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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Get back to nature among mist-shrouded peaks, shimmering waterfalls and lush forests in the great American wilderness.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
In Appalachian parlance, a cove means a valley, but Cades Cove is far more than that. One of the most popular destinations in the Tennessee section of…
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Mt LeConte (6593ft) is the park’s third-highest peak and one of its most familiar sights, visible from practically every viewpoint. The only way to get to…
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
To get bread on the table, early residents of Cades Cove first had to mill their grains and corn. Above all other staples, corn was the most important…
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
‘On top of Old Smoky’ is Clingmans Dome (elevation 6643ft), the park’s highest peak. At the summit, a steep, half-mile paved trail leads to an observation…
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
One of the park's most picturesque 19th-century buildings, the Mingus Mill is a turbine-powered mill that still grinds wheat and corn much as it has since…
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
This restored stone fire tower provides 360-degree views over the ridges and valleys in the eastern half of the Smokies. It's a lovely site, reachable by…
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
With its weatherboarding, interior paneling and shingled gables, as well as its white exterior and jaunty blue trim, this frame house, built in 1906,…
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Children enjoy splashing in the shallows of Abrams Creek at this woodsy picnic spot, where a number of tables are perched by the water. You'll find grills…
Attractions
Top picks from our travel experts
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
In Appalachian parlance, a cove means a valley, but Cades Cove is far more than that. One of the most popular destinations in the Tennessee section of…
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The lowest drivable pass through the Smoky Mountains is located here, at 5046ft. After the pass was discovered in 1872, a new road followed suit,…
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Built in the early 1940s to provide power for America's industrial needs during WWII, Fontana is the tallest dam east of the Rockies. At 2365ft wide, it's…
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
‘On top of Old Smoky’ is Clingmans Dome (elevation 6643ft), the park’s highest peak. At the summit, a steep, half-mile paved trail leads to an observation…
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The only non-camping accommodation in the park is LeConte Lodge. Though the only way to get to the lodge's rustic, electricity-free cabins is on five…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your 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 articleThings 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.
Read articleTransportation
Our top tips for navigating the two main gateways to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Read articleDay Trips
Wondering where to spend a day exploring from your home base Asheville? These are our 18 favorites.
Read articleTraveling with Kids
Child-friendly hikes, firefly-filled adventures and a quirky gateway town awaits on this family break.
Read articleBest Road Trips
With charming towns and amazing scenery, here are the best road trips to and around Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Read articleArticles
Latest stories from Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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Activities
11 of the best things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National ParkJan 23, 2024 • 7 min read
Family TravelGreat Smoky Mountains National Park with kids: everything you need to know before you goMar 24, 2023 • 6 min read
Destination Practicalities12 things to know before going to Great Smoky Mountains National ParkMar 18, 2023 • 6 min read
National ParksYou now need to pay to park at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here's how to get a tagMar 6, 2023 • 2 min read
Destination PracticalitiesThe best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park for foliage, fog and moreJan 28, 2023 • 4 min read
Guidebooks
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