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The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in Tennessee and North Carolina. It covers a vast area of 522,427 acres, with the border dividing it in the middle. Over the years, these mountains have been home to various groups of people, including Paleo Indians and European settlers in the 19th century. Nowadays, the park attracts more than 10 million visitors annually. What makes it even more appealing is that it’s one of the few national parks in America that doesn’t charge an entrance fee.
People come here for many reasons. They enjoy taking leisurely drives through scenic routes like Cades Cove or the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing. If you’re up for a hike, don’t forget to bring a picnic along for breathtaking views at Abrams or Rainbow Falls. On Wednesdays, from May to September, the Cades Cove Loop is closed to traffic, allowing cyclists to freely explore the area.
To learn more about the history of the park, make a stop at the Cades Cove Visitor Center. There, you can explore the historic gristmill and Cable Mill. Alternatively, you can visit the Sugarlands Visitor Center, which offers wildlife exhibits, informative films about the park, and a gift shop where you can find unique souvenirs.
The ideal periods to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park are the summer months (June, July, and August) and fall season. July is particularly busy during the summer, while October weekends attract those seeking the beautiful autumn foliage. It’s important to note that the park’s topography is varied, with elevations ranging from 875 feet to over 6,000 feet. As a result, temperatures can differ by approximately 20 degrees between the base and mountaintop. Therefore, regardless of the time of year, it is recommended to pack layers and bring a rain jacket for unpredictable weather conditions.
During the summer, temperatures can be hot, reaching the mid-60s in higher elevations and the high 80s in lower areas. In winter, temperatures in the higher elevations can drop to the mid-30s, and road closures may occur due to snow. However, the lower elevations experience milder winters with temperatures in the 50s. Fall is a fantastic time to visit as the foliage displays typically begin in mid-September. This period offers fewer crowds and lower lodging rates compared to the peak summer season. Keep in mind that October weekends may have higher rates due to the demand for crisp fall experiences. The majority of the annual snowfall occurs between January and March. Early spring (March to May) is also a less crowded time with more affordable lodging rates. While the park remains open daily throughout the year, some visitor centers, campgrounds, and historic attractions close during the winter months.
Here are some of our recommended things to do while visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Select what you would enjoy!
Abrams Falls, named after a Cherokee chief and located alongside a creek, may be small in size but it holds great power. Despite its modest 20-foot height, the falls release a significant amount of water, resulting in a deep, elongated pool at the …
For those seeking an exciting and adventurous hiking experience surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and fascinating natural formations, the Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte is a perfect choice. This well-liked trail covers a round trip of 11 …
Cades Cove, a lush valley nestled amidst the mountains, harbored numerous settlers who ventured into the Southern Appalachian region. This picturesque locale showcases remarkable remnants of the past, ranging from charming 19th-century cabins to …
The Cades Cove Visitor Center can be found at the midpoint of the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road. It’s a popular spot in the park, known for its diverse wildlife such as white-tailed deer, black bears, turkeys, raccoons, and more. Inside the visitor …
Cataloochee Valley, a secluded spot within the park, offers a serene setting for a leisurely afternoon. You’ll discover numerous well-preserved historic buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries here, remnants of a thriving pioneer community. As …
According to travelers, Chimney Tops offers breathtaking views from its bare rock summit. The trail is a short but steep and challenging 4-mile round trip hike, involving scrambling over rocks. Due to its difficulty, it’s not recommended for …
Clingmans Dome, located in Tennessee, holds the distinction of being both the highest point in the state and within the park itself. On a clear day, you’ll have the opportunity to gaze more than 100 miles into the distance. Remember to bring a …
Grotto Falls is a popular hiking destination located on the Trillium Gap Trail, which can be accessed from the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. The hike to the falls covers a distance of almost 3 miles round-trip. One of the unique features of …
Laurel Falls, a renowned trail within the park, derives its name from the beautiful mountain laurel shrub that flourishes throughout the area. It is a well-liked trail, consisting of two sections: the upper and lower parts. These sections are …
Gaps, also called notches or passes, are the lower areas in a mountain ridge. One such gap is known as Newfound Gap, located at an elevation of 5,046 feet. It is the park’s lowest pass that can be driven through. A scenic route called Newfound Gap, …
The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is the primary hub for information and welcomes visitors to the North Carolina side of the park. It was built with eco-friendly materials and has an energy-efficient design, making it the first visitor center …
Discover the beauty of the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a magnificent 6-mile-long road that forms a loop and takes you through breathtaking mountain landscapes. Along this scenic route, you’ll have the opportunity to visit two of the area’s most …
Start your visit to the park at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, which comes highly recommended by recent travelers. This visitor center has a lot to offer, including informative displays about the park’s natural history. You can also catch a free …