entrances to smoky mountain national park

Avoid This Entrance to Smoky Mountains National Park at All Costs The Newfound Gap mountain pass sits near the middle of the park on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. 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. As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. No, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free to enter and drive around. For something budget-friendly, settle into one of the basic rooms (breakfast included) at the Greystone Lodge on the River, where you can use the town's trolley to easily access Gatlinburg's attractions (there's a stop across the street from the lodge). Or try the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, which winds nearly 6 miles through old-growth forests alongside gurgling mountain streams. The park is home to 65 species of mammals, more than 200 varieties of birds, 67 native fish species, and more than 80 types of reptiles and amphibians. PHOTO BY: Zoonar GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo. Hike Early in the Morning. 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. More than 522,000 acres of natural beauty, for one thing. This post may contain affiliate links. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's . We will be traveling with our teen daughters, in April. 1:29. The park also maintains 10 campgrounds ($17.50 to $27 per night) for tents and RVs, in a range of inviting locales, from riversides to forests. Otherwise, head to nearby Walland for Blackberry Farm, a Relais & Chteaux resort spread over 4,000 acresand hands down the most notable stay in these parts. The park is 522,419 acres in size, making it one of the largest protected areas in the eastern portion of the U.S. In 2021, a parking tag fee was trialed in the park. At Maryville proceed on US-321 North/TN -73 East through Townsend. >> The Oconaluftee Visitor Center serves the North Carolina entrance on the southern park border. Summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms, with July being the wettest month. Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Tripadvisor This is the helpful, locals backdoor into the western part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Trying to figure out where to fly in to.I live in California and my friend lives in NY. www.aarp.org/volunteer. This national park also has several secondary park entrances. The natural beauty and the four distinct seasons enjoyed in the GSMNP is unmatched! No, parking tag sales are not limited to a certain number per day, and they dont guarantee you a parking spot. Your email address will not be published. How Many Entrances Does Great Smoky Mountains National Park Have? 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! Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers that love to score the best site! by Terri Marshall, AARP, Updated August 12, 2021. If youre headed to a national park, the odds are that youre hoping for a scenic and relaxing experience. Join today and save 25% off the standard annual rate. To be honest with you,we hate paying for camping. The main park entrances are located along U.S. Highway 441 (Newfound Gap Road) at the towns of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Cherokee, North Carolina. PHOTO BY: Photo by James Keith / Getty Images. A quieter alternative is Cosby Campground on the park's northeast side: It offers 157 campsites nestled under a canopy of hemlock trees and the feel of backcountry camping with frontcountry amenities. Provided by Touchpoints Closures & Alerts Black Bears At Dillsboro merge on US-74 West/US-441 North. receive communications related to AARP volunteering. You dont think about a line of cars or waiting for an hour or more. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is in southeastern Tennessee. There's no entrance fee to access the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Deciding where to stay near Great Smoky Mountains depends not only on what you want to do in the park but also on how much patience you have for traffic. Food can be tricky to find in the park, and it comes with a higher cost. Avoid Cades Cove when entering into Smokey Mountains National Park. This is a convenient, quieter alternative to the Gatlinburg entrance and is ideal for those heading to see Cades Cove Loop Road. Yosemite is third with 3.8 million visitors, and Yellowstone rounds out the top four with 3.2 million visitors each year. 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. In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails It will be quieter than the Gatlinburg area but still have the convenience and amenities many travelers want. related to AARP volunteering. The theme park has state-of-the-art roller coasters, musical performances, and a museum with artifacts from Partons career, including her former tour bus with a custom-made bathtub. Visitors come to enjoy the hiking, scenic drives, and plentiful wildlife. 15 Best Things To Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park A Trail Guide for Disabled Hikers - The New York Times The Townsend entrance is convenient to Cades Cove, which can back up Little River Gorge Road for miles inside the park. Reaching the only in-park accommodations (besides camping) requires a 5.5-mile hike and physical endurance, but you're rewarded with stellar sunrises and sunsets and star-filled night skies. For backcountry permits ($4 nightly per person), call 865-436-1297. 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. Its an hour away from the Oconaluftee entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 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. But the area remains open for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or a winter walk through the high-altitude spruce-fir forest. >> Are Parking Tags Transferable or Refundable? Follow US-441 through Sevierville and Pigeon Forge into park. It has some of the best hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing you'll find in the U.S. We're sharing the inside scoop with you so you can plan your next trip to the Smokies. 0:00. 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 . Cherokee is on Native American tribal land. 2 hours to Half Day. 148 Recommended Walking Tours from $83.00 per adult (price varies by group size) Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Audio Driving Tour You'll find restroom facilities at visitor centers, campgrounds, picnic areas, Newfound Gap and Clingmans Dome. 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. From the south, youll take exit 376 off I-75 to I-40 East via 376B. Matthew Lovette. With six park entrances to choose from, its important to base yourself near the sites you most want to see. It has James Beard award-winning restaurants including The Barn (which accepts reservations from non-guests), known for its dishes crafted from seasonal and local ingredients. Have you visited Great Smoky Mountains National Park? No, GSMNP parking tags are neither transferable nor refundable. Its not only one of the least used entrances but also a great choice for those looking to avoid Gatlinburg traffic altogether. If you want to stay overnight in the park, be prepared to give your quads quite the workout. Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee. While youre there, climb to the top of the observation tower, soar through the trees on a zip line, or relax with a cocktail at The Bar At The Top Of The World. Its not worth the stress or frustration. Why No Entrance Fee? - Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S This is the place to be for the elk rut in the early fall. From North Carolina, Asheville is just 37 miles east, and Charlotte is 151 miles southeast. There's actually a secret entrance to the Smokies! The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Great Smoky Mountains sees, generally, three types of visitors: The Daily parking tag ($5) is for those that only allowed a single day to explore the vast amazingness that is the Great Smoky Mountains. Hen Wallow Falls is a favorite with beautiful views and a 90-ft cascading waterfall. So if youre staying in areas close to those locations, consider taking those entrances. PHOTO BY: Andre Petit / Alamy Stock Photo. Address: Cherokee Orchard entrance to the national park. By subscribing to our newsletter(s) you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement. There are a few more offbeat museums in town, as well. Trying to decide which entrance is best for you? Less time waiting to enter the park means more time enjoying it. If you can beat the late risers into the park, youll experience a peaceful and calm park. By nightfall, the temperatures drop to a comfortable average of 55 degrees. You will be asked to register or log in. In spring, the resident 1,600-plus black bears emerge from their winter slumber; more than 1,500 species of wildflowers begin to bloom, blanketing the park in multichromatic splendor; and mating fireflies light up the night sky in brilliant synchronicity. Which entrance - Great Smoky Mountains National Park Forum The weather is fairly temperate compared to other mountainous regions in the country, which allows for travel throughout the year. List out your must-do and must-see items and make a plan to ensure you dont miss them. Cammerer Fire Tower is a Smoky Mountain classic. On the high end, spoil yourself in a luxury suite at the Margaritaville Resort and Spa on the Pigeon River. Where to stay when visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park. . Where Does the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Get Its Funding? This entrance is closest to Cades Cove and offers lodging and restaurants while preserving the areas natural beauty. 4 Reasons to Use the Wears Valley Entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains December 7, 2021. Its not a huge airport but its bigger than Asheville, NCs airport (AVL), which is the next closest airport to the park. Hop onto NC-276 for approximately a quarter-mile. Accessible programs span from ranger-led explorations of the intricate forest floor to tours highlighting the park's human history. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Each site has a fire grate and picnic table. Fill up on barbecue ribs, pork chops and black-eyed peas at the lunch and dinner buffet. Support the community by shopping for Cherokee-made crafts at Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Inc. If you want a no-fuss meal, Smokies Cuban Cafe is a local favorite in an unassuming strip mall, known for its Cuban sandwiches, ropa vieja, and signature sweet (and strong) cafecito. Youll find restaurants, shopping centers, museums, hotels, and more in this area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. >> Does Great Smoky Mountains National Park have an Entrance Fee? What entrance do you feel is the best option for enjoying the park? When youre feeling peckish, Nabers Drive In is like stepping back in time, complete with carhop service and a simple menu featuring burgers and hot dogs. 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. Our most popular newsletter for destination inspiration, travel tips, trip itineraries, and everything else you need to be an expert traveler in this beautiful world, Where to Eat, Play, and Stay, in Delray Beach, Florida, The Best Camping Spots in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, These Amtrak Train Routes Make Stops at Some of America's Most Scenic National Parks, Whats New at the Jersey Shore This Summer, This Summer's Most Exciting Hotel Openings, The Best Places to Stay Near Acadia National Park. On the Newfound Gap Highway, take advantage of numerous pullouts to marvel at the scenic vistas. Address United States Phone +1 865-436-1200 Web Visit website When it was first officially designated as a national park back in 1940, the Great Smoky Mountains instantly became the premier outdoor playground in the eastern United States. 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're up for a longer, but still easy hike with plenty to keep you entertained, Patricia Kersey, of the Gatlinburg-based A Walk in the Woods guide service, recommends the 4.9-mile round-trip Little River Trail in the Elkmont area, about 6 miles west of the Sugarlands center. Great Smoky Mountains National Park begins charging for parking - USA TODAY In October, even cooler temperatures arrive, usually ranging from 40 to 50 degrees, along with a new surge of visitors. You could exit via the Townsend park entrance and use US 321 and back roads to backtrack into Gatlinburg, but that route is often just as backed up. Entrances get crowded and roadways back up during peak times and seasons, but there arent any fast pass or reservation systems to avoid this. >> Can I Use My Interagency Pass/National Park Annual Pass Instead of a Parking Tag? As part of every stay, guests are served decadent breakfasts and four-course dinners with views of Mount LeConte. Rent a pontoon boat on Fontana lake, on GSMNP's southern border, or hike its surrounding trails. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Its also close to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park, which has an observation tower and connects to the Appalachian Trail. Fees & Passes - Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S. National Park Great Smoky Mountains National Park | National Parks in Asheville Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte, Autograph Collection. No, Great Smoky Mountains National Park doesnt use timed entry tickets. What does that mean? Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Its sometimes called the Gatlinburg entrance because of its location near the town, but the visitor center is about 2 miles inside the park. Turn onto US-19 and proceed through Maggie Valley to Cherokee. While it may take you a few extra miles, utilizing a lesser-known entrance will lend itself to less congestion and a more hassle-free experience. The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Should You Use a Lesser-Known Entrance Into Great Smoky Mountains? This means that you can quickly be on your way to exploring all of the treasures in the park, including scenic hiking trails, fascinating historical structures and incredible wildlife! Good to Know: Dont confuse this with the Greenbrier entrance in the northeastern part of the park. From Pigeon Forge, take Wears Valley Road into Wears Valley, Tenn. Use the AARP Auto Buying Program to find your next safe new or used car! The Old Mill Restaurant is one of the most famous places to eat here, with family-style meals like fried chicken and collard greens, all served on dishes made at the Old Mill studios. Learn more below. Turn onto TN-35 to US-321 North through Townsend. As an Amazon Associate and associate of other programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. The following are all in isolated sections of the park that dont connect to the rest of the parks main roads. You cant fly directly to the park or even to its front door. PHOTO BY: Sean Pavone / Alamy Stock Photo. It sees as many visitors as the next 3 most visited national parks combined (2022 data). Maybe easier access to Laurel Falls trailhead, but its debatable if its faster. Because there are so many entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you wont have difficulty finding your way in. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try Along the drive, stretch your legs and absorb nature's soundtrack on short, easy trails marked as Quiet Walkways. The 0.3-mile Balsam Point Quiet Walkway, slightly north of the Chimney Tops overlook, serves up views of the Steep Branch Creek and the west prong of the Little Pigeon River. The park is surrounded by bigger cities, but none that are close enough to stay in while visiting. Four visitor centers are located within the national park at Sugarlands, Oconaluftee, Cades Cove, and Clingmans Dome. Cataloochee How to Get There: The Cataloochee entrance lies on the North Carolina side of the park. When will you visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Why Great Smoky Mountains National Park Is FREE to - StyleBlueprint When hues of red, gold and orange spill down from the mountain peaks to the forest floor, the park sees its second peak season. These areas have a ranger station to check in at before venturing into the parks backcountry for hiking or camping. There are three entrances to Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Gatlinburg, and every one takes you into a section of the 800 square miles of unspoiled Appalachia. >> Do You Need a Reservation to Enter GSMNP? Clingmans Dome, near the park's center, straddles the state line between Tennessee and North Carolina. Pigeon Forge has all-you-can-eat buffets and themed dinner shows, but it also happens to be home to Dollywood, owned by country music legend Dolly Parton. There's no need to pull out your wallet at the park entrances: GSMNP has no entry fee. Preserved late 19th-century and early 20th-century structures including two churches, a schoolhouse and several cabins reveal this history. Remember to pack out anything you pack in. Expert Booking Tips to Help Snag Busy Campgrounds. (This rule doesnt make sense to us, and we hope they get enough feedback that theyll change the rules for annual tags.). At the main intersection in Sevierville, continue straight onto US-441 South. From it, you can access all major areas of the park, including Cades Cove and Newfound Gap. In terms of places to stay, there are two great options: Little Arrow Resort, in Townsend, has safari-style tents, Airstreams, tiny houses, and full-sized vacation homes that sleep up to 12. It's best to bring your own food and enjoy one of the 12 picnic areas scattered throughout the park in forests and alongside rivers and creeks. Smoky Mountains National Park has two main visitor centers and two area visitor centers. You can also take Wears Valley road in to Townsend and go in the park that way too. I travel the world and report back all the details, like itineraries, packing lists, and real life budgets, so you can plan, save, and go on a vacation, too! Pro Tip: Add these 10 National Parks Everyone Needs to Visit to your bucket list! By Caroline Eubanks. En espaol | It's not surprising that the Great Smoky Mountains is the most-visited of the nation's 62 national parks, welcoming more than 12 million visitors last year. From the south: From interstate highway I-75 take Exit 376 to I-140 E towards Oak Ridge/Maryville. Surrounded by mountain peaks, the valley once served as hunting grounds for the Cherokee. The following drive times do not consider traffic. 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. 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. You have this perfect image of pulling up to the ranger station of a National Park, showing the ranger your America the Beautiful pass, and feeling giddy as you drive into a beautiful location. You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. You can also manage your communication preferences by updating your account at anytime. The Cherokee Indian Reservation is one location to visit the history and culture of Southern Appalachia. Follow US-441 through Cherokee and into the 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. Limited Wi-Fi may be available at some locations.