What Is Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
This park protects and preserves the ecosystems of the Southern Appalachians, its historic settlements, and its UNESCO-recognized biodiversity!
What Makes It Beautiful?
This park is made up of the best in Appalachian nature, with a 6,000-foot ridge of mountains dropping down rivers to spectacular waterfalls and over 600 biodiverse wetlands! You’ll find herds of elk, bunches of black bears, and more salamander species than found anywhere else on Earth! When the roads aren’t blocked by landslides, you can get up high and take in amazing views of Kuwohi and surrounding areas, but this park also uniquely offers car-free Wednesdays in Cades Cove, for folks who would like to enjoy the green fields and historic buildings without the roar of motors!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
- Volunteer at Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
- Donate to Friends of the Smokies!
- Be a responsible visitor! Remember the old adages: Pack out what you pack in! Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!
How Do I Get There?
Sugarlands Visitor Center
- 1420 Fighting Creek Gap Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Oconaluftee Visitor Center
- 1194 Newfound Gap Road
Cherokee, NC 28719
Cades Cove Visitor Center
- Cable Mill Road
Townsend, TN 37882
Kuwohi Visitor Center
- Clingmans Dome Road
Cherokee, NC 28719
When Should I Visit the Park?
The park is open year-round, but the visitor centers are open from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM! The colors are beautiful in the fall, but make sure to give yourself ample time to navigate traffic jams and full parking lots!
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