National park · United States
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
No entrance fee; a parking tag is required where you park: $5/day, $15/week or $40/year (2026 estimate). Visit in April–May or October, and reach busy trailheads early; check current road and parking conditions before setting out.
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
2,114 km²816 sq mi
approximate
Established
1934
Best months
Apr–May, Oct
UNESCO
World Heritage
Rules in force · 9Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
- South ↗A car is close to essential outside city cores; interstate driving is the cheapest way to cover ground.
- South ↗Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, US$1–2 a drink.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 2,114 km²816 sq mi
- About 2,114 km² (816 sq mi) of land; the park boundary is fixed, unlike some parks with later revisions.
- Established
- 1934
- Best months
- Apr–May, Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans Tennessee and North Carolina, with forested ridges, waterfalls, historic valleys and a section of the Appalachian Trail. Entry is free, but vehicles parked in designated lots or signed roadside spaces need a parking tag. US-441 (Newfound Gap Road) links Gatlinburg and Cherokee; Cades Cove is a separate one-way loop on the Tennessee side. Mountain weather can change quickly, and higher elevations are cooler and wetter than the valleys.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO World Heritage · 1983Inscribed for its temperate deciduous forest and the scale of its old-growth stands.
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve · 1976International Biosphere Reserve.
Size and age
2,114 km²816 sq mi · national park since 1934
About 2,114 km² (816 sq mi) of land; the park boundary is fixed, unlike some parks with later revisions.
Why go
- Walk from low-elevation forest to high ridges and Appalachian Trail viewpoints.
- Choose a short waterfall walk or a longer climb toward Mount Le Conte.
- Drive the historic Cades Cove loop, allowing extra time for slow traffic and wildlife stops.
- See historic farm buildings at Oconaluftee and Cades Cove.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarCaution
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunGo
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepGo
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecCaution
- JanWinter weather; snow and ice may affect high roads and trails.
- FebSnow is more likely at elevation; check road status.
- MarRapid weather changes; snow can still fall at higher elevations.
- AprMilder weather and spring flowers; showers are common.
- MayWarm days and spring flowers; afternoon rain is possible.
- JunWarm and humid; afternoon showers and thunderstorms are common.
- JulHot, humid lowlands and frequent afternoon storms.
- AugHot, humid weather; storms and visitor traffic can affect plans.
- SepCooler conditions begin; frost is possible at higher elevations late in the month.
- OctFall colour and generally drier weather; expect busy roads and popular stops.
- NovCooler and often drier; snow is possible in the high country.
- DecWinter conditions can close mountain roads; check before driving.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk near Cataloochee and OconalufteeSep–Nov · Viewing varies; keep a safe distance and do not enter fields. | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no |
| Black bearsMay–Sep · Sightings are not guaranteed. Never approach or feed wildlife. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Synchronous fireflies near ElkmontJun · Viewing dates and access arrangements vary; check current park information. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Spring wildflowersApr–May · Bloom timing varies with elevation and weather. | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Autumn foliageSep–Nov · Colour changes by elevation and season; peak dates vary. | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
How to get there
From Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Drive US-441 south to Sugarlands Visitor Center and the park's Tennessee-side roads.
Check current route and traffic
From Cherokee, North Carolina
Drive US-441 north to Oconaluftee Visitor Center; the mountain road may close in severe winter weather.
Check current route and traffic
From Knoxville, Tennessee
Drive toward Gatlinburg or Townsend, then use the relevant park entrance.
Check
From Asheville, North Carolina
Drive toward Cherokee or the North Carolina park entrances.
Check
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Sugarlands and Gatlinburg side | Visitor centre, Newfound Gap Road and access toward popular waterfall and high-country trails. | By road; closures may occur in severe weather. |
| Cades Cove | Historic valley, loop road, wildlife viewing and visitor centre. | One-way road loop; check current operating conditions. |
| Oconaluftee and Cherokee side | Visitor centre, Mountain Farm Museum and access to the south end of US-441. | By road; check conditions on mountain routes. |
| High country | Kuwohi, Appalachian Trail ridge sections and high-elevation forest. | Road and trail access can be affected by winter weather. |
| Cataloochee | Remote valley with historic buildings and opportunities to view elk. | Road conditions and access: check before driving. |
Sketch map
- 1Sugarlands Visitor Center · Headquarters≈35.686, -83.537Map ↗
- 2Oconaluftee Visitor Center · Headquarters≈35.513, -83.306Map ↗
- 3Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) · Summit≈35.563, -83.499Map ↗
- 4Newfound Gap · Gate≈35.611, -83.425Map ↗
- 5Cades Cove Visitor Center · Village≈35.585, -83.843Map ↗
- 6Laurel Falls trailhead · Trail≈35.675, -83.577Map ↗
- 7Alum Cave trailhead · Trail≈35.630, -83.449Map ↗
- 8Elkmont Campground · Sleep≈35.660, -83.586Map ↗
- 9Cataloochee valley · Village≈35.631, -83.085Map ↗
- 10Gatlinburg, TN · Town≈35.714, -83.510Map ↗
- 11Cherokee, NC · Town≈35.474, -83.315Map ↗
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entrance | Free | person | No entrance fee. |
| Parking tag — day | US$5 | vehicle | 2026 estimate; required when parked in designated areas. |
| Parking tag — week | US$15 | vehicle | 2026 estimate; confirm current terms with NPS. |
| Parking tag — annual | US$40 | vehicle | 2026 estimate; confirm current terms with NPS. |
| Backcountry camping permit | Free | permit | Fee and reservation requirements: check current NPS details. |
| Frontcountry campsite | Free | site per night | Rates vary by campground and date; check current booking listings. |
| Le Conte Lodge | Free | person per night | Rates and availability: check with the lodge. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Parking tag permit or guide
Backcountry overnight permit permit or guide
Campground reservation permit or guide
Fishing licence permit or guide
Special-use permit permit or guide
Park rules
- Parking tag
- A valid tag is required when parked in designated lots and signed roadside spaces; check NPS instructions.
- Wildlife
- Keep a safe distance, never feed animals and follow posted park guidance.
- Food storage
- Keep food and scented items secured; do not leave them unattended outdoors.
- Alcohol
- Check current park rules for where alcohol may be possessed or consumed.
- Stream water
- Treat or boil stream water before drinking.
- Pets
- Pet access is restricted on park trails; check current NPS rules before bringing a pet.
- Drones
- Check current NPS rules before flying a drone; recreational drone use is generally prohibited in national parks.
Where to stay
Near the park
Gatlinburg, TN
The busiest base: hotels, cabins and restaurants 10 minutes from Sugarlands.
Near the park
Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, TN
Cheaper chain hotels and family resorts, 30–45 minutes from the main entrances.
Near the park
Cherokee, NC
Quieter base on the south side, close to Oconaluftee and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Near the park
Townsend, TN
Small and calm, the closest base to Cades Cove.
Near the park
Bryson City, NC
Base for Deep Creek and the Nantahala area, about 30 minutes from the park.
In the park
Park campgrounds (Cades Cove, Elkmont, Smokemont and others)
Ten frontcountry campgrounds with cold water and flush toilets; no showers or hookups.
In the park
Le Conte Lodge
The only lodging inside the park, on Mount Le Conte; hike in at least 5 miles, meals included, books far ahead.
Safety
Fast-changing mountain weather medium
Wildlife encounters medium
Wet or icy trails medium
Road closures medium
Heat and thunderstorms medium
Accessibility
- Some visitor centres and historic sites are accessible by car with short walks; confirm facilities for your visit.
- Kuwohi's paved summit path is steep; check current accessibility information before relying on it.
- Trail surfaces and grades vary; confirm route suitability with NPS.
Visiting lightly
- Use designated parking and do not damage roadside vegetation.
- Stay on marked trails and pack out rubbish.
- Keep a safe distance from wildlife and never feed animals.
- Follow current restrictions and guidance at sensitive wildlife-viewing areas.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
There is no entrance fee. A parking tag is required when you park in designated areas: $5 per day, $15 per week or $40 per year (2026 estimates). Confirm current prices and terms with NPS.
What are the best hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
For a shorter outing, consider Laurel Falls or the paved path to the Kuwohi observation point. For a harder day, look at Alum Cave Trail toward Mount Le Conte. Abrams Falls and Grotto Falls are other popular waterfall walks; check current conditions and route details before setting out.
When is the best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
April and May bring spring flowers and milder weather; September and October are good for cooler days and autumn colour. October is busy, and summer brings heat, humidity and afternoon storms. Winter road and trail access can be affected by snow and ice.
Do I need a reservation to drive Cades Cove?
Check current NPS notices for any scheduled access changes or vehicle-free periods. The loop is one-way, and traffic can make the drive take several hours.
Which side of the park should I visit?
Gatlinburg gives access to Sugarlands and US-441 from Tennessee; Cherokee is the approach to Oconaluftee from North Carolina. Choose the side closest to your base and check road conditions before crossing the mountains.
Can I see bears or elk?
Wildlife sightings are possible but never guaranteed. Keep your distance, do not feed animals and follow posted park guidance.
Can I stay inside the park?
The park has campgrounds; check current availability and booking requirements. Le Conte Lodge is a hike-in lodging option, but rates and availability should be confirmed directly.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Sources
- officialNational Park Service — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- officialNPS — Fees and parking tags
- officialNPS — Hiking trails
- officialNPS — Camping
- officialNPS — Seasonal road closures
- officialUNESCO World Heritage Centre — Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- secondaryWikivoyage: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, revision 5302592 (CC BY-SA 4.0)