Plan Your Visit to Great Smoky Mountains
Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, USA, near Gatlinburg and Cherokee.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, USA, near Gatlinburg and Cherokee.
Entering Great Smoky Mountains National Park (no entrance fee) is free: no entry ticket is required for the main open-access visit. Use the official site for NPS maps, road status, parking tags where required, and trail guidance. If you want paid experiences around the area (tours, attractions, or combos), a trusted ticketing partner can make booking and check-in easier. Confirm meeting points and what is included before you book.
Best for free-access details: NPS maps, road status, parking tags where required, and trail guidance for Great Smoky Mountains. Start here when you only need rules, hours, and visitor guidance.
Useful for digital tickets, flexible cancellation on many listings, or bundling Great Smoky Mountains with other things to do in Gatlinburg, Cherokee, and the Great Smoky Mountains region (Cades Cove loops, guided hikes, Gatlinburg attractions, and scenic drive packages).
Use official info for free open access and visitor rules. Choose a partner when you want a guided tour, timed paid attraction, or a multi-stop day across Gatlinburg, Cherokee, and the Great Smoky Mountains region.
Hand-picked tours, tickets, and day trips related to Great Smoky Mountains. Compare inclusions and cancellation terms before you book.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, USA, near Gatlinburg and Cherokee.
It's known for its mist-shrouded ridges, the highest concentration of black bears in the eastern US, historic Appalachian log cabins in Cades Cove, and hiking trails including a section of the Appalachian Trail.
It's the most-visited national park in the US, with free admission.
Check official hours and access rules for Great Smoky Mountains, then add paid tours or nearby stops in Gatlinburg, Cherokee, and the Great Smoky Mountains region if you want them.
Pack layers, water, and sun protection. Conditions change quickly in the parks.
Most visitors base themselves near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and travel in by transit, tour, or car.
Hours, access rules, and parking notes change. Confirm details on the official Great Smoky Mountains site (or your partner booking confirmation for paid tours) before you go.
Valley loop road with historic cabins and wildlife.
High observation tower on the state-line ridge.
Scenic drive across the park.
Long-distance trail crossing the crest.
Laurel Falls and other popular cascades.
Main tourist towns at the park edges.
Do I need a park pass?
Yes, most vehicles need an entrance pass. America the Beautiful annual passes are also accepted at US national parks.
When is the best time to visit?
Shoulder seasons often mean milder weather and shorter lines. Peak summer and holidays are the busiest.
How long should I plan?
Allow at least a few hours for highlights; popular parks and complexes easily fill a full day.
Are prices on this page guaranteed?
The main visit is free. Any tour or combo prices are approximate; confirm access rules on the official site, or rates on the partner page you book with for paid experiences.
Is Great Smoky Mountains suitable for kids?
Many areas are family-friendly, but check stair counts, heat exposure, and any age or height limits for specific attractions.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, water, weather-appropriate layers, and offline maps if cell service is unreliable.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, USA, near Gatlinburg and Cherokee.
It's known for its mist-shrouded ridges, the highest concentration of black bears in the eastern US, historic Appalachian log cabins in Cades Cove, and hiking trails including a section of the Appalachian Trail. It's the most-visited national park in the US, with free admission.
