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National park in Tennessee and North Carolina, US
Photo: Aviator31, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a United States national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an International Biosphere Reserve that straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. Because of its substantial size, its location within a few hundred miles of several large cities, its year-round accessibility, and of course its general appeal to a wide variety of people, it consistently ranks as the most-visited national park in the United States of America, with 9-10 million visits per year. In 2021, it had 14.1 million visitors.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
En route to Kuwohi, or if you're just going from one end of the park to the other on Newfound Gap Road, this great overlook, close to a mile above sea level, offers great views, plus a sign displaying the Tennessee-North Carolina state border, and the Appalachian Trail crosses here. Morton Overlook is among the best venues in the Smokies for sunset viewing.
Deals Gap, North Carolina pass
A road popular with sports car and motorcycle enthusiasts, famous for its 318 curves in 11 mi.
The only place to stay within the park is on top of Mount Le Conte, one of the park's highest mountains. It is only accessible by hiking at least 5 miles (8 km) over one of 5 trails and reservations are often required more than a year in advance. No electricity is available, however there are flush toilets. Due to the elevation daytime temperature are below 80°F even during summer. Rates include meals. As an interesting aside, all of the lodge's supplies are brought up by either llama trains or by helicopter on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Resort lodging popular with AT hikers. Will hold mail drops for guests.
Hiker-oriented lodging near Fontana Dam. Holds drop boxes for guests.
(Mar-Oct) 16 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. At 1,125 ft, Abrams Creek provides a warm climate, characterized and hot, humid summers with moderate rainfall. Abrams Creek Campground offers campsites for tents as well as small RVs.
(May-Oct) 46 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. At 5,300 feet, Balsam Mtn. provides a moderate climate, characterized by mild summer temperatures with heavy rainfall. Balsam Mtn. Campground offers an unforgettable outdoor experience with campsites for tents as well as RVs.
(Mar-Oct) 12 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. At 1,700 feet, Big Creek provides a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Big Creek Campground offers campsites for tents only. Group sites (minimum 8 people) available.
(Year-round) 159 sites, 4 group sites. Cades Cove combines the feel of primitive camping with the modern convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. A camp store provides visitors with basic necessities as well as bike rentals. Events like interpretive programs in the nearby amphitheater and bicycle-only days on the loop road provide visitors with a fun and unique experience. This is a very popular site for overnight and day trips.
(Mar-Oct) 27 sites, 3 group sites. At 2,600 feet, Cataloochee provides a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Cataloochee Campground offers campsites for tents as well as RVs. Reservations are required. Group sites (minimum 8 people) available.
(Mar-Oct) 157 sites. 26 sites can be reserved in advance, 131 sites are first-come, first-served. At 2,450 feet, Cosby provides a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Cosby Campground offers campsites for tents as well as RVs. Group sites (minimum 8 people) available.
(Apr-Oct) 92 sites, 3 group sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. At 1,800 feet, Deep Creek provides a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Deep Creek Campground offers campsites for tents as well as RVs. Group sites (minimum 8 people) available.
(Mar-Nov) 220 sites, 4 group sites. At 2,150 feet, Elkmont provides a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Elkmont Campground offers campsites for tents as well as RVs. Group sites (minimum 8 people) available.
(Year-round) 142 sites, 3 group sites. Whether blanketed in spring wildflowers or vivid fall colors, the scenery at Smokemont never disappoints. At 2,200 feet, Smokemont provides a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Smokemont Campground offers an unforgettable outdoor experience with campsites for tents as well as RVs. Reservations available May 15-Oct 31. Group sites (minimum 8 people) available.
USPS post office serving AT thru-hikers; a common mail-drop stop before the Smokies. Has faced closure threats in the past, so call ahead to confirm it's still operating before relying on it.
By plane
Planes will get you to Asheville (60 miles east) or Knoxville (45 miles west).
By train
The closest train station is in Clemson, South Carolina, a two-hour drive from the park entrance near Bryson City.
By car
Travelling by car is the best method to visit the park. The most popular entrance into the park is from the north through Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Road closures and restrictions
Motorists should be aware that some roads close for several months out of the year due to snow and ice. Buses and large motorhomes are prohibited on some roads in the park.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Knoxville/Maryville · International · TYS
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