This article will break down the Best Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hotels with our choices for each budget. Hotels in near the park do have a large price range from as low as $39 to as much as $375 per night so you will find something that is right for you.
Each will give you and approximate distance to the park but that can be a big confusing. The distance is usually measured to the center of the park and not to the actual Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance.
Read the guide and plan your trip to the mountains as far in advance as possible due to the large number if visitors. The months of March, April and October will be the least competitive and you will find far fewer visitors during those times. The months from May through September will the ones with the most visitors and winters are not the ideal time to visit for most people.
Want more ideas to round-out your trip to Smoky Mountain National Park?
A lot of great ideas are in these posts!
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What to Consider When Choosing One of The Best Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hotels
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Hotel Location
The exact location of the hotel to the locations and activities you plan to do in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most obvious and important factors that has to be examined. It can be found most easily via Google Maps and user reviews. Make sure the hotel is close to the entrance and close to the trails you plan to visit when you’re seeking Smoky Mountain National Park lodging.
Decide where you will spend the majority of your time and make reservations there. Your trip will be planned if you can locate a Great Smoky Mountains National Park lodging with breathtaking views within your price range.
Pricing
The Smoky Mountains National Park lodging has to be affordable for you. The hotel’s cost is influenced by its location and facilities. Once you have selected a hotel close to the Smoky Mountains National Park, it is best to compare rates at three or four other reliable websites and to look into any current hotel promotions. Avoid using booking portals that lack credibility. Use trustworthy portals.
Don’t hesitate to call the hotel for clarification while booking. Room near the elevator, vegetarian breakfast, higher floor, quiet room, early check-ins, and other specifics can be requested and clarified before booking one of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park hotels. After the long checklist, you must be mentally exhausted. But planning a holiday is not an easy job and I am sure when you reach the hotel you will be happy to see the results of your efforts.
6 Great Smoky Mountains National Park Entrance Options With Directions
There are six entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Besides the two main entrances at Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Cherokee, North Carolina, there’s an entrance at Townsend, Tennessee (billed as the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies”) and three lesser-known entrances at Cosby, Cataloochee, and Wears Valley.
We will cover the three Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance options and the best Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hotels located near each one. Each of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance options are open 24 hours a day including all holidays.
There are also 3 smaller gates that may be used that have less traffic. You’ll also find a number of smaller entrances into the national park that may feature ranger stations, but no visitor centers.
If you are staying towards the northern side of the park, consider using Abrams Creek to the northwest, Big Creek and Cosby to the northeast, and Greenbrier to the north. For those staying on the southern side of the park, some of the additional entrances include Deep Creek to the south, and Balsam Mountain and Cataloochee to the southeast.
3 Great Smoky Mountains National Park Entrance Options
1. Gatlinburg, TN Entrance
Due to its handy proximity to the cities of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and access to many of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park hotels, the Gatlinburg entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most well-liked one! On US 441 about one hour south of Knoxville, this entrance is located on the park’s northern side.
Before entering the park, it is simple to grab a dinner or pick up some last-minute hiking gear because Gatlinburg is brimming with shops, restaurants, and attractions. The Sugarlands Visitor Center, a fantastic building with comprehensive natural history exhibits, a bookshop and shop, seasonal ranger-led activities, and more, is also located at the Gatlinburg entrance.
Take Sevierville Exit 407 (off of Interstate 40) to get to TN-66 South. Continue straight onto US-441 South from Sevierville’s main junction. Through Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, take US-441 to reach the park.
From Sevierville and Pigeon Forge: Stay straight on US-441 South and continue into the park.
2. Townsend, TN Entrance
The Townsend gate, which is situated about 25 miles west of Gatlinburg, is another one of the entries to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For visitors going to see Cades Cove Loop Road, this is a convenient, quieter alternative to the Gatlinburg entry.
Grab one of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park hotels if wish to see historic structures like the Becky Cable House and the Cable Mill, a grist mill that is open from spring to fall, you should stop at the Cades Cove Visitor Center. A range of indoor and outdoor exhibitions of mountain life and culture are also available at the venue.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Oconaluftee entrance is located near Cherokee, North Carolina, which is about 40 minutes on US 441 west of Waynesville. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is located at this entry, where you can stop to pick up trail maps, consult a park ranger about recommended hikes, and peruse a museum with displays about the evolution of life in the Smokies.
You should also go to the nearby Mountain Farm Museum, which has an incredible array of log buildings such a farmhouse, barn, and smokehouse!
From the north: From interstate highway I-40 in Knoxville take Exit 386B to US-129 South to Alcoa/Maryville. At Maryville proceed on US-321 North/TN -73 East through Townsend. Continue straight on TN-73 into the park.
From the south: From interstate highway I-75 take Exit 376 to I-140 E towards Oak Ridge/Maryville. Merge onto I-140 E via Exit 376B towards Maryville. Turn onto US-129 South (Alcoa Highway) at Exit 11A and travel towards Alcoa. Turn onto TN-35 and follow it to US-321 North. Follow US-321 North/TN -73 East through Townsend. Continue straight on TN-73 into the park.
From Pigeon Forge: Turn at red light #3 and take US-321 south into Townsend. Then take 73 East into the National Park.
3. Cherokee, NC Entrance
From the north: From interstate highway I-40, take Exit 27 to US-74 West towards Waynesville. Turn onto US-19 and proceed through Maggie Valley to Cherokee. Turn onto US-441 North at Cherokee and follow the road into the park.
From the south: Follow US-441/US-23 North. At Dillsboro merge on US-74 West/US-441 North. At Exit 74 merge onto US-441. Follow US-441 through Cherokee and into the park.
Hotels Near Smoky Mountain National Park and Gatlinburg, TN Entrance
There are plenty of places to eat and have fun in Gatlinburg, but you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of a restful night’s sleep when choosing your Smoky Mountain National Park lodging. You should be cautious while making hotel reservations because they could have a significant impact on all other aspects of your vacation.
These best hotels have a range of amenities that will elevate your Gatlinburg vacation, so you can’t go wrong choosing one of them. Book your Great Smoky Mountains National Park lodging as far in advance as you can; many rooms are reserved a year in advance during peak months at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Numerous families travel to the Smoky Mountains in search of new adventures because there are 150 different trails there. There are a ton of other enjoyable things to do in Gatlinburg while you’re there, even though you may spend a lot of time exploring the Smokies’ huge topography!
There’s a new adventure at every turn along the 150 different trails you’ll find in the Smoky Mountains, and many families visit to find just that. While much of your time may be spent exploring the vast terrain of the Smokies, there are so many other fun things to do in Gatlinburg during your stay!
You will find some of the best Great Smoky Mountains National Park hotels in Gatlinburg. The city offers you hotels near Great Smoky Mountain National Park to fit any budget. There are many other options listed below so you’ll want to visit Gatlinburg, aside from exploring the Smoky Mountains.
The Great Smoky Mountains receive more visitors than any other national park, and for good reason. Nothing is more enjoyable than driving down its winding roads with your back to your problems and your face to the wind. We concur that this is quite cool:
It includes more than 100 different tree species, is one of the oldest mountain ranges on the planet, and is known as the “Salamander Capital of the World.” Within a mile and a half of Ole Red Gatlinburg’s door are two park trailheads. Nature is not far from a drink of sangria. That’s cool with us.
Gatlinburg has everything you need, whether you need to stock up on socks, wall clocks, incredibly hot sauce, or fudge. The Gatlinburg Strip’s specialty stores direct you to everything you didn’t know you needed up until this point. No salary is secure.
If these things interest you then you may want to choose one of the many hotels near great smoky mountains national park that are listed in this section.
Hotels Near Smoky Mountain National Park Townsend, TN Entrance
The “Gateway to Cades Cove,” one of the most well-known and storied natural resources in the entire world, is located in Townsend, Tennessee. There are numerous spots to see wildlife and take in the surrounding natural beauty in this gorgeous valley, which is encircled by an 11-mile loop.
Townsend Tennessee the Peaceful Side of the Smokies
Come experience relaxation and beauty at one of the hotels near Smoky Mountain National Park in Townsend Tennessee, a short distance from Cades Cove, one of the most well-liked attractions in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and situated on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. The area’s most distinctive and gorgeous event space for weddings and private parties is available, along with lovely and rustic hotels, award-winning restaurants featuring Appalachian cuisine, and other attractions.
A tranquil haven known as Townsend, Tennessee or “The Peaceful Side of the Smokies” appears in bucolic subtly somewhere along the Tuckaleechee Cove in southern Appalachia. Townsend has another advantage when you are searching hotels in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, there is not as much competition as there is in Gatlinburg.
In addition, Townsend provides tourists with a wide range of outdoor and indoor activities and excursions that the whole family will enjoy. Experience the spectacular mountain views of the Cherohala Skyway on a scenic drive, or for a more personal experience, ride a horse across the varied terrain.
Whether you visit Townsend in the winter, summer, or spring, you will always find breathtaking scenery and exciting activities. The best hiking weather, wildflowers, and entertaining events are found in the spring and summer. You can see lovely, colorful trees in the fall, and you can see snow on a mountain’s summit in the winter.
Townsend makes it simpler to find accommodations close to Smoky Mountain National Park whenever you visit. Discover Townsend, Tennessee, and all of its magnificent views and opt for one of its Great Smoky Mountains National Park hotels nearby.
Hotels Near Smoky Mountain National Park Cherokee, NC Entrance
In addition to being adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park’s entrance, Cherokee serves as the starting point (or finish line) of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Leave your Smoky Mountain National Park lodging and take a road trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramas of the valleys, mountain peaks, and the crystal-clear skies. The parkway is a dream drive since it has breath-taking views, fantastic hiking paths, and nice picnic areas.
By choosing one of the many places to stay places to stay near Great Smoky Mountain National Park even after only a one-night stay, you might feel like you’ve had a good vacation even before you visit the park by returning to the city with a bag of fudge, some taffy, and screen-printed t-shirts.
My advice is to start your day with a trek at Mingo Falls, then visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Qualla Arts and Crafts, Oconaluftee Indian Village, and Paul’s Restaurant for supper. Before visiting the national park, this will help you get a good sense of the location.
When you leave one of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park hotels near Cherokee plan to be to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Oconaluftee Visitor Center by nightfall to see the elk, get a good night’s sleep, and then spend the following day relaxing and tubing around the park’s Oconaluftee River and Islands.
Hotels Near Smoky Mountains National ParkGatlinburg Entrance
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The Appy LodgeGatlinburg, TN |
Old Creek LodgeGatlinburg, TN |
Tru By HiltonPigeon Forge, TN |
Creekstone InnPigeon Forge, TN |
Townsend Entrance
(Townsend, TN)
Another one of the entrances to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the Townsend entrance, which is located about 25 miles west of Gatlinburg. This is a convenient, quieter alternative to the Gatlinburg entrance and is ideal for those heading to see Cades Cove Loop Road. You’ll want to stop at the Cades Cove Visitor Center to see historical buildings such as the Becky Cable House and the Cable Mill, a grist mill that operates from spring until fall. The facility also features a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits of mountain life and culture.
Dancing Bear LodgeTownsend, TN |
Highland Manor InnTownsend, TN |
Cozy Cades Cove CondoTownsend, TN |
Best Western Cades Cove InnTownsend, TN |
Oconaluftee Entrance
(Cherokee, NC)
The Oconaluftee entrance is situated on the south side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This entrance features the Oconaluftee Visitor Center where you can stop to pick up trail maps, talk to a park ranger about hiking recommendations, and browse through a museum with exhibits about the history of life in the Smokies. You’ll also want to visit the adjacent Mountain Farm Museum, home to an amazing collection of log structures including a farmhouse, barn and smokehouse!
Stonebrook LodgeCherokee, NC |
Great Smokies InnCherokee, NC |
Super 8 by WyndhamCherokee, NC |
Hampton Inn By HiltonCherokee, NC |
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