LeConte Lodge are in a stunning setting atop Mount LeConte. The lodge is generally open from mid-March to mid-November, closing during the winter season. And when it’s open, demand for a spot is high; people book early, and there’s a running waitlist. 

Lodging Near the Park

If you’re not interested in camping or hiking to a backcountry lodge, you will need to stay in one of the towns surrounding the park. On the Tennessee side, people tend to stay in Cosby, Newport, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, or Townsend. On the North Carolina side of the park, check out lodging in Bryson City, Cherokee, Fontana, Graham County, Haywood County, Maggie Valley, or Waynesville.

The Swag in Waynesville, North Carolina was voted the top resort in the South in our 2023 World's Best Awards , and Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee also made the list. 

Mark Van Osdal, co-owner of Carolina Bound Adventures, says “Bryson City is a quiet, quaint, small-town choice and has two main entrances to the national park - Deep Creek and Lakeshore Drive.” We have a soft spot for Fryemont Inn , which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and Lakeview at Fontana , which has private soaking cabanas with beautiful views

For glampers interested in a unique stay, book a night in a caboose in Waynesville or a yurt on a peony farm in Clyde, North Carolina. There are also luxury safari tents at Under Canvas ’ Smoky Mountain location 10 miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee. 

Unlike other major national parks, food and drink options are extremely limited within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You’ll find convenience items in the visitor centers and at the Cades Cove store (in peak season only), but for the most part, people eat outside the park or bring their picnics in.

With that in mind, Newsome and Van Osdal offered some recommendations for dining in the park’s surrounding mountain towns.

Frankie’s Italian Trattoria: An Italian spot with outdoor seating in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, Frankie’s has a full bar and a menu with eats like lasagna, pizza, and veal marsala.

Joey’s Pancake House: This Maggie Valley mainstay is set in a 1966 diner and is known for its comfort food breakfasts and creative pancakes.

Birchwood Hall Southern Kitchen: For elevated, farm-to-table Southern fare, this spot in Waynesville, North Carolina is the place to be (and their cocktail list is out of this world).

Delauder's BBQ: Going to the South and not getting barbecue would be a mistake. Delauder's BBQ is one of the best barbecue spots in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and its old-school unpretentious vibe somehow makes the food taste even better.

Mountain Perks: This family-run coffee shop in Bryson City, North Carolina has a homey vibe, with outdoor seating and light eats. Van Osdal has one note: “Get the ‘Kirby’!”

Wize Guyz Grille: This counter-serve spot in Cherokee, North Carolina is a long-time local hangout , beloved for their New York-style pizza and burgers.

Dalaya: Dalaya is a beloved Thai restaurant in Sylva, North Carolina. They have all the Thai favorites, including a great massaman curry and Thai-style chicken wings, with lovely outdoor seating.

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Alerts in effect, a wondrous diversity of life.

Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park. Plan your visit today!

Kuwohi name restored to the highest peak (formerly Clingmans Dome).

Learn about the many areas of the park and plan ahead for an enjoyable trip.

A parking tag is required to park for longer than 15 minutes.

Know the status of the park's roads, facilities, and trails before you go.

Bears in the park are wild and their behavior can be unpredictable. Treat bear encounters with extreme caution!

A scenic valley surrounded on all sides by mountains south of Townsend, Tennessee. An 11-mile, one-way loop encircles the valley.

You can choose from 10 developed campgrounds or head into the backcountry. Your adventure awaits!

Feel the cool spray of a waterfall. Camp under the stars. Explore a historic mill. There's plenty to see and do in the park!

Last updated: September 18, 2024

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107 Park Headquarters Road Gatlinburg, TN 37738

(865)436-1200

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12 things to know before going to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Mar 18, 2023 • 6 min read

These top tips will help you prepare for the perfect trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park © Jim Vallee / Shutterstock

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States .

And, with layers of rolling hardwood landscapes, 2100 trickling waterways and a mysterious fog that looms at seemingly all hours, it isn’t hard to see why. With so much going right for it, there are still opportunities for things to go horribly wrong, usually due to a lack of preparation. As well as booking key activities in advance, here you need to be ready for the unexpected, which could mean anything from changing weather conditions to bears.

So, as you plan for your Great Smoky Mountains National Park trip, here are the top 12 things to know ahead of time.

1. It’s free to enter, but not to park

Compared to some of its national park counterparts , Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a bargain break. There is no entry fee, so you can redirect that dough toward inner-park excursions or, perhaps, a donation to organizations like Friends of the Smokies that help preserve its confines. While there is no entry fee, a change in parking fees was implemented in March 2023. Whereas parking was previously free, it will cost $5 per day to park in official parking areas for visits longer than 15 minutes. Parking passes are now available online and at visitor centers with weekly ($15) and annual passes ($40) available. 

2. Enter a lottery in April for the summer firefly spectacle

Leading up to your trip, perhaps you’ll hear some buzz around a firefly mating spectacle that takes place each summer. Late May through late June each year (the target dates vary), the photinus carolinus species of fireflies light up a section of the Smokies with synchronous flashes. It’s a visual spectacle like few others. To catch it, you’ll need to plan well ahead of time and get lucky. Keep an eye on the National Park Service’s website for a lottery process beginning in April. If you’re granted access, you’ll receive a parking pass to experience the flash-filled wonder near Elkmont Campground .

3. Book your trout fishing license in advance

It can be oh-so-tempting to pull off the roads adjacent to Little Pigeon River or Little River, pull out your fishing rod and start fishing for trout. However, you need a fishing license to do that and, if you don’t have one, there can be hefty fines. So, snag one ahead of time and be cognizant of which state you are fishing in. The online route for booking licenses in Tennessee and North Carolina is the most seamless. 

4. Mingus Mill is a good alternative to busy Cades Cove

The Cades Cove Loop is deservingly the most popular destination in the park. The 11-mile path provides panoramic, often fog-clad Smokies vistas, there’s a 159-site campground, a historic European settlement and a trail to Abrams Falls . With that, it can get busy and, if you’re going to experience a traffic jam in a national park, this is probably where it'll happen.

For an equally dazzling dabble in history and tranquility, head to Mingus Mill , just north of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center on the North Carolina side. Dating back to the late 1800s, this historic mill is still operational and powered by a nearby flume. If camping is in the mix, Smokemont Campground is just three miles north of the mill with 142 sites. As with all camping spots – book your site as far in advance as possible.

5. Consider a shoulder season visit to avoid the crowds

The summer months (June through August) as well as peak foliage season (September and October) are the busiest months at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If pleasant temperatures (highs of 65–70ºF) and smaller crowds are desired, consider the March to May time frame. In addition to less traffic, you’ll be treated to the peak wildflower bloom, too.

6. Prepare to hike to LeConte Lodge and book months in advance

A stay at the only lodging option within the park sounds dreamy, right? Well, it is – the LeConte Lodge is a half-mile from the park’s third-highest peak, Mt LeConte . But, getting to the lodge, will require a moderately strenuous, six-plus hour hike. So, only book the lodge if you’re willing to trek 8 miles and an elevation gain of approximately 2700ft. And, you’ll want to book well in advance – the window for reservations opens months in advance and fills up quickly. The lodge is also typically closed for the winter, during the December through mid-March range.

7. Arrive early to snag trail parking and beat the crowds

The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. So, how early you arrive in the Great Smokys is up to you and, by doing so, you’re rewarded not only with more wiggle room, but parking. At some of the park’s more premium trailheads, like the Alum Cave Trail , parking lots can easily fill by 10am and, often, there are “no parking” signs dotting the nearby road shoulders. So, set that alarm early to avoid potential disappointment. 

8. Bring a wetsuit for frigid water adventures

Even when summer temperatures creep into the mid-70ºFs and low-80ºFs here, the water remains cold (at around 60ºF). Sure, a splash can be super refreshing. But, if you’re planning to get knee deep while trout fishing on the Little River or have a white-water rafting excursion on the Pigeon River, bring a wetsuit. If you don’t have one, rentals are typically available with the likes of Rafting in the Smokies and Rafting Tennessee .

9. Don’t be fooled by the fog – wear sunscreen

There are more than 800 miles of trails to explore within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For the avid hiker who wants to do as many tree-lined trails as possible or even if you’re planning a quick kayak or canoe trip on Fontana Lake , you’ll be spending time in the sun. Fog-draped landscape or not, layer up on sunscreen and reapply regularly. UV rays can penetrate the fog and clouds, so stay safe.

10. Stay alert even on the most approachable of trails

There are 150 trails within the park’s confines. And, for families with young kids and casual walkers, there are plenty of totally paved, seamless spots for a hike. However, regardless of how “easy” a hike may be, corners, cliffs and your fellow hikers can prove a distraction. An example is the popular Laurel Falls trail near the Sugarlands Visitor Center . It’s a paved, 2.5-mile round-trip trail that's nearly all asphalt and leads to multilayered waterfall bliss. As you round the corners, steep cliffs down to a trickling creek emerge out of nowhere, so you’ll want to stay alert and hold on tight to wandering little ones.

11. Do not bring your dog

Whereas dogs may be welcome on most trails in some national parks, that is not the case at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In fact, dogs are prohibited on all trails with the exception of two. So, unless you’re planning to hit the 1.9-mile one-way Gatlinburg Trail or 1.5-mile one-way Oconaluftee River Trail , leave your furry friend at home.

12. Leave the bears, elk and wildflowers alone

Whether it’s a white-tailed deer scurrying away or – if you’re lucky to see one – a perusing black bear sifting through the leaves, keep a 50ft distance between you and the wildlife. After all, it is their home and we are just visitors. It’s also worth noting that if you decide to pick and pull at any flora – yes, including those stunning wildflowers blooming in the springtime – you could face a fine of up to $5000.

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