By Caroline Eubanks. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an American national park in the southeastern United States, with parts in North Carolina and Tennessee. So instead GSMNP implemented a parking tag fee. Access the list by submitting your email below: How to Clean Your Windshield With Steel Wool, Your email address will not be published. Temperatures peak, too, with highs often climbing above 80 degrees during the day. >> Can I Use My Interagency Pass/National Park Annual Pass Instead of a Parking Tag? Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte, Autograph Collection. All rights reserved. Rent a pontoon boat on Fontana lake, on GSMNP's southern border, or hike its surrounding trails. Located between Knoxville and Gatlinburg, Maryville is popular with cyclists, thanks to its easy access to several public parks connected by the seven-mile-long Maryville Alcoa Greenway. While other parks like Yellowstone used timed-entry systems and turned away visitors without a pass, Great Smoky Mountains cant do that because of the free-flow traffic rule. Turn onto US-129 South (Alcoa Highway) at Exit 11A and travel towards Alcoa. From one of several marinas, rent a pontoon boat for exploring on your own, or take a hiking tour via boat with Sunny Day Adventure Company. Good to Know: Dont confuse this with the Greenbrier entrance in the northeastern part of the park. Turn onto US-441 North at Cherokee and follow the road into the park. The Newfoundland Gap Road winds 31 miles southeast from Gatlinburg to Cherokee, connecting the two gateways. At Maryville, stay on US-321 North/TN-73 East. In October, even cooler temperatures arrive, usually ranging from 40 to 50 degrees, along with a new surge of visitors. Backpackers can access primitive backcountry sites with a reservation plus five drive-in horse camps with primitive camping facilities, and hitch racks provide easy access to backcountry horse trails. Since everyone wants to experience the magnificent hiking trails at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can beat the rush by being the early bird! 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. The entrance in Wears Valley, Tenn., is the best back door into the national park. By nightfall, the temperatures drop to a comfortable average of 55 degrees. From Sevierville and Pigeon Forge: Stay straight on US-441 South and continue into the park. It simply gives you the right to park anywhere in the park without getting towed or ticketed. Later, one of the area's largest Appalachian settlements prospered here. The hotel's wooden buildings were originally part of a private home but opened to the public following the 1982 Worlds Fair. How to Get There: The Cataloochee entrance lies on the North Carolina side of the park. Well look at these in more detail below. 1. There are gates on this road that could close access, but the National Park map doesnt label this as a road that will close every winter. An entrance pass is not required to access Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Thankfully, there are other entrances along the 522,000+ acres. Cataloochee How to Get There: The Cataloochee entrance lies on the North Carolina side of the park. Within driving distance of so many busy hubs in the eastern U.S., the massive natural expanse offers hard-to-match beauty with its unbroken chain of mist-shrouded mountain peaks rising more than 5,000 feet, meandering streams, cascading waterfalls, flower-strewn meadows and miles of old-growth forests. Smoky Mountains National Park has two main visitor centers and two area visitor centers. It's a relatively flat, wide trail that follows the river, she says, and along with its natural beauty, there's a lot of human history to discover as you hike. Those include ruins of former resort cabins from the 1920s, remnants of the area's history as a getaway for the Knoxville elite. You can explore much of the park by car, with pull-off parking available to view the surrounding landscapes and short trails for venturing a bit farther. Take exit 407 off I-40 to TN-66 South. Follow US-441. The natural beauty and the four distinct seasons enjoyed in the GSMNP is unmatched! Continue your night with drinks and appetizers at Diamondjack Wine Bar, with a menu featuring charcuterie and lobster empanadas. Check out These Smoky Mountain Campgrounds That Are Perfect For RV Owners. They dont take reservations, so get there early. Where to stay when visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Whether you are spending your vacation in Gatlinburg, camping in Townsend or visiting Cherokee NC, there is a convenient entrance into the park! If you visit during a peak time or season or just get stuck behind a semi truck on Newfound Gap Road/US 441, it will slow you down. The streets that wind through Gatlinburg can be congested, but theres a reason most visitors stop here. These include sites like Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome, Elkmont, Newfound Gap, Tremont, and the Townsend Wye. The following are all in isolated sections of the park that dont connect to the rest of the parks main roads. The main Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance on the southern border, Oconaluftee is right outside of Cherokee, NC. Hen Wallow Falls is a favorite with beautiful views and a 90-ft cascading waterfall. We hope this was a helpful introduction to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As with most national parks, arriving early will prove to be worth it. A Wondrous Diversity of Life. More people visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park than any other national park, and for a good reason. That's right - exploring this natural wonder is free! Peak season runs from mid-June through mid-August, when monthly visitor totals hover around 1.5 million. The road to the soaring mountain detours from Newfound Gap Highway about 7 miles south, taking you to within a half-mile of the namesake observation tower. There are two main entrances to Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Sugarlands and Oconaluftee. Its the most visited national park in the country (yes, beating Yellowstone), with 12 million visitors in the last year alone. You cant see it all in one day, but you can hit some of the best highlights if you start early. related to AARP volunteering. Cherokee, NC entranceFrom the north: From interstate highway I-40, take Exit 27 to US-74 West towards Waynesville. 1:29. Youll likely spend quite a bit of time just navigating into the park if you go this route. 0:00. You'll find it in the town of Pittman Center right where the highway crosses the Little Pigeon River. Trying to figure out where to fly in to.I live in California and my friend lives in NY. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try Alternatively, the budget-friendly Cherokee KOA Campground rents both deluxe cabins (with full bathrooms and showers) and basic camping ones (with the use of the campground bathhouse). Hiking Feel the cool spray of a waterfall. Tags are also available for purchase at the visitor centers and at kiosks in major parking lots. Visit John P. Cable Mill, a fully operational gristmill built in 1867, in Cades Cove. This national park also has several secondary park entrances. These Are the Safest Countries in the World in 2023, How to Get Over Jet Lag, According to Our Editors, These Are the 10 Best Places to Live in the World. From North Carolina, Asheville is just 37 miles east, and Charlotte is 151 miles southeast. Youll 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. Anthony's Restaurant, in the heart of downtown Bryson City, is known for its white pizza and garlic knots (you'll need to fuel up for all that hiking, after all). Its a convenient stop to get out and stretch your legs, explore the historic mill, and use the restroom after slowly crawling your way through traffic around the scenic Cades Cove loop. A large, open field is a favorite grazing spot for the elk herds, as is the river that runs right next to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Join today and save 25% off the standard annual rate. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is in southeastern Tennessee. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is rolling out parking passes to the park for the first time. What does that mean? Every time you pay federal taxes, youre contributing to these lands. 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! Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee. It encompasses 522,419 acres (816.28 sq mi; 211,415.47 ha; 2,114.15 sq km), making it one of the largest protected areas in the eastern United States. The main park entrances are located along U.S. Highway 441 (Newfound Gap Road) at the towns of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Cherokee, North Carolina. The park is home to both gorgeous landscapes and abundant wildlife. What Other Smoky Mountains Entrances Are There? There are a few more offbeat museums in town, as well. Its also close to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park, which has an observation tower and connects to the Appalachian Trail. The main park entrances are located along U.S. Highway 441 (Newfound Gap Road) in the towns of Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Cherokee, . The downside to visiting a popular national park is the congestion that can come along with it. What Are The Most Dangerous Creatures in the Smoky Mountains. Then you can enjoy the rest of the day once the lines start forming. Cozy up at Sky Ridge Yurts, located just across the river from rafting outfitters like Nantahala Outdoor Center. With six park entrances to choose from, its important to base yourself near the sites you most want to see. Free, Hiking, Recreation. The summer is the peak season for visitors, but the park remains busy for most of the year. >> Do You Need a Reservation to Enter GSMNP? Follow US-441 through Sevierville and Pigeon Forge into park. From quirky Pigeon Forge to peaceful Townsend, these towns provide easy access to the park. Follow US-321 North/TN -73 East through Townsend. With Great Smoky Mountains National Park seeing so many visitors, its easy to imagine that the entrance can get pretty congested. Sometimes you cant help but visit a park during its busy season, but you dont have to settle for waiting in long lines. America's most-visited national park does not charge entrance fees, but starting today, it does charge for parking. Deer cross the road in Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park Photo: Getty Images Skip the entrance fee for this national park - it's free to enter. Parking tags can be purchased online ahead of your visit, but you must print it out and have the physical copy on your dash while parked. Avoid Cades Cove when entering into Smokey Mountains National Park. How to Get to Great Smoky Mountains National Park {Entrances, Visitor Centers, Nearby Towns & Closest Airports}, How to Hike the Laurel Falls Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, We use cookies to give you the best experience. At Dillsboro merge on US-74 West/US-441 North. Six other entrances lead into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. On the high end, spoil yourself in a luxury suite at the Margaritaville Resort and Spa on the Pigeon River. You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The ever-increasing number of visitors at Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) has caused a significant increase in the wear-and-tear on the parks infrastructure. The Smoky Mountains are known for the blue mist that always seems to hover around the peaks and valleys. Four visitor centers are located within the national park at Sugarlands, Oconaluftee, Cades Cove, and Clingmans Dome. Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Here are . This road will take you through Sevierville and Pigeon Forge into the park. It is also home to craft breweries like Blackberry Farm Brewery, owned by the luxury resort of the same name in Walland, and Tri-Hop Brewery, a pet-friendly spot known for its IPAs. Are There Any Secret Entrances Into the Park? The Wears Valley entrance connects to Little River Gorge Road, where you can access some of the most popular areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! >> The Oconaluftee Visitor Center serves the North Carolina entrance on the southern park border. Find out What Are The Most Dangerous Creatures in the Smoky Mountains? The resort also has an on-site spa and outdoor pool. It holds deep cultural connections for Appalachian culture and Cherokee people. Lastly, the locals that live nearby and want to make spontaneous trips to their local national park can get Annual parking passes ($40). Matthew Lovette. Today, well look at some great park entrances that will get you enjoying the park faster with less frustration. List out your must-do and must-see items and make a plan to ensure you dont miss them. Just outside the Sugarlands Visitor Center, the easy 1.1-mile Fighting Creek Nature Trail gives you an introduction to the park's wildlife, with possible sightings of black bears, elk, whitetail deer and more. Map of Region Shows major highways providing access to the national park. Full of souvenir shops, craft stores, restaurants and kitschy attractions (think . Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy your food right where you are. The last three are off-the-beaten-path entrances that are more like secrets the locals know to avoid traffic. If you can beat the late risers into the park, youll experience a peaceful and calm park. You dont think about a line of cars or waiting for an hour or more. Good to Know: If youre exploring the western part of the park, finish up at Cades Cove, and want to return to Gatlinburg, be prepared for a long wait, especially in summer and fall. The Weekly parking tag ($15) is perfect for campers and those staying in nearby Gatlinburg, Cherokee, or Bryson City. Zero of them paid for entry. When the October peak season overruns the roads in other park sections, Swafford recommends this area for leaf-peeping and wildlife viewing. So if youre staying in areas close to those locations, consider taking those entrances. to search for ways to make a difference in your community at There is one way to get to Great Smoky Mountains National Park: drive. Great Smoky Mountains National Park info included on this . Click Here, Top 3 Entrances to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's been updated to reflect recent COVID-19 developments. Since Gatlinburg is packed with shops, restaurants and attractions, it is easy to grab a meal or pick up some last minute hiking gear before heading into the park! When will you visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Continue straight on TN-73 into the park. Then take 73 East into the National Park. This entrance will provide not only less traffic but also great hiking opportunities. You can reach this entrance from Gatlinburg in about an hour. The trail begins 3 miles into the park from the Cherokee Orchard entrance, a little more than a mile east of the Sugarlands center. Chartered by Congress in 1934 and officially dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1940, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) offers near-endless outdoor fun from hiking (you can find trails for all ability levels) to boating, cycling, fishing and horseback riding. www.aarp.org/volunteer. Hikers flock to Cades Cove to access popular trailheads, including the 5-mile (round-trip) moderate Abrams Falls hike that leads through a gorgeous pine-oak forest alongside Abrams Creek to the namesake 20-foot waterfall that cascades into a long, deep pool. Youll have to drive, even if you fly into the region first. All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. Or take it easy and sightsee from the comfort of your car on highways and motor trails (one-way scenic loops) that showcase park highlights. Neighboring Cherokee is an essential stop for learning about the Native people who were forcibly removed from this land in 1838. Fuel up for a busy day of exploring at the Pancake Pantry, a longtime (since 1960) Gatlinburg favorite that serves a mouthwatering range of sweet offerings, such as Banana Pineapple Triumph pancakes topped with powdered sugar and whipped cream. (PDF file - 368 kb in size) Campground Maps Maps of the following developed campgrounds are available for downloading: Abrams Creek, Balsam Mountain, Big Creek, Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Deep Creek, Elkmont, Look Rock, Smokemont. No, annual park passes cannot be used in lieu of paying for a parking tag. The 1.4 mile walk to Sutton Ridge Overlook offers spectacular views. From the north, youll take exit 27 off I-40 to US-74 West. You can revoke your consent any time using the Revoke consent button. Important dates for planning a Great Smoky Mountains National Park vacation. Here you can pick up a park map or newspaper, have your questions answered by a ranger, and purchase books and guides to the park. 2 hours to Half Day. This is How to Plan an RV Trip to the Smoky Mountains. The entrance sign to the Greenbrier section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is small enough you might miss it when zooming along US 321 between Gatlinburg and Cosby. Youll find several local restaurants to choose from as well as some comfortable places to stay, if youre not camping in Deep Creek in the park. Plan Your Visit Directions & Transportation Directions Driving Directions Airports Public Transportation Download maps of the park and surrounding region Directions to Main Entrances Gatlinburg, TN entrance From interstate highway I-40 take Exit 407 (Sevierville) to TN-66 South. Many trails surrounding the lake are relatively flat, which makes them accessible for most guests, says Jason Swafford, the company's proprietor. In spring, the park's 1,600-plus black bears emerge from their winter slumber. Lets take a look at a handful of other options to make your trip an enjoyable experience! Atlanta is 175 miles southwest. The pass is nontransferable. There isnt a traffic signal, just a stop sign for Fighting Creek Gap Road to wait for the coast to be clear on Newfound Gap Road. Unwind for the night at RT Lodge, located on the charming campus of Maryville College. For outdoor recreation and an adrenaline rush, go white-water rafting on the Nantahala River in nearby Bryson City. This is the helpful, locals backdoor into the western part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails Heres everything you need to know: which airports are closest, which nearby towns to stay in, and where to find every Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance and visitor center. 2 reviews 3 helpful votes Which entrance 14 years ago Save Hello, We have never gone to the park and we have 5 days for a visit. If you take the cut through, youll miss the visitor center. again. Located south of Lake Junaluska and the ski slopes of Maggie Valley, Waynesville is convenient to both the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and the Cataloochee entrance to the national park, where elk famously roam every fall. Its not a huge airport but its bigger than Asheville, NCs airport (AVL), which is the next closest airport to the park. Every trip to the Smokies begins with a drive on the Newfound Gap Road, so pack a picnic and see highlights along the way, including the Sugarlands Visitor Center, Newfound Gap . On the south side, the town of Cherokee is right outside of the Oconaluftee entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's also home to more than 67 varieties of fish, 234 species of birds and dozens of species of salamanders (the park has been called the Salamander Capital of the World"). The last thing you want to do is wander around all day and not see or do anything. At Exit 74 merge onto US-441. As the unofficial gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, travelers to this area enjoy easy access to the Sugarlands Visitors Center. It's the perfect alternative entrance to avoid the busy main road in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. 6 Fun Reasons Why You Should Visit the Biltmore Estate, The Complete Guide to Edisto Beach State Park, How to Get to Bellagio from Milan in 5 Easy Steps, The Closest Beach to Columbia, SC: 20 Great Ocean & Lake Beaches. Not only will you end up paying more for your food if you dont bring your own, but youll have to stop what youre doing to scout out your meal. The area is lovingly known as the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. Using this entrance will get you into the park faster with less congestion. Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park, but there aren't many fully accessible trails. While theres nothing wrong with using the famous Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg entrance, many people are looking for a less congested option. Less time waiting to enter the park means more time enjoying it.
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entrances to smoky mountain national park
