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People constantly ask us the same question: ‘What are the best things to do in Smoky Mountain National Park with my family? What are the best places to visit in Smoky Mountain National Park to take my children to see? and What to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a family trip?’ The answers are pretty simple and not that much different than what you would do near home, just in a truly fantastic area.

We have taken those Great Smoky Mountains National Park ‘things-to-do-questions’ and broken them down into 12 things that are always favorites in the park. A couple will depend on the age of your children if you have them with you. Fishing and wildlife photography might be a bit difficult with small ones.

There is something for everyone and for people of every age in the park. That is what makes it one the most visited national parks in America, plus you get the added fun at Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge as well. Below you will find our 12 top things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains.

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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• OBE Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitors Guide
• 4 Great Reasons to Visit the Smoky Mountain National Park Visitors Center
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• 19 Very Best Smoky Mountain National Park Waterfalls
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12 Things To Do In Smoky Mountain National Park

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Enjoy the Wildflowers

Of all the things to do in Smoky Mountain National Park the raw splendor of the Great Smoky Mountains can be embodied in innumerable natural spectacles, from waterfalls at their highest flow to sunset vistas of limitless ranges. The spectacular Spring through Fall wildflower display, one of the best in the world, is without a doubt one of the most cherished manifestations of the soul of this great range.

The annual display is opened by a group of flowers known as Spring Ephemerals. Ephemerals get their name from the fact that they only emerge above ground in the late winter and early spring, blossom, bear fruit, and then quickly wither away after two months. They appear between February and April and disappear (go dormant) around May or June.

Things To Do In Smoky Mountain National Park (Edited) Photo By Tim Lumley

When To Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Wildflowers

The optimum season for wildflower viewing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is from early Spring to early Summer, when the renowned Spring Ephemerals bloom. However, February to September is actually the ideal time to see wildflowers.

Although the ephemerals are beautiful, there is really no poor season to observe wildflowers in the Smoky Mountains since Great Smoky Mountains National Park has more species of flowering plants than any other U.S. national park.

There are several ways to get up close to the stunning blossoms in the Great Smoky Mountains, one of the best spots in the country to see wildflowers. The park’s wildflowers are most noticeable in the Spring, but the humid weather also produces lovely blooms in the Summer and Fall.

The park features 10 different varieties of trillium, as well as violets, lady slipper orchids, showy orchids, crested dwarf iris, fire pink, columbine, bleeding heart, phacelia, jack-in-the-pulpit, and small brown jugs. We extend a warm welcome to you and are here to provide suggestions for the best ways to discover wildflowers and go trekking in the park, one of our top 12 Smoky Mountain National Park things to do.

Good Trails to See & Photograph Spring Wildflowers

Things To Do In Smoky Mountain National Park – Wildflowers (Edited) Photo By Cultivar413

We thought we’d introduce you to a few of the spectacular vernal wildflowers you can view during your visit. Spring will soon arrive, and before you realize it, the first blooms will emerge from the Smoky Mountain forest floor.

We’d like to direct you to some of the top trails for viewing the spectacle! Combining a waterfall, fresh flowers and a wonderful hike is a great family things to do in Smoky Mountain National Park park

It’s really difficult to go wrong, because many of the lower and mid-elevation paths in the Great Smoky Mountains will provide a spectacular wildflower display in the Spring, with higher routes coming to life in late Spring and early Summer. However, the following six avenues are highly fruitful at this time of year:

Little River Trail
Kanata Fork Trail
Cove Hardwoods Nature Trail
Porters Creek Trail
Chestnut Top Trail
Lead Cove Trail/Spence Field

With Wildflowers, Its All About Timing

Finding this to be one of the best things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park can be difficult. A visit to the park in April or May should result in some unforgettable strolls through the Great Smokies’ Spring wildflower gardens, while the timing and intensity of the flowers vary from year to year.

Every year in the Spring, the park hosts, one of the great things to do in Smoky Mountain National Park, the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, a week-long festival of activities, excursions, and treks that highlights the incredible diversity of life there.

Bright red cardinal flowers, pink turtleheads, Turk’s hat lilies, small purple-fringed orchids, bee-balm, butterfly weed, black-eyed susans, jewel weed, and several other plants are added to preserve the show throughout the summer.

In the late Summer and into the Fall, goldenrod, wide-leaved sunflowers, tall ironweed, mountain gentian, monk’s hood, coneflowers, and several aster species begin to bloom. Purple umbels of sweet joe pye weed can reach heights of ten feet as they mature.

Furthermore, flowers bloom on trees and shrubs all year long. The mountains are covered in a vivid red wash from the red maples’ blossoming period, which lasts from February to April. Ornamental trees including the serviceberry, silverbell, flowering dogwood, redbud, Fraser magnolia, and tuliptree follow shortly after that.

Later in the summer, the sourwood tree, which is treasured for the honey that bees create from its tiny, bell-shaped white blooms, begins to bloom. The year ends with the golden witch-hazel blooms, which bloom from October through January.

In February, the closer-to-the-ground spicebush, as well as sweetshrub, dog-hobble, and blazing azalea, begin to flower. The park is well known for its displays of mountain laurel, rhododendrons, and flame azaleas.

The stunning pink and white blossoms of the mountain laurel emerge from early May to early June. The Catawba rhododendron loves elevations above 3,500 feet and blooms at its peak in June. The Rosebay Rhododendron blooms at lower elevations in June and at mid-elevations in July.

In April and May, flaming azaleas bloom at mid- and low elevations. The bright Gregory Bald exhibition peaks in late June or early July. Typically, the peak on Andrews Bald happens in the early July.

The Smoky Mountain Fall Display of Color

Things To Do In Smoky Mountain National Park – Wildflowers (Edited) Photo By allison_b216

While the wildflowers are beautiful, the Autumn foliage is also one of the best things to do in Smoky Mountain National Park. As the fall foliage descends the mountain sides from high height to low level, the park often sees an autumn leaf season that lasts for many weeks. The precise dates of “peak” season cannot be predicted in advance because the timing of the fall color shift varies on so many different factors.

Elevation has a significant impact on when the park’s fall foliage changes. The turning of the yellow birch, American beech, mountain maple, hobblebush, and pin cherry begins in mid-September at higher elevations, when the temperature is comparable to that of New England.

Fall foliage begins to change colors over 4,000 feet in early to mid-October so this one of the things to do in Smoky Mountain National Park can be a little easier to catch than the wildflowers. Take the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Foothills Parkway, or the Clingmans Dome Road to enjoy them. Monitor one of the many foliage sites which will tell you where to find the best colors every day.

Between mid-October and early November, the Fall color display typically reaches its height at mid and lower elevations. Given the presence of such vibrant trees as sugar maple, scarlet oak, sweetgum, red maple, and hickories, this is the park’s most impressive exhibit and one of the to things to do in Smoky Mountain National Park.

Best Spots For Capturing Fall Foliage In The Smoky Mountains

Cades Cove

One of the most well-liked places to see the Smoky Mountains’ Fall Foliage is in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Cades Cove region. The region is among the last in the national park to start changing into fall because of its lower elevation.

Abrams Falls

Take the trip up to Cades Cove and go for a hike on one of the several trails that originate there, such as the Cades Cove Nature Trail or the trail leading up to Abrams Falls, if you’re up for a good hike. Abrams Falls is definitely worth the hike up to it. No matter which direction you look, the views from this location will take your breath away. It is one of the most well-liked waterfall treks in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Laurel Falls

One of the most well-liked hiking paths in the Smoky Mountains is Laurel Falls, named for the mountain laurel that blooms in this region of the national park. The 2.6-mile, paved route is just a few miles south of the Sugarlands Visitor Center and offers hikers a breathtaking glimpse of a stunning, 80-foot-high waterfall. Laurel Falls offers a wealth of photo options, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon when the mountains cast just the right amount of picturesque shade.

Newfound Gap

For those who want to witness the spectacular natural color display early on, the best route is US Highway 441, which passes through Newfound Gap and connects to Clingmans Dome Road. Along Newfound Gap Road, which is the lowest pass over the Smoky Mountains, you can see some of the first places where fall colors start to appear. At Newfound Gap, the overlook is an excellent spot to pause and take some pictures.

Clingmans Dome

With a height of 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the Smokies’ highest point. To access the parking lot at Clingmans Dome, travel up to Newfound Gap and then follow Clingmans Dome Road. For a 360-degree view of the stunning fall foliage, hike the half-mile up to the observation tower.

Chimney Tops Trail

Just a few miles before to the Newfound Gap overlook, on Newfound Gap Road, one can access the Chimney Tops Trail. Despite being difficult, the trek is worthwhile because of the breathtaking view from the top. Despite being only 2 miles long, the trail climbs 1,400 feet in that time, culminating in a rock scramble at the peak.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is an excellent choice if you’re searching for a colorful vista without having to hike. It is a one-way, 5.5-mile loop road that travels through the woods and offers opportunity to pause at a number of hiking trails and historic structures. The park also has a number of viewpoints where you may stop without getting out of your car and enjoy the fall foliage. By entering the national park via the Historic Nature Trail Drive, one can reach the trail.

Rainbow Falls

In addition to being accessible via Historic Nature Trail Drive, Rainbow Falls is situated close to the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Another well-liked and moderately challenging trail that follows Le Conte Creek and includes multiple footbridges before providing hikers with their first look of the falls is the Rainbow Falls Trail. The rainbows that can be seen in the mist generated by the afternoon sun are how the falls got their name. Rainbow Falls, which is 80 feet high, is a magnificent sight to view all year long.

Therefore, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the greatest area to view and enjoy the fall season at its peak, whether you like to take the family for a beautiful drive or choose to get off along the way and explore some of the hiking trails. Don’t pass up the opportunity to experience the Smoky Mountains’ stunning fall foliage. Plan your family’s trip to Pigeon Forge right away!

5 Great Picnicking Locations

Things To Do In Smoky Mountain National Park – (Edited) Photo By Susie Blackmon

What type of activity can be more fun than a family Picnic. There are of course unlimited places to have a family meal in the park and we have listed some of our favorites below. These family areas are some of the best Smoky Mountain National Park park attractions.

Chimney Tops Picnic Area

Our favorite lunch location in the entire Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the Chimney Tops picnic area, which is available from March 11 to November 26 and offers 68 picnic sites. The several tables facing the river at this well-known picnic area are stunning and difficult to find.

After you’ve finished eating, think about ascending the strenuous Chimney Tops Trail for a fantastic exercise and breathtaking mountain views. About 20 minutes from the center of Gatlinburg, the Chimney Tops region is situated in the National Park.

Greenbrier Picnic Area

There are 12 picnic sites at the year-round Greenbrier picnic area. After the lunch is over, take a short stroll down the Porter’s Creek Trail. Beautiful vistas of a clean river and some of the best wildflower viewing in the entire National Park can be found on this short, kid-friendly hike (seasonal).

The Greenbrier region is situated in the National Park’s Greenbrier portion, fifteen minutes east of the center of Gatlinburg.

Cades Cove Picnic Area

There are 81 picnic tables at the year-round open Cades Cove picnic facility. One of the most popular attractions in the entire Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the Cades Cove Scenic Loop, which you absolutely must do while on vacation. On Laurel Creek Road, close to the Scenic Loop entrance, is the Cades Cove picnic spot, which is close to the Cades Cove campground.

All of the tables have a charcoal barbecue next to them, and many of them are situated right next to a lovely creek.

Picnic Area at Metcalf Bottoms

There are 122 picnic areas at the Metcalf Bottoms picnic park, which is open all year long. This picnic area has level picnic sites and a grill at each one. It is the second-largest picnic area in the entire National Park. Consider taking a quick trek on the Metcalf Bottoms Trail after you complete your meal.

Old homesites, footbridges, a historic cemetery, and a schoolhouse from the 1930s may all be seen on this short, 1.2-mile roundtrip journey.

Herbert Holt Park Picnic Area

There are many picnic tables and grills next to the sites at Herbert Holt Park, which is open all year. It’s hard to beat this location for families with young kids! The kids will enjoy using the playground and jungle gym while Mom and Dad start the BBQ grill.

On-site amenities include a trout stream, a trout fishing stream, public facilities, and even a fishery. There is plenty of free parking available at the park, which is immediately before Traffic Light #1 in Gatlinburg (if approaching from Pigeon Forge).

Wildlife Photography

Viewing wildlife in the Smokies can be challenging things to do in Smoky Mountains National Park because most of the park is covered by dense forest. Open areas like Cataloochee and Cades Cove offer some of the best opportunities to see white-tailed deer, elk, black bear, raccoon, turkeys, woodchucks, and other animals.

The narrow, winding road of Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail encourages motorists to travel at a leisurely pace and sometimes yields sightings of bear and other wildlife. During winter wildlife is more visible because deciduous trees have lost their leaves.

Where Can I See Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Things To Do In Smoky Mountain National Park – Wildlife (Edited) Photo By Tim Lumley

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a spectacular place to go wildlife watching. There are 65 types of mammals in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but it’s hard see all of them on your visit. The park’s dense forests that are home to more tree species than all of northern Europe, can make it difficult to spot animals. Commonly spotted animals along the roadside at night include bears, elk and deer.

Black Bears

Things To Do In Smoky Mountain National Park – Wildlife (Edited) Photo By Jim Liestman

Because there are just under 2,000 bears living in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the likelihood you will see a bear in the park is very high which are on many people things to do at Smoky Mountain National Park bucket list. Cades Cove, on the park’s western border, and Cataloochee Valley, on its eastern border, are the two greatest locations to see bears.

Early in the morning and around twilight, particularly in the spring and summer, are the greatest times to spot bears. Bears are present throughout the park, so keep in mind that by federal regulation, all visitors must store their food in the trunk of their vehicles and discard all trash and food scraps in bear-proof trash cans and dumpsters.

The likelihood of seeing a bear in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is very high because there are just about 2,000 of them there, making it one of the top things to do in Smoky Mountain National Park.

Cades Cove, on the park’s western border, and Cataloochee Valley, on its eastern border, are the two greatest locations to see bears. Early in the morning and around twilight, particularly in the spring and summer, are the greatest times to spot bears.

However, keep in mind that bears are present throughout the park, and according to federal law, all visitors must properly store their food in the trunk of their cars and dispose of all trash and food scraps in dumpsters and trash cans that are bear-proof.

Best Place to Photograph Black Bears

Cades Cove

One of the best spots in the Smoky Mountains to observe black bears is Cades Cove. This area of the park has an 11-mile circle that is ideal for observing animals and is accessible by car or bicycle and is ideal for this favored things to do in Smoky Mountains National Park. Many bears take pleasure in the space that Cades Cove offers with its beautiful mountain backdrop and open valleys.

Black bear mothers and their cubs are occasionally seen strolling alongside the route. Keep a safe distance between you and these bears at all times if you want to capture pictures of them.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Outside of Gatlinburg, there is a lesser-known scenic route called Roaring Fork that offers all the stunning Smoky Mountain views without the traffic and soon becomes everyone’s things to do in Smoky Mountains National Park. Even though this 5.5-mile trip is near the bustle of Gatlinburg, black bear sightings there are nonetheless common.

There are several trails and historical places along this trip, so you may get out of your car and explore if you choose. This is another fantastic feature of the drive. Bears may be spotted on these paths, so be mindful of the wildlife and its habitat.

Bobcats

Things To Do In Smoky Mountain National Park – Wildlife (Edited) Photo By Pontla

Bobcats are a solitary species, and according to park officials, they are the only felines that reside there. Bobcats, which are bigger than house cats, might have brown, beige, or black markings. Although they can also consume birds and rodents, they typically devour rabbits and hares. Consider yourself lucky if you see one because they are nocturnal, lone, and secluded.

Elk Viewing and Photos

Things To Do In Smoky Mountain National Park – Wildlife (Edited) Photo By Tim Lumley

Elk, a creature typically connected to the American West, can be found in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, despite the fact that this may sound surprising. They don’t just happen to live in the park. 25 elk were reintroduced to the park in 2001 by park officials. 27 more were reintroduced the following year.

In North Carolina, it had been 200 years since the last elk sighting, and Tennessee, it had been roughly 150. Elk can weigh up to 700 pounds and are not deer. Visitors need to keep at least 25 yards between themselves and elk since they can be hazardous, especially if female elk are giving birth to young elk.

Early in the morning, late at night, especially on cloudy days, elk are most active. Go to Cataloochee in the park’s southeast if you want to view elk there.

Best Locations for Elk

The Cataloochee Valley and the vicinity of Cherokee along the Oconaluftee River are where you can find the majority of elk. The 11-mile gravel road with multiple hairpin twists known as Cove Creek Road provides the most straightforward approach to Cataloochee. Once you drive onto Cove Creek Road, it will take you around 45 minutes to get to the valley.

A mile-long valley that runs from east to west is encircled by some of the Eastern United States’ most untamed mountains. One of the easiest areas to see these elk is in the fields surrounding the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, spanning along the Oconaluftee River to the Oconaluftee Job Corp Center. The other primary herd is situated close to Cherokee, NC.

Top take part in another favored things to do in Smoky Mountains National Park get some photos of the Elk. Elk are most photogenic during the rut, which begins in the middle of September and lasts for roughly a month. Prepare to reach Cataloochee an hour or so before daybreak. The sound of the bulls bugling and a heavy blanket of fog will frequently fill the valley.

The light may be stunning when the sun rises over the mountains, providing some fantastic opportunity for habitat pictures or light filtering through the trees. The animals usually move into the forest to go to sleep in order to avoid the heat of the day after the sun rises above the mountains and the fog clears.

The valley can be strangely peaceful during the day, but as soon as the sun begins to set, the noises of bugling bulls once more betray their presence, followed by the return of cows and calves.

White-tailed Deer

Things To Do In Smoky Mountain National Park – Wildlife (Edited) Photo By Matthew Paulson

White-tailed deer, a frequent sight in the park, are much smaller than elk and are more likely to be seen in open regions like Cades Cove and Cataloochee. They are, in fact, the smallest deer in the deer family of North America.

Best Time for Deer Photos

The most heavily photographed subject during this time in the Smoky Mountains is the Whitetail Deer. Early to mid-December is when the whitetail deer has attained peak physical conditions. Bucks have swollen necks and darkened antlers while doe’s are plump and sleek due to summer’s feeding. This is also a very active time for the whitetail deer as the breeding season is typically in full swing.

Bucks are very active and chasing does at all times of the day, giving a high likelihood of not only locating a trophy animal, but successfully photographing it as well can be one of the great things to do in Smoky Mountains National Park. Photography later in the season can also be successful as bucks are looking to regain the energy and fat stores they had depleted during the breeding season.

Cycling

Things To Do In Smoky Mountain National Park – Cycling (Edited) Photo By John Loach

One of the favorite things to do in Smoky Mountains National Park is cycling. Bicycles can travel on most roads within the park. However, due to steep terrain, narrow road surfaces, and heavy automobile traffic, many park roads are not well suited for safe and enjoyable bicycle riding.

Top 3 Smoky Mountains National Park Biking Trails with the Best Views.

Gatlinburg Trail across Gatlinburg River

You’ll like riding a bike down the Gatlinburg Course if you’re looking for a lot shorter trail that is more leisurely and takes less time to complete. There are only 1.9 miles on this one-way track. Just outside of downtown Gatlinburg, it is close to the Sugarlands Visitor Center.

You can see older foundations and chimneys from past settlements in the area as you bike along this trail, which runs alongside the Little Pigeon River. The riding route in the Smoky Mountains National Park is a fantastic location to view some of the fascinating history the region has to offer. The Gatlinburg Trail is accessible to walkers, joggers, and pets but is off-limits to cars.

In fact, it’s one of only 2 pet friendly trails in the national park!

Oconaluftee River Trail

Oconaluftee River Trail View, Similar to the Gatlinburg Trail, the Oconaluftee River Trail only allows pedestrians, joggers, and pets to use it. The Oconaluftee River, from which the trail takes its name, is the main site to witness while hiking this walk. While biking on the trail, you will have numerous opportunity to admire the beauty of the river.

It is 1.5 miles long, one way, and generally level for simple transportation from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. You may also get the opportunity to witness some of the stunning fauna that the Oconaluftee forest has concealed from view when riding along this path. Families with young children and anyone looking to take a leisurely stroll through the park should take this route.

This is the only other pet-friendly biking trail in the Smoky Mountains National Park, the other being the Gatlinburg trail.

Cades Cove Loop

The most well-liked riding route this side of the Smoky Mountains is Cades Cove Loop. Because of the high terrain, automobile traffic, and other dangers, there are no official bicycle trails within the park, which you might not know if you are unfamiliar with the area. Cades Cove Loop is the lone exception, though.

The park closes the loop to car traffic on Wednesdays and Saturday mornings from May through September, when the area sees the most tourists, so bikers and people walking can experience Cades Cove up close. The 11-mile loop is a one-way road with many of historical, natural, and wildlife attractions.

You can view some of the earliest significant communities in the region while biking the Cades Cove Loop, you’ll get the chance for another top things to do in Smoky Mountains National Park a close-up look at some local wildlife like white-tailed deer. Despite being one of the most well-known attractions in the region, the 11-mile loop can be challenging and takes 2-4 hours to complete on a bicycle.

Roads in Tennessee’s Greenbrier and Tremont regions, as well as North Carolina’s Cataloochee Valley and Lakeview Drive, are other places that are appropriate for bicycles. To find these places, download a map of the park.

In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are no mountain bike trails. The only park trails that permit bicycles are the Gatlinburg Trail, the Oconaluftee River Trail, and the lower Deep Creek Trail. On all other park routes, bicycles are not permitted.

Mountain biking trails are open on national forest and recreation lands outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For information on things to do in Smoky Mountains National Park please contact the following offices about biking trails:

Chattahoochee National Forest (770) 297-3000
Cherokee National Forest (423) 476-9700
Nantahala National Forest (828) 257-4200
Pisgah National Forest (828) 257-4200
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area (423) 286-7275
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area (800) 628-7207

Number 5 Of Our Things To Do In Smoky Mountains National Park Is Fishing

Things To Do In Smoky Mountain National Park – Fishing (Edited) Photo By Jobeca

One of the last remaining wild trout ecosystems in the eastern United States is protected by the 2,900 miles of streams that make up the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are enough trout in the park’s streams in about 20% of the cases.

The park offers a wide range of fishing opportunities, including streams with big and smallmouth bass as well as distant, chilly headwater trout streams. The majority of streams have fish populations that are at or close to their carrying capacity and provide excellent opportunities to catch these species all year long.

In the park, fishing is allowed every day between 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset. Fishing is permitted in all streams in the park.

Fishing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Fishing is the number one of all family things to do in Smoky Mountains National Park. The rivers and streams found throughout the park are home to a plethora of wild fish. Only roughly 600 to 800 miles of the 2,110 kilometers of streams that are open for fishing year-round have fish.

Rainbow Trout

Approximately 3,000 feet below sea level, Rainbow and Brook Trout coexist. But they do not get along well together.

The brook trout population was nearly wiped out when rainbow trout were introduced. The less aggressive Brook Trout is under a lot of strain from the more prolific and swiftly maturing Rainbow Trout.

The absence of food is the biggest barrier to park fish growing to be large, mature fish. Although some fish do, the natural food supply is insufficient for them to live more than four years.

Brook Trout

The Smoky Mountains are home to only one native species of fish, and you must ascend to altitudes greater than 3,000 feet to locate them. Only around 133 miles of the park’s rivers have brook trout at the present time.

Brown Trout

Due to a distinctive modification in its nutrition, the Brown Trout lives longer and gets bigger. It starts consuming smaller fish when it is about 8 inches long. Due to this distinction, brown trout can grow to about 30 inches in length.

In warmer waters downstream, expect to see smallmouth bass, rock bass, suckers, and darters among others.

Hiking

Things To Do In Smoky Mountain National Park – Hiking (Edited) Photo By Frank Kehren

The Smoky Mountains are a popular destination for hikers throughout the year, with each season bringing its own unique benefits and hiking is one of the most popular things to do in Smoky Mountains National Park. In the winter, the absence of deciduous foliage reveals stone buildings, chimneys, foundations, and other remnants of former inhabitants.

A weekly display of trees and wildflowers can be seen in spring. Walkers can find cool retreats among the spruce-fir forests and other trees in the summer or they can follow splashy mountain streams to roaring falls and cascades. Autumn walkers can experience a variety of fall hues and the crisp, dry air that will hone their senses.

Here Are Some Popular Destination Hikes

Charlies Bunion
Alum Cave Bluffs
Andrews Bald
Rainbow Falls
Chimney Tops

Choosing a trail is one of the most difficult tasks that hikers must complete. Make a decision as to what you want to view first. Waterfalls? aged-growth trees? infinite views? Decide how far you want to hike after that. Be cautious if you haven’t trekked much recently. For beginners, a good maximum distance is five miles roundtrip.

Hiking with children? Kid-friendly hikes are an excellent way to learn and enjoy the outdoors.

Visiting Cades Cove

Things To Do In Smoky Mountain National Park – Visit Cades Cove (Edited) Photo Turcottes78

One of the more popular things to do in Smoky Mountains National Park is visiting Cades Cove One of the most visited places in the Great Smoky Mountains is the cove, a wide, lush valley surrounded by mountains. It provides some of the best chances to see wildlife in the park.

There are a lot of white-tailed deer around, and it’s also common to observe black bears, coyotes, ground hogs, turkeys, raccoons, skunks, and other creatures.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s most visited location, Cades Cove, receives millions of tourists each year. This tranquil valley is traversed by an 11-mile circle road that creates a lovely refuge that people of all ages adore.

We want to answer any questions you may have about this beautiful region of the national park! Here is all the information you require about Cades Cove.

Where is Cades Cove?

Gatlinburg’s neighbor to the south is Cades Cove. Simply follow the Parkway through downtown Gatlinburg and the national park to reach the Loop Road. Right after passing the Sugarlands Visitor Center on your right, turn right onto Little River Road. After traveling about 25 miles on Little River Road, turn left at the fork to access the Cades Cove Loop Road.

Touring the Cove

Vehicle-free access along the Cades Cove Loop Road takes place each Wednesday, from May 4 through September 28, 2022. On these days, the 11-mile loop can be enjoyed on foot or bicycle.

An 11-mile, one-way loop road around the cove, allowing drivers to take their time and take in the scenery. Spend at least two to four hours seeing Cades Cove; if you choose to hike some of the nearby trails, allow more time.

Every weekend throughout the year, as well as during the summer and fall tourist seasons, traffic is congested. Please use pullouts when stopping to take in the views or see wildlife on the loop route to show courtesy to other visitors. Of all the things to do in Smoky Mountain National Park this is one of the most popular places.

Best Times to Visit During the Seasons

The peak season for Cades Cove is from April to November. Cades Cove is located in the Great Smoky Mountains. People plan vacations in Cades Cove during the summer months when school is out because of the wildflowers and fauna that emerge from hibernation in the spring. Due to the vibrant foliage in the fall, Cades Cove is perhaps most visited during this season.

Winter is the season with the least quantity of traffic, which starts to decline in December and continues through March. Discover more here about visiting Cades Cove at different times of year!

What are the Must-See Things in Cades Cove?

The John Oliver Place is located in Cades Cove, and as you travel the 11-mile loop, you’ll pass a variety of interesting historical structures, beautiful landscapes, and other attractions. You must make a short hike to the John Oliver Cabin, the first stop on the Loop. The three churches with cemeteries that you will afterwards encounter are well-liked locations to pause and stretch your legs.

The grist mill, the cantilever barn, and Carter Shields’ cabin are some further important stops. To learn more about the additional sights you can see, look at our detailed guide to the Loop Road’s stops!

Three churches, a functioning gristmill, barns, log homes, and numerous more meticulously preserved structures from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries are dispersed along the circle route. For details on the residences you’ll see in the cove and the individuals who lived there, pick up the self-guiding tour booklet that is provided at the loop road’s entrance.

Waterfalls

Things To Do In Smoky Mountain National Park –  Visit the Waterfalls (Edited) Photo By Matthew Paulson

Every year over 200,000 visitors hike well-worn trails to view Grotto, Laurel, Abrams, Rainbow, and other popular waterfalls in the park. Large waterfalls attract the crowds, they are one of the most popular things to do in Smoky Mountain National Park, but smaller cascades and falls can be found on nearly every river and stream in the park and are less crowded.

The Great Smoky Mountains abound with the two ingredients essential for waterfalls-ample rainfall and an elevation gradient. In the Smokies high country, over 85″ of rain falls on average each year. During wet years, peaks like Mt. Le Conte and Clingmans Dome receive over eight feet of rain.

This abundant rainfall trickles and rushes down the mountain sides, from high elevation to low, sometimes dropping more than a mile in elevation from the high peaks to the foothills at the park’s boundary. Watch the brief video, Waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, for a overview of some of the park’s favorite waterfalls.

Historic Buildings

Things To Do In Smoky Mountain National Park – Visit Historic Buildings (Edited) Photo By Mark Collins

One of the most popular things to do in Smoky Mountain National Park. Visit one of the best collections of log structures in the eastern United States. In the park, over 90 historic buildings, including homes, barns, sheds, churches, schools, and gristmills, have been preserved or restored.

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Cataloochee, Oconaluftee, and Cades Cove are the greatest spots to watch them. To make your stay more enjoyable, self-guiding auto tour brochures are available at each location.

The National Register of Historic Places has recognized a few of the buildings you see above. These unique locations offer remarkable insight into how past communities functioned.

The sites that have undergone thorough state and federal examinations of their historical significance and are the subject of particular preservation efforts to keep them preserved for present and future interpretation are shown on the map below.

Burial Landscapes – Unusual But A Favorite “Things To Do In Smoky Mountain National Park”

Things To Do In Smoky Mountain National Park – Visit the Historic Graveyards (Edited) Photo By James Jordan

The historic cemeteries in the park serve as significant relics of the early landscape, tying the present-day Great Smoky Mountains National Park to a rich past and offering a singular activity to do in Smoky Mountain National Park.

Cemeteries are crucial components of the park’s overall history because they reveal valuable information about earlier burial practices, religious convictions, cultural and ethnic influences, community origins and evolution, and principles of landscape architecture. Cemeteries are frequently some of the last surviving physical reminders of a community’s past, even though almost all of its early artifacts may have been lost in the park.

Consider visiting one of the many cemeteries in Cades Cove on your next trip if you enjoy learning more about the history of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are supposedly 14 cemeteries at Cades Cove, according to National Park Service records, although only 11 have been located.

Horse Riding, Hayrides and Carriage Rides

Horseback Rides

Things To Do In Smoky Mountain National Park – Ride Horses or Go On A Hayride (Edited) Photo By Bart Heird

About 550 miles of the park’s hiking trails are open to horses. Horses are restricted to trails specifically designated for horse use. If you wish to ride your own horse in the park, please obtain a copy of the park’s trail map. This map indicates the trails on which you may ride horses and explains the park’s rules and regulations concerning horse riding in the backcountry. It also provides information about backcountry camping, and permit requirements. To obtain an official trail map, stop at any park visitor center or call (865) 436-0120. The cost of the map is $1. You may also download a trail map.

Horses are allowed only on trails specifically designated for horse use. Off-trail or cross-country riding is prohibited. Horse riders may use designated campsites located on trails open to their use, however some backcountry campsites must be reserved in advance. These sites are indicated on the park’s trail map.

Drive-in horse camps provide ready access to backcountry horse trails in the park. Camps are located at Cades Cove (Anthony Creek), Big Creek, Cataloochee, and Round Bottom. Horse camps are open from April through October.

Hayrides

Ranger-led hayrides are also offered on some evenings on a first-come, first-served basis. See the Schedule of Events for scheduled these ranger-led Smoky Mountains National Park excursions.

Carriage and Wagon Rides

Carriage or wagon rides are offered at two of the concession horseback riding stables in the park. These rides provide an opportunity to experience a 20-30 minute horse-drawn carriage or wagon ride on a park trail. Please call the stable you are interested in for additional information.

Camping

Things To Do In Smoky Mountain National Park – Go Camping (Edited) Photo By Susan Ruggles

If you prefer being outside, you’ll enjoy spending time in the Park with its many things to do in Smoky Mountain National Park. For nature lovers, the national park offers a variety of outdoor activities, with camping being one of the most popular. During your upcoming trip to the Smokies, are you thinking about camping? The following list of Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s top 6 campgrounds includes:

Campers swarm to this campground to take in the lovely surroundings. However, what makes camping in the Great Smokies so special is the joyous sense of camaraderie. The busiest campgrounds are situated next to some of the park’s most picturesque natural features, including meadows filled with wildlife and creeks cascading over moss-covered rocks.

The distant campgrounds are peaceful havens where you can immediately immerse yourself in nature after parking your car. While wooden shelters are scattered along the Appalachian Trail (AT), which follows the mountainous spine of the park between Tennessee and North Carolina and passes Clingmans Dome, backcountry campsites cling to distant routes.

You May Want to Join Our Boondocking Group on Facebook For More Information

You May Want to Join Our Campfire Recipes Group on Facebook For More Information

The main Smoky Mountain National Park waterfalls locations are known for their beauty and all of the incredible natural features you can see, from mountain views to wildlife. You will have to hit the trails to reach most of them, creating a fun thing to do with your family and friends.

You might be unsure of which waterfalls to go to, given the number you are able to see. The top 19 waterfalls of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park waterfalls are listed below.

19 Very Best Smoky Mountain National Park Waterfalls

Great Smoky Mountain National Park Map Waterfalls Edition

There are only a few key components that account for the range’s abundance of stunning falls and plunges. One reason the Great Smoky Mountain National Park waterfalls are so harsh is that streams follow steep valley bottoms, giving the area’s water flow a generally tumbling, careening appearance.

Want more ideas to round-out your trip to Smoky Mountain National Park?
A lot of great ideas are in these posts!

• 13 Great Smoky Mountains Free Campsites (Updated 2022)
• 34 Free Tennessee Boondocking – Camping Spots & RV Parking
• OBE Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitors Guide
• 4 Great Reasons to Visit the Smoky Mountain National Park Visitors Center
• 35 Best Smoky Mountain National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks
• 17 Spots for Great Smoky Mountains National Park Photos
• 25 Best Hikes In Smoky Mountain National Park
• 12 Top Things To Do In Smoky Mountain National Park
• Our 9 Favorite Smoky Mountains National Park Cabin Rentals
• 27 Best Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hotels By Entrance

The Southern Appalachians’ largest block of high terrain is located in this range, which is not only steep but also high and rainy. In particular, the super-moist airmasses from the Gulf of Mexico that frequently slough across this region of the Southern Appalachians suck a lot of rainfall out of passing weather systems.

The upper Smokies may receive 90 inches or more of precipitation annually, which is a tremendous fountainhead that supplies a lot of water that gives in to gravity’s pull downward. Finally, the Great Smoky Mountains’ varied, primarily sedimentary geology layers rocks with varying resistance to erosion, most notably running water.

Ledges and cliffs of more durable formations, especially sandstones like the Thunderhead Sandstone, survive while less durable strata wear away, forcing down-cutting streams to spill or outright collapse over them.

19 Very Best Smoky Mountain National Park Waterfalls

check out our video

1. Place of a Thousand Drips

Place of a Thousand Drips Great Smoky Mountain National Park Waterfalls (edited) from Mark Ordonez

Height of Falls: ~30′
Round-Trip Hike: 0.0 mi.
Difficulty: Drive-by

One of the beautiful Smoky Mountain National Park waterfalls, is located on a road with enough of pull-outs to allow those who try to go too quickly, get by. I stopped and allowed them to pass. Even though no wildlife was visible, it was still cool. Several locations with historic structures and river pathways was along this paved road.

Find out about this 6.7-mile roundtrip trail that runs close to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It typically takes 3 hours and 31 minutes to do this trip, which is thought of as being simple. You’ll probably run into other people while exploring because this is a really popular location for birdwatching and picturesque driving.

The months of May through November are the optimum for hiking this trek. Dogs must stay at home because this trail is off-limits to them.

The Place of a Thousand Drips can be seen from your car, and a few quick treks in several locations offer fantastic photo opportunities. Its name, in my opinion, comes from the way it appears to divide into numerous drops, reunite, split once more, and so forth.

It’s a very interesting view. However, the unique channels and grooves the water has carved out through time make the falls a must-see.

Directions

• Head into Gatlinburg along US-441/TN-71. (You should notice signs for the Motor Trail, but if you don’t….)
• If headed North into Gatlinburg, you would turn right onto Historic Nature Trail/Cherokee Orchard Road, and essentially continue southeast along the road. The road turns into the Motor Trail inside of the park.
• Look for this falls on your left. It’s pretty clearly marked.

You can easily enter Great Smoky Mountain National Park and travel along the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail just outside of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It’s an interesting trip, and the motor path provides access to a variety of waterfalls.

I chose not to do some of the medium-length walks that some of them demand in order to observe the falls because there was relatively persistent thunder on the day I was there.

There are a few other waterfalls that can be easily viewed from the trail, though.

2. Grotto Falls Via the Trillium Gap Trail

Grotto Falls Great Smoky Mountain National Park Waterfalls by (edited) by Frank Kehren

Height of Falls: 25′
Round-Trip Hike: 3.0 mi.
Difficulty: Moderate / Hourly

Super simple—even for small children. It is definitely worth it. There is a hard walk that leads up to the waterfall, but I’d say it’s only for adults. If you wish to avoid the crowds, it is also preferable to skip Saturday and Sunday.

Grotto Falls is one of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park waterfalls for summer hikers as well as salamanders because of the cool, wet environment that surrounds it. The Trillium Gap Trail leads directly to the 25-foot-tall waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Grotto Falls caught me off guard a little bit because I wasn’t sure how many waterfalls I’d see. Even though this waterfall is small, it was nonetheless lovely to find it!

There are several Smoky Mountain National Park waterfalls in the vicinity of Dayton, and Yellow Springs has a few minor waterfalls as well. They are a part of the Glen Helen Nature Preserve, a small park that I thought was lovely and enjoyable. (Getting lost in the park is shockingly simple, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.)

Directions:

• Head into Gatlinburg along US-441/TN-71. (You should notice signs for the Motor Trail, but if you don’t….)
• If headed north into Gatlinburg, you would turn right onto Historic Nature Trail/Cherokee Orchard Road, and essentially continue southeast along the road. The road turns into the Motor Trail inside of the park.
• Look for this falls on your left. If you reach the Place of a Thousand Drips, you’ve passed it, and you have to circle around again if you want to see it.

3. Mingo Falls

Mingo Waterfalls in Smoky Mountain National Park (edited)  by Kacey and Jordan 

Height of Falls: 120′
Round-Trip Hike: 0.8 mi.
Difficulty: Average / Hourly

One of the tallest and most impressive Smoky Mountain National Park waterfalls is Mingo Falls, which is 120 feet tall. It is situated near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the Cherokee Indian Reservation (Qualla Boundary).

There is no specific authorization needed to enter the reservation. Despite being only 0.4 miles long, the hike to the waterfall is nonetheless regarded as being moderately tough.

The steps were irregular in height and spacing, which made them worse than they needed to be. Going up actually made it impossible to establish a rhythm. It also has a sideways tilt. The trail is very easy once you pass the steps.

The falls are very breathtaking! The bridge provides an excellent vantage point! When traveling to the falls, be sure to keep an eye out for the signage. Your GPS will lead you astray. There is a sizable notice warning you to turn back since your GPS is inaccurate.

First things first: Mingo Falls is a great waterfall to explore. It lies just outside of Cherokee’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a short drive away (which is a town I could visit pretty frequently, especially in non-peak season).

I made sure to see Mingo Falls on my first trip. When I returned, I had some extra time before dusk and decided to explore Mingo Falls once more. I am happy I did.

As the trees’ leaves began to emerge in late April, they partially hid the falls. Early March didn’t have a problem with that! The volume of water rushing over the falls is equally remarkable.

Directions:

• You want to end up on Big Cove Road (Road 1410), and there are a few different ways to get there. If you’re on US-441 in Cherokee headed toward the Smoky Mountains Park entrance, you could turn right onto Acquoni Road, and then very soon after, turn left onto Big Cove. (If you miss that, there’s another road that leads to Big Cove right after that.)
• Drive for approximately 3.5 miles on Big Cove Road.
• There should be a sign for Mingo Falls, turn right onto Sherrill Cove Road. Literally a few hundred feet after this turn is the parking area for Mingo Falls. (Some GPS systems might direct you to turn onto Sherrill Cove Road much earlier, but ignore this. Sherrill Cove Road is a very narrow, winding dirt road, whereas Big Cove Falls is a paved road.)
• It’s an uphill hike from the parking area.

4. Spruce Flats Falls

Spruce Flats Waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountain National Park (edited) by Doug Bradley

Height of Falls: 30′
Round-Trip Hike: 1.8 mi.
Difficulty: Moderate/ Hourly

Looking for a route that won’t be too challenging, but will nonetheless show you this Great Smoky Mountain National Park waterfalls stunning features? The Spruce Flats Falls Trail is a great trek! Along the way, you might even encounter some wildlife and a stunning waterfall.

Considering how little traffic this waterfalls at Great Smoky Mountain National Park receives, many people encounter wildlife there. Along the walk, you might encounter butterflies, birds, snakes, and even bears.

When you arrive at the falls, you’ll see salamanders and fish. Along with fauna, this trail also features old forest growth, which indicates that there are big trees in the region. Along the way, you’ll stroll next to the Little River, providing you with a beautiful vista to enjoy while hiking. Even a view of some of the mountains can be seen at a certain point on the trail.

Directions:

• From the parking area hikers should walk up the gravel road and turn left just before reaching the GSMIT dormitory building. The trailhead is located only a few yards from the building.
• Roughly 20 yards from the trailhead hikers will reach the Buckeye Trail junction. The Lumber Ridge Trail continues for another 4 miles to Buckhorn Gap and the intersection of the Meigs Creek and Meigs Mountain trails. To continue towards Spruce Flats Falls hikers should turn right onto the Buckeye Trail.
• From the junction the Buckeye Trail leads steeply uphill, and soon begins to travel above a series of tent cabins that are used by overnight guests of the institute. At just under two-tenths of a mile you’ll reach another split in the trail.

• At just under a half-mile the trail reaches its highest point, and soon begins descending towards the falls. As you descend the trail becomes progressively steeper and more rugged, especially as you get closer to the falls.

5. Deep Creek’s Three Waterfalls

Great Smoky Mountain National Park Waterfalls Deep Creek (edited) by JR P

Height of Falls: 120′
Round-Trip Hike: 2.4 mi.
Difficulty: Average / Hourly

The throngs disperse for a much quieter journey along the whitewater rapids during the months other than summer. Given that it is at a lower level and gets less snow, this is one of our favorite places to hike in the winter. These pathways are off-limits to animals. Learn more about the vicinity of Deep Creek.

There are various hiking paths one can take in order to visit all three of these Smoky Mountain National Park waterfalls. The 2.4 mile option is the shortest. Five miles make up the Deep Creek-Indian Creek Loop.

Spend leisurely time at all three waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountain National Park at Deep Creek for about an hour and a half. Consider how life may have been for the families who called this lovely location home before the National Park was established. Any time of year, Deep Creek is lovely.

Indian Creek Falls

Indian Creek Waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountain National Park (edited) by Timothy Wilden

After traveling the Deep Creek trail for about a mile, it ascends a slight incline to the point where Indian Creek merges with Deep Creek. Follow the Indian Creek Trail 200 feet upward to the right to reach the boisterous Indian Creek Falls, which thunders 25 feet to the pool below. The falls’ base can be reached by using a short side route.

Tom Branch Falls

Tom Branch Waterfalls in Smoky Mountain National Park (edited) by Timothy Wilden

Tom Branch waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, a wispy cascade that gently splashes over 60 feet into Deep Creek, is reached after a short 1,000-foot hike from the main trailhead along the wide, level Deep Creek trail. You can sit on the bench next to the creek and enjoy the view of the inner-tubers floating by.

Juney Whank Falls

Juney Whank Great Smoky Mountain National Park Waterfalls (edited) by Todd Barrow

Follow the well-marked trail 1/4 mile uphill from the Deep Creek trailhead parking area to Juney Whank Falls. Even before you get there, you can hear the roar of the falls. A handrail-equipped footbridge made of logs crosses a ninety-foot waterfall that begins above you before joining Deep Creek at the trail’s base.

Directions:

• Tom Branch Falls is an easy 1/4-mile walk from the parking area. There’s plenty of seating to watch the waterfalls and summer tubers drift by. These photos were taken after a rain, so water flow is often lower.
• Go another 1/3-mile to Indian Creek Falls, with a slight uphill walk by the rushing Deep Creek. Look for the Indian Creek Trail on the right, walk a short distance and turn left on a spur trail to the base of the 25-ft. waterfall in a cove.
• Return to Deep Creek Trail the way you came. Or, return to Deep Creek Trail and take a right to the Horse Trail that will take you to Juney Whank Falls (part of the 2.4-mile loop). See map below.

6. Hen Wallow Falls

Hen Wallow Waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountain National Park (edited) by Michael Hicks

Height of Falls: 90′
Round-Trip Hike: 2.4 mi.
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult / Hourly

Hemlock and rhododendron forests are traversed on the enjoyable journey to the waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountain National Park at Hen Wallow. This trail is 4.4 miles long and rated as having a moderate degree of difficulty. Hen Wallow Falls is 90 feet tall! The waterfall is barely 2 feet wide across at the top, yet 20 feet wide at the bottom.

Hen Wallow waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountain National Park are distinctive in that they are only 2 feet wide at the top but expand out to about 20 feet wide at the base as the water descends the 90-foot plunge.

The foot of the falls is packed with numerous rocks, some of which are quite jagged, making it difficult to view from above. Getting a nice distant shot of the falls is quite tough due to the relatively large drop that occurs further down from the base.

Many people have been hurt and died on the top rocks throughout the years because they are so slick. You may still touch and see the river by staying on the lower rocks, which are also quite safe.

Directions:

• Almost from the start the trail, it begins to make a steady climb up the northern flank of Snake Den Mountain. While ascending the Gabes Mountain Trail, which was once known as the Messer Trail, the roots and rocks will testify just how rough this route can be in some places.
• After walking a short distance Rock Creek will appear on your right. Soon after you’ll pass the side trail that leads to the Cosby Campground, almost four-tenths of a mile from the trailhead. Shortly thereafter the trail crosses over Rock Creek.
• At roughly seven-tenths of a mile you’ll pass a social trail that leads off to your right. Continue going straight here.
• Roughly 1 mile from the trailhead hikers will reach Messer Gap. There’s another faint side trail on your right here, that supposedly leads to an old grave site. To continue on towards the falls, hikers should proceed straight ahead.

7. Mouse Creek Falls

Mouse Creek Waterfalls in Smoky Mountain National Park (edited) by Jim Liestman

Height of Falls: 45′
Round-Trip Hike: 4.0 mi.
Difficulty: Moderate / Half-Day

On the far side of Big Creek is where Mouse Creek waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountain National Park can be found. The falls have a height of 45 feet. To reach the falls and back, a four-mile round-trip hike that is moderate in effort is necessary. The hike to the waterfall and back usually takes two to three hours.

Big Bear Trail travels along a former railroad grade that was once used to transport lumber from the mountains during the early 20th century logging boom. The route to this waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountain National Park trail passes Midnight Hole, a large pool below a six-foot fall, at 1.4 kilometers.

A brief side route on the left at 2.1 miles brings hikers to a bench where they can relax and enjoy the view of Mouse Creek Falls.

Big Creek Trail follows an old railroad line that was employed in the 20th century to transport lumber out of the mountains. The distance is 4 miles roundtrip. The climb has a very slight elevation and is comparatively level.

You will pass the Midnight Hole, a stunning pool beneath a 6-foot-tall waterfall, as you travel the trail. Mouse Creek Falls are located a little higher up and to the right. There is a seat where you may sit and take in the 45-foot waterfall.

Directions:

• Exit I-40 at Waterville Road (#451).
• Turn left after crossing the Pigeon River and proceed 2.3 miles to an intersection.
• Continue straight, past the ranger station, to a large parking area at road’s end to reach the trailhead.

8. Cataract Falls

Great Smoky Mountain National Park Waterfalls Cataract Falls (edited) by Missy S

Height of Falls: 45′
Round-Trip Hike: 4.0 mi.
Difficulty: Moderate / Half-Day

It really is all stairs. Small and regular at first, the stairs gradually increase in size and difficulty as you ascend. There isn’t much actual scrambling, but a few places are close. Though you will perspire, it is worthwhile to travel all the way to the picnic place.

The descent to this waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountain National Park is not perilous, but the ascent is a heart-pounder and there are a few spots where you may need to shuffle through some loose mud or leap a little.

The walk to this Smoky Mountain National Park waterfalls is a bit tough on the knees at times. Always use appropriate footwear. You underestimate how lengthy it is.

Bring water and a snack at the top so you may stop and catch your breath. Swimming is prohibited, although the shade of the trees keeps things cool. It’s definitely longer than what’s described here, and moderate is probably more appropriate than strenuous.

Directions:

• Take the main Parkway (Highway 441) out of Gatlinburg into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. When you reach Sugarlands Visitor Center (on your right), turn Right on Little River Road and park at the Sugarlands Visitor Center.
• To find the trail, begin walking down the concrete path to the left of the Sugarlands Visitor Center (near the outdoor restrooms and vending area). This will quickly turn into the Fighting Creek Nature Trail to Cataract Falls.

9. Baskins Creek Falls

Baskins Creek Waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountain National Park (edited) by Sradke

Height of Falls: 40′
Round-Trip Hike: 4.0 mi.
Difficulty: Moderate / Half-Day

For those who enjoy the outdoors, Baskins Creek waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountain National Park is one of the most well-liked Pigeon Forge attractions. It is renowned for providing some of the Smoky Mountains’ most picturesque views that are convenient for families and hikers of all ages.

One of the eight picturesque locations for Smoky Mountain National Park waterfalls is just off the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. It is Baskins Creek Falls.

Along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, you can get to the Baskins Creek Trail’s trailhead. There is a brief, simple ascent to the waterfall along the 3-mile roundtrip walk. Along the journey, you may observe some local wildlife and catch glimpses of the mountains. The waterfall is 40 feet tall and has two levels. Once you get to the waterfall, you can have a picnic, unwind, and enjoy the view.

A brief, simple ascent leads into the hike to the waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountain National Park at Baskins Creek, commonly known as Baskins Falls.

If you’re hiking in the Winter or the early Spring, you’ll have some good views of the mountains to the west at about a quarter of a mile along with a few glimpses of Gatlinburg. However, the Summertime foliage will probably block these sights.

Directions:

• Take US 441 south to Gatlinburg.
• Turn right on East Parkway.
• Turn left on Cherokee Orchard Road.
• Continue to the left when the road ends and meets with Historic Nature Trail.
• Hang to the right at the fork in the road, which begins a one-way loop.
• Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail will be 0.9 miles down the loop on the right.
• Go another 0.2 miles and you’ll be at the trailhead for the Baskins Creek Trail.

10. The Sinks

The Sinks Waterfalls in Smoky Mountain National Park (edited) by Frank Kehren

Height of Falls: 15′
Round-Trip Hike: .5 mi.
Difficulty: Easy / Half-Day

One of the most stunning locations along the Little River Road scenic drive is the Sinks region to the waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is 12 miles to the west of this location, where visitors can see Mother Nature at her best!

The Sinks are a set of naturally occurring pools bordered on both sides by enormous river rocks that were created when a lovely mountain river carved out an S-curve. In fact, loggers used to have access to the Little River back then.

The enormous whirlpool at the base of this Smoky Mountain National Park waterfalls, which swirls like water emptying in a sink, gave it its name. The Sinks, like any waterfall in the Smokies, is most beautiful after a heavy downpour in the mountains.

The Little River’s whole volume is channeled by this magnificent cascade, which also generates powerful currents. A deep swimming hole that is wonderful to enjoy in the summer has been developed through time by the river’s force.

Please be warned that while being a well-liked swimming hole and jumping area on hot summer days, this particular location has seen numerous drownings and numerous catastrophic injuries. Here, swimming is strongly discouraged; instead, head to the National Park’s tranquil and shallow Greenbrier portion.

Directions:

• From downtown Gatlinburg, drive into the National Park.
• Immediately after passing the Sugarlands Visitor Center, turn right on Little River Road.
• The parking area for The Sinks is approximately 12 miles west of the visitor center on the left side of Little River Road.

11. Laurel Falls

Great Smoky Mountain National Park Waterfalls Laurel Falls (edited) by Thomas

Height of Falls: 80′
Round-Trip Hike: 2.6 mi.
Difficulty: Easy / Hourly

The mountain laurel, an evergreen shrub that blossoms along the trail and close to the waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountain National Park in May, is the inspiration for the names of Laurel Branch and the 80-foot-tall Laurel Falls. A boardwalk that spans the stream at the base of the higher falls separates the upper and lower sections of Laurel Falls.

There is a limited amount of parking at the trailhead for the falls because it is well-liked by park visitors. Both on weekdays throughout the summer and on weekends throughout the year, the area is quite crowded.

Laurel Falls is 2.6 miles away, and the hike there is rated as being of moderate difficulty. On average, the climb to the Smoky Mountain National Park waterfalls and back takes two hours.

Although the trail is paved, it is rocky and uneven with a few brief, steep sections that can be hazardous in wet weather. In addition, some of the trail has severe drop-offs, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs or strollers. At all times, children must be closely watched.

Directions:

• To access the trailhead of Laurel Falls Trail from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. t
• Turn toward Cades Cove on Little River Road and drive 3.5 miles to the trailhead.
• Parking areas are available on both sides of the road.

12. Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountain National Park (edited) by Tim Lumley

Height of Falls: 80′
Round-Trip Hike: 5.4 mi.
Difficulty: Average / Half-Day

The Rainbow Falls Great Smoky Mountains National Park trail begins with a tough ascent through a sizable boulder field that lasts for the first two-thirds of a mile. Le Conte Creek will fall down the mountain to your right as you pass through this location. Along this section of the path, hikers will come across a number of fantastic picnic spots.

Due to the terrain it travels over, the Smoky Mountain National Park waterfalls here has developed a reputation as being a difficult walk over the years. The park took action in 2017 by starting a significant, two-year initiative to repair the trail and increase hiker safety.

The project’s primary goals were to strengthen trail segments that were eroding and restore trail tread that had been harmed by strong winds and fire during the Chimney Tops 2 wildfire in November 2016.
In order to build a strong and long-lasting trail corridor, workers erected over 350 stairs through tight, steep corridors, almost 600 feet of elevated trail surfaces, nearly 400 drainage components, and over 1000 native stones throughout the route.

The rehabilitation project also removed numerous, side pathways built by visitors that caused erosion and hiker confusion.

Directions:

• Take Historic Nature Trail Drive (traffic light #8 in Gatlinburg) into the park.
• At mile 3.4, just after the road becomes one-way, turn right into the Rainbow Falls Parking Area.

13. Ramsey Cascades

Ramsey Cascades Waterfalls in Smoky Mountain National Park (edited) by Michael Hicks

Height of Falls: 1o0′
Round-Trip Hike: 8.1 mi.
Difficulty: Average / Full Day

Ramsey Cascades is the tallest waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountain National Park and one of the most spectacular. Water drops 100 feet over rock outcroppings and collects in a small pool where numerous well-camouflaged salamanders can be found.

One of the best hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the Ramsey Cascades Trail, which offers access to an old-growth forest and the park’s biggest waterfall. Ramsey Cascades, which are situated on the park’s northeastern side, are remote and provide a welcome break from the throng that may be found in many other areas of the park.

But getting to this magnificent falls won’t be simple. It demands a strenuous 8-mile roundtrip hike with an elevation rise of more than 2,000 feet, but the journey is worthwhile!

The 8-mile roundtrip climb is rated as tough due to the trail’s elevation increase of almost 2,000′ over its 4-mile length. For a large portion of its length, it follows rapid rivers and streams. Large tulip trees, basswoods, silver bells, and yellow birches can be seen among the old-growth cove hardwood trees that line the final two miles of the trail.

Directions:

• Trailhead: Drive six miles east of Gatlinburg on Highway 321. and
• Turn at the Greenbrier entrance to the park.
• Follow the signs 4.7 miles to the trailhead.

14. Abrams Falls

Great Smoky Mountain National Park Waterfalls Abrams Falls (edited) by Frank Kehren

Height of Falls: 20′
Round-Trip Hike: 5.0 mi.
Difficulty: Average / Half-Day

At first glance, Abrams Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park seems like a peaceful place to visit. The waterfall itself is about 20 feet high, and the journey to get there is only around five kilometers round trip. However, a closer inspection of the water shows a beautiful and distinctive Smoky Mountain waterfall attraction.

Abrams Waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountain National Park’ is one of the Smoky Mountain National Park waterfalls with a low height but, is somewhat compensated for by the volume of water that rushes over it.

A long, deep pool at its foot makes for a lovely backdrop, but hikers should be warned: Swimming in the pool at the base of the falls is exceedingly dangerous and has even in the past resulted in swimmer deaths due to powerful currents and undertow.

On the Cades Cove Loop Road, past stop #10, there is a signposted turnoff that leads to the Abrams Falls trailhead. The trail travels through hemlock and rhododendron forest along the brook and pine-oak forest on the ridges.

Although some people may regard the hike as challenging due to its duration and topography, it is generally thought of as moderately difficult to get to the falls. It typically takes three to four hours to climb to and from the falls.

The Cherokee chief, Abrams, whose village formerly stood several miles downstream is honored with the name of this waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Its remarkable look serves as a lovely reminder of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s unsurpassed magnificence.

15. Lynn Camp Prong Cascades

Lynn Camp Prong Cascades Waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountain National Park (edited) by Kaustubhyn

Height of Falls: 65′
Round-Trip Hike: 5.0 mi.
Difficulty: Average / Full-Day

There are multiple falls and cascades in the Lynn Camp Prong waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The lengths of the upper, middle, and lower cascades are 35 feet, 85 feet, and 55 feet respectively.

The lower cascade’s final plummet into the plunge pool is ten feet. The distance from the upper cascade to the plunge pool is a total of 65 feet. Along the cascade, there are a few log seats where you may relax and take in the view.

This trip to the cascades and to the Smoky Mountain National Park waterfalls on Lynn Camp Prong is a wonderful choice if you’re searching for a shorter, reasonably simple hike to a gorgeous place.

On your way up to the parking area, you might even find places to cool off on the Middle Prong of the Little River because it is family-friendly. If you visit in mid-October, which is the ideal time, this region is also fantastic for gorgeous autumnal color.

Directions:

• From the Sugarlands Visitor Center, drive west on Little River Rd for 17.6 miles to the intersection of Laurel Creek Rd and TN 73, also known as the Townsend Wye. Bear left on Laurel Creek Road towards Tremont and Cades Cove.
• In .2 miles, turn left on the Tremont Rd towards the Great Smoky Mountain Institute. Two miles up Tremont Rd, the institute and parking for Spruce Flats Falls will be on the left. Keep going straight.
• The road turns to gravel here and you’ll continue another 3 miles to where the road ends at the parking area for the Middle Prong Trail and the waterfalls.
• Look along the drive to the trail head for places to pull off and enjoy the sights and sounds of Middle Prong Waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

16. Fern Branch Falls

Fern Branch Waterfalls in Smoky Mountain National Park (edited) by JJJJ56CP

Height of Falls: 50′
Round-Trip Hike: 4.0 mi.
Difficulty: Average / Half-Day

In the eastern region of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the Porters Creek Trail, a moderately challenging 4-mile roundtrip climb (2 miles each way), is a stunning 50-foot cascade called Fern Branch Falls.

If you’re in the mood for a walk in the woods, this route, which has some beautiful natural scenery and is one of the less trafficked ones that you can drive to, is well worth a visit.

The Great Smoky Mountains typically evoke visions of grand vistas, refreshing running streams, and lush forest in the minds of its visitors. Well, there are plenty of these kinds of sights along the Porters Creek Trail that leads to Fern Branch Falls. The moss-covered stones and trees that are typical of this ecosystem can be seen as you go along Porters Creek early in the tour.

You’ll pass a cemetery and some of the remains of the Greenbrier Cove village as you cross a log bridge that will lead you deeper into the forest and closer to this Smoky Mountain National Park waterfalls site. These historic buildings are widespread in the region and provide a wealth of information about the past of the region prior to the creation of the national park.

Finally, you’ll reach Fern Branch Falls, a 50-foot-tall cascade that’s the ideal spot to pause for a meal, some rest, and some priceless pictures. The remaining 1.7 miles bring hikers to Campground 31, a backcountry camping location.

Directions:

• From I-40 in NC, cross into Tennessee and drive 8 miles to exit 443 – the Foothills Parkway. If the Parkway is closed, you will have to continue to exit 440 at US 321. Take the Foothills Parkway until it ends at 321/32.
• Turn left, drive just under 2 miles and turn right on 321. Drive 11.9 miles, cross the bridge over the Little Pigeon River, and immediately turn left on Greenbriar Rd. Coming from Gatlinburg, drive 5-6 miles from town and turn right on Greenbriar Rd.
• The parking area for the Porters Creek Trail is 4.1 miles down this gravel road. Drive slowly as the road narrows to 1 lane in places. At 3.2 miles you will pass the left turn for the Ramsay Cascades parking.
• The hike begins at the gated road.

You May Want to Join Our Boondocking Group on Facebook For More Information

You May Want to Join Our Campfire Recipes Group on Facebook For More Information

With the Smoky Mountain National Park campground sites and its areas spanning two states, Tennessee and North Carolina, you have a number of entry points and camping options to reach this breathtaking region. Where should you spend the night and camp? The straight forward answer is anywhere in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park campgrounds. It’s all great but make reservations well in advance.

Our specialized guide to camping in the Smoky Mountain National Park campgrounds has been put up, covering everything from a lovely horse camp to a chic automobile camping and an RV paradise. However, be aware that there are no showers, electricity hookups, or water hookups in the park before you enter.

Want more ideas to round-out your trip to Smoky Mountain National Park?
A lot of great ideas are in these posts!

• 13 Great Smoky Mountains Free Campsites (Updated 2022)
• 34 Free Tennessee Boondocking – Camping Spots & RV Parking
• OBE Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitors Guide
• 4 Great Reasons to Visit the Smoky Mountain National Park Visitors Center
• 17 Spots for Great Smoky Mountains National Park Photos
• 25 Best Hikes In Smoky Mountain National Park
• 19 Very Best Smoky Mountain National Park Waterfalls
• 12 Top Things To Do In Smoky Mountain National Park
• Our 9 Favorite Smoky Mountains National Park Cabin Rentals
• 27 Best Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hotels By Entrance

The camping options that are located within the park itself should be listed first. Please be aware that the ones that accept bookings are sometimes booked months or even a year in advance. While there are many additional options available, you can choose from these.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park campgrounds are maintained by the National Park service. They have managed Great smoky Mountains National Park campgrounds at 10 locations in the park. Prices are $17.50 or $25 per night at individual sites and you can make all your Smoky Mountain National Park Camping Reservations Here.

Only on specified campsites, NOT in pull-outs or parking lots, is camping allowed. All seasons are popular for camping, and the park offers a range of opportunities to do so. The Smoky Mountain National Park Campground in Cades Cove and Smokemont are open all year round. The other Great Smoky Mountains National Park campgrounds are all seasonally accessible.

Each Smoky Mountain National Park Campground provides facilities with flushing toilets and cold running water. There is a picnic table and fire grate for each individual Smoky Mountain National Park Campground. The park lacks showers, electrical hookups, and water connections. There are shower facilities in the localities close to the national park. When checking in at the campground, kindly ask about the closest amenities. Only medical equipment can be used in Cades Cove, Elkmont, and Smokemont’s 5-amp electrical outlets.

Per site, a maximum of two automobiles are permitted. Only one RV or trailer is permitted per campsite. Per campsite, a maximum of two motor vehicles or one vehicle pulling a trailer are permitted. For extra vehicles, each Smoky Mountain National Park Campground includes overflow parking. There is a six-person maximum per campground. Where a tent pad is present, camping structures must be set up on it. Although they can only extend as far as the campsite, hammocks are permitted. Check-in and check-out times are both at 1:00 p.m.

On a leash no longer than six feet, pets are permitted. Only the roadways, Oconaluftee River Trail, and Gatlinburg Trail are open to pets.

A maximum of 14 consecutive days and no more than 60 days in a calendar year may be spent camping throughout the entire park. All campgrounds in parks must abide by these restrictions. The quiet period is from 10:00 PM till 6:00 AM. The quiet period for generators is from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM.

Where Are the Best Smoky Mountain National Park Campgrounds

Smokemont Smoky Mountain National Park Campground with Dump Station

Motor homes and trailers up to 35 feet in length are permitted in the campground. Although there are no hookups, a dump station is present.

Cades Cove Smoky Mountain National Park Campground with Dump Station

The campground features a dump station that is accessible all year long and can accept trailers and motor homes up to 35 feet long. The park lacks showers, electrical hookups, and water connections.

Elkmont Smoky Mountain National Park Campground with No Dump Station

Some campsites are better suited for tents than RVs due to the varying lengths and slopes of the drives. Before attempting to park your RV, get outside and survey the area. Trailers and motor homes up to 35 feet in length are allowed on the sites. This location lacks a dump station. There are flushing toilets and running water in the campground’s facilities. There is a picnic table and fire grate for each individual campground. The park lacks showers, electrical hookups, and water connections.

35 Best Smoky Mountain National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks

check out our video

Front Country Camping Inside Smoky Mountain National Park

Where are the Smoky Mountain National Park Campground for RV use in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, people frequently ask us? There are 5 locations where trailers and RVs are welcome. Two ADA compliant campgrounds are described in the details below.

1. Deep Creek Campground on the Park’s Southeast Side

Deep Creek Smoky Mountain National Park Campground – elevation 1,800 feet (549m) – is next to one of the most well-known waterways in the park. The 92 campsites at the camp each have a grill, a table, and a campfire ring, making them ideal for a supper or a late-night s’mores session. Although flush toilets and water are accessible, hookups and showers are not. The scenery at Deep Creek never fails to wow, whether it is covered with vibrant spring wildflowers or striking fall colors.

2. Cataloochee Campground on the Quieter East Side

Cataloochee Smoky Mountain National Park Campground – elevation 2,600 feet (792m) – is bordered by mountain ranges and picturesque waterways and is situated in the historic Cataloochee Valley. It has warm winters and hot, humid summers. Traditional camping is available with the ease of flush toilets and running water. Showers and connections are not available. Over the campsite’s footprint, hammocks are permitted. Only two hammocks may be hung from trees that are no more than 10 inches in diameter and that have appropriate padding surrounding them.

3. Cades Cove Campground on the Park’s West Side – Smoky Mountain National Park RV Camping Available

The Cades Cove Campground, which is located at a height of 1713 feet (522 meters), is available all year round and blends the rustic camping experience with modern conveniences like flush toilets and running water. From the middle of April through the weekend before Thanksgiving, both Loop B and C are open. Only sites C1-12 and C26-61 are available for camping during the off-season (December to mid-April) and only by reservation. Generators will be permitted in Loop C with restrictions once B Loop shuts for the season, until Loop B is once again open for camping.

ADA Information – 12 ADA family sites and one group site. 2 CPAP sites.

• Wheelchair Access – Restrooms are ADA accessible. ADA accessible paths to restrooms.
• RV & Trailer Information – Roads are paved into each of the Smoky Mountain National Park Campground. Site driveways are also paved.
• RV Allowed – Yes
• RV Max Length in Feet – 40
• Trailer Allowed – No
• Trailer Max Length in Feet – 35
• Classification – This Smoky Mountain National Park Campground is a limited development campground.

4. Smokemont Smoky Mountain National Park Campground on the Park’s Southside – Smoky Mountain National Park RV Camping Available

Smokemont Campground – elevation 2,200 feet (671m) – offers 142 sites surrounded by trees. The beauty at Smokemont never fails to wow, whether it is covered in vibrant spring wildflowers or striking fall colors. Smokemont Campground offers an amazing outdoor experience with campsites for both tents and RVs. The area is known for its warm winters and hot, humid summers.

5. Elkmont Smoky Mountain National Park Campground on the Park’s North Side – Smoky Mountain National Park RV Camping Available

Elkmont Campground – elevation 2,150 feet (655m) – is situated in the North District of the park and is the closest front-country camping option to Sugarlands Visitor Center. Mild winters and scorching, humid summers define the climate. Your Elkmont journey takes place against a backdrop of mountain ranges and a lovely river. With a total of 220 sites, Elkmont Campground provides camping for both tents and RVs.

ADA Information – Elkmont has 10 accessible sites, campground roads are paved.

• Wheelchair Access – Amphitheatre is wheelchair accessible. Parking area, picnic table and fire ring at campsites are on paved surfaces.
• RV & Trailer Information – All wheels of vehicles must fit on the paved surface in the parking area of each site. Generator hours 8AM – 8PM. No dump station on site, the closest is 6 miles away at Sugarlands Visitor Center.
• RV Allowed – Yes
• RV Max Length in Feet – 35
• Trailer Allowed – Yes
• Trailer Max Length in Feet – 32
• Classification – This campground is a limited development campground.

6. Abrams Creek Smoky Mountain National Park Campground – Smoky Mountain National Park RV Camping Available

Abrams Creek Campground – elevation 1,125 feet (343m) – is situated in an isolated and lonely area along lovely Abrams Creek. The mild winters and hot, muggy summers define the moderate climate. There are flush toilets and water fountains. The campground lacks showers and utilities. Over the campsite’s footprint, hammocks are permitted. Only two hammocks may be hung from trees that are no more than 10 inches in diameter and that have appropriate padding surrounding them.

7. Balsam Mountain Campground

Balsam Mountain Campground – elevation 5,310 feet (1618m) – is encircled by mountains and rivers. Rarely do daytime highs of 70°F occur, and lows of 50°F occasionally occur at night. There are RV, camper trailer, and tent sites available, along with flush toilets and drinking water. There are no hookups, showers, or lighting in the bathrooms. Over the campsite’s footprint, hammocks are permitted. Only two hammocks may be hung from trees that are no more than 10 inches in diameter and that have appropriate padding surrounding them.

8. Big Creek Smoky Mountain National Park Campground

Big Creek Campground – elevation 1,700 feet (518m) – is situated in an isolated and remote area by lovely Big Creek. The mild winters and hot, muggy summers define the moderate climate. There are flush bathrooms, drinking water, and tent-only camping options. The campground lacks showers and utilities. Over the campsite’s footprint, hammocks are permitted. Only two hammocks may be hung from trees that are no more than 10 inches in diameter and that have appropriate padding surrounding them.

9. Cosby Campground – Smoky Mountain National Park RV Camping Available

Cosby Campground – elevation 2,460 feet (750m) – is hidden in the mountains, sheltered by a refreshing breeze. Visitors to this Smoky Mountain National Park Campground enjoy a tranquil and private setting while enjoying all that the park has to offer. Your camping trip in Cosby will take place against a backdrop of mountain ranges and a gorgeous river. The climate in Cosby is moderate, with warm winters and hot, muggy summers. Tent- and RV-friendly campsites are available at Cosby Campground.

10. Look Rock Campground (Webpage coming soon)

New site with information on this page soon.

General Rules and Information for All Sites.

Groceries, Camping Supplies, Food, and Firewood

Groceries, gas and firewood are available in the park at somewhat elevated prices so bring what you need if at all possible. The park offers a small assortment of groceries, camping gear, tourist convenience goods, and food and beverage service.

In the towns near the national park, bundles of certified heat-treated firewood are for sale. No firewood may be carried into the park unless it is heat-treated and displays the USDA-APHIS-PPQ or state certification. There are on-site firewood sales at the following Great smoky Mountains National Park campgrounds:

• Cades Cove (at Cades Cove Campground Store)
• Elkmont
• Smokemont (at Smokemont Riding Stables)

Late Arrival Procedures

Great Smoky Mountains National Park campgrounds in parks are not locked. After hours check-in is possible. However, when setting up camp, please be mindful to your neighbors by keeping noise and light to a minimum. The quiet period is from 10:00 PM till 6:00 AM. If you’ve lost track of your designated site, look for your name and site number on the Arrival List posted on the kiosk’s bulletin board.

Pets

On a leash no longer than six feet, pets are permitted. Only two trails—the Oconaluftee River Trail and the Gatlinburg Trail—are accessible to hikers with pets in the park. The other park trails are all off-limits to pets. Visit the pets page for more information.

Backcountry Camping Inside Smoky Mountain National Park

Important Information Regarding Backcountry Camping in the Smokies

On a day trip visit by automobile, you may take advantage of much of what the Great Smoky Mountains have to offer. Ideally, you should also include a little stroll. By RVing or pitching a tent at one of the numerous vehicle parks the Park Service maintains, you may enhance your appreciation of this magnificent heartland of the Southern Appalachians.

But you should think about trying some Smoky Mountain hiking if you want to have the closest, most profound relationship with these old, lushly covered hills. Since the Appalachian Trail follows the top of the Smoky Mountains, it is arguably best recognized for the shelters and sites it provides to thru-hikers. But there are many additional alternatives for backpackers, with more than 800 miles of trails crisscrossing the untamed depths of the Smokies.

We’ll direct you to get a feel for camping in the Great Smokies, including setting up camp at one of the many backcountry sites in the park. It covers the finer points of camping laws, such as how to obtain authorization to backpack in this popular location.

The goal of this article is not to list the “best” backcountry campsites in the Smoky Mountains, but rather to provide readers a general idea of the size of the backcountry and serve as a starting point for adventure planning.

As of February 2013, all backcountry camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a permit and advanced reservations. Please go through this crucial information on reservations and permits, rules, bear safety, trail closures, and more before organizing your backcountry trip.

For usage of the backcountry campsites and shelters in the park, the Park Service charges a fee. The price increase for backcountry camping is $4 per person, per night. Increased customer assistance for backcountry trip planning, reservations, permits, and the backcountry experience will be provided with the money collected from the fee.

Backcountry campers will be able to reserve sites and get permits online from any location with internet access using a park-specific reservation and permission system to which customers will have 24/7 access. Reservations can be made at any time up to 30 days in advance, giving guests the greatest flexibility for last-minute travel arrangements.

Users of the backcountry won’t need to make reservations by calling the backcountry office anymore. Additionally, reservations and permission requests can be made in person at the Sugarlands Visitor Center’s Backcountry Office.

Backcountry Permit Locations

• Oconaluftee Visitor Center
• Sugarlands Visitor Center
• Twentymile Ranger Station
• Fontana Marina
• Fontana Dam Visitor Center
• Deep Creek Campground Office
• Smokemont Campground Office
• Cataloochee Valley near campground
• Big Creek Ranger Station
• Cosby Campground Office
• Greenbrier Ranger Station
• Elkmont Campground Office
• Tremont Environmental Center
• Cades Cove Campground Office
• Abrams Creek Ranger Station

Inquiries for organizing a hiking trip should be sent to the Backcountry Information Office at (865) 436-1297. The recommended way of communication is by phone. The information office is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) for phone calls and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for in-person assistance. The knowledgeable backpackers in the Backcountry Information Office can answer your questions about backpacking and give you advice on how to have a safe and fun trip.

The park’s more than 800 miles of trails give hikers a variety of landscapes, including breathtaking mountain panoramas, roaring streams and waterfalls, old-growth forest groves, and historic buildings. To locate the trails, backcountry shelters, and campsites in the park, you can download a trail map.

The Great Smoky Mountains Association also offers a selection of hiking books, maps, and guides to assist you in picking a trail and organizing your backcountry excursion. By phoning (865) 436-0120 or visiting www.SmokiesInformation.org, you can get in touch with the Association. The nonprofit Great Smoky Mountains Association finances the park’s educational and research initiatives.

For More Information About Backcountry Camping Click Here.

Please spend a few minutes reading each of the parts below to make sure your backcountry excursion is safe and pleasant. Call the Backcountry Information Office at (865) 436-1297 if you have any inquiries. The preferred mode of communication for inquiries about backcountry trip planning is the phone. Daily hours for the Backcountry Information Office are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.(Eastern Time).

Backcountry Camping in the Smokies

Over 800 miles of trails can be explored on foot or on horseback in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are a few things you must remember and do if you intend to camp in the backcountry. It is not permitted for hikers and overnight campers to make their own campsites. A Smoky Mountain National Park Campground or shelter space must be reserved.

One month in advance is the earliest that reservations can be made. In fact, given how well-known the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is, it is strongly advised that you phone well in advance. One member of your group must always have a backcountry permit when in the wilderness. Additionally, everyone is required to abide by the backcountry guidelines within the park, some of which include:

• No tents allowed at shelter sites.
• You can only stay three nights in a row at a campsite (except for Campsite 113, one night only) and only one night at a shelter.
• The maximum size for a camping party is eight people. Special permits may be issued for a few sites that accommodate parties of up to 12.
• No pets are allowed in the backcountry.
• No motorized vehicles are allowed in the backcountry.
• No hunting is allowed anywhere in the park.
• All food or odorous material must be suspended on the provided cable systems.

Questions concerning camping in the backcountry can be directed to the Backcountry Information Office at (865) 436-1297. For more information, visit the ‘Rules and Regulations’ page on the GSMNP official site.

Keep in mind to leave no indication of your presence in the wilderness. For a review of some guidelines, go to Leave No Trace. Check out our front-country camping page if all you want to do is camp in or close to a national park without getting too secluded.

In some places of the backcountry, horseback riding is permitted. These locations are shown on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s trail map. Only the dotted trails on the map are open to horses. The dashed pathways do not permit horses. Visit our equestrian riding website for details on horseback riding in the Smokies.

Smoky Mountain National Park RV Camping Outside the Park

What’s the best campground for the Smokies Not In the Park?

To such question, there isn’t a single response, obviously there are so many Smoky Mountain National Park RV camping options. The kind of environment you want to encounter and the location you want to be in should determine where you stay. In the middle of Pigeon Forge, there are Smoky Mountain National Park Campground choices with all the conveniences, and in the center of the national park, there are campers without any connections.

And indeed, it is challenging to choose just one among the many fantastic Great Smoky Mountains National Park RV camping possibilities. Maybe that’s why, on our most recent trip to the Smokies, we ended up staying at three separate Great smoky Mountains National Park campgrounds. Call us “campground hoppers,” please.

In other words, everyone will discover something. We also want to assist you in making the best choice for your getaway. The top 5 locations close to the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are listed below. Each of these campgrounds has received excellent recommendations from knowledgeable campers in the OBE community. I hope you successfully locate the house of your dreams.

5 Great Smoky Mountains National Park RV Camping Spots Near Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is arguably the most popular tourist hub in the Smokies and offer some great Smoky Mountain National Park RV camping parks. It’s knows as the gateway to GSMNP and the main visitor’s center, Sugarlands Visitor Center, is just minutes from downtown. Some of the most famous hikes and drives are near the main drag as well, like the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Chimney’s Picnic Area.

Some folks love to be right in the middle of the action, and others will cringe at the seemingly endless t-shirt and fudge shops. If you want a quiet getaway, Gatlinburg may not be your best option for Great Smoky Mountains National Park RV camping near the park.

However, if you love to mix your hikes with amusement park rides and aquarium visits, then check out these fabulous campgrounds near Smoky Mountains National Park.

1. Alpine Hideaway Smoky Mountain National Park Campground

251 Spring Valley Rd
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
865-428-3285

Features & Amenities

• Pets Allowed
• Electric 50 AMP
• Electric 30/20/15 Amp
• Restrooms
• Showers
• Pool

2. Camp Le Conte Luxury Outdoor Resort

1739 E Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-8831

Features & Amenities

• Pull-thru Sites
• Pets Allowed
• Tent Camping
• Electric 50 AMP
• Electric 30/20/15 Amp
• Restrooms
• Showers
• Pool

3. Camping in the Smokies RV Park

1640 E Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-430-0350

Features & Amenities

• Pull-thru Sites
• Electric 50 AMP
• Electric 30/20/15 Amp
• Restrooms
• Showers
• Pool

4. Twin Creek RV Resort

1202 E Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-7081

• Pull-thru Sites
• Pets Allowed
• Electric 50 AMP
• Electric 30/20/15 Amp
• Restrooms
• Showers
• Pool

5. Smoky Bear Campground

4857 East Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-8372

Features & Amenities

• Pull-thru Sites
• Pets Allowed
• Tent Camping
• Electric 50 AMP
• Electric 30/20/15 Amp
• Restrooms
• Showers
• Pool

5 Great Smoky Mountains National Park RV Camping Spots Near Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is the place to go if you want to be surrounded by nonstop action, busy, but a great number of Smoky Mountain National Park RV camping parks. Teenage parents especially appreciate that their older children can use the tram and move around on their own. Dollywood as also nearby. Have we said enough? Here are some of our top camping spots close to Pigeon Forge’s Smoky Mountain National Park.

1. Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Lodge

149 Cates Lane
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
865-868-9300

Features & Amenities

• Pets Allowed
• Electric 50 AMP
• Electric 30/20/15 Amp
• Restrooms
• Showers
• Pool

2. Riveredge RV Park & Log Cabin Rentals

4220 Huskey St
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
877-881-7222

Features & Amenities

• Pets Allowed
• Electric 50 AMP
• Electric 30/20/15 Amp
• Restrooms
• Showers
• Pool

3. Up the Creek RV Camp

1919 Little Valley Rd
Pigeon Forge, TN 37862
865-453-8474

Features & Amenities

• Pull-thru Sites
• Pets Allowed
• Workamping
• Electric 50 AMP
• Electric 30/20/15 Amp

4. Riverbend Campground

2479 Riverbend Loop
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
865-453-1224

Features & Amenities

• Pull-thru Sites
• Pets Allowed
• Electric 50 AMP
• Electric 30/20/15 Amp
• Restrooms
• Showers

5. Creekside RV Park

2475 Henderson Springs Rd
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
865-428-4801

Features & Amenities

• Pull-thru Sites
• Pets Allowed
• Electric 50 AMP
• Electric 30/20/15 Amp
• Restrooms
• Showers
• Pool

5 Great Smoky Mountains National Park RV Camping Spots Near Townsend, TN

The region where Townsend is situated is frequently referred to as “‘the quiet side of the Smokeys”. When camping close to Great Smoky Mountain National Park, people frequently stay here if they don’t like the tourist-centric commercialism of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

Don’t be misled by the moniker, either. Townsend is peaceful, yet there is still a lot to see and do there. Additionally, you are close to the park’s Cades Cove entrance, which is a popular spot for visitors.

1. Ye Olde Mill Anderson’s Campground

8277 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy
Townsend, TN 37882
865-448-6681

Features & Amenities

• Pull-thru Sites
• Pets Allowed
• Tent Camping
• Electric 50 AMP
• Electric 30/20/15 Amp

2. Big Meadow Family Campground

8215 Cedar Creek Rd
Townsend, TN 37882
865-448-0625

Features & Amenities

• Pull-thru Sites
• Pets Allowed
• Tent Camping
• Electric 50 AMP
• Electric 30/20/15 Amp
• Restrooms
• Showers

3. Little River Campground

7261 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy
Townsend, TN 37882
738-3665

Features & Amenities

• Pull-thru Sites
• Pets Allowed
• Tent Camping
• Electric 50 AMP
• Electric 30/20/15 Amp
• Restrooms
• Showers
• Pool

4. Cades Cove Campground

10042 Campground Dr
Townsend, TN 37882
865-448-2472

Features & Amenities

• Pull-thru Sites
• Pets Allowed
• Tent Camping
• Restrooms

5. Townsend / Great Smokies KOA Holiday

8533 State Highway 73
Townsend, TN 37882
865-448-2241

Features & Amenities

• Pull-thru Sites
• Pets Allowed
• Tent Camping
• Electric 50 AMP
• Electric 30/20/15 Amp
• Restrooms
• Showers
• Pool

5 Great Smoky Mountains National Park RV Camping Spots Near Cherokee NC

Outdoor enthusiasts will love Cherokee, especially camping there at night after a long day of exploring the area’s various trails and streams.

Cherokee has a sizable selection of Great Smoky Mountains National Park RV camping facilities for a small town. You can select a campsite that suits your camping needs, whether you need a cabin, pop-up or tent site, or you have an RV.

While staying among Cherokee’s attractions, restaurants, shops, and supermarkets, you can still take advantage of the great outdoors.

One hour west of Asheville, three hours from Atlanta and Charlotte, and two hours from Greenville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga are our some Smoky Mountain National Park rv camping choices you will fall in love with. Great smoky Mountains National Park campgrounds in the North Carolina Smokies are listed below. You can filter the list to reflect your specific tastes by checking the accommodations features you want.

1. River and Rails RV Park

2886 Thomas Valley Rd.
Whittier, NC 28789
828-736-4186

Features & Amenities

• Pets Allowed
• Electric 50 AMP
• Electric 30/20/15 Amp
• Restrooms
• Showers

2. Hideaway Campground

525 Shuler Rd
Bryson City, NC 28713
828-488-2083

Features & Amenities

• Pull-thru Sites
• Pets Allowed
• Tent Camping
• Electric 30/20/15 Amp
• Restrooms
• Showers
• Pool

3. Flaming Arrow Campground

283 Flaming Arrow Dr
Whittier, NC 28789
828-497-6901

Features & Amenities

• Pull-thru Sites
• Pets Allowed
• Tent Camping
• Electric 50 AMP
• Electric 30/20/15 Amp
• Restrooms
• Showers
• Pool

4. Fort Wilderness Campground & RV Park

284 Fort Wilderness Rd
Whittier, NC 28789
828-497-9331

Features & Amenities

• Pull-thru Sites
• Pets Allowed
• Tent Camping
• Electric 50 AMP
• Electric 30/20/15 Amp
• Restrooms
• Showers
• Pool

5. Cherokee Campground & Craig’s Log Cabins

91 US-19
Cherokee, NC 28719
828-497-9638

Features & Amenities

• Pull-thru Sites
• Pets Allowed
• Tent Camping
• Electric 50 AMP
• Electric 30/20/15 Amp
• Restrooms
• Showers

5 Great Smoky Mountains National Park RV Camping Spots Near Bryson City NC

There are many fascinating things to do in Bryson City, including a variety of outdoor adventures, trips on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, live performances, festivals, and holiday celebrations. View one of our guides to one of our signature events or check out our event calendar!

There are both huge facilities and smaller, family-run campgrounds. Most offer both tent sites and full hookups. Cabins and camping cabins can be found at several campgrounds. Even yurts are an option for lodging! And don’t bring your own firewood, please. This is why.

Find a Great Smoky Mountains National Park RV camping park in Bryson City for your upcoming vacation. Do a name and amenities search. For larger views, click the thumbnails.

1. Grumpy Bear RV Park and Campground

2030 Old River Road
Bryson City, NC 28713
828-788-2095

Features & Amenities

• Pets Allowed
• Tent Camping
• Electric 50 AMP
• Electric 30/20/15 Amp
• Restrooms
• Showers

2. Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground

755 E Alarka Rd
Bryson City, NC 28713
828-488-3672

Features & Amenities

• Pull-thru Sites
• Pets Allowed
• Tent Camping
• Electric 50 AMP
• Electric 30/20/15 Amp
• Restrooms
• Showers

3. Kirkland Creek Campground and Cabins

1975 Kirklands Creek Rd
Bryson City, NC 28713
828-488-6482

Features & Amenities

• Pets Allowed
• Tent Camping
• Electric 50 AMP
• Electric 30/20/15 Amp
• Restrooms
• Showers
• Pool

4. Big Bear’s RV Park

855 West Deep Creek Road
Bryson City, NC 28713
828-407-0509

Features & Amenities

• Pull-thru Sites
• Pets Allowed
• Electric 50 AMP
• Electric 30/20/15 Amp

5. Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground

1090 W Deep Creek Rd
Bryson City, NC 28713
828-488-6055

Features & Amenities

• Pull-thru Sites
• Pets Allowed
• Tent Camping
• Electric 50 AMP
• Electric 30/20/15 Amp
• Restrooms
• Showers

You May Want to Join Our Boondocking Group on Facebook For More Information

You May Want to Join Our Campfire Recipes Group on Facebook For More Information

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!

• 13 Great Smoky Mountains Free Campsites (Updated 2022)
• OBE Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitors Guide
• 4 Great Reasons to Visit the Smoky Mountain National Park Visitors Center
• 25 Best Hikes In Smoky Mountain National Park
• 35 Best Smoky Mountain National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks
• 19 Very Best Smoky Mountain National Park Waterfalls
• 17 Spots for Great Smoky Mountains National Park Photos
• 12 Top Things To Do In Smoky Mountain National Park
• Our 9 Favorite Smoky Mountains National Park Cabin Rentals

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

Map Great Smoky Mountains National Park Entrance Map

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 Park Gatlinburg Entrance (Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN) The most popular entry point to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the Gatlinburg entrance, thanks to its convenient proximity to the cities of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge! This entrance is situated on the north side of the park. The Gatlinburg entrance also features the Sugarlands Visitor Center, an excellent facility with extensive natural history exhibits, a bookstore and shop, seasonal ranger-led programs and more! The Appy Lodge Gatlinburg, TN Approx. $180/night Queen Room 2 queen beds Old Creek Lodge Gatlinburg, TN Approx. $208/night Exec. Queen Room 2 queen beds Tru By Hilton Pigeon Forge, TN Approx. $175/night Queen Room 2 queen beds Breakfast included Creekstone Inn Pigeon Forge, TN Approx. $150/night Queen Room 2 queen beds Breakfast included

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 Lodge Townsend, TN Approx. $350/night 2-Bedroom Bungalow Pets, Kitchen, 800 ft² 2 king beds Highland Manor Inn Townsend, TN Approx. $140/night Standard Queen Room 2 queen beds Breakfast included Cozy Cades Cove Condo Townsend, TN Approx. $136/night 2-Bedroom Apartment 2-bath, kitchen 914 ft² 3 beds (1 full, 2 kings) Best Western Cades Cove Inn Townsend, TN Approx. $119/night King Room 1 king bed Non-Smoking Breakfast included

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 Lodge Cherokee, NC Approx. $193/night King Room 1 king bed Great Smokies Inn Cherokee, NC Approx. $100/night Queen Room 2 queen beds Non-Smoking Super 8 by Wyndham Cherokee, NC Approx. $160/night Queen Room 2 queen beds Non-Smoking Breakfast included Hampton Inn By Hilton Cherokee, NC Approx. $195/night King Room 1 king bed Non-Smoking Breakfast included

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We have put together a guide to 17 spots for Great Smoky Mountains National Park Photos and have included everything you need to capture them. This guide includes the best places for photos, our most Instagram worthy locations for a special capture, tips on titles and captions for Instagram and much more. Take the time to review it all before your vacation, it will help you work out a plan for your Smoky Mountain National Park trip.

Smoky Mountains Instagram Locations Including the Appalachian Trail and stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the park’s overall area is more than 800 square miles. Photographers go to the mountains to snap Great Smoky Mountain National Park photos of the landscapes, wildlife, and various vegetation.

Want more ideas to round-out your trip to Smoky Mountain National Park?
A lot of great ideas are in these posts!

• 13 Great Smoky Mountains Free Campsites (Updated 2022)
• 34 Free Tennessee Boondocking – Camping Spots & RV Parking
• OBE Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitors Guide
• 4 Great Reasons to Visit the Smoky Mountain National Park Visitors Center
• 35 Best Smoky Mountain National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks
• 25 Best Hikes In Smoky Mountain National Park
• 19 Very Best Smoky Mountain National Park Waterfalls
• 12 Top Things To Do In Smoky Mountain National Park
• Our 9 Favorite Smoky Mountains National Park Cabin Rentals
• 27 Best Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hotels By Entrance

There are countless photos of Great Smoky Mountains National Park opportunities in the park’s mountains and waterways. White-tailed deer, black bears, elk, and turkey are among the park’s wildlife species, but it can be challenging to locate them.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers views of blue-green slopes and furrowed canyons that stretch for 100 miles through rhododendron and mountain laurel thickets, whitewater rivers, and a solitary cabin in a wooded area. There are bright spring woodlands covered in flowers.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides top-notch photo opportunities around every corner. Landscape and nature photographers will find Smoky Mountains National Park photos in Tennessee and North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park. More people visit it annually than any other national park in the US, and photographers are able to take advantage of its beauty year-round.

A spider’s web sparkling with dew in a hardwood forest or a rock covered in moss along a streambank are just two examples of the small-scale wonders that await those who slow-down and zoom-in in this Southern Appalachian wonderland, which attracts photographers from all over the world.

“No Great Smoky Mountains National Park Photos: Did It Really Happen?”

You won’t soon forget your journey to the Smoky Mountains. But did it even happen if you didn’t snap pictures? Everyone enjoys posting pictures from their travels on social media  We have a list of locations ready and waiting for you, if you want to ‘Do It for the ‘Gram’. Discover where we like to snap Smoky Mountain National Park photos and Instagram photographs in the Smokies.

Did it truly happen if there is no digital evidence of your trek, bike ride, kayak expedition, or dinner? With no work or school obligations, you and your family are enjoying a much-anticipated summer vacation in the North Carolina mountains.

You have plans to exhaust your children by hiking the trails beneath the gorgeous pine and poplar canopies. You and your kids made the 1.5-mile trek down a fern-lined route with scarcely any complaints. Your journey leads you to a waterfall that snakes between plants and branches and tumbles down 80 feet across boulders, surprising even your kids.

These are just a few of the photos of Great Smoky Mountain National Park that you will treasure forever.

We could write a whole blog series about Smoky Mountains National Park photos at America’s most visited national park, but for now we’re just going to highlight seventeen of the best!

Our Top 17 Great Smoky Mountains Photography Locations

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1. Clingmans Dome

With a height of more than 6,600 feet, Clingman’s Dome is the highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Clingman’s Dome Road, which is seven miles long, ends at a parking area. A paved half-mile, steep walkway leads to the top of Clingman’s Dome observation tower for some of the best long distance photos of Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

There are also stunning views of the surroundings from the parking lot as well. Even though this is the highest point in the park, some trees may block your view, so you might prefer the view for photography from the parking lot.

2. Cades Cove

The stunning Cades Cove basin, which is encircled by mountains, is one of the main attractions of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for good reason. It is not difficult for photographers to get Smoky Mountain National Park photos of the pastoral beauty of the Cove that would look great on a wall calendar.

The area’s ancient buildings, many of which date back to the region’s earliest settlements, add to their allure. The opportunity to take pictures of Smoky Mountain animals including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, coyotes, and black bears also exists; Cades Cove is unquestionably one of the best spots in the park for photos of these creatures.

There is NOT a terrible time of year to visit Cades Cove to photograph its beauty, but we advise making an extra effort to come here while the fall foliage is at its most vibrant.

3. Mount Le Conte

The third-highest mountain in the park, behind Clingman’s Dome and Mount Guyot, is Mount Le Conte. It can be reached after a strenuous 5.5 miles of hiking from the Newfound Gap Road trailhead for the Alum Cave Trail. The photos of Great Smoky Mountain National Park from here make it all worth the effort.

There are two parking areas at the trailhead located about 8.7 miles south of the Sugarlands Visitor’s Center near Gatlinburg. You can spend the night and come back the next day because the Le Conte Lodge is close to the summit.

4. Newfound Gap

US Route 441 travels 33 miles through the Great Smoky Mountains, crossing Newfound Gap, the park’s lowest drive-through pass at 5,046 feet, just before the halfway point. Newfound Gap, one of the Great Smokies’ most famous locations, offers numerous photo opportunities. The views are fairly spectacular, especially at sunrise and (to a lesser extent) dusk.

Newfound Gap is directly on the Tennessee-North Carolina border, so crossing it and taking pictures of the state line sign will make for some iconic Instagram content. The Rockefeller Memorial is another well-liked location to frame: On September 2, 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is marked by this monument.

5. Morton Overlook

The best spot in the Park to see a sunset and capture Smoky Mountains National Park photos at the end of the day is Morton Overlook. The sun will occasionally line up between the peaks when it sets at specific times of the year, such as May.

Particularly on weekends or during the busiest travel times, plan to arrive at this location at least an hour in advance. Parking spaces and good viewing places get booked up quickly.

The trailheads for Alum Cave and Chimney Tops, as well as other low elevation viewpoints for photos of Great Smoky Mountain National Park, can be located if you continue driving north on Newfound Gap Road (US 441) as you get closer to the Gatlinburg, Tennessee region.

To get to Elkmont, Tremont, and Cades Cove, turn left onto Little River Road. For photographs of streams and historic structures, head right in Gatlinburg and look for the Roaring Fork Nature Trail, which is also a part of the Park.

6. Grotto Falls

One of the attractions of the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Hike near Gatlinburg is Grotto Falls, where the Roaring Fork below Mount LeConte plunges 25 feet off a ledge into a rock-cupped pool. Grotto Falls is accessible through a short and simple trail.

It’s quite photogenic all around, but what makes it particularly alluring is that you can go behind the curtain of falling water without getting wet, giving you the chance to take some unique, borderline otherworldly pictures.

An added photo opportunity is found further up the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail at the weeping hillside known as the Place of a Thousand Drips, which is fantastic after a heavy downpour.

7. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Another well-liked spot for photos of Great Smoky Mountains National Park location in the park is the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, which is closed during the winter. It is conveniently accessible from Gatlinburg and acts as a starting point for a few significant trails and waterfalls.

The 5.5-mile Motor Nature Trail is a twisting circle that occasionally gets extremely steep. The nearby Roaring Fork stream makes for an excellent photographic subject.

Turn off the main parkway in Gatlinburg at traffic light #8, then take Historic Nature Trail Road to the Cherokee Orchard entry to the national park. You can also reach the Noah “Bud” Ogle self-guiding nature route and the Rainbow Falls trailhead before beginning the trail.

The Motor Nature Trail also leads to the trailhead for Grotto Falls, and at the trail’s conclusion is the Place of a Thousand Drips, a waterfall that, depending on how recently it has rained, may have very little water or more substantial amounts. The Place of a Thousand Drips offers fantastic photo opportunities while the water is running.

8. Mingo Falls

Actually, Mingo Falls is found on the Cherokee Indian Reservation immediately outside the park. The walk to Mingo Falls is just about.5 miles roundtrip, but it is quite challenging due to the more than 150 stairs that must be climbed. After a downpour, the 200-foot waterfall flows rather forcefully.

Drive south on US 441 from the Oconaluftee Visitor’s Center to the trailhead and turn left onto Big Cove Road at the second intersection. The Mingo Falls Campground is 4.5 miles away after turning left at the first stop sign.

9. The Chimney Tops

One of the most magnificent geological structures in the Great Smoky Mountains is the Anakeesta Formation’s Chimney Tops and they yield some of the best photos of Great Smoky Mountain National Park, they tower over the West Prong Little Pigeon River off Sugarland Mountain.

They are undoubtedly a famous subject for photographs. There are several ways to get their precise profile: For a closer look, pull over at the Chimney Tops Overlook on US Route 441 or trek the Chimney Tops Trail.

10. Gregory Bald

Gregory Bald, one of two high-elevation mountains that the Park Service actively manages in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers expansive mountaintop vistas for Smoky Mountain National Park photos from its open stage at a height of approximately 5,000 feet along the Smokies divide.

It is picturesque all year round. But in mid- to late June, when the park’s most renowned azalea display is in bloom is the best time for Great Smoky Mountains National Park photographs, it truly steals the show.

Here in the mountains, there are many different azalea species that grow in profusion and spontaneously cross one other to produce magnificent blossoms that are a glorious kaleidoscope of vivid colors.

One of the highlights of the Great Smoky Mountains’ landscape, the azalea bloom atop Gregory Bald is without a doubt a must-see for photographers prepared to undertake the strenuous round-trip climb.

11. Oconaluftee Overlook

The greatest spot in the park to see the familiar Smoky Mountain range at daybreak may be this overlook and it offers you some great photos of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The overlook is a tiny parking area that faces east along the Oconaluftee River drainage after Newfound Gap as you go into Cherokee, North Carolina.

To acquire a good place for Great Smoky Mountains National Park photographs and witness the light shift from a soft pastel to a bright orange as the sun rises, arrive here at least an hour before sunrise. Additionally, perform your valley fog dance the previous evening because this spot is very amazing when there is fog.

12. Rough Ridge

469 miles separate Cherokee, North Carolina from the North Carolina/Virginia border along the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRPW). Rough Ridge, which is located at milepost 302.8, is one of our favorite places on this BRPW list. There are many other stunning photogenic places as well.

The distance from the parking lot to the peak is just a little more than half a mile, and you are treated to breathtaking long-distance vistas of the Blue Ridge mountains along the way. You can get great views for Great Smoky Mountains National Park photographs of Grandfather Mountain and the renowned Linn Cove Viaduct from a number of vantage points on boulders and footpaths.

13. The Jumpoff

The Jumpoff is one of the best spectacular viewing points in the national park and is accessible from the Boulevard Trail, which follows its namesake ridge between Mount LeConte and the Smoky Mountain divide crest. (In fact, the majority of the Appalachian Trail trek from Newfound Gap Road to this location offers beautiful views.)

The Jumpoff outcrop affords spectacular views of the Huge Smoky Mountains, including the impressive Anakeesta crag of Charles Bunion just below the Great Smokies divide and the great loom of Mount Guyot, the second-highest summit in the range at 6,621 feet.

(If you want to add a little more hiking to your Jumpoff excursion as well as more Great Smoky Mountains National Park photographs, it’s simple to include Charles Bunion; its viewshed is just as magnificent, but you’ll probably encounter that much more competition.)

14. Kanati Fork Trail

Along Newfound Gap Road, the Kanati Fork Trail makes a strenuous ascent from the Oconaluftee River valley to the Thomas Divide, but, the Smoky Mountain National Park photos you get from there make it all worthwhile.

While the entire path is fantastic for Great Smoky Mountains photography, the first couple of the slopes miles are the true reason it made our list because they place you right in the center of one of the national park’s most famous wildflower displays in the Spring.

However, there is plenty of floral beauty sooner and later in the season as well. The blooms typically peak around April. Give yourself lots of time to wander among the Dutchman’s breeches, trilliums, trout lilies, and other petaled wonders while taking as many pictures as you like.

15. Pickens Nose

Speaking of rocky protrusions jutting from a hillside, Pickens Nose in the Nantahala National Forest is home to one of the 828 Smoky Mountains’ most well-known photo spots. The 1.4-mile out and back trail is accessible and is situated between Franklin, North Carolina, and the Georgia state line.

16.The Old Mill

Around Pigeon Forge, The Old Mill was constructed in 1830. It was originally used by farmers to grind cornmeal and flour. The mill now has water running through it. It’s the ideal setting for Great Smoky Mountains photography for group photos or simply a picture of it all by itself. For a stunning image that speaks a thousand words, take a step back and include the river as well.

17. The Village In Gatlinburg

Enter The Village, a part of Gatlinburg that feels like its own town, after leaving the parkway. This shopping complex is brimming with charming, Old World stores that genuinely give you the impression that you’ve traveled back in time and into a totally other setting.

The shops and the fountain that is in motion are just two of the many photogenic locations in this region. Plus, grab a snack from the Donut Friar so you can take a #foodphoto that will leave your followers wanting more.

There are so many things, people and places for Great Smoky Mountains photography in Gatlinburg we can’t describe it all here. Just believe that a visit to both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have to be a huge part of your Smoky Mountains National Park photos Instagram journey around the Smokies.

Sunset at Clingman’s Dome (Alt 6,200ft) in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

In any season, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is stunning. Wildflowers can be photographed in the Spring, and Spring and Summer are the two seasons when there is the most water running through the streams and waterfalls. Of course, Fall is a fantastic season to take photos of the countryside as it changes hues.

Additionally, taking Smoky Mountains National Park photos of the scenery covered in snow and ice is possible throughout the winter.

Spring and Fall are the busiest seasons, thus those times will have the most visitors. While the park has a few excellent photo locations that are accessible by car, such as Newfound Gap and Clingman’s Dome, the majority of the best photo opportunities need for some hiking.

The bulk of park visitors stick to the major thoroughfares and views, thus crowds don’t really provide a significant challenge for photographers. The greatest time to visit truly depends on what you want to capture because even during the busiest times, you can easily find some isolation by hitting the trails.

Although the park is open all year long, some roads are blocked in the Winter, most notably the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and the road to Clingman’s Dome.

How simple or difficult it will be for you to enter and exit the park depends on where you will be staying in relation to the throngs. The most well-known entry to the park is in the town of Gatlinburg, and the town of Pigeon Forge, which is right next to Gatlinburg, is also a very popular tourist destination.

If you have to drive through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg in order to get to the park, even a very short trip can take a while (there is a bypass that will make the trip much quicker depending on where you are coming from). Within the park, there are campsites that will shield you from this traffic.

Additionally, during busy times, there are more vehicles on the park’s key thoroughfares, such as Newfound Gap Road and the Cade’s Cove loop. Even without traffic, moving between locations inside the park can take some time due to its size.

Since the park has such a large variation in height, the turning of the leaves in the Fall will occur at various periods. Generally speaking, October is a fantastic month to travel for Autumn Smoky Mountain National Park photos.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Instagram Captions

For your Smoky Mountain National Park photos, compelling captions can increase engagement, which is important for Instagram’s algorithm. Strong language in your caption helps your followers understand they need what you’re offering by defining your brand’s narrative and personality.

In summary, Instagram captions can boost your business’s social media success, which will benefit your bottom line. Instagram’s algorithm has recently undergone changes, so if the platform loves your Instagram engagement rates, it will be more likely to serve (or “see”) your uploads of Smoky Mountain National Park photos.

This indicator examines how many user comments you receive on a post and if you reply to those comments. As strange as it may seem, these modifications mean that simply having a large number of followers no longer ensures that your Great Smoky Mountains photography will be noticed.

Making the Most on Instagram With Great Smoky Mountains National Park Photos

Include crucial information at the start of your caption because Instagram hides the remainder of it behind a “more” link after a few lines of text. Make sure it’s intriguing or poses a question because only the first phrase or two will be seen by users in their Instagram feed. Also, avoid placing your call to action at the end.

“Lead with the hook in the first copy of your Instagram caption, just like you would with any other form of marketing!” When I get to the important information in my captions before the line break (the “More” option Instagram allows you to keep reading past the first two lines), I notice higher interaction.

Consider Caption Length

Your Instagram caption, like other marketing tactics, emphasizes the importance of high-quality rather than quantity for your Smoky Mountain National Park photos. It may be concise and to the point or contain longer, in-depth text.

When it comes to creating captions, there is no ideal or undesirable length. People will read your content if it adds value or is intriguing. But you should err on the side of caution if you’re unsure whether a post is too long.

Smoky Mountains Instagram Locations Best Captions

We know you have made it this far, so you are searching for Instagram captions that mention the Smoky Mountains. The greatest captions for Instagram posts featuring Smokey Mountains are divided into sections below.

Both boys and girls enjoy going on mountain hikes and taking beautiful pictures. On social networking platforms like Facebook, Whatsapp, and Instagram, they wish to share those pictures. We’ve put up a thorough list of the best Smoky Mountain Instagram captions for girls and boys to get you started on the process of selecting a suitable description for your standout photo.

Best Smoky Mountain Instagram Captions

Feeling high right now.
The time it took to reach the peak was 3 hours. The joy of seeing the world from this altitude: timeless.
The view from the mountains is simply incredible.

This moment is the peak of my life.
Open air and coffee. What more can a man want?
I climbed a mountain today. Why? Because it was there.
It’s not that I’m excited about the snow, but that I get to climb a mountain with snow.

The view from the top of a tall mountain is breathtaking.
This is peak mountain right here.
Never Look Back.
I love hiking. Incredible to see this mountain from the top.

It was hard getting up here, but this mountain top is the best view of my life.
Conquered this mountain. Time for a new mountain!
This is a picture of my friend’s house. It’s in the middle of a mountain and next to a river.
The perfect place to relax and unwind after a long week.

Sometimes you need to climb a mountain.
Mountain view, campfire, and mountain breeze. My favorite three things in life.
Climbing mountains all the time. Ain’t no Wifi here!
If you want to feel life with all your being, think about climbing mountains. It’s worth it.

These mountains gave us a good challenge, but we finally made it.
Big adventures start with a single step.
My heart led me to climb mountains!
Climb some mountains, and live a little.

Change is a good thing.
This adventure made me feel alive! If you have a mid-life crisis, climb some big mountains.

Snappy Smoky Mountain Instagram Captions

I belong in the Smoky Mountains
Love this super adventurous journey for me
It’s impossible to not love the Smokies
I’d pick the mountains over the beach any day

Home is where the heart is, and the heart is in the Smoky Mountains
The Smoky Mountains are my happy place
Up, up, and away in the Smoky Mountains for a weekend
Sky above, earth below, peace within

Over the Smoky Mountains and through the woods
You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy a lift pass
That girl, she’s going to move mountains
Who else wants to shut off their phone, drive to the Smokies, forget everything, and just breathe in the fresh mountain air?
Dear Smokies, I will never get over you

Quotes For Smoky Mountain Instagram Captions

“This mountain, the arched back of the earth risen before us, it made me feel humble, like a beggar, just lucky to be here at all, even briefly.” – Bridget Asher
“Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that mountain.” – Jack Kerouac

“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.” – Edward Abbey
“The Smoky Mountains are a rare jewel…why not have a place where you can still see the stars? There is value to keeping things primitive.” – James Dawson

“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” – John Muir
“The farther one gets into the wilderness, the greater is the attraction of its lonely freedom.” – President T. Roosevelt
“You are not in the mountains. The mountains are in you.” – John Muir
“Mountains teach that not everything in this world can be rationally explained.” – A. Lwow
“Although I do love oceans, deserts, and other wild landscapes, it is only mountains that beckon me with the sort of painful magnetic pull to walk deeper and deeper into their beauty.” – Victoria Erickson
“I know I can’t own a hilltop, a meadow, or a mountainside. But keeping it a secret somehow makes it mine.” – Joyce Rachelle
“You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so…get on your way.” – Dr. Seuss

Smoky Mountain Instagram Captions About Relationships

Are there bears in the Smokies? Bearly any
I think the mountains smoke to me
In love with sunsets and these mountains
It’s just a mountain, get over it

The Smoky Mountains aren’t just funny, they’re hill areas
Sometimes you just need to change your altitude
Enjoying life in the snow lane
Time in the Smoky Mountains is always snow much fun

The Smoky Mountains are all the range
The s’more pictures, the merrier
What a view, I’ve lost my terrain of thought

Short Smoky Mountain Instagram Captions

Smokies, let’s do it
Adventure awaits
Ladies and gentlemen, Mother Earth
Made for the mountains

Move mountains
Sometimes I dream of mountains
Fresh air, don’t care
Feelin’ smoky

Postcard from the Smoky Mountains
Mountain breeze & tall trees
Sometimes I dream of mountains
Wanderlust and mountain dust

Inspirational & Beautiful Smoky Mountain Instagram Captions

I love places that make you realize how tiny you and your problems are
If I can’t go to heaven, let me go to the Smoky Mountains
Watching the sunset over the Smoky Mountains is something I’ll never forget
Sometimes you just need an adventure to cleanse the bitter taste of life from your soul

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone
Happiness can be found in the mountains

You May Want to Join Our Boondocking Group on Facebook For More Information

You May Want to Join Our Campfire Recipes Group on Facebook For More Information

People are flocking to the great outdoors and looking for the best Smoky Mountains National Park cabin rentals. They are booked sometimes more than a year in advance. If you are planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park you want to do the homework and make your plans well in advance.

Take the information below, as well as the reviews of our favorite cabin rentals, and book your vacation spot while they are available for next Spring and Summer.

Want more ideas to round-out your trip to Smoky Mountain National Park?
A lot of great ideas are in these posts!

• 13 Great Smoky Mountains Free Campsites (Updated 2022)
• 34 Free Tennessee Boondocking – Camping Spots & RV Parking
• OBE Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitors Guide
• 4 Great Reasons to Visit the Smoky Mountain National Park Visitors Center
• 35 Best Smoky Mountain National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks
• 25 Best Hikes In Smoky Mountain National Park
• 19 Very Best Smoky Mountain National Park Waterfalls
• 12 Top Things To Do In Smoky Mountain National Park
• 17 Spots for Great Smoky Mountains National Park Photos
• 27 Best Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hotels By Entrance

Choosing the Perfect Great Smoky Mountains National Park Cabin Rentals

It’s safe to say that after 2020 and 2021, everyone is looking forward to their summer vacations. If you’re looking to get out of the house but not go camping, one of your best options is one of the Smoky Mountains National Park cabin rentals. Renting a cabin near the  Smoky Mountains National Park can seem like a daunting task.

With a higher price point than old fashion camping, you want to ensure the cabin you rent has everything you need. Follow the guidelines below to help your Smoky Mountains National Park cabin rental process go smoothly, and to ensure your vacation is everything you imagined and more.

Choosing the perfect cabin rental is the most critical part of your trip. Everyone has had at least one unhappy trip where things were just not right, your expectations weren’t met, and the experience of the guests was diminished.

Due to the unexpected expansion of internet booking platforms, there were numerous fly-by-night operators trying to rent out extra rooms and cabin rentals in the Smoky Mountains National Park and others, which by no means meet industry requirements.

In many respects the idea of cabin rentals in some of the ‘Great Smoky Mountains National Park Classifieds’ list, reminded us of life’s fundamentals and essentials. Things like the value of spending time with loved ones, appreciating the freedom of the vast outdoors, and remembering that travel is a privilege that many of us take for granted, were some of the first things that popped into our mind when we saw the ‘Cabins Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Rent’ classified section.

Bookings for a cabin rental near Great Smoky Mountains National Park increased and the bottled-up demand for travel was never ever satisfied. Travelers wanted to retire to a clean, safe place away from home in a rural location. Thankfully time has passed and those options have returned.

Keys to Choosing the Best Smoky Mountains National Park Cabin Rentals

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1. Selection

A fantastic way to connect with nature without the stress of camping is to stay in a furnished cabin. The ideal combination of a comfortable setting and a relaxing break is provided for visitors and host. When looking for the best Great Smoky Mountains National Park cabin rentals, vacationers should take a few factors into account.

2. Destination

Travelers should look for a cabin in Great Smoky Mountains National Park close to their desired activities as part of the process, while choosing the finest spot. The most helpful way to find a cabin to rent is online. Nobody wants to spend their entire vacation traveling around, looking for a spot, when this can all be done in advance.

3. Size

One of the most crucial factors when renting a cabin is size. Always search for a location with the number of beds you need as well as a great place to relax. Travelers should keep in mind to carefully inspect the quantity of beds in each cabin when browsing ‘Great Smoky Mountains National Park Classifieds’ listings online.

4. Floor Plan

There are many different layouts for cabins near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Several of them have lofts, open spaces, pull-out couches, one-room layouts, or numerous separate bedrooms. Families should opt for a cabin that has at least one bedroom with a door when searching online for “Great Smoky Mountains National Park Classifieds” so that parents have some privacy.

5. Amenities

A few of the more primitive cabins have no utilities at all. Check out the list of amenities before selecting from the available cabins in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is possible that travelers will need to provide their own cooktop, kitchenware, and/or bedding, if it is not provided. Don’t assume.

6. Décor

“Great Smoky Mountains National Park Classifieds” on the internet don’t always provide complete information. Before making a reservation, travelers should make sure to view the images. Cabins come in a variety of styles, from the most luxurious to the most primitive. If you are still not sure, contact the host and request the information you think you are missing before making you choice.

7. Price

When looking for a cabin to rent, prices vary greatly. The pricing should be in line with the amenities, location, and size of the cabin, according to travelers.

8. Location

Visitors who want to get close to nature might go online searching for specific locations near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Search for cabins that are in scenic locations. Look for properties that have lakes or rivers, hiking trails, or forested regions.

9. Activities

Some places that show up, when people search, also provide a range of extracurricular activities. It is important for families to research local attractions and activities while planning their summer vacation. The park is huge and you want to find a location near the spots you most want to visit.

10. Availability

You will want to reserve the best Smoky Mountains National Park cabin rentals early! Travelers should make a reservation as soon as they find the ideal “cabin for rent nearby” in order to avoid disappointment. Some of the major parks are booked a whole season in advance.

The best outcome from a search can make choosing a difficult choice. Opt for Smoky Mountains National Park cabin rentals with everything required to plan a memorable vacation that is in your budget. Check out the long list of Smoky Mountains National Park features, which includes the things you want to do while there. If the search results are “empty”, you can slowly delete the least important features, one at a time, until your search is successful.

How to Choose the Perfect Cabin Rentals Near Smoky Mountains National Park

Visitors who want to stay at one of the Smoky Mountains National Park cabins to rent, are in for a treat. Finding a real cabin with all the amenities you could want is far superior to staying in a hotel. Many of these cabins are furnished with high-end facilities like kitchens, swimming pools, and hot tubs as well as more modestly priced Smoky Mountains cottages. The best ways to reserve a cabin in the park, are discussed below.

Once you arrive in the Great Smoky Mountains, your desire for adventure should take precedence over finding a place to stay. Although most of the Best Smoky Mountains National Park Cabin Rentals are conveniently close to popular attractions like Dollywood and only a short drive from Gatlinburg, you should still have a general notion of where in the region would be a good starting place for your holiday.

For instance, certain secluded and off-the-beaten-path Smoky Mountains National Park cabin rentals with mountain views may not be suitable for all tourists. Others are situated close by convenient eateries or shops. To assist in deciding where you wish to be located, narrow down alternatives like these.

 Best Time to Rent A Cabin in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg become especially popular during certain peak times and cabin rentals in Smoky Mountains National Park areas can be hard to find. When schools let out for vacation and during fall foliage viewing seasons, the city can become quite crowded and the cabins near Smoky Mountains National Park are all rented. Rent one of the cabins in Great Smoky Mountains National Park as early as possible or try to plan your vacation around these times.

As an example, mid-September is a time that most families’ kids have gone back to school and the leaves have not quite yet started to turn colors. Booking one of best Smoky Mountains National park cabins in the middle of a week during this time as opposed to a weekend can have a similar effect. Locate those windows of opportunities to get better savings and avoid crowds that can pop up in periods like spring break and summer time.

Let Someone with Experience Guide You To the Best Smoky Mountains National Park Cabin Rentals

People not involved in the hospitality business may not be familiar with the best places to stay or to help you find Great Smoky Mountains National Park cabins or the best deals, specials, or promotions. Using an information service can provide you with a fuller view of the cabins in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park while also giving you the inside scoop on the best units at the best prices.

Visit our Smoky Mountains National Park cabin rentals section to discover what the Smoky Mountains’ most famous tourist destination could have in store for you.

What Makes Smoky Mountains National Park Cabin Rentals Perfect

These people we asked, show that the key to the perfect Smoky Mountains National Park cabin rentals is ‘location’. Travelers are looking to isolate and get away from the crowds. They are drawn to cabin rentals that allow easy access to certain things to do in the  Smoky Mountains National Park. Rentals that are close to attractions such as lakes, ski resorts and outdoor spaces are great examples.

The demand for lake cabin rentals is high and Smoky Mountains National Park cabin rentals see many repeat guests that return for the beauty of the location, the abundance of outdoor activities and a memorable and safe vacation.

Best Great Smoky Mountains National Park Cabin Rentals Have Inviting Curb Appeal & Interiors

No vacationer wants to sit curbside and be disappointed, especially if the listing does not reflect the reality. First impressions count! A cabin rental should be well-maintained and welcoming on your arrival with curb appeal, an inviting entry and simple but stylish interiors for any guest to enjoy.

Smoky Mountains National Park cabin rentals should have personality and offer a warm home-away-from-home with neutral interiors, durable finishes, minimal clutter, an inviting sleeping environment and space for guests to gather, play board games, share meals and enjoy a hassle-free vacation.

Cabin Rentals at Smoky Mountains National Park Amenities & Extras

The best Great Smoky Mountains National Park cabin rentals should offer you all the comforts of home, and more! The most important feature of a good cabin rental is a well-stocked kitchen with modern appliances and a full inventory of kitchen amenities and basic essentials.

A comfy sleeping environment is as important, so a comfortable bed, quality linens, good lighting, storage space, and basic bathroom essentials add the appeal of a cabin rental. Family friendly rentals should offer kids amenities or a bonus family room with games, movies, space to play or even a spacious home theatre. With working and homeschooling on the rise.

It’s a bonus if families can stay connected during their stay with reliable WiFi. Smoky Mountains National Park cabin rentals are all about the great outdoors, so amenities such as a large wooden deck for alfresco dining, BBQ grill, outdoor hot tub or access to a communal pool add even further appeal.

Take all of these into consideration before booking a cabin and enjoy your vacation in the Smokies.

Smoky Mountains National Park Cabin Rentals Exceptional Rental Cabins — Ratings: 9.0 to 10 Peaceful Bryson City Cabin 3-Bedroom 1-Bath Holiday Home 781 ft² in Unit 4 beds (2 twins, 1 full, 1 queen) Approximately $214 per night Bryson City, 28713 Cosby Cozy Cove Escape 2-Bedroom 1-Bath Holiday Home 816 ft² in Unit 2 beds (1 full, 1 queen) Approximately $102 per night Cosby, 37722 Romantic Retreat 1-Bedroom 1-Bath Vacation Home 581 ft² in Unit 1 king bed Approximately $170 per night Gatlinburg, 37738 Daya 2-Bedroom 2-Bath Holiday Home 1959 ft² in Unit 2 beds (2 kings) Approximately $250 per night Gatlinburg, 37738

Excellent Rental Cabins — Ratings: 8.0 to 9.0 Nantahala Cabins 2-Bedroom 1-Bath Silvermine Hideaway 1000 ft² in Unit 8 beds (4 twins, 1 king, 3 sofa beds) Approximately $260 per night Bryson City, NC 28713 Secluded Bryson City Home 2-Bedroom 3-Bath Holiday Home 1400 ft² in Unit 5 beds (4 twins, 1 king) Approximately $160 per night Bryson City, 28713 Deer Glen Cabin 2-Bedroom 2-Bath Holiday Home 864 ft² in Unit 2 queen beds Approximately $189 per night Bryson City, 28713 Between Here & There 3-Bedroom 2-Bath Holiday Home 1680 ft² in Unit 4 beds (1 king, 2 bunk beds, 1 queen) Approximately $204 per night Gatlinburg, 37738

Wonderful Rental Cabins — Ratings: 7.0 to 8.0 Sanctuary 3-Bedroom 3-Bath Holiday Home 2496 ft² in Unit 4 beds (2 kings, 1 sofa bed, 1 queen) Approximately $115 per night Pigeon Forge, 37863 One Fine Day 3-Bedroom 3-Bath Holiday Home 2551 ft² in Unit 4 beds (1 king, 2 queens, 1 sofa bed) Approximately $190 per night Gatlinburg, 37738 Woodland Hideaway 4-Bedroom 5-Bath Holiday Home 4112 ft² in Unit 12 beds (3 twin full, & kings, 2 sofa 1 queen Approximately $200 per night Gatlinburg, 37738 Mountain Hideaway 1-Bedroom 2-Bath Holiday Home 1291 ft² in Unit 1 king bed Approximately $195 per night Gatlinburg, 37862

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You May Want to Join Our Boondocking Group on Facebook For More Information

You May Want to Join Our Campfire Recipes Group on Facebook For More Information

The 4 Smoky Mountain National Park visitors center choices offer you are large amount of information without any effort learn all about life, culture, wildlife and will give you a leg-up on all the park has to offer. While the services are much the same each of the centers gives you totally different and valuable information.

From the information on the natural aspects of the park at Sugarlands, to the cultural aspects at Oconaluftee, to the sweeping vistas that Clingmans Dome offers you will want to visit them all.

Want more ideas to round-out your trip to Smoky Mountain National Park?
A lot of great ideas are in these posts!

• 13 Great Smoky Mountains Free Campsites (Updated 2022)
• 34 Free Tennessee Boondocking – Camping Spots & RV Parking
• OBE Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitors Guide
• Our 9 Favorite Smoky Mountains National Park Cabin Rentals
• 35 Best Smoky Mountain National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks
• 25 Best Hikes In Smoky Mountain National Park
• 19 Very Best Smoky Mountain National Park Waterfalls
• 12 Top Things To Do In Smoky Mountain National Park
• 17 Spots for Great Smoky Mountains National Park Photos
• 27 Best Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hotels By Entrance

Sugarlands Smoky Mountain National Park Visitors Center Near Gatlinburg

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As you enter the North District of the park, close to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the Sugarlands Visitor Center is a great place to start. Natural history displays provide information about the plants and animals of the park. Take advantage of seasonal programs run by rangers. Browse the park’s shops and bookstore. Access to drinking fountains and public bathrooms.

Also there is the Backcountry Permit Office. This center is located on Newfound Gap Road (US-441) two miles south of Gatlinburg, TN. The actual address for Google Maps is 1420 Fighting Creek Gap Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Here are 2 reasons to visit the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

1. Close to Downtown Gatlinburg

The official visitor’s center with the closest proximity to Gatlinburg is Sugarlands. And Chalet Village is only a short drive away! From Chalet Village, travel down Ski Mountain Road to Gatlinburg, then turn right onto the Parkway to reach the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Just 1.7 miles from there, on the right side of the road, is the tourist center, where there is ample of free parking.

You can take the Gatlinburg Trail to get from downtown Gatlinburg to the Visitor Center instead of taking a car! Only two walking pathways in the entire national park allow bicycles and dogs to be walked together. The 1.9-mile track winds through the woodland alongside the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River after beginning at River Road in Gatlinburg.

2. Convenient Hiking Options

The Sugarlands Visitor Center is close to various convenient hiking routes. Less than one mile round trip, the Cataract Falls Trail is a simple hike for families with young children. The tourist center is where the clearly designated route begins. The walk passes through a tree canopy, streams, and more before arriving at a stunning 25-foot waterfall!

All ages of hikers will enjoy the 1.2-mile circle of the Fighting Creek Nature Trail. The trip includes a short ascent that follows Fighting Creek and passes the cabins of John Ownby and Noah McCarter, two historic sites. You keep looping back to the tourist center after passing these old structures.

Listed below are a few of the amenities the visitors center offers.

— ATM/Cash Machine, Benches/Seating, Food/Drink – Vending Machine/Self Service
— Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information – Maps Available, Information – Park Newspaper Available, Information – Ranger/Staff Member Present, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board,
— Internet/WiFi Available, Parking – Auto, Parking – Bus/RV, Restroom, Restroom – Accessible, Trash Dumpster, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Water – Drinking/Potable, Wheelchair Accessible

Center Hours

Sunday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Monday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Oconaluftee Smoky Mountain National Park Visitors Center

The Oconaluftee Visitor Center, which is close to Cherokee, North Carolina, is a great place to start when you enter the park’s South District. Examine displays of cultural history. Take advantage of seasonal programs run by rangers. Browse the park’s shops and bookstore. Locate vending machines for drinks and public bathrooms.

A collection of log buildings, including a farmhouse, barn, smokehouse, apple house, corn crib, and others, may be found at the nearby Mountain Farm Museum. The center’s physical location is at 1194 Newfound Gap Road in Cherokee, North Carolina, 28719.

When visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, think about making a stop at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Both inside the visitor center and outside on the grounds, there are lots of things to discover.

Here are 2 reasons to visit the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

1. Mountain Farm Museum

Do you want to visit the Smoky Mountains’ collection of old log structures? Mountain Farm Museum, an outdoor museum in the Smoky Mountains, houses these and other exhibits. You can go about the grounds and see a house, a barn, an apple house, a springhouse, and a smokehouse.

One thing to note is that the buildings were relocated to this place from other parts of the Smoky Mountains and were not initially situated there. In the 1950s, the majority of the structures were shifted. A functioning blacksmith shop allows visitors to see how life was one hundred years ago.

Additionally, you can view earlier farming and gardening techniques in the museum.

Entry to the museum is free! If you’re lucky, you could catch a glimpse of an elk wandering about in the field surrounding the center.

2. Museum Inside Oconaluftee Visitor Center

A state-of-the-art building with an instructive museum about the region’s history is the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. The museum takes visitors on a tour of the early European settlers and Native Americans who lived in the Smokies as well as the history of how the park came to be. The tourist center’s staff is knowledgeable in the subjects and will be delighted to answer any questions you may have.

The museum at the Sugarlands Visitor Center is considerably different from this one. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center emphasizes Smoky Mountain cultural history whereas the Sugarlands Visitor Center Museum focuses more on the natural history of the Smoky Mountains.

As soon as you arrive, you can explore exhibits including Voices of the Smokies, Moonshine, Creation of the Park, Farming, Civilian Conservation Corps, Logging, and Cherokee culture.

— Benches/Seating,
— Food/Drink – Vending Machine/Self Service,
— Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information – Maps Available, Information – Park Newspaper Available, Information – Ranger/Staff Member Present,
— Parking – Auto, Parking – Bus/RV, Restroom, Restroom – Accessible, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Toilet – Flush,
— Trash/Litter Receptacles, Wheelchair Accessible

Center Hours

Sunday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Monday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Cades Cove Smoky Mountain National Park Visitors Center

Stop about halfway down the Cades Cove Loop Road to talk to park workers and check out the many exhibits. Discover the lifestyle and culture of the Southern Mountains while touring the Becky Cable home, a working gristmill, and other historic buildings. Participate in seasonal events offered by rangers and browse the park’s shops. There are public bathrooms.

Here is the top reason to visit the Cades Cove Visitor Center in Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

1. Enjoy the Historical Exhibits

Enjoy the free indoor and outdoor exhibits of Southern Mountain life and culture at the Cades Cove Visitor Center while you’re on your trip! This is the ideal method to experience what it was like to live in the mountains during the early days of settlement in the area. Look outside the structure to see the mill that once belonged to John Cable, one of Cades Cove’s biggest landowners.

You may even see this grist mill in action if you go in the spring or fall. The Becky Cable House, where Rebecca Cable and her brother resided from 1887 until Rebecca Cable’s death in 1940, is located just outside.

— Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information – Maps Available,
— Information – Park Newspaper Available, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board— Parking – Auto, Parking – Bus/RV, Restroom, Restroom – Accessible, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Toilet – Flush,
— Trash/Litter Receptacles

Center Hours

Sunday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Monday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Clingmans Dome Smoky Mountain National Park Visitors Center

Depending on the weather, take enjoy magnificent views of the Smokies while getting your park inquiries answered. Browse a little store and bookstore. There are public restrooms available. positioned seven miles from Newfound Gap Road at the end of Clingmans Dome Road.

Top 4 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Clingmans Dome

You should make the trip to Clingmans Dome if you want to see the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s highest peak! Depending on the weather, this well-liked location is often open from early April until late November. Even if you go during the summer, you need still pack a jacket because it is 10 to 20 degrees cooler here than in the lowlands nearby.

1. Fun Bragging Rights

Not everyone has the opportunity to visit Clingmans Dome because it is closed for the majority of the winter. You will be atop the third-highest mountain east of the Mississippi when you are standing at the peak, which rises to 6,632 feet.

Only Mt. Mitchell and Mt. Craig, which have elevations of 6,684 feet and 6,647 feet, respectively, are higher peaks. You should wear layers whether you go in July or October because the climate can vary greatly from the lower areas.

2. Spectacular Views for Miles

Clingmans Dome offers stunning vistas of the Smoky Mountains. Tennessee’s highest point, Clingmans Dome, offers stunning vistas for miles in all directions. Although the views are typically only good for around 20 miles due to air pollution, on clear days you may see up to 100 miles.

This location is also well-known for its concrete observation tower with breath-taking views, you should make the effort to hike the challenging half-mile trail up to the tower. By bringing your camera or smartphone and traveling with it, you may capture some of the best moments of your holiday. From the observation tower, you may get the perfect shot of your family or a few selfies!

3. Excellent Hiking Options Nearby

Another good reason to travel is the abundance of wonderful hiking options nearby. The Appalachian Trail passes through Clingmans Dome in addition the trail to the top reaches the highest point between Georgia and Maine. You might also want to think about the Forney Ridge Trail, which leads to Andrews Bald and other breathtaking sights.

4. No Admission Fee

The Clingmans Dome observation tower’s top is reached through a spiral staircase. As part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there is no entrance fee here, just as everywhere else in the park. The viewing tower is the same, so take pleasure in reaching the top! You can use the benches along the walk to the tower to rest a few times if the hike becomes too arduous.

A meandering concrete slope gradually transports you from the parking lot to the observation deck as you approach closer to the tower. There are many breathtaking vistas from the trail itself, so don’t worry if some members of your group can’t make the climb.

Now that you know why you need to visit Clingmans Dome on your next trip to the Smoky Mountains, discover some of the other popular family activities within Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the information below!

Center Hours

Sunday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Monday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Smokey Mountains National Park Visitors Center Programs for Children

Bring the whole family along for a hands-on tour of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s richness of life. Together, you will learn about the Smokies’ wonders and strategies for protecting local cultural and ecological resources.

Children’s programs guided by rangers are available in the spring, summer, and fall. These activities provide kids a chance to discover and study the park. Kids, you can become a Junior Ranger if you’re between the ages of 5 and 12!

Junior Ranger Programs

Family experiences at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are encouraged by Smokey Mountains National Park both indoors and outdoors. Join them at home for excursions, exercises, and resources for students of all ages guided by Park Rangers.

The website was created in reaction to the coronavirus epidemic (COVID-19), which is keeping children home from school and preventing them from going to the park. However, we hope that long beyond the pandemic, parents and teachers will find the website to be a useful resource.

The success of the National Park Service’s efforts to preserve unique locations and historical narratives depends on junior rangers. Young Rangers are leaders and lifelong learners. There are many ways to be a great Junior Ranger, including teaching others to keep a safe distance from wildlife and continuously learning more about the environment.

We have a number of alternatives to help you get started, no matter how you want to be your best Junior Ranger.

Connecting Future Junior Rangers through Digital Activities

Find Your “Virtual” Park

Although visiting a national park in person isn’t always practical, they provide remarkable experiences. Thankfully, there are ways to interact with national parks virtually, including online resources and things to do in your own home or neighborhood. There are enough of things to do to keep you busy for days!

See some recommendations for distant park participation below, and visit the websites for the parks and NPS programs to look for additional opportunities.

Become a World Heritage Junior Ranger

Your World Heritage IQ can be raised by participating in the Junior Ranger program run by World Heritage in the United States. Test your World Heritage knowledge against the well-known Professor Harry Tidge and his smart sister, the archaeologist Harriet Tidge.

You May Want to Join Our Boondocking Group on Facebook For More Information

You May Want to Join Our Campfire Recipes Group on Facebook For More Information

We want to help you plan your trip with the OBE Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitors Guide. The Smoky National Park, America’s most popular national park, is a great escape. Experience one of America’s oldest mountain ranges by hiking and camping there.

Want more ideas to round-out your trip to Smoky Mountain National Park?
A lot of great ideas are in these posts!

• 13 Great Smoky Mountains Free Campsites (Updated 2022)
• 34 Free Tennessee Boondocking – Camping Spots & RV Parking
• 4 Great Reasons to Visit the Smoky Mountain National Park Visitors Center
• 25 Best Hikes In Smoky Mountain National Park
• 35 Best Smoky Mountain National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks
• 19 Very Best Smoky Mountain National Park Waterfalls
• 17 Spots for Great Smoky Mountains National Park Photos
• 12 Top Things To Do In Smoky Mountain National Park
• Our 9 Favorite Smoky Mountains National Park Cabin Rentals
• 27 Best Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hotels By Entrance

About Smoky Mountains National Park

On the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which was founded in 1926, is made up of hill after ridge of seemingly infinite woodland. This mountain region, known as the Smokies because of the persistent morning fog, is well known across the world for the variety of both its plant and animal life.

This Smoky Mountains visitors guide will give the parks information and also offer the history of southern Appalachian mountain culture and the grandeur of its ancient mountains. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has approximately 80 historic structures, breathtaking floral displays, and a variety of fauna to enjoy.

The Tennessee-North Carolina border runs the length of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park region. Between the two visitor centers, Sugarlands and Oconaluftee, which are separated by miles of deciduous woodland, lies a mirror image of the other. Waterfalls can be found all across the park, and the bigger falls like Grotto, Laurel, Abrams, Rainbow, and Mingo attract more than 200,000 tourists annually.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitors Guide – Reasons to Visit

check out our video

1. Hiking

Hiking is a Smoky Mountains visitors guide top recommendation in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park visitor’s handbook. There are a number of hiking options with 150 “official” hiking trails. Popular hikes include Grotto Falls, Clingmans Dome, and Laurel Falls, which can all be reached by trolley from Gatlinburg. Be sure to arrive early for these hikes because parking lots fill up quickly. However, don’t ignore the “Quiet Walks” banners because they will lead you on quieter, shorter strolls along the river.

2. Fishing

If you appreciate the hobby, there are countless opportunities to catch your favorite fish. The park’s enchanted waterfalls can be enjoyed as well. The 100-foot-tall Ramsey Cascade and Abrams Falls are two of the magnificent waterfalls in the area.

Despite its modest height, Abrams Falls contain a substantial amount of water. Another fantastic location to visit is Rainbow Falls, where you may delight in seeing the rainbow that develops on bright days. Ice accumulates at the magnificent waterfalls on chilly winter days.

3. Scenic Drives

The Smoky Mountains also offer the amazing convenience of being accessible by automobile if you prefer not to hike through them. With the convenience of your vehicle, a scenic drive enables you to stop at a variety of locations and explore historic structures, wildlife, and other things. Newfound Gap, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, one-way loop, and Foothills Parkway are a few of the most well-known scenic drives in the park.

4. View Diverse Wildlife

Diverse fauna can be found in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are roughly 67 native fish species, over 65 different types of mammals, over 200 different bird species, and over 80 different types of amphibians and reptiles. In the Smoky Mountains, you have the opportunity to see a variety of creatures, such as black bears and white-tailed deer.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitors Guide – Best Time to Visit

The most ideal times to visit the Smoky Mountains national park are in the months of June, July, and October, when the majority of tourists travel there. Although the park is at its busiest, the shoulder months of March, April, and May are our favorites since the trails are jam-packed with hikers and hotels are reserved months in advance.

The winter and spring typically see the least amount of visitors. Over 10 million people visit this national park annually, so even in the slower months, there are plenty of people taking in the Smoky Mountains. The national park service’s visitation data is the basis for this graph in our Smoky Mountains visitors guide.

The busiest seasons of the year typically have warm, sunny days. The magnificent forests of the Smokies are in full view during the height of summer. The height of the fall leaf change occurs in October, thus a lot of people travel during this season. For us the drop off of people and the foliage make this the best time of year in the park.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitors Guide – Getting Around

Driving is the most convenient way to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Plan to bring your own vehicle since the park doesn’t provide any guided tours and there aren’t any public transit to get you there from the nearby major cities. Except for the Gatlinburg Trail, Oconaluftee River Trail, and the Deep Creek Trail, bicycles are not permitted on any park trails.

At the Smoky Mountains visitors guide we believe to truly appreciate the beautiful drives through the park, you’ll need a car. There are no gas stations inside the park, so make sure to refuel before entering. However, drivers of electric cars can locate charging stations at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in North Carolina and the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Tennessee. Both the McGhee Tyson Airport and the Asheville Airport provide car rentals from reputable businesses including Enterprise, Budget, and Hertz.

The closest airport on the Tennessee side is McGhee Tyson (TYS), which is located just south of Knoxville and is less than 25 miles northwest of the park. The closest airport in North Carolina is Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), which is located about 60 miles east of the Cherokee entrance. In both airports, you can rent a car. The park has three primary entrances: one in North Carolina and two in Tennessee (Gatlinburg and Townsend) (Cherokee).

Smoky Mountains Visitors Shuttle for Hikers and Backpackers

There are hiking shuttle services available for everyone. Do you require transportation to and from the trail’s end? Have someone drive you to the trailhead so you may drop off your car there. Pick you up and drop you off? Drive your vehicle to the finish line?

Pick you up once your hike is cut short? Call a shuttle service for assistance if you have any questions regarding any of them. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy graciously provided the information.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitors Guide – Parking Fees

There are many interesting places to explore in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is a lovely park. Starting in early March 2023, there will be a parking tax in place in order to preserve the area’s beauty and ensure its continued prosperity for future generations.

Parking in the Great Smoky Mountains is $5 per day, $15 for a tag valid for up to seven days, and $40 for a yearly tag. Remember that tribal members won’t have to pay to park in the national park! You will not be required to pay a fee to drive on any of the park’s roads because this cost solely covers parking.

You’ll be relieved to learn that there is no tag needed for a 15-minute or shorter parking period! The price won’t have any effect on you if all you want to do is cruise through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in your car and take in the scenery. This inexpensive fee will give money to maintain the splendor and viability of our national parks for future generations.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitors Guide – Where to Stay

1. Gatlinburg

In Gatlinburg, there’s always something interesting to see or enjoyable to do. The lively ambience of this thriving Smoky Mountains community is well-known. Despite this, it manages to conserve some of its small-town charm while still appealing to outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its prime location at the foot of the Smoky Mountains.

Gatlinburg welcomes a variety of visitors while retaining a homey atmosphere. Those who want to spend less time driving are drawn to the area’s walkability. Most significantly, Gatlinburg has unbeatable views. If your accommodations have a patio or balcony, you’ll find the scenery to be especially relaxing.

2. Pigeon Forge

Although Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are very similar, there are a few significant differences that should be considered. Due to its proximity to the Smokies, Gatlinburg attracts a lot of outdoorsy individuals. Gatlinburg is close to the national park, while Pigeon Forge is a short drive from the mountains. For individuals who enjoy outdoor activities but also want to have access to food and entertainment, it is the greatest choice. However, in Pigeon Forge, visitors’ priorities can extend beyond the great outdoors. For instance, music is king in this town. Dolly Parton is the driving force behind everything country.

Gatlinburg first seems to have a better location, but it all relies on your vision of the ideal vacation. The LeConte Center, Dollywood, and Sevierville are all more easily accessible from Pigeon Forge. Fans of Dollywood in particular will value how convenient the DreamMore Resort is. This well-liked location provides a number of special benefits, including door-to-door service, a TimeSaver function to reduce wait times, and early ride access on Saturdays.

Inside Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Although the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is easily accessible from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, staying inside this national treasure is truly majestic. Yes, your trip could feel a little rustic, but you’ll be rewarded with some of the most breathtaking views you’ve ever seen.

Accommodations in the Smoky Mountains offer a tranquil ambiance because they are a little isolated from the activity of Gatlinburg, making them perfect for individuals seeking to disconnect from reality. Although there aren’t many dining options, getting into town isn’t too tough. There are numerous recreational activities, and many campers can start trekking as soon as they put on their hiking boots. If you don’t want to camp out, check out the LeConte Lodge for charmingly basic lodging.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitors Guide – Camping Locations

Ten constructed campgrounds are available for camping, or you can travel far into the woods to find an isolated wilderness campsite or stay at the renowned Le Conte Lodge (the only in-park lodging option, accessible only by a 5.5-mile one-way minimum hike).

You can also go a short distance outside the park’s boundaries to find a wider range of lodging options, including motels, cabins, and RV sites with full hookups. In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are eleven established campgrounds.

These ten are all campgrounds for automobiles and we have chosen the our favorites in this Smoky Mountains visitors guide. Only one (Big Creek Campground) prohibits RVs, but the others all allow them. There are flush toilets and running water at every campground. The campground does not offer RV hookups or showers.

The other two campgrounds are first-come, first-served. Eight of the 10 campgrounds accept bookings in advance. Reservations are required at the following campgrounds: Abrams Creek, Balsam Mountain, Big Creek, and Cataloochee.
Here are our 5 favorite campgrounds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

1. Abrams Creek Campground

Abrams Creek Campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is ideal for visitors seeking a quiet campsite because it is small and isolated.

It has just 16 campsites and accepts RVs up to 12 feet in length. It`s open from the middle of May to the middle of October. Advance reservations are required.

2. Balsam Mountain Campground

Balsam Mountain Campground, one of the more secluded campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is perfect for people who prefer quiet.

It has 46 campsites and accepts RVs up to 30 feet in length. It`s open from the middle of May to the beginning of October. Advance reservations are required.

3. Big Creek Campground

The Big Creek Campground in GSMNP offers a tranquil, contemplative setting for camping next to Big Creek’s roar.

It has just 12 campsites and doesn`t allow RVs. It`s open from the middle of May to the end of October. Advance reservations are required.

4. Cades Cove Campground

One of the most well-known places in the Great Smoky Mountains, the stunning and historically significant Cades Cove, is easily explored from Cades Cove Campground.

It has 159 campsites. It accepts trailers up to 35 feet in length and motorhomes up to 40 feet in length. It also has an RV dump station. It`s open year-round. Advance reservations are accepted.

5. Cataloochee Campground

A scenic Great Smoky Mountains camping experience is provided by Cataloochee Campground, which is tucked away in a tranquil valley surrounded by stunning mountains.

The campground has 27 campsites and accepts RVs up to 31 feet in length. It`s open from the middle of May to the end of October. Advance reservations are required.

Backpacking and Back Country Camping In Smoky Mountains National Park

On a day trip visit by automobile, you may take advantage of much of what the Great Smoky Mountains have to offer. Ideally, you should also include a little stroll. By RVing or pitching a tent at one of the numerous vehicle parks the Park Service maintains, you may enhance your appreciation of this magnificent heartland of the Southern Appalachians.

But you should think about trying some Smoky Mountain hiking if you want to have the closest, most profound relationship with these old, lushly covered hills. Since the Appalachian Trail follows the top of the Smoky Mountains, it is arguably best recognized for the shelters and sites it provides to thru-hikers. But there are many additional alternatives for backpackers, with more than 800 miles of trails crisscrossing the untamed depths of the Smokies.

Inquiries for organizing a hiking trip should be sent to the Backcountry Information Office at (865) 436-1297. The recommended way of communication is by phone. The information office is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) for phone calls and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for in-person assistance. The knowledgeable backpackers in the Backcountry Information Office can answer your questions about backpacking and give you advice on how to have a safe and fun trip.

The park’s more than 800 miles of trails give hikers a variety of landscapes, including breathtaking mountain panoramas, roaring streams and waterfalls, old-growth forest groves, and historic buildings. To locate the trails, backcountry shelters, and campsites in the park, you can download a trail map. Get More Information Here.

Camping Outside the Smoky Mountains National Park

NORTH OF THE PARK

1. Cosby Campground

Newport, Tennessee
GPS: 35.966574, -83.201317

$12/night.

2. Houston Valley

Address
2298 Houston Valley Way
Del Rio, Tennessee
GPS: 35.964831, -82.942913
(423)638-4109

From Greeneville, TN take TN 70 south about 10 miles. Turn right onto TN 107 west, travel nine miles. Houston Valley is located on the left. From Newport, TN, travel on US25/70 south, turn left onto TN 107 east and travel five miles to Houston Valley. It will be located on the right.

$12/night.

3. Rocky Bluff

Address
Hot Springs, North Carolina
GPS: 35.86356, -82.847321
(828) 689-9694

Rocky Bluff is open 5/1 – 10/31. There are 30 or more campsites at this location. You may stay 14 days at Rocky Bluff. From Hot Springs, take NC209 south 3.3 miles. Left turn into campground.

$12/night.

SOUTH OF THE PARK

1. Sunburst Campground

Address
Forest Road 97
Canton, North Carolina
GPS: 35.372745, -82.937508

Pay $15 and stay at nearby Sunburst Campground.

2. Horse Cove

Address
Robbinsville, North Carolina
GPS: 35.365257, -83.918938

There are 16-29 campsites at this location. You may stay 14 days at Horse Cove. From Robbinsville: Take US 129 north 1 mile. Left on NC 143 west for 10 miles. right on SR 1159 for 2.3 miles. Right at Joyce Kilmer Rd. 0.5 miles.

$10/night 04/15 – 10/31
$5/night 11/1 – 04/14 – No water in winter.

3. Cable Cove

Address
Fontana Village, North Carolina
GPS: 35.437698, -83.747597

Cable Cove is open 4/15 – 10/31. There are 16-29 campsites at this location. You may stay 14 days at Cable Cove. There is a 1 mile interpretive trail. Lots of hiking in the area. Being on the water, it is also a popular spot for boating and fishing.

$10/night.

4. Cable Cove Campground 2

Address
Proctor, North Carolina
GPS: 35.43141, -83.75365

This is a great campground featuring 20+ sites some spaced out more than others. But there are definitely some gems. Some sites are located directly on a nice little creek. There are two pairs of toilets. Actual flush toilets, not just a pit. No lights, no electricity or street lights to keep you up.

$15/night.

5. Radical Inclusion Downtown Waynesville

Address
143 East Street, Waynesville, NC
Waynesville, North Carolina
GPS: 35.489224, -82.985561
(828) 476-1465

The road in is Gravel. Radical Inclusion Downtown Waynesville is open Year round. There are 1-5 campsites at this location. A downtown campsite in the backyard of a local nonprofit, 2 blocks from Main Street but in a quiet area. Tent & hammock camping only. Campers are welcome to participate in workshops, but not required to do so.

Boondocking Near Smoky Mountains National Park

NORTH OF THE PARK

1. Weaver Bend

Address
Del Rio, Tennessee
GPS: 35.941446, -82.929593

Weaver Bend is open year round. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. You may stay 14 days at Weaver Bend. There a several dispersed, primitive sites along the French Broad River in Cherokee National Forest, TN near Hot Springs NC and Paint Rock and Houston Valley. This is a fairly accessible, free camp area. Low use in the Spring and possibly Fall.

2. Martha Sundquist State Forest

Address
Hartford, Tennessee
GPS: 35.80808, -83.03272
Elevation: 2474′

A state sanctioned Forest area, popular with hunters and hikers. There are something like 10 designated camping sites among the gravel roads which are free for up to 14 days. “In the Gulf Area, dispersed camping is concentrated on the relatively level lands in Martha Sundquist State Forest.

3. Harmon Den Dispersed Camping

Address
Cold Springs Road (NFSR 148)
Hot Springs, North Carolina
GPS: 35.762689, -82.983727

The road in is Gravel. You may stay 14 nights at Harmon Den Dispersed Camping. out your trash. Use existing fire rings, and never wash in a creek.

Harmon Den is on the Appalachian Ranger District in the vicinity of exit 7 off of I-40. The area is a haven for hikers and horseback riders. It offers 54.5 miles of trails with 14.2 miles of trails designated for horseback riding and 40.3 miles for hiking.

SOUTH OF THE PARK

1. Sunburst Roadside Campsites

Address
Forest Road 97
Canton, North Carolina
GPS: 35.372745, -82.937508

There are 1-5 campsites at this location. You may stay 14 nights at Sunburst Roadside Campsites. Ten miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway and nestled between Shining Rock and Middle Prong Wilderness within Pisgah National Forest. Two designated free campsites along the road near Sunburst Campground. Camping is only allowed in designated sites in this area. No facilities. If you need facilities, you can pay $15 and stay at nearby Sunburst Campground.

2. Blue Ridge Roadside Campsite

Highway 215
Canton, North Carolina
GPS: 35.308069, -82.908282

You may stay 14 nights at Blue Ridge Roadside Campsite. Though not directly on it, this free primitive roadside campsite was named after the Blue Ridge Parkway by the forest service. On this road, highway 215, you are only allowed to camp in designated campsites

3. Panther Creek

Robbinsville, North Carolina
GPS: 35.370841, -83.627873

The road in is Gravel and .5 miles from a paved road. Panther Creek is open All. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. You may stay 14 at Panther Creek.

4. Bear Creek Hunt Camp

National Forest Road
Robbinsville, North Carolina
GPS: 35.419874, -83.948653

Free Dispersed camping in the National Forests in North Carolina’s Cheoah Ranger District. This campsite does not use a reservation system. First come, first served.

5. Santeetlah Lake Site #P13

E. Buffalo Circle
Robbinsville, North Carolina
GPS: 35.363163, -83.831619

The road in is Paved. Santeetlah Lake Site #P13 is open April to October (see comments). There are 1-5 campsites at this location. You may stay 14 Days at Santeetlah Lake Site #P13.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitors Guide – Single-Day Hikes

1. Clingmans Dome

The half-mile trek up Clingmans Dome is one of the most well-traveled hiking routes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

About 7 miles from Newfound Gap, there is a sizable parking space where visitors can park their cars. They can then take a half-mile stroll up a paved trail to the viewing tower from there (seen right).

On the second-highest mountain east of the Mississippi River, the observation tower offers the highest vantage point in the Smokies.

Despite being rather steep, the trail is paved and offers several photo opportunities for people who enjoy mountain vistas.

2. Laurel Falls

The mountain laurel, an evergreen shrub that blossoms along the trail and close to the falls in May, is the inspiration for the names of Laurel Branch and the 80-foot-tall Laurel Falls. A boardwalk that spans the stream at the base of the higher falls separates the upper and lower sections of Laurel Falls. There is a limited amount of parking at the trailhead for the falls because it is so well-liked by park visitors. Both on weekdays throughout the summer and on weekends throughout the year, the area is quite crowded.

Laurel Falls is 2.6 miles away, and the hike there is rated as being of moderate difficulty. On average, the climb to the falls and back takes two hours. Although the trail is paved, it is rocky and uneven with a few brief, steep sections that can be hazardous in wet weather. In addition, some of the trail has severe drop-offs, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs or strollers. At all times, children must be closely watched.

From the Sugarlands Visitor Center, turn onto Little River Road in the direction of Cades Cove, then go 3.5 miles to the trailhead. There are parking lots on both sides of the street.

3. Alum Cave Bluff Trail

The path going to Alum Cave Bluff is another well-traveled hiking route in the Smokies. The bluff may be reached from Newfound Gap Road after an about 2.3-mile climb (4.5-mile round trip).

You will travel through an old growth forest with pretty flat terrain for the first mile or two. For the first part of the trail, Alum Cave Creek largely runs parallel to it.

You’ll come upon Arch Rock, a distinctive geological feature, about 1.3 miles into the trip. The path continues to Alum Cave Bluff after passing through the arch rock. The trail starts to get steeper at this point.

The trail extends past Alum Cave Bluff to Mount LeConte, although most hikers turn around there. There is an elevation difference of 1,100 feet from the parking lot to the cave, which is located at just under 5,000 feet above sea level.

The Alum Cave Bluff trailhead is located about 10 miles from Gatlinburg on US 441 (Newfound Gap Road) at these coordinates: 35.629553, -83.451443

4. Chimney Tops Trail

The rocky terrain of a section of the climb makes the Chimney Tops Trail well-liked among hikers. Chimney Tops, which rises to a height of little over 4,800 feet, is not the park’s tallest mountain, but it is one of the more difficult walks.

At these coordinates (35.63538, -83.46979), US 441 (Newfound Gap Road) leads to the trailhead.

To the peak, it takes two miles of hiking uphill. The first mile is a simple hike with mostly flat terrain. But the final mile gets considerably steeper.

To get to the upper capstone, one must climb over multiple tree roots and rocks on the last section of the trail. From the main hiking trail, there are unmaintained spurs that lead to the lower capstone (shown to the right).

The top of Chimney Tops mountain was severely terrified by the fire in November 2016. The greenery has mostly disappeared.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitors Guide – Best Multi-Day Hikes

1. The Appalachian Trail

The National Scenic Trails system includes the Appalachian Trail. Benton MacKaye, a forester, came up with the idea for the path in 1921. The trail’s first portion, from Bear Mountain in the west through Harriman State Park to Arden, New York, was inaugurated in 1932.

It was finished in 1937 and extended to Sugarload Mountain in Maine. It was not given National Scenic Trail status until the National Trail System Act was ratified by Congress on October 2, 1968.

Springer Mountain, Georgia, marks the start of the southern end. On Mount Katahdin in north-central Maine, you may find the northern end. The 2,175-mile-long Appalachian Trail passes through the wilderness or woodland regions of 14 different states.

The track crosses paths with a lot of roads, communities, and big cities. The Appalachian Trail explores the Appalachian Mountains in general as well as the distinctive culture that has developed there.

The Appalachian Trail passes through several national parks, one of which being the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The route enters the park near Fontana Dam and travels north to south until it reaches Davenport Gap (I-40 exit 451), which is close to Waterville, North Carolina.

The Appalachian Trail traverses the tallest ridgeline of the park for a total of around 72 kilometers. Mount Cammerer and Clingmans Dome are two of the most notable locations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park region.

The trail is evenly spaced out with shelters for overnight use; setting up tents is not allowed. It is crucial to reserve the shelter(s) for your intended climb as each shelter can only accommodate 8–12 people, depending on the site. The Backcountry Office can be reached at (865) 436-1231 if you want to make a shelter reservation and get a backcountry permit.

The Appalachian Trail is marked on this map of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in green. The Appalachian Trail is depicted on the following interactive map.

Visit the Appalachian Trail website to learn more about it. Additionally, visit the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to read detailed descriptions and purchase trail-related goods like maps, books, and apparel.

2. Benton MacKaye Trail

The Benton MacKaye Trail travels through Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina for around 300 miles. The Appalachian Trek’s starting point for the trail is Springer Mountain, Georgia.

But before it crosses the Appalachian Trail in the southernmost part of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Benton MacKaye Trail travels west, away from the Appalachian Trail, and stops at eight wilderness areas that are under federal protection.

Though it rejoins the Appalachian Trail at Davenport Gap, the trail comes to an end there. For multi-day hikers seeking an alternative to the Appalachian Trail, the Benton MacKaye Trail provides a distinct route across the areas that it crosses.

The Benton MacKaye Trail Association oversees and cares for the Benton MacKaye Trail. The association was established in 1979, and in 1980 it started to plan and build the route. The Benton MacKaye Trail was given his name when it was eventually completed in 2005. The Appalachian Mountain Trail was built in accordance with his original vision and design.

The Benton MacKaye Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park ascends hills and follows Lake Fontana’s shoreline on the park’s North Carolina side. There are numerous campsites to choose from along the trail’s approximately 93.7 miles of parkland.

The trail’s middle section joins the Mountains to Sea Trail at Deep Creek before diverging at Newton Bald. Call the Backcountry Office at (865) 436-1231 to reserve a campsite for an overnight stay.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park map has a yellow highlight around the Benton MacKaye Trail. Visit the trail’s official Web site at http://www.bmta.org/.

3. Mountains to Sea Trail

The State Parks System of North Carolina includes the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. This path, which starts at Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and ends at Jocky’s Ridge State Park in the Outer Banks, is currently being built; only about 650 miles of the 1,200 intended miles have been completed.

However, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail’s beginning section in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is entirely finished and open to the public. The trail is accessible via Clingmans Dome, the Appalachian Trail, or Highway 441 in the park’s southern region, close to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

Approximately 23.3 miles of hiking can be accomplished on this park trail.

The Mountains-to-Sea Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not have any shelters along it, in contrast to the Appalachian Trail. Tent camping is permitted, but only in the designated campsites denoted by numbers on the park map.

Call the Backcountry Office at (865) 436-1231 to reserve a campsite for an overnight stay. On the GSMNP map, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail is highlighted in purple.

For more information, visit the North Carolina State Parks- Mountains-to-Sea Trail Web page and the Friends of the Mountain-to-Sea Trail Web site.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitors Guide – Other Activities

1. Backcountry Shelters in the Smokies

All the backcountry Shelters located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They are all found along the Appalachian Trail, except for Kephart, Laurel Gap, Mount Collins, Mount LeConte, Pecks Corner, and Spence Field.

Remember to call the Backcountry Office at (865) 436-1231 and reserve a spot in the shelter at least a month in advance.

Reservations are required for overnight stays in the shelters Contact the Park Service Here For Reservations.

2. Smoky Mountains ATV, Jeep Tours & Rentals

You can explore the area around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on ATV! There are places that offer guided ATV tours near the Smokies. You can also rent ATVs, OHVs, and Jeeps for touring the Smoky Mountains yourself! Check them out below.

Big Rock Dude Ranch & Ponderosa
909 Little Cove Road
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
865-428-9398

Bluff Mountain Adventures
2186 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 428-7711

3. Horseback Riding in the Smokies

Want to ride a horse in the Smokies? A tranquil method to explore the mountain trails is by horseback. Within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the neighborhood, guided horseback rides are available. (View Stables Below)

Make sure to stick to horse-friendly routes and abide by any backcountry laws if you decide to bring your own horse.

A backcountry permit is required to ride a horse in the backcountry; these are available at any visitor center, campground, or ranger station.

Every horse needs to be hitched to a post at night. The horses must be cross-tied if there is no hitching post to prevent them from chewing on nearby trees or vegetation. It’s against the law to tie horses to trees.

Horses must be restrained 100 feet from both shelter and any source of drinkable water. Additionally, all feed and machinery must be packed in.

Horseback riding is permitted on about 550 miles of trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Horseback riders and hikers can use the dotted trails on the park’s map (link to map). A group tour can have no more than 10 horses.

The horse camps at Anthony Creek (Cades Cove), Big Creek, Cataloochee, Round Bottom, and Tow String are all accessible by car. Between the hours of 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., you can call (877) 444- 6777 to make reservations at these drive-in campers (Eastern Standard Time).

Riding on donkeys and llamas is permitted in the backcountry. Dogs and any other animals are not allowed.

Horses are permitted in the park on the dotted paths but not on the dashed routes (see trail map here). All trails are open to hikers. Visit these service providers or the official national park website for further information.

1. Five Oaks Riding Stables
1628 Parkway,
Sevierville, TN 37862
(877) 287-6946

2. Jayell Ranch
1131 Jayell Road
Sevierville, TN 37862
(865) 776-1593

3. The Deer Farm Riding Stables
478 Happy Hollow Lane
Sevierville, TN 37876
(865) 429-2276

4. Davy Crockett Riding Stables
505 Old Cades Cove Rd.
Townsend, Tn 37882
(865) 448-6411

4. Tubing in the Smokies

The Smokies’ high altitude produces a number of mountain springs that flow down the mountainsides, they combine to form wide streams and creeks, and then develop into rivers. A natural glimpse of some of the breathtaking views the Smoky Mountains have to offer is provided by tubing down one of these beautiful waterways.

Near the southern cities of Townsend, Bryson City, and Cherokee are where you’ll find the most of the gorgeous streams and rivers. Deep Creek, the Oconaluftee River, and the Little River are a few of these rivers. On the Little Pigeon River, tubing is also possible close to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

Some hotels offer free tubing, but if you’d rather, you may purchase an inner tube at any gift shop.

Check out these local tubing services to help plan your trip.

Smoky Mountain River Rat
205 Wears Valley Rd.
Townsend, TN 37882
(865) 448-8888

Smoky Mountain Tubing
1847 Tsali Blvd,
Cherokee, NC 28719
828-497-4545

5. Whitewater Rafting in the Smokies

Imagine your raft being covered in white foam while you maintain a straight ahead focus in an effort to avoid the next large boulder. This is just one example of a situation someone could encounter while whitewater rafting in the Smokies.

Two of the most popular rivers for whitewater rafting in the Smoky Mountains are the Nantahala River and the Pigeon River. You can navigate the white-foam rapids on one of these beautiful rivers with the assistance of a reliable guide. Everything is conceivable in the Smokies!

Check out the following commercial rafting companies if you’re up for an excellent trip down a Smoky Mountain river. They’d be delighted to assist you in organizing your upcoming river trip.

Note that there is no whitewater rafting in the immediate Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge area. Most outfitters are located in Hartford, Tenn. at Interstate 40, about 45 minutes from Gatlinburg.

Smoky Mountains National Park Tips & Tricks

1. Take in Spring’s Wildflowers

With more flower species than in any other national park, the Great Smoky Mountains are one of the best sites in the world to experience a floral show. You can anticipate to see a variety of hues from rich pinks and purples to yellow, orange, and white between the end of March and the beginning of May.

Rhododendrons, flame azaleas, trout lilies, trilliums, and lady slipper orchids are just a few examples of the various plants. Many of the flowers have smells that fill the air with the crisp scent of spring in addition to being stunning. You’ll be doing a lot of deep breathing, so don’t forget your allergy medications.

2. Watch Fireflies in Summer

Elkmont hosts an annual firefly viewing event in June that is so popular with tourists that entry to the is for lottery winners only. The stunning bioluminescence show put on by Southern Appalachian synchronous fireflies is proof that nature is the best source of inspiration.

All ages are welcome to the living light show, which is only a short distance from a line of abandoned mountain homes. The stuff upon which dreams are created.

3. Check Out the Autumn Foliage

Plan to see leaf people if you’re in Gatlinburg, Asheville, or any other nearby town between late September and early November. During this time of year, birch, beech, and maple trees change their attire, and the varying seasons burnish the leaves in sweeping brushstrokes.

At Newfound Gap Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cades Cove, and Roaring Fork, you may view the fiery kaleidoscope in all its glory. Clingmans Dome can also be hiked for breathtaking views.

4. Stargaze the Night Away

A You can observe amazing celestial panoramas without any light pollution interfering with the view. The Smokies don’t have the darkest sky in America. But compared to adjacent towns, the park’s size and tall mountains guarantee you’ll view considerably more of Orion’s belt and other constellations.

Start by gathering your coat and focusing on the Newfound Gap Trailhead. For the best viewing, avoid the full moon period of the month.

Have A Game Plan and A Backup Game Plan

It’s time to start making travel plans after going over the rules. Do you enjoy hiking to scenic areas or waterfalls? Would you rather travel by automobile to view the park? Why not ride a few dozen miles on isolated mountain roads on your road bike? Regardless of your preferences, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has plenty to offer!

Make a list of your favorite items and build the day around them while organizing your visit. To find out how close your favorite activities are, look at the maps of the national parks. By doing so, you can map out a route to and from each destination, as well as potential detours. Speaking of substitutes…

Secondary game plans for your Smoky Mountains vacation are crucial, especially in a crowded, undeveloped national park. In the past 15 years, there has been an increase in the number of severe weather incidents in the Smokies.

A part of the park may be affected at any time by drought, strong winds, or even heavy rains. These occurrences may need area closures.

You can still have a ton of fantastic activities planned in the national park if your primary option isn’t viable by having a secondary backup plan.

Additionally, there isn’t much parking available for many well-known day treks including Laurel Falls, Alum Cave, and Clingman’s Dome. It might be necessary to avoid certain regions and return later in the day or the next morning.

Final Thoughts on This Guide to Smoky Mountains National Park

Millions of tourists who enjoy the outdoors flock to the Great Smoky Mountains every year. However, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy quiet and isolation, as our guide illustrates. Often, all it takes is a stroll through the forest.

Few officially recognized National Parks may be found east of the Mississippi. However, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park does its lot to make up for it. The history it preserves is intriguing, and the environment is fairly typical of the larger area.

Those who can can hike, camp, and go on foot exploration. Others can take leisurely drives or unwind by a variety of waterways. The frosting on the cake is getting the chance to see bears, elk, and other wildlife.

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