Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in the southern Appalachian Mountains, spans across the borders of Tennessee and North Carolina. Established in 1934, it is known for its breathtaking landscapes, diversity of wildlife, and rich cultural history.

Covering over 800 square miles, the park is named after the blue mist that often hangs over the mountains, giving them their smoky appearance. It is home to an astounding variety of plant and animal species, making it one of the most biodiverse areas in the United States. The park features over 800 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging treks through the rugged mountains.

Visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park can explore numerous landmarks and historical sites. Cades Cove, a popular destination, offers a glimpse into the region's history with its preserved 19th-century cabins, churches, and other structures. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is another must-visit, providing a scenic drive through lush forests and past picturesque waterfalls.

Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in the park's diverse fauna, including black bears, white-tailed deer, elk, and more. Additionally, the park is home to an array of bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

Nearby attractions include the charming town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, and exploring various tourist attractions. The Gatlinburg SkyLift offers breathtaking views of the mountains, while the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies provides an educational and entertaining experience for the whole family.

For nature lovers, the nearby town of Cherokee in North Carolina offers the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, where visitors can learn about the Native American history and culture of the area.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a wide range of activities and attractions for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking an escape into the beauty of the mountains. With its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage, it continues to be a beloved destination for travelers from all around the world.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is situated in the southeastern region of the United States, specifically spanning across the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. Nestled within the expansive Appalachian Mountains, the park covers an area of 800 square miles, making it the largest protected land area in the eastern part of the country. It is characterized by its rugged mountain ranges, deep valleys, and diverse ecosystems. The park is named after the blue haze that often envelops the mountains due to the abundance of vegetation and moisture in the air, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere. Overall, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a stunning destination that showcases the natural beauty and rich biodiversity of the region.

Address & Contact

107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Driving Directions
Phone: (865)436-1200
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park would be in May or October. In May, the average maximum temperature is 75°F and the average minimum temperature is 52°F. The average monthly precipitation is 5.2 inches. May also has a high visitor count.

In October, the average maximum temperature is 68°F and the average minimum temperature is 45°F. The average monthly precipitation is 4.0 inches. October is the peak month for visitors.

Both of these months offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities and allow you to avoid the largest crowds.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are: Astronomy Stargazing Food Picnicking Guided Tours Hands-On Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Arts and Culture Biking Road Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) Hiking Front-Country Hiking Fishing Backcountry Hiking Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Self-Guided Tours - Auto Group Camping RV Camping Freshwater Fishing Fly Fishing Citizen Science Live Music Horse Camping (see also camping)

Visitor Centers

Sugarlands Visitor Center

Near Gatlinburg, TN, Sugarlands Visitor Center is an excellent starting point as you enter the park's North District. Learn about the park's plants and animals with natural history exhibits. Enjoy ranger-led programs conducted seasonally. Peruse the park bookstore and shop. Access public restrooms and drink vending machines. The Backcountry Permit Office is here, too.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Sugarlands Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Abrams Creek Campground

Abrams Creek Campground—open April 26–October 27, 2024—is located beside beautiful Abrams Creek in a remote and secluded setting. With an elevation of 1,125 feet (343 m), the climate is moderate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Flush toilets and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers are available at the campground.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 16
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Balsam Mountain Campground

Balsam Mountain Campground—open May 10–October 14, 2024—is surrounded by mountain ranges and streams. With an elevation of 5,310 feet (1,618 m), summer daytime temperatures rarely exceed 70°F (~21°C) and lows may dip to 50°F (10°C). RV and tent sites plus flush toilets and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers are available at the campground and the restrooms do not have lights.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 43
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Big Creek Campground

Big Creek Campground—open March 29–October 27, 2024—is located beside the beautiful Big Creek in a remote and secluded setting. With an elevation of 1,700 feet (518 m), the climate is moderate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Tent only camping, flush toilets, and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers are available at the campground.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 12
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Cades Cove Campground

Cades Cove Campground—open year-round—combines the feel of primitive camping with the modern convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. With an elevation of 1,807 feet (551 m), the climate is moderate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. No hookups or showers. America the Beautiful passes (not accepted in lieu of the parking tag for parking outside your campsite) are sold at the campground ranger station in summer & fall or online through the USGS store.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 161
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Cades Cove Group Campground

Cades Cove combines the feel of primitive camping with the modern convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. A camp store provides visitors with basic necessities and bike rentals. Events like interpretive programs in the nearby amphitheater and bicycle-only days on the Cades Cove Loop Road provide visitors with a fun and unique experience.
Fees (US$): 35.00 (Group Site #1-2), 65.00 (Group Site #3), 53.00 (Group Site#4)
Total Campsites: 3
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Cataloochee Campground

Cataloochee Campground—open March 29–October 27, 2024—is located in the historic Cataloochee Valley surrounded by mountain ranges and pristine streams. With an elevation of 2,610 feet (796 m), it is characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. It offers traditional camping with the convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. No hookups or showers are available in the campground.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 27
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Cosby Campground

Cosby Campground—open March 29–October 27, 2024—is tucked in the mountains under a canopy of shade. With an elevation of 2,459 feet (750 m), Cosby provides a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Campsites for both tents and RVs, flush toilets, and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers are available at the campground.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Campsite Fee)
Total Campsites: 157
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Deep Creek Campground

Deep Creek Campground—open March 29–October 27, 2024—is located next to one of the park's most popular creeks. With an elevation of 1,800 feet (549 m), the climate is characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Whether blanketed in bright spring wildflowers or vivid fall colors, the scenery at Deep Creek never disappoints. Hookups and showers are not provided, but flush toilets and drinking water are available.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 92
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Elkmont Campground

Elkmont Campground—open March 8–December 1, 2024—is the closest family campground to Sugarlands Visitor Center in the North District of the park. At 2,150 feet (655 m), winters are mild and summers are hot and humid. Tent and RV campsites, flush toilets, and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers. America the Beautiful passes (not accepted in lieu of the parking tag for parking outside your campsite) are sold at the campground ranger station in summer & fall or online through the USGS store.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Campsite)
Total Campsites: 211
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Elkmont Group Campground

These sites offers an ideal setting for group camping excursions and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds.
Fees (US$): 53.00 (Camping Fee, Tent Only Area), 35.00 (Camping Fee, Tent Only Area), 26.00 (Camping Fee, Tent Only Area), 35.00 (Camping Fee, Tent Only Area)
Total Campsites: 4
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Look Rock Campground

Look Rock Campground—open April 26–October 27, 2024—is located along the beautiful Foothills Parkway West between Walland, Tennessee and Chilhowee Lake. With an elevation of 2,600 feet (792 m), the climate is characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Flush toilets and drinking water are available. Ten of the sites offer electric and water hookups. No shower facilities are located in the campground.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Standard Non-Electric Camping Fee), 36.00 (Standard Electric Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 68
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Smokemont Campground

Smokemont Campground—open year-round—is the closest family campground to Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the South District of the park. At 2,198 feet (670 m), winters are mild and summers are hot and humid. Tent and RV campsites, flush toilets, and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers. America the Beautiful passes (not accepted in lieu of the parking tag for parking outside your campsite) are sold at the campground ranger station in summer & fall or online through the USGS store.
Fees (US$): 30.00 (Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 142
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Smokemont Group Campground

Mountain ranges and pristine streams and rivers are the backdrop for your camping adventure in Smokemont. Whether blanketed in spring wildflowers or vivid fall colors, the scenery at Smokemont never disappoints. At 2,198 feet (~670 m), Smokemont provides a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Smokemont Campground offers an unforgettable outdoor experience with campsites for both tents and RVs.
Fees (US$): NULL
Toilets: NULL
Showers: NULL
Potable Water: NULL

Hotels within or near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Motel 6 Gatlinburg, TN - Smoky Mountains

With a stay at Motel 6 Gatlinburg, TN - Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, you'll be a 5-minute walk from Great Smoky Mountains National Park and 8 minutes by foot from Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 309 Ownby Street, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
Web: Link

Downtown Delight by Jackson Mountain Homes

Located in Gatlinburg, this vacation home is next to a golf course, within a 5-minute walk of Ripley's Haunted Adventure and Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway. Limited parking is available onsite.
Address: 120 Bon Air Drive #1032, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
Web: Link

Above and Beyond by Jackson Mountain Homes

With a stay at this chalet in Gatlinburg (Chalet Village), you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park and Ripley's Haunted Adventure. Limited parking is available onsite.
Address: 2303 Smoky Mountain Court, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
Web: Link

Kears Mountain Magic by Jackson Mountain Homes

With a stay at this cabin in Gatlinburg, you'll be just steps from Smoky Mountain Brewery and Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway. Featured amenities include multilingual staff and ATM/banking services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 733 Orchard Lane Unit 1, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
Web: Link

Bear View Chalet by Jackson Mountain Homes

Located in Gatlinburg (Chalet Village), this villa is within a 5-minute drive of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway. Limited parking is available onsite.
Address: 824 Innsbruck Drive, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
Web: Link

Mountain Splendor by Jackson Mountain Homes

With a stay at this cabin in Gatlinburg, you'll be just steps from Smoky Mountain Brewery and Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway. Featured amenities include multilingual staff and ATM/banking services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 733 Orchard Lane Unit 2, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
Web: Link

Mountain Echoes : Hot Tub & Home Theater! 2 Bedroom Cabin

Located in Gatlinburg (Chalet Village), this vacation home is within a 5-minute drive of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 913 Echo Pl, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
Web: Link

Alpine Ski Lodge

With a stay at this cabin in Gatlinburg (Chalet Village), you'll be a 2-minute drive from Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park and 7 minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Limited parking is available onsite.
Address: 1437 Nordic Drive, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
Web: Link

Smoky Mountain Splash

With a stay at this cabin in Gatlinburg, you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 465 Winfield Heights Rd, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
Web: Link

River Cottage

With a stay at this cottage in Gatlinburg, you'll be next to a golf course, just a 4-minute walk from Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway and 5 minutes by foot from Smoky Mountain Brewery. Limited parking is available onsite.
Address: 320 Cottage Drive, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
Web: Link