National park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Old-growth forest, remains of mountain farms and one of the most varied collections of plants and animals in any temperate park.
- Established
- 1934
- States
- TN, NC
- Entrance fee
- None (parking tag)
- Best season
- Apr–Jun, Oct
Before you go
- There is no entrance fee, but you need a parking tag to stop for more than 15 minutes.
- Cades Cove fills early. Arrive at dawn or visit on a vehicle-free morning.
- Synchronous fireflies appear near Elkmont in late May or early June, and you need a lottery permit to see them.
Crossing the park
Newfound Gap Road (US-441) links Gatlinburg and Cherokee, climbing past the turnoff for Clingmans Dome. Allow two hours for the crossing with stops.
FAQs
Which entrance is best?
Gatlinburg (TN) is the busiest. Cherokee (NC) connects directly to the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
