Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a popular U.S. national park that is known throughout the world for its diversity of plants and animal life. Not only that, this national park of U.S. is also known for the awesome beauty of its mountains as well as the quality of remnants of the culture of Southern Appalachian mountain. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also the most visited national park of USA.

Straddling the ridgeline of the Great Smoky Mountains, Great Smoky Mountains National Park has also got the Appalachian Trail that passes through the middle of the park en route to Georgia from Maine. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with an area of 814 sq. miles, is also one of the largest protected areas in eastern U.S. So, if you love the natural beauty, culture and greens, you must visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park – it’s truly amazing.

Visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a ‘dream come true’ for any traveler. The main entrances of the park are located at the towns like Tennessee, Gatlinburg and Cherokee in North Carolina along the U.S. Highway 441.

Hiking: The first thing that you should do at Great Smoky Mountains National Park is to go for hiking. This national park of U.S. is a hiker’s paradise. With over 800 miles of well maintained trails, you will find trails for all sorts of hikers – from short and easy ones to the most strenuous ones as well.

Bicycling: Bicycling is another popular activity in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Riding through the Cades Cove on a misty summer morning is too enticing for any traveler. You can also go for horseback riding and even fishing.

Historic Buildings: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also the home to a number of historic buildings that have become the center of attraction in the park for the visitors. Visit the places like Cades Cove, Cataloochee, and Oconaluftee etc.

Wildflowers: Wildflowers are another great attraction of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In fact, this park is also known as the “wildflower national park”. However come to this park during the spring and summer for a vivid display of wildflowers.

Wildlife: Wish to see some wildlife? Well, if you are lucky enough, you can get some glimpses of elk, white-tailed deer or black bear.

Auto Tour: Auto tours are probably the best way to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Enjoy the panoramic beauty of the park, views of the surrounding mountains as well as the magnificent forests and historic buildings.

Opening Hours

Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains open round the clock, through the year.

How to Reach

Air: The nearest airport is McGhee-Tyson Airport (TYS) in Tennessee. It is just 45 miles west of the park’s Gatlinburg entrance. You can also land at Ashville Regional Airport, located in North Carolina, about 60 miles east of the park’s Cherokkee entrance.

Road: You can reach Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Gatlinburg through I-40, from Townsend through I-40 (from North) & I-75 (from South) and from Cherokee through I-40 (from North) & US-441/US-23 (from South).