Great Smoky Mountains National Park: A First Time Visitor Guide
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular national park in the states. With over 13 million people visiting it last year along, there must be a reason that it’s so popular right? Well in this post I’ll be providing you with a guide on the best things to do here, on top of what to expect from your visit.
Basic info:
- Name: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Location: Between North Carolina and Tennesee
- Entry fee: Free
- Things to do: Hiking, driving, camping, and more (see top recommendations from visitors)
- Hotels: See best hotels nearby
Overview:
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Known for its ancient mountains, lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, the park offers a stunning experience for first-time visitors. Whether you’re coming to hike the numerous trails, enjoy the scenic drives, or immerse yourself in the rich cultural history, this guide will help you make the most of your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains.
Photos:
Best Times to Visit:
You can go here anytime throughout the year, but each season has it’s own advantages/disadvantages. Here is a brief overview:- Spring (March-May): Spring in the Smokies is a time of blooming wildflowers, especially from mid-April through early May. The park hosts a Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage every year, offering guided walks and programs. Pretty crowded too.
- Summer (June-August): Summer is the peak season for visitors, with families flocking to the park for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Temperatures are warm but often cooler in the higher elevations, making it ideal for outdoor activities. This is also the most crowded season
- Fall (September-November): The Smokies are famous for their brilliant fall foliage, with mid-October typically being the peak time to witness the vibrant colors. Autumn also brings cooler temperatures, making it perfect for hiking. Also pretty crowded.
- Winter (December-February): Winter offers a quieter, more peaceful experience in the park. While some higher-elevation roads and trails may be closed due to snow, lower elevations remain accessible, and the snow-covered peaks provide a stunning backdrop. This is also the least crowded season in the park.
Top Attractions:
- Clingmans Dome: At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the park and offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. A short but steep 0.5-mile walk from the parking area takes you to the observation tower at the summit. On clear days, you can see for over 100 miles, although the “smoky” mist often limits visibility.
- Cades Cove: One of the most popular destinations in the park, Cades Cove is a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains, offering an abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities. The 11-mile loop road around Cades Cove is a scenic drive that features historic homesteads, churches, and working mills, providing a glimpse into the area’s rich history. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to spot deer, black bears, and wild turkeys.
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: This 5.5-mile one-way loop takes you through a beautiful forested area with cascading streams, old-growth trees, and historic log cabins. Along the route, you can stop at Grotto Falls, which is accessible via a moderate 3-mile round-trip hike. The trail behind the waterfall offers a unique experience of walking behind a curtain of water.
- Newfound Gap: Newfound Gap Road is the main road that cuts through the heart of the park, connecting Gatlinburg, TN, to Cherokee, NC. Along the way, you’ll pass scenic overlooks and trailheads. Newfound Gap itself sits at an elevation of 5,046 feet and offers stunning views of the mountains. The Appalachian Trail crosses Newfound Gap, and you can take a short hike along this famous long-distance trail.
- Laurel Falls: Laurel Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the park, and it’s accessible via an easy 2.6-mile round-trip hike. The trail is paved, making it one of the more accessible waterfall hikes for families with children or those looking for a shorter walk.
Hiking Trails:
The park offers more than 850 miles of trails, from easy walks to strenuous backcountry hikes. Here are some recommended hikes for first-time visitors:- Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte (11 miles round-trip): This challenging hike takes you to the summit of Mount LeConte, one of the highest peaks in the Smokies. Along the way, you’ll pass by Alum Cave Bluffs and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains. For those seeking an overnight adventure, the LeConte Lodge offers rustic accommodations near the summit (reservations required).
- Andrews Bald (3.6 miles round-trip): For a shorter hike with panoramic views, the Andrews Bald Trail begins at the Clingmans Dome parking lot and leads to a grassy bald, where you can enjoy sweeping vistas of the Smokies.
- Abrams Falls (5 miles round-trip): Located in Cades Cove, this moderate hike leads to Abrams Falls, a powerful waterfall that’s about 20 feet high. Although the falls aren’t the tallest in the park, the water flow is impressive, and the surrounding area is scenic.
- Charlie’s Bunion (8 miles round-trip): This moderately difficult hike begins at Newfound Gap and follows the Appalachian Trail to Charlie’s Bunion, a rocky outcrop with expansive views of the Smokies. The trail offers a rewarding mix of forest scenery and mountain vistas.
Wildlife Info:
- Black Bears: The park is home to around 1,500 black bears, making it one of the best places in the eastern U.S. to spot them. While bear sightings are common in Cades Cove and other areas, always remember to maintain a safe distance (at least 50 yards) and never feed or approach bears.
- White-Tailed Deer: Cades Cove is a great place to see white-tailed deer, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
- Elk: Elk were reintroduced to the park in the early 2000s and can often be seen in the Cataloochee Valley in North Carolina. Elk sightings are most common at dawn or dusk.
- Birdwatching: With over 240 species of birds, the Smokies are a birdwatcher’s paradise. Some of the most commonly spotted species include wild turkeys, pileated woodpeckers, and warblers.
Lodging Info:
The park offers a variety of options for those who wish to stay overnight.- Frontcountry Camping: The park has ten developed campgrounds, including Elkmont, Cades Cove, and Smokemont. These campgrounds offer basic amenities such as restrooms and fire pits, but there are no showers or electrical hookups. Campsites can be reserved in advance, and it’s recommended to book early during peak seasons.
- Backcountry Camping: For more adventurous visitors, the park offers over 100 backcountry campsites that require a permit. These sites are accessible via hiking trails and provide a more secluded experience.
- Lodging: The LeConte Lodge on Mount LeConte is the only lodging within the park itself, offering a truly unique and remote experience (reservations required).
- Hotels: The surrounding towns of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Cherokee offer plenty of hotel options.. See hotel deals.
