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4.9
511 votes

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738 USA

Free
Free to Visit
Open Now
Thu 12a-11:59p
  • Independent
  • Credit Cards
    Accepted
  • Pet Friendly
  • Not Wheelchair
    Accessible
  • Public
    Restrooms
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Natural Wonder

Our Take

It's not hard to see why this is America's most-visited National Park; it's a quick trip from many major cities in the South and Midwest, the Appalachian foothills are gorgeous, and it's free. Drive or bike the serene hidden valley of Cades Cove, explore the ghost town of Elkmont, or take in the views from Clingmans Dome during the day, and bask in the folksy kitsch of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge at night. Oh, and did I mention that the park is totally, 100% free?

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“Nature's majesty in Tennessee”

Explore the wilderness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with stunning views of mountain ranges, cascading waterfalls, and a vast collection of flora and fauna. With over 800 square miles of natural beauty and 850 miles of hiking trails, there are endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Whether you prefer camping, hiking, fishing, or simply soaking up the natural surroundings, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers an unforgettable escape into the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.

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Reviewed by
Greg Newkirk

  • Expert
  • 314 Reviews
  • 374 Helpful
July 07, 2014
Rated 4.0

If anything can be said about the Smoky Mountains, it's that they're beautiful no matter what time of year you visit. Some of the best blooms in the spring and a gorgeous, bright orange fall.

Head to Cade's Cove if you want to take in some wildlife in the forest, or for a really spectacular view, head to Clingman's Dome. At almost 7k feet up, it provides absolutely stunning scenery.

Loads of great hiking to get a workout and swimming holes to cool down. The best part? The park is FREE. Fun fact: The Smoky's are the most visited National Park in America. One visit and you'll understand why.

21 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Austin Coop

  • 485 Reviews
  • 505 Helpful
July 12, 2014
Rated 4.0

People on here keep saying you can't pick a bad time to go, but you can pick the BEST time to go: the fall. Sure, it'll be busy, but it'll be beautiful. Let me clue you in on a secret place to visit: Elkmont. It's an abandoned resort/campground within the park. There's also a few abandoned cabin villages to explore that are super creepy and fun!

18 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Heather.Jean

  • 5 Reviews
  • 19 Helpful
August 14, 2014
Rated 5.0

The Great Smoky Mountains National park is a beautiful example of America's astounding natural scenery. Although there really isn't a bad time of year to visit, I would highly recommend visiting in the fall when the trees start to change. The fall colors are amazing, and you really feel like you are stepping back in history to a time when this country was less populated and more natural and wild. You can enjoy just a day trip driving through and taking in the natural beauty from your car, or you could easily spend several days camping and exploring some of the hidden gems of the park. If you really want to get the full sense of the majesty of the park, I'd recommend visiting the observation tower at Clingmans Dome, which is the highest point in the park. Stunning views! There is even a paved path that is a relatively easy hike. Cades Cove is also definitely worth visiting, with many historical log cabins, barns, churches, and other buildings.

13 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Nick Philpott

  • Road Warrior
  • 160 Reviews
  • 138 Helpful
July 11, 2014
Rated 5.0

I climbed one of the peaks in the smokies when I was in high school, with a church group, and I've gotta say, the majesty of church didn't stick with me, but the majesty of the mountains and the mist certainly did.

10 people found this review helpful
  • 1 Review
  • 7 Helpful
June 03, 2014
Rated

The Smoky's are amazing! From natural to man made wonders, these mountains are something every real American should visit.

7 people found this review helpful
  • 2 Reviews
  • 8 Helpful
October 05, 2014
Rated 5.0

I grew up in the Smoky mountains in the 70's before big time commercialism took over. It was a spiritual place for me. As a family we camped and hiked there. There is nowhere more beautiful than Rocky Top or Clingmans dome in this world.

6 people found this review helpful
  • 11 Reviews
  • 12 Helpful
September 08, 2014
Rated

Cades Cove...one if the best places in the US to feel like you have been transported back in time.

5 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Tatiana Danger

  • Road Warrior
  • 1,169 Reviews
  • 910 Helpful
July 12, 2014
Rated 5.0

Honestly, you can't pick a bad time to go. In summer the whole park is lush and green. In the fall, it's covered in fiery foliage. In winter it becomes a blanked white wonderland. And in spring, the flowers bloom. If you want to see fall colors the best viewing times are between the last week in October and first week in November. To see wildflowers, best to visit between April and May. The Smoky Mountains are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and they are incredibly awe-inspiring. If you happen to be staying in Gatlinburg (which is about an hour away), DEFINITELY make the trek to the Smokys! You won't be disappointed.

5 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
maurah60

  • 1 Review
  • 4 Helpful
September 06, 2014
Rated 5.0

GSM was one of the best trips I've taken. Went in August and saw signs of autumn. The views from Alum Cave Bluff, Mt. LeConte and Clingman's Dome are breathtaking! I was to go back in the fall.

4 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
BreaRose24

  • 1 Review
  • 4 Helpful
July 24, 2014
Rated 5.0

I absolutely love the Smokey Mountains park. It's beautiful anytime of year.

4 people found this review helpful

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park

107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
37738 USA
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Hours

Open 24 hours today
  • Sun - Sat: 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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Good for bird watching, cycling, and 10 more activities. Has a Scenic vibe.

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