Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a national park Gatlinburg located in United States.

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  • Phone

    (865) 436-1200

  • Website

    nps.gov/grsm

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  • Type

    National Park

Address

107 Park Headquarters Rd Gatlinburg , TN 37738 United States

Comments / 115


Keywords:

hiking scenic views trails cades cove wildlife clingmans dome fresh air Southern Comfort rafting nature preserves park mountains skiing biking tours barbecue bears waterfalls cameras horseback riding
Greatist

Watch Out For: Bears & snakes. Many carry bear spray when hiking for added safety. Be sure to follow food storage rules. Very few snakebites occur but the park is home to 2 species of venomous snakes. Read more

James C

Park was outstanding. You must hit a visitor center first to get an overview and layout of where to go. It's amazing the size and life that is within the park . One of the most beautiful parks in USA.

Jon Darveau

The most visited national park in the country , so things can get crazy here in the summer and parking can be tough. Wait for dusk/dawn to do Cades Cove , that's when the wildlife will be most active.

Andra Zapartan

The most visited NP in the US is home to the highest point on the 2,147-mile Appalachian Trail .❤️ Lots of trails for hiking , horse riding , bear sightseeing & thousands fireflies glowing in the night.

Ashley Rose

Even on a “smoky” day- the park is serene and a welcome respite from bustling Gatlinburg. Stop by Newfound Gap for great views .

Sara

Amazing, scenic and breath taking beauty. Rent car and drive around. There is so much to see and outdoor activities : zip lining , rafting , horseback riding , ski lifts, trams , free trolley, etc.

Angela Moore

Bring lots of friends good food and many cameras . Any time of the year is good it's beautiful. This seasons change and the beauty is always great. We come very often and its never the same.

Patrick Mason

Take extra batteries for the camera . Definitely take advantage of the free maps and plan YOUR hike . Most of all take your time and enjoy your walk its not a race so soak in all the beauty.

Anthony Duran

It was an honor to have worked along side the men and women of the National Park Service on the Alum Cave Trail during my time in A.C.E. What a mystical and beautiful place. Thank you!

Nancy H Thompson

Just go by the Visitor's Center, find about the trails and camping spots, and just get outside. Might want to take driving tour first for an overview of park and views !

Condé Nast Traveler

Now 80 years old, Great Smoky is a tribute to natural grandeur, and to the pioneers of our first frontier. Read more

Phyllis Box

Drive the gaitlinburg to pigeon forge scenic route. We hiked Laurel Trail up to some waterfalls too. About a 1.5 mi hike one way. Easy to moderate.

Smithsonian Channel

These 500,000 acres host more plant species than any other area in North America, leading to the park’s designation as an International Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. (From Aerial America) Read more

Daniel Sullins

The view is so beautiful and the drive is so pleasant, it is worth the cost of a hotel room just to take the drive. Better yet, go camping and enjoy the great outdoors.

Michael Iamele

The hike to Laurel Falls is beautiful. This is a great park to spend some time with the special people in your life. I recommend bringing some food to BBQ , do some hiking , and support the park through

Kimberly Beyke

Beautiful in the fall! Check out laurel falls, its a nice walk. Also make the drive/trek up to clingmans dome . Spectacular views the whole trip up. Pack some winter clothes before the walking portion

Chad Hembree

I've been to many parks around the country and this is still one of the prettiest. Great waterfalls when it rains.

Daniel

If you're hiking Mt. Cammerer, the best place to stay is the Cosby Campground in the Smokies. As of 2006 there weren't any grocery stores nearby, so make sure you arrive with an ample food supply.

IvBeenThere.com

There are bears in those hills . Be sure to be extra careful with your food when camping in the park . Read more

Jerilyn Burchfield

Be safe and aware while driving, also keep ALL trash off the ground. Keep it clean and breath the fresh air !

Acorn Cabin Rentals near Dollywood

Make sure you hike , walk, or zipline to enjoy the Great Outdoors while you are here! A camera is always good to carry with you for those memorable moments!!

Sam M.

Breathtaking and beautiful! A very scenic drive with lots of pull-offs at overlooks and picnic areas .

Deanna Tratensek

Beautiful area! A MUST for outdoor lovers. Can hike various trails but even driving through is a great escape.

National Wildlife Federation

The Great Smoky Mountains are known as the salamander capital of the world, home to 30 species.

Highlands Condos

Most visited National Park in the U.S. Don;t miss the short but steep hike up to Clingmans Dome , the views are amazing.

Tiffany Jennings-Cavalier

If you go to Cade's cove and see a bear please stay in your car. People behind you would like to see the animal too

Southern Living

Made our South's Best List! One of the most popular places to see the leaves and wildlife is Cades Cove , a broad valley at the northwestern corner of the park . Read more

A S

There's something for everybody. Hiking trails , waterfalls , sunset drive, campgrounds .. they have it all.

Sam (@HandstandSam)

Cades Cove is beautiful to bike early and see wildlife .

Shermans Travel

The park is home to more than 800 miles of hiking trails and scenic roads that are perfect for hours of exploring in the colorful forests . Read more

♰Jim Kerr

It's beautiful in the smokies but our govt. thought they would inconvenience everyone by blocking the pull off areas with cones during the shut down. Why block these un-manned parking areas?

Matt Chabot

Been to a lot of National Parks . This one is maybe the best. Tons to do, ots of wildlife , free, absolutely stunning vistas!!!

Michelin Lifestyle

The most visited national park in the U.S., on the border of TN and NC. If the sun is shining or the threat of rain is near, Michelin Pilot hiking boots will give tire traction needed to stay safe.

Michelin Travel & Lifestyle

Head to Clingmans Dome for sunset views . On a clear day you’ll see the Carolinas, GA, and TN. – Green Guide Editor

Lumberjack Feud

Be sure to visit the Little River Lumber Museum ! Its free and has amazing history, photos, artifacts of the logging that took place in the Smoky Mountains !

Colin Lord

It goes without saying but beware that once you get into the park , cell phone coverage is spotty at best!

Jason Heeres

With traveling to the Rockies and Glacier Park every year, this is a close second!

Arrie Rossouw

Worth a visit for locals, out of state visitors and foreigners - one of the wonders of the world, in MHO

Chris

Beautiful scenic views . More trails to hike than I can count.

Mark Eselby Sr.

Very beautiful!! Lots of twisting turning mountain roads so be ready

Audrey Bennett

Take the bypass on the way in to Gatlinburg for some great scenic views of the town and the surrounding mountains !

Crusty Roscoe

Been here as a kid. Dont remember much tho but it had some nice scenic views !

Laura Turner

Tons of places to swim , hike , and just view its beauty!

Serhii Lutsko

Great park . Liked trails , hiking and sunset

Mrs. Kelley Herman

Gorgeous! See tons of bears . Hiking trails are amazing.

John T. Cunningham

Deep Creek - read 5 things Mr. Dunlap likes about Bryson City . GATORS TUBES was his favorite.  Read more

Moe Dexler

Great hiking spots here and throughout.

Ballz

It's Free and I think it's the busiest National Park ... Park Rangers are very helpful...

VisitMySmokies

I definitely recommend hiking or at least driving through the park . There's a reason it's the most visited park in the U.S.!

Philip Campbell

Stunning. I'll definitely return here.

Similar places nearby :

9.4
Mountain
Great Smoky Mountains

AAAAAMAZING!! I LOVE THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS! What a beautiful place and mesmerizing! I have gone camping, hiking, rented a cabin all around the smoky mountains and i have never been disappointed! - brenda itehua

8.9
Tourist Information
Sugarlands Visitor Center

Great place to stop before entering the mountains. They have a ton of information about the park and a small gifts shop with really neat souvenirs. Also, the huge map of the mountains is awesome. - Collin Messer

8.5
Scenic Lookout
Clingmans Dome

Scenic. Take the trails for great sights. - Alice Hillary

7.9
National Park
Greenbrier Area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Greenbrier Creek is amazing. The creek runs along side of the very rugged road. The creek is filled with rapids running over large and small rocks. People are floating down the rapids on tubes. - Steve Wood

National Park
Clingman Dome Visitor Center And Store

Only so many permitted inside at a time, so plan ahead during peak times. A lot to choose from and they have bottled water! - Denise G

National Park
Foothills Parkway To Pigeon Forge

Beautiful views of Townsend and the Smokies from the many overlooks. - Jim Comish

9.2
Scenic Lookout
Newfound Gap

Lovely spot for a day hike along the AT. Lots of hills. - Jon Pressman

Tunnel
I-40 Tunnel

Honk your horns, flash your lights and roll down your windows to scream through the tunnel! It's the kid inside you saying DO EET! - Connie Szczesny