Which entrance is best for Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

the Sugarlands entrance
The most popular one is the Sugarlands entrance at the northern end of the park. You’ll drive through downtown Gatlinburg to get to this entrance, and it is the busiest way to get into the national park. A quieter way to get into the park is driving on TN 73 through Townsend, Tennessee.

How do you get to the top of the Smoky Mountains?

The road ends in a large parking area from which a 0.5 mile trail leads to the summit. The trail is paved but steep, and leads to an observation tower on top. Pets and bicycles are not permitted on the paved trail to the observation tower, or on any other trails in the area.

Does Great Smoky Mountains have an entrance fee?

Entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free! Entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free. The park is one of the few national parks where no entrance fees are charged.

Can you drive to the top of the Smoky Mountains?

If you want to drive through high elevation areas of the national park, the Clingman’s Dome Road is a must-visit destination. This popular drive begins at the Newfound Gap parking area and leads to Clingman’s Dome, the highest peak in the Smokies at an elevation of 6,644 Ft.

Which city is closer to the entrance of the Smoky Mountain National Park?

Maggie Valley and Waynesville are the closest towns to the Cataloochee Valley area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, known for elk herds and a ski resort.

Can you drive through the Smoky Mountain National Park?

Taking a scenic drive is one of the easiest and most rewarding things you can do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With almost 400 miles of roadway in the park and the surrounding scenic area, you can drive to specific locations to enjoy, as well as tour through steadily changing vistas of great beauty.

Do you need a reservation to enter Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Reservations are required at Campgrounds, Group Campgrounds, Horse Campgrounds, Pavilions and the Appalachian Clubhouse and Spence Cabin. Facilities that remain open in the off-peak season November-April have some first come, first serve sites available.

Is it free to hike the Smoky Mountains?

With free day entry at all park entrances, you can explore up to 800 miles of hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Most trails lead to scenic views, historic houses or gorgeous waterfalls and many of the sights are unique.

How many days do you need to see the Great Smoky Mountains?

If you are a first time visitor to the park and want to experience the best of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we suggest 3 to 4 full days of sightseeing plus a day or two for doing some of the longer hikes, river tubing, or horseback riding and still have time to explore Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.

Can you drive up Clingmans Dome?

Well, of course you can drive directly to Clingmans Dome. But there are also a few things you might want to see along the way if you want to make time for it! Driving to Clingmans Dome and back to Gatlinburg means that you will be driving the famous Newfound Gap Road aka US-441 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

How to get to Smoky Mountains National Park?

Driving directions to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are three main entrances into The Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Gatlinburg, TN entrance. From interstate highway I-40 take Exit 407 (Sevierville) to TN-66 South. At the main intersection in Sevierville, continue straight onto US-441 South.

What is the main entrance to Gatlinburg TN?

Directions to Main Entrances Gatlinburg, TN entrance From interstate highway I-40 take Exit 407 (Sevierville) to TN-66 South. At the Sevierville intersection, continue straight onto US-441 South.

How much is the entrance fee to Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free! Entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free. The park is one of the few national parks where no entrance fees are charged. Find out why!

Where is the closest airport to Gatlinburg?

This airport is approximately 45 miles west of the Gatlinburg entrance to the park. In North Carolina, the Asheville Regional Airportis located approximately 60 miles east of the Cherokee entrance to the park.