Smoky Mountain National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, is a breathtaking natural wonder. It is renowned for its mist-covered mountains, diverse wildlife, and lush forests. This UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses over 500,000 acres of pristine wilderness, making it the most visited national park in the United States. Visitors can explore its extensive network of hiking trails, which lead to cascading waterfalls, historic structures, and stunning viewpoints. The park is also known for its rich cultural heritage, with preserved Appalachian communities and a wealth of biodiversity, including black bears and a remarkable variety of plant species. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and a testament to the beauty of the American wilderness.
Park Information Quick Facts
Location: Tennessee
Park Size: 522,427 acres
Time Needed: 2 Day Highlights, 4-6 Day Full Experience
Best Season: Summer
Must Do: The Appalachian Trail
Lodging: Numerous Camping Sites, Hotels and Cabins Surrounding the Area
Travel: Car, Plane
Top Campsites: Smokemont Campground
Pro Tips: Trails vary from difficulty. If it says moderate be prepared for a fairly rough hike usually filled with lots of up hill climbing.
"Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit" - Edward Abbey
How to Plan to The Smoky Mountains
Traveling to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an exciting adventure, and there are several ways to get there depending on your location and preferences. Here’s a general description of how to travel to the park:
- Choose Your Entry Point: Determine which entrance you want to use. The park has multiple entrances, with Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Cherokee, North Carolina, being popular starting points. Choose the one that best suits your itinerary.
- By Car: Most visitors travel to the park by car. If you’re coming from a distant location, you can use major highways like I-40, I-75, or I-26, depending on your starting point. Once you’re near the park, follow signs to the chosen entrance.
- By Air: If you’re flying in, the nearest major airports are McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, Tennessee, and Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) in Asheville, North Carolina. From there, you can rent a car or use shuttle services to reach the park.
- Public Transportation: While limited, there are some public transportation options. The Gatlinburg Trolley system operates within Gatlinburg and offers convenient access to the park. Additionally, commercial tour buses and shuttles operate seasonally.
- Park Fees and Passes: Be prepared to pay the park entrance fee unless you have a valid National Park Pass. You can purchase passes at the park entrance or visitor centers.
- Accommodations: Plan your accommodations in advance, as the park has campgrounds and lodges, but they can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. There are also various lodging options in nearby towns like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Cherokee.
- Visitor Centers: Once you arrive, consider stopping at one of the park’s visitor centers, such as Sugarlands Visitor Center or Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Here, you can obtain maps, trail information, and learn about current park conditions.
- Exploration: Explore the park by hiking its numerous trails, driving along scenic routes like Newfound Gap Road, and visiting iconic spots like Clingmans Dome and Cades Cove.
- Safety Precautions: Always follow park rules, respect wildlife, and practice Leave No Trace principles. Additionally, check the weather and trail conditions before embarking on any outdoor activities.
- Enjoy Your Visit: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a place of stunning natural beauty and rich cultural history. Take your time to soak in the sights, sounds, and serenity of this incredible wilderness.
Remember that the park’s accessibility may vary depending on the season, so it’s a good idea to check the official park website or contact park rangers for the latest information before your trip.
Lodging
Campsites
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts a plethora of enchanting campsites, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty and tranquility. Nestled within the lush greenery of the Appalachian Highlands, these campsites provide an immersive experience for nature enthusiasts. Whether perched along the serene banks of a babbling mountain stream or tucked into the cool shade of ancient forests, the campgrounds in the park offer a diverse range of settings. Campers can revel in the sounds of rustling leaves, the melodic chorus of songbirds, and the soft murmur of nearby streams. The campgrounds also serve as gateways to a network of hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, including rich hardwood forests and mist-covered mountain peaks.
Cades Cove Campground:
Nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by majestic mountains, Cades Cove Campground stands out as one of the premier camping destinations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Offering a mix of tent and RV sites, the campground is situated near the historic Cades Cove Loop, a scenic 11-mile drive showcasing stunning views and abundant wildlife.
Elkmont Campground:
Tucked away in a peaceful woodland setting, Elkmont Campground offers a serene escape within the Great Smoky Mountains. Located near the Little River, the campground features a variety of campsites, including options for both tents and RVs. Elkmont is renowned for its historical charm, with remnants of an early 20th-century resort community still visible, adding a touch of nostalgia to the camping experience.
Smokemont Campground:
Situated at the confluence of the Bradley Fork and Oconaluftee River, Smokemont Campground offers a tranquil setting surrounded by lush greenery. The campground provides a range of campsites, including those for tents and RVs. Visitors can explore nearby trails like the Bradley Fork Trail and take in the natural beauty of the Smokies.
Cosby Campground:
Location: Near Cosby, TN
Features: Offers a more secluded experience with access to hiking trails. It has a peaceful atmosphere and is less crowded than some other campgrounds.
Balsam Mountain Campground:
Location: Near the park’s Cataloochee area
Features: A quieter, less-visited campground offering stunning views. Great for solitude and access to trails in the southern part of the park.
Deep Creek Campground:
Location: Near Bryson City
Features: Situated near the Deep Creek Trail, known for its waterfalls and scenic beauty. Good for families and offers a variety of recreational activities.
Look Rock Campground:
Location: Along the Foothills Parkway
Features: Offers excellent views and a quieter camping experience. It has limited sites and is typically less crowded.
Nantahala National Forest Campgrounds:
Location: Adjacent to the park
Features: While technically outside the park, several campgrounds in this area offer great access to both the Smokies and the Nantahala River for additional outdoor activities.
Avery Creek Campground:
Location: Near the Blue Ridge Parkway
Features: Smaller campground offering a rustic experience and access to the Avery Creek Trail.
Important Notes
- Reservations: Many of the campgrounds within the park require reservations, especially during peak seasons. It’s advisable to check the National Park Service website or call ahead to secure your campsite, as availability can be limited.
- Wildlife Awareness: The Great Smoky Mountains are home to diverse wildlife, including bears. Practice responsible food storage by using bear-resistant containers and following park guidelines to avoid attracting wildlife to your campsite.
- Water Sources: Treat water from natural sources or bring your own. While water is available at most campgrounds, it’s essential to be prepared, especially if venturing on backcountry trails.
- Backcountry Permits: If backpacking or camping in the backcountry, obtain the necessary permits. These permits help the park manage and protect its resources and ensure a safe experience for all visitors.
Camping Tents
Backpacs
Popular Hiking Trails
Alum Cave Trail
- Distance: 5 miles (roundtrip)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Clingmans Dome Trail
- Distance: 1 mile (roundtrip)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Cades Cove Loop Road
- Distance: 11 miles (loop)
- Difficulty: Easy
Laurel Falls Trail
- Distance: 2.6 miles (roundtrip)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Grotto Falls Trail
- Distance: 2.6 miles (roundtrip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Abrams Falls Trail
- Distance: 5 miles (roundtrip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Oconaluftee River Trail
- Distance: 3 miles (one way)
- Difficulty: Easy
Hyatt Ridge Trail
- Distance: 5 miles (roundtrip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Forney Ridge Trail
- Distance: 3.5 miles (one way)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Baskins Creek Falls Trail
- Distance: 3.2 miles (roundtrip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Charlie’s Bunion Trail
- Distance: 8 miles (roundtrip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Porters Creek Trail
- Distance: 4 miles (roundtrip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Deep Creek Trail
- Distance: 5 miles (roundtrip to Tom Branch Falls)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Trillium Gap Trail
- Distance: 7.2 miles (roundtrip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Chimney Tops Trail
- Distance: 4 miles (roundtrip)
- Difficulty: Difficult
Hiking Trails in the Smoky Mountain National Park
Heart of one of America’s most biodiverse and captivating landscapes. With over 800 miles of well-maintained trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging backcountry routes, the park caters to hikers of all skill levels. Each trail promises a unique adventure, weaving through dense forests adorned with vibrant wildflowers, traversing cascading streams, and ascending to panoramic vistas that unveil the park’s mist-covered mountain peaks.
Trail Difficulty Levels
Among the most popular trails is the Appalachian Trail, which runs along the spine of the park, offering hikers a chance to experience the beauty of the Smokies on an epic long-distance trek. For those seeking a shorter but equally rewarding hike, trails like Alum Cave and Laurel Falls showcase the park’s diverse ecosystems and breathtaking natural features. Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains is not just a physical endeavor but a spiritual communion with nature, where the rustling leaves, melodic birdsong, and the scent of wildflowers combine to create an immersive and unforgettable outdoor experience.
Gear We Used
Must Do’s
Elkmont Historic District
Elkmont was established in the early 20th century as a logging town, and later, it became a popular resort community. Over time, the area fell into disuse, and many of the cabins and buildings were left behind. Today, the National Park Service has preserved some of the structures in Elkmont, and visitors can explore the historic district.
Appalachian Trail
Hiking the Appalachian Trail through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a transformative and awe-inspiring experience. The trail, which stretches over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine, traverses some of the most stunning and challenging terrains in the eastern United States.
Chimney Tops Trail
This moderately strenuous trail, known for its panoramic vistas, begins with a gradual ascent through a lush, diverse forest. As hikers progress, the trail becomes steeper, leading to a series of rocky outcrops that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The final push to the summit involves a rugged climb, but the sight from the Chimney Tops is truly spectacular, making it all worthwhile.
Sight Seeing
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, situated on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, offers a breathtaking array of natural wonders and scenic beauty. Towering peaks, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls create a stunning backdrop for visitors. Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park, provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.