Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park Scenic Sunrise Landscape at Oconaluftee

Why visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Get back to nature among mist-shrouded peaks, shimmering waterfalls and lush forests in the great American wilderness.

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  1. 1 Kayaking on Lake Sunapee with mountain views and crooning loons
  2. 2 Sleeping between oak and birch trees in a whimsical treehouse hotel
  3. 3 Summiting Mount Monadnock, one of the world's most-climbed mountains
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Top places to visit in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Discover the best attractions in Great Smoky Mountains National Park from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

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    The Henry Whitehead Cabin, at Cade's Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee.
    Attraction in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    Cades Cove
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    Llamas resting and eating after carrying supplies to the top of Mt. LeConte in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    Attraction in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    Mt LeConte
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    Looking South From Clingmans Dome over mountain range
    Attraction in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    Clingmans Dome
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    Mingus Mill. Built in 1886, this historic grist mill uses a water-powered turbine instead of a water wheel to power all of the machinery in the building.
    Attraction in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    Mingus Mill
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    Attraction in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    Fontana Dam
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Travel Guides

Great Smoky Mountains National Park travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Things to Do

From mini golf courses, moonshine distilleries and theme parks, there's so much to do when you visit Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.

Read full article

Best Time to Visit

Wildflowers, snow-capped mountains or fall foliage? Let the natural elements guide you to the best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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Things to Know

From packing tips to what needs to be booked in advance, here's everything you need to know before going to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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Transportation

Our top tips for navigating the two main gateways to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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Best Road Trips

With charming towns and amazing scenery, here are the best road trips to and around Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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Traveling with Kids

Child-friendly hikes, firefly-filled adventures and a quirky gateway town awaits on this family break.

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Best Places to Visit

East Tennessee has many wonderful small communities to explore. Here's our pick of the best gateway towns to stay in on your next Smoky Mountains vacation.

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