The Most Popular National Park in the U.S. Features Year-round Blossoms, Breathtaking Mountain Vistas, and a Variety of Wildlife

Great Smoky Mountains National Park attracts more visitors than any other national park in the U.S. Its vast 522,419 acres span across North Carolina and Tennessee, encompassing the Great Smoky Mountains, which are part of the Appalachian range. Within this park lie some of the tallest peaks in the eastern U.S., including Clingmans Dome at 6,643 feet, alongside lush forests, year-round wildflowers, scenic drives, and numerous hiking trails.

In addition to its stunning landscapes, Great Smoky Mountains National Park showcases southern Appalachian culture and is home to about 1,500 American black bears, averaging two bears per square mile.

“Every visitor to the park, whether it’s their first visit or they’re seasoned explorers, has their own unique reason for coming. That’s the enchantment of the Smokies,” remarked Emily Davis, a public affairs specialist for the park, in an interview with Dinogo. “Some are drawn to the wildflowers and wildlife, others seek the thrill of new trails, some delve into the park’s rich history, and many simply enjoy a scenic drive.”

We spoke with Davis and several other local experts to create a detailed guide to the park. Here’s everything you should know before heading to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Your Visit Planning Guide 

The park is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the year. While some secondary roads may close in winter, major routes such as Newfound Gap Road (US-441), Little River Road, and Laurel Creek Road remain open year-round, depending on weather conditions.

This park is one of the few national parks that does not charge an entrance fee, making it entirely free to visit. However, if you plan to leave your vehicle parked for more than 15 minutes within park limits, you’ll need a parking tag — priced at $5 per day, $15 for the week, or $40 for the entire year. Tags can be purchased online or collected at most visitor centers.

Dogs are permitted in the campgrounds, picnic areas, and on the roads of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, provided they are kept on a leash. There are only two trails that welcome dogs: the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail, as the majority of hiking paths are located in the untouched backcountry.

Optimal Visiting Period

Great Smoky Mountains National Park sees the most visitors during summer and fall. Amie Newsome, social media and content manager for Haywood County Tourism Development Authority, suggests visiting in the fall if you're keen on wildlife. She states, “My favorite time to explore the park is during the rut season, typically in September and October. This is when the elk are most active and vocal, surrounded by the stunning fall colors. Our part of the park, Cataloochee Valley, was where elk were reintroduced in 2001.”

Both Davis and lead guide Sarah Spiro from Carolina Bound Adventures in Bryson City, North Carolina, cherish springtime in the park. “I’ve never encountered such a rich variety of greens anywhere else!” Davis exclaims about the season, while Spiro notes, “The GSMNP (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) is rightly dubbed the ‘wildflower park.’ Each week during spring, a new array of over 1,500 wildflower species begins to bloom.”

It’s important to note that from late October through early May, some secondary roads, including Clingmans Dome Road, may close due to weather or restrictions on certain vehicle types (like buses, motorhomes, long vans, and trailers).

Directions to the Park

There are numerous ways to access Great Smoky Mountains National Park for hiking or camping, but only three official entrances exist. The primary entrance is located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, on the park's northern edge. From Gatlinburg, visitors will quickly reach the Sugarlands Visitor Center, the park’s main hub. The other Tennessee entrance can be found in Townsend, near the Cades Cove Visitor Center.

In North Carolina, the main entry point to the park is in Cherokee, North Carolina, which is part of the Qualla Township and home to the Eastern Band of the Cherokee. The nearby Oconaluftee Visitor Center serves as the best access point from the south.

Regardless of which entrance you choose, avoid simply entering it into Google Maps and zoning out. Car navigation and GPS can be unreliable in the park, often directing drivers down one-way roads or to isolated spots. Your best option is to stop by a visitor center to pick up a paper map or download a complimentary topographic map to your phone.

Top Activities to Experience

Scenic Drives

For a leisurely way to soak in the scenery, take a drive along the 384 miles of (mostly paved) roads within the park. Davis notes, “A trip to Newfound Gap or Clingmans Dome offers first-time visitors a chance to truly experience the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.”

Road Cycling

If you’re looking to cover some ground while enjoying the outdoors, head to Cades Cove Loop Road. This 11-mile one-way route takes you past 19th-century homesteads and is so popular among cyclists that it’s closed to vehicles (bikes only!) every Wednesday from May to September. During peak cycling months (summer and fall), bikes can be rented at the campground store near Cades Cove Campground. Note that there are no mountain biking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Angling

Great Smoky Mountains National Park hosts one of the last wild trout habitats in the eastern U.S., making it a haven for anglers seeking trout and smallmouth bass. Fishing is a favored pastime year-round in the park's 2,900 miles of streams. Before you cast your line, ensure you have a fishing license from either Tennessee or North Carolina (both licenses are valid throughout the park). Special permits are necessary for fishing in Gatlinburg and Cherokee.

Historic Sites

The park is home to more than 90 historic structures, including barns, churches, schools, and residences. The best areas to immerse yourself in the region’s rich human history are Cades Cove, Cataloochee, and Oconaluftee. Additionally, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail offers access to a genuine mountain farmstead, along with numerous waterfalls.

Top Hiking Trails

For those seeking a retreat from civilization and a tranquil spot in the park, over 800 miles of trails await your exploration. Below are some local favorites, but to truly escape the crowds, consider one of the lesser-known routes highlighted on the park's website. As a general guideline, the park advises on their website that “hikers in the Smokies travel at about 1.5 miles per hour. Many people move at a slower pace.” Be sure to plan your hike to return well before sunset.

Deep Creek Loop Trail

For a hike surrounded by both streams and waterfalls, consider the Deep Creek Loop Trail. Spiro, the hiking division leader at Carolina Bound Adventures, recommends “the Deep Creek Loop Trail, just a few miles from Bryson City, where you can experience three waterfalls within a short hike.” This trail is also one of the few in the park where bicycles are permitted.

Caldwell Fork Trail

If you prefer to immerse yourself in nature with fewer people around, head to Cataloochee Valley, known for its tranquility. This area, once a Cherokee hunting ground, offers numerous trails, including the Caldwell Fork Trail, which Newsome appreciates for its “charming log bridge at the start.” The complete loop spans over 16 miles, making it popular among backpackers, but you can shorten the route as desired.

Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail runs directly through the park, reaching its peak at Clingmans Dome, the highest point on its trek from Georgia to Maine. If you're up for a challenge, you can hike a section of this iconic trail to Charlies Bunion, a prominent rock formation offering breathtaking mountain vistas. “Hiking the Appalachian Trail to Charlies Bunion is tough, but it's absolutely worth it if you're prepared,” noted Davis.

Wildflowers

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is often referred to as the “Wildflower National Park” due to its impressive collection of over 1,500 species of flowering plants (the most of any national park). While spring is the prime season for wildflower enthusiasts (featuring a weeklong Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in May), blooms can be enjoyed throughout the year, including in winter.

Among the notable blooms are spring ephemerals like trillium, lady slipper orchids, crested dwarf iris, columbine, bleeding heart, and violets. Summer brings red cardinal flowers, purple-fringed orchids, and black-eyed Susans. In the fall, you'll see goldenrods, sunflowers, and various asters bloom, while February heralds the arrival of spicebush flowers, rhododendrons, and flame azaleas. The park has even curated a comprehensive list of wildflower walks.

Wildlife

In addition to the 1,500 species of blooming plants, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is inhabited by around 65 mammal species, over 200 bird varieties, 67 native fish species, and more than 80 types of reptiles and amphibians. The park's most renowned residents are likely the American black bear, with an estimated population of 1,500, while the reintroduced elk in Cataloochee Valley also attract considerable attention.

You can spot these majestic animals on your own, but for increased chances of sightings (and to learn more about the animals and their reintroduction), Newsome suggests booking a guide through Cataloochee Valley Elk Tours or Scenic Tours and Rentals.

Places to Stay

Campgrounds

Camping opportunities abound within the park, featuring 10 developed campgrounds along with several backcountry camping sites for those who prefer backpacking. Among the developed sites, only Cades Cove Campground (Tennessee) and Smokemont Campground (North Carolina) are open year-round. The other main campgrounds include Elkmont Campground with 211 sites near Sugarlands Visitor Center, Cosby Campground offering 157 shaded sites, and Deep Creek Campground with 92 sites situated alongside a creek near some of the park's best hiking trails.

LeConte Lodge

Within the park, there is only one lodge, accessible by a 5-mile hike. The rustic cabins of LeConte Lodge are beautifully positioned atop Mount LeConte. The lodge typically operates from mid-March to mid-November and closes during winter. Given its popularity, reservations are made well in advance, and a waitlist is maintained.

Lodging Near the Park

If camping or hiking to a backcountry lodge isn’t your style, you’ll want to find accommodations in the towns bordering the park. On the Tennessee side, popular choices include Cosby, Newport, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Townsend. For the North Carolina side, consider staying in Bryson City, Cherokee, Fontana, Graham County, Haywood County, Maggie Valley, or Waynesville.

The Swag in Waynesville, North Carolina was recognized as the top resort in the South in our 2023 World's Best Awards, and Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee also earned a spot on the list. 

Mark Van Osdal, co-owner of Carolina Bound Adventures, mentions that “Bryson City offers a charming, quiet small-town experience and has two main entrances to the national park - Deep Creek and Lakeshore Drive.” We particularly love Fryemont Inn, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, and Lakeview at Fontana, featuring private soaking cabanas with stunning views.

For those seeking a glamping experience, consider spending a night in a caboose in Waynesville or staying in a yurt on a peony farm in Clyde, North Carolina. There are also luxurious safari tents at Under Canvas’ Smoky Mountain location, just 10 miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee. 

Dining Options

Unlike many other national parks, food and drink choices are quite sparse within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can find some convenience items at visitor centers and at the Cades Cove store (available only during peak season), but generally, visitors either eat outside the park or bring their own picnics.

Considering this, Newsome and Van Osdal have shared a few dining suggestions in the nearby mountain towns.

Frankie’s Italian Trattoria: Located in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, Frankie’s features outdoor seating, a full bar, and a menu filled with delicious options like lasagna, pizza, and veal marsala.

Joey’s Pancake House: This Maggie Valley classic is housed in a diner from 1966 and is famous for its hearty breakfasts and inventive pancakes.

Birchwood Hall Southern Kitchen: For an upscale farm-to-table Southern dining experience, this restaurant in Waynesville, North Carolina is a must-visit, and their cocktail menu is truly exceptional.

Delauder's BBQ: No trip to the South is complete without barbecue. Delauder's BBQ in Gatlinburg, Tennessee is among the best, offering an authentic, laid-back atmosphere that makes the food even more enjoyable.

Mountain Perks: This family-owned coffee shop in Bryson City, North Carolina has a cozy feel, featuring outdoor seating and light fare. Van Osdal highly recommends, “You must try the ‘Kirby’!”

Wize Guyz Grille: A cherished local hangout in Cherokee, North Carolina, this counter-service eatery is known for its New York-style pizza and tasty burgers.

Dalaya: Dalaya is a favorite Thai restaurant located in Sylva, North Carolina. They serve all the classic Thai dishes, including a fantastic massaman curry and Thai-style chicken wings, along with delightful outdoor seating.