Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Official Visitor & Exploration Guide

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) is the most visited in the National Park system. The natural beauty and the four distinct seasons enjoyed in the GSMNP is unmatched! Great Smoky Mountains National Park info included on this site includes: general park info, book Smoky Mountain cabin rentals and hotels, maps, trout fishing, hiking, auto touring, history of the Park’s development, and popular Cades Cove. Also, this Smoky Mountain site makes available information about weddings in the national park, shopping, the Appalachian Trail, Fall foliage, photos of waterfalls, wildlife, and wildflowers.

500,000+ Acres of Wilderness

800 Miles Hiking Trails

1,500+ Plant Species

10 Campgrounds

Smoky Mountain History

A Brief Park History

From its inception in 1923, the idea for creating a national park of the Smoky Mountains area was fraught with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Financial, cultural, and political issues were overcome to create what is today the most visited national park in our American Park system. Read a brief history of how the Great Smoky Mountains National Park came about and who the dedicated and visionary individuals were that stuck with the effort for 17 years until the Park’s dedication in 1940.

Cades Cove

Cades Cove is the most visited part of the Park – and for good reason. This fertile mountain valley is surrounded on all sides by mountains. An 11-mile one-way loop road winds around the valley, with stops at preserved pioneer structures.

Cataloochee

North Carolina’s answer to Cades Cove – without the crowding. Interestingly, Cataloochee had a greater population at its peak than Cades Cove. Well off the beaten path, Cataloochee offers historic structures, hiking, and campgrounds.

Auto Touring

If we can’t convince you to get out of your vehicle and enjoy the very best the Park has to offer, try auto touring loops! Enjoy 150 maintained hiking trails totaling 800 miles, mountain vistas, old growth forests, and streams right from scenic roads.

Park Entrances

There are six entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Besides the main options at Gatlinburg and Cherokee, discover alternative entries at Townsend, Tennessee, Cosby, Cataloochee, and Wears Valley.

Visitor Centers

Park visitor centers are maintained in three locations within the Park, open daily at Sugarlands, Oconoluftee, and Cades Cove. On-hand Park Rangers are available to answer all your dynamic park-related questions.

Tremont

Before a handful of brilliant folks chartered it as a national park, two-thirds of what is now the Great Smoky Mountains was owned by logging companies. A visit to Tremont gives you an idea of the massive lumber operation that existed.

Waterfalls

The Smoky Mountains contain many wonderful streams and waterfalls. The easiest to get to is Laurel Falls just off Little River Road. The tallest and, arguably, most exciting is Ramsay Cascades.

Hikes

One-hundred fifty maintained hiking trails totaling more than 800 miles crisscross the Park. Several hikes offer great opportunities to get out of your vehicle to view wildflowers, mountain vistas, and changing foliage.

Clingmans Dome

Clingmans Dome is the highest peak in the Smokies (6,643 feet). On clear days it affords spectacular 360 degree views of the Park. To reach it, turn onto Clingmans Dome Road from Newfound Gap Road.

Newfound Gap Road

The only road that completely traverses the Park, Newfound Gap Road runs 33 miles between Cherokee, NC and Gatlinburg, TN. This scenic corridor offers nature walks, major trailheads, and breathtaking mountain overlooks.

Mt. LeConte

One of the Park’s finest features, Mt. LeConte hosts five great hiking trails to the top. It also boasts the only lodging deep within the Park boundaries: Mt. LeConte Lodge cabins, accessible only by foot trail reservation.

Old Growth Forests

Saved from the huge lumber companies when the Park was established, some virgin stands of old-growth trees exist. The American Forests organization reports that the Smokies contain 21 national champion sized trees.

Appalachian Trail

Sixty-nine miles of the famous Appalachian Trail cross the crest of the Great Smoky Mountains, serving as a boundary line. The AT serves as a backbone to which several major Smokies hiking trails connect.

Wildflower Pilgrimage

The annual Wildflower Pilgrimage is held every April. Conducted by the Natural History Association, it features nearly 100 walks, auto tours, structured talks, and field demonstrations to view the unique local flora.

Horse Riding

Horseback Riding

Despite the damage horses do to trails, horseback riding is still supported in the Great Smoky Mountains. Both drive-in camps and horses-for-hire are available. Stables are active from March until late November at 4 primary locations within the National Park. Rates are around $20 per hour (subject to change), and certain weight and age limits apply.

Riding Stables Directory

If you're looking to rent a horse, you can get in touch with local stables directly to check on availability and seasonal schedules. Contact info can confirm standard trail operational status dynamically prior to arrival on peak weekends.

Cades Cove Stables

(865) 448-6286

Townsend, TN • Also offers hayrides and carriage rides

Smokemont Riding Stables

(828) 497-2373

Cherokee, NC

Sugarlands Stables

(865) 436-3535

Gatlinburg, TN