Crocketts Breakfast Camp is Gatlinburgs most-buzzed-about breakfast spot! A fun way to start out your Smokemont area hikes, especially if you have kids in tow, this short loop is easy and starts and ends by the Bradley Fork River. WebI would give it at least a week; maybe more. The park actually gets its blue haze from the moisture of its waterfalls and rivers interacting with the dense vegetation. Or maybe youre too high-brow to even consider it. Whitewater Rafting or Float Trip. I'm Lauren, the founder of Never Ending Footsteps. In addition to exploring Cades Cove, youll have more Streams For an inexpensive vacation, the Smokies are hard to beat. Since the park has a diverse topography with elevations ranging from 875 feet to more than 6,000 feet, temperatures can vary by up to 20 degrees from the base to the mountaintop so pack layers and a rain jacket no matter what time of year you visit. On Never Ending Footsteps, I aim to show you how you can explore this planet safely, adventurously, and affordably. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. There are only three National Parks that spill across state lines, and Great Smoky Mountains is one of them. If you visit during the summer, you might want to allocate a day for a waterpark like Soaky Mountain or Dollywoods Splash Country. Get ready to ditch the crowds, have epic adventures, and get lots of dirt in your shoes! But others close seasonally, like Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Clingmans Dome Road. 342 structures are maintained in the park, including five historic areas with 97 structures preserving Southern Appalachian heritage. The park features more than 100 species of trees, many of which put on a tremendous display of reds, oranges, and yellows in the fall, Head to the national park's official website for the map of designated camping locations throughout the park. Parking is conveniently located at the trailhead and there are informational signs by the cabin if youre interested in learning about a part of the parks history! The city boasts more breweries per capita than any other city in the U.S., including Sierra Nevada, New Belgium, Oskar Blues and more than 40 others. Personnel This restaurant is famous for its massive pancakes (a.k.a. There are meals available at LeConte when you arrive the supplies for which are brought up by llamas, which you might see along the way if you take the Trillium Gap Trail. Arguably the most luxurious accommodations one can experience in the Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm, on the Tennessee side of the park in Walland, gives "Southern hospitality" a whole new meaning. As previously noted, its also important to remember that some things close seasonally. This website is the result of tens of thousands of hours of on-the-ground research by myself and my team of expert travellers. Buildings If you get to the turnaround point and feel that you could go a bit further, you can take a sharp turn to your right and follow the Cucumber Gap Trail, adding on roughly three quarters of a mile, but taking about the same amount of time that doing the out and back would, turning the trail into a loop and making it the Cucumber Gap Trail and Little River Loop Trail. Watch out for slippery rocks, and dont swim or wade in park waters (falls and drowning are among the leading causes of injury). Or spend a rainy day at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, featuring more than 10,000 exotic sea creatures. The closest airport to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), less than 25 miles northwest of the park and just south of Knoxville, Tennessee. Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I prefer to spend time in the mountains in the late summer. Courtesy of Henryk Sadura/Getty Images/Tetra images RF. Follow this trail to the top of Mount LeConte. Make note that most of these areas within the park require reservations in advance. If you're looking for a unique, kitschy experience check out one of the dinner shows that lines the parkway in Pigeon Forge for a truly entertaining and one-of-a-kind dining experience. While it isnt incredibly likely youll see bears on this hike, Elijah Oliver Place does get reports of bear activity, so just be aware and youll be set! The National Park Service (NPS) says you can hike to 11 major falls and three you can drive to. Summer is hot with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s in the higher elevations to the high 80s in lower elevations. With parking on both sides of the road near the trailhead, you shouldnt have problems finding a spot, especially if you leave early. More than 100 sites, including shelters. Length: 0.8 milesElevation Gain: 203 feetType: LoopDifficulty: EasyEstimated Time to Complete: 30 minutes. And while the areas bears and fireflies get most of the publicity, the Cataloochee Valley is a prime spot to see elk, reintroduced to the Smokies back in 2001. The lodge is not accessible by road, so to get there youll have to hoof it uphill on a hike ranging from 5.5 miles to 9 miles in length depending on which trail you use. 384 miles total 238 are paved and 146 are unpaved. 8 Tips for Visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 369 reviews. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Jagged mountain peaks, verdant forests and cascading waterfalls set the stage for big adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains, one of Americas best-loved national parks. The great thing about Cades Cove is if you follow the Cades Cove Loop Road, you can find some great hikes all in a row and end up back where you started! GSM is the only national park in Tennessee and the Carolinas, though if you go north to Virginia via the Blue Ridge Parkway there's If there are beer connoisseurs in your group, head over the North Carolina border to Asheville. Great Smoky Mountains National Park contains some of the largest tracts of wilderness in the East and is a critical sanctuary for a wide variety of animals. However, if you make it to the Avent Cabin, you get an opportunity to put your name in the guest book located in the kitchen! Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. WebGREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS AT-A-GLANCE. Reserve hotels and cabins up to a year in advance during this peak season. Luxury meets sustainability at these unique ecolodges. 6. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. Inspired by Dolly Parton's warm childhood memories growing up in the Great Smoky Mountains. More than 77,413 overnight visits in 2013. We recommend visiting the Pancake Pantry in Gatlinburg. If you have the time, this out and back is a gradual uphill and gradual downhill, which should be doable for all hikers. From black bears to salamanders, old-growth forests to spring wildflowers, log cabins to gristmills the park offers myriad opportunities for exploring and Site reservations are required and can be made by calling (877) 444-6777 or visiting https://www.recreation.gov. Pictured here, a slightly creepy mannequin stands outside the attraction (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com), Youve seen it while driving down the Parkway. Horseback riding stables are located in Cades Cove, Sugarlands and Smokemont. About: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. Visit During Non-Peak Months With lots of amenities, Smokemont is a great place to use as a base for your last day. Backcountry Campsites Those that prefer more of the touristy attractions can enjoy the day at Dollywood learning about Appalachia culture and riding some of the best roller coasters in the country, or explore all that Pigeon Forge has to offer in the form of mini-golf and moonshine tastings. Keep in mind, some attractions, visitor centers and campgrounds close during the winter. If it were me, Id allocate one day each in . Go Auto Touring on Historic Park Roads. Tubing (aka floating down the river in a raft) is a perfect and easy way to beat the summer heat in the Smokies, and there are two recommended areas on the Tennessee side of the park to do so: the Little Pigeon River in the Pigeon Forge area of town and the Little River in Townsend. However, most people will take at least one other side route when doing a driving tour of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. The truth is there is so much to do and see in the Great Smoky Mountains that we couldn't possibly cover everything here. Unlike parks such as Yosemite, Great Smoky Mountains has a split peak season. Highest visitation rates for the park are mid-June to mid-August as well as the entire month of October. Major roads stay open year-round, however secondary roads close seasonally once fall hits and open back up in the spring. One of the great draws of the Smokies is its extensive trail system crisscrossing forested valleys and misty mountain slopes. Dollywood is magical in December and holiday shopping is at its peak. July is the busiest month of the summer season while October weekends draw those in search of autumn foliage. Highest Elevation You Can Reach by Road: 6,300 feet above sea level (Clingmans Dome Parking Lot) Established: June 15, 1934 this is national park #21. and retail vendors (toy stores, cigar shops, hand-blown glass gift gallery and more). If you enter later in the day, you can cut out some of the hikes and just pick the ones that sounds most interesting. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate and a partner of other affiliate programs including Booking.com, CJ and Tripster, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases via links found in this article. WebThe best times to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park are the summer (June, July and August) and the fall. As you can imagine, the popularity of this event means availability to attend in person is limited. Its landscape boasts forests, rivers, waterfalls, wildlife, wildflowers, and more. But the only reason Id consider it is if we got a great off-season deal on a cabin with a hot tub. A walking stick also comes in handy. As with many other Great Smoky Mountains trails, this one has parking on both sides of the trailhead. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Great Smoky Mountains National Park now requires visitors to pay for a parking tag. Length: 1.2 milesElevation Gain: 98 feetType: Out and BackDifficulty: EasyEstimated Time to Complete: 30 minutes. Because I live close, summer is the season I tend to avoid Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Gatlinburg, ceding the cities to the tourists. Most of the annual snowfall occurs from January to March. Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG's experts. Fall is one of the most popular seasons for visitors. 2. Volunteers There are a lot of options when it comes to choosing where to stay. Elkmont Area Witness historic cabins, summer homes, stables, and hotels built in Tennessee in the early 1910s and 1920s. Follow that until the road forks and turn right onto the Laurel Creek Road. Let us know in the comments! This historical cabin dates back to the 1820s and is an easy half mile loop trail. 10 campgrounds with a total of 1000 sites, recording more than 224,557 camper nights in 2013. You also want to pick the best time of year to visit. There is no shortage of dining options in Gatlinburg, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge with everything from delicious donut shops, Mexican cantinas, family-owned eateries and lots more! Day 2: Great Smoky Mountains National Park & Blue Ridge Parkway. You can also go through the Sugarland entrance, near Gatlinburg, which is the most popular (and crowded) option into the park. In June, many visitors come to see the famous synchronous fireflies as well. 730 miles of fish-bearing streams and another 1,300 miles of tributaries. Your email address will not be published. Number of days and where to stay in the Great Smoky Mountain - Great Smoky Mountains National Park Forum. But popular times to visit can also mean crowds. Major roads stay open year-round, however secondary roads close seasonally The best way to experience the Smoky Mountains is to do what the original settlers and explorers did: hit the trails. I like seeing a bit of fall color in the park. Rocky Top: (14 miles, 3600 ft elevation gain) For an all-day thigh-burner with both distance and a climb, the hike to Rocky Top is a perfect choice. Bicycling Bike the Cades Cove Loop Road! While the lodge is not points and miles-friendly (no credit cards accepted -- eek! Review pet-friendly park activities for a great visit. Make sure you have sturdy walking shoes (preferably waterproof hiking boots), ample water and snacks, warm clothing (it gets chilly at higher elevations, even in the summer) and gear for rain (precipitation is a year-round possibility). Speaking of bears, theyre generally quite shy and avoid human contact, though if you do come across one, keep your distance and dont disturb the bear. It doesn't take long to see why Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park in the United States. TN Schedule a game of mountainside mini-golf. Although winter is fairly moderate in terms of temperature, it's not unusual to experience extreme weather in the higher elevations. Youll find a number of parking lots in the area and will be located near a number of great hikes! Mid to late spring is my absolute favorite time of year in the mountains as everything is reborn and fresh and green. If you dont have a full day to spend, you can omit this trail and head straight for Smokemont. Follow it to the right and head towards the Smokemont Camping Area for parking. Nature lovers can take advantage of numerous hiking trails, tubing opportunities down the Pigeon River, scenic drives and even a one-of-a-kind synchronous firefly festival. 8.1 Get gas before entering the park. If the Self-Guided Nature Trail got you excited about Smokemont, this is just the trail for you! If you want to spend some time exploring the Smokies without camping or renting a cabin, there are numerous RV rental companies in Knoxville, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge the later being two towns that are unofficial gateways to the Smokies and home to attractions like Dollywood. The highest point on the entire 2,200 mile span of the AT is the parks own Clingmans Dome the top of Old Smoky made famous by singers like the Weavers and Hank Williams. Although the summer months are extremely popular in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, October presents perhaps the best month to visit. Finding a black bear is a must when in the Smoky Mountains with kids! Many reasons, in fact: the natural beauty of its trails and waterfalls, the salamanders and the synchronous fireflies, the picturesque route it provides for those traveling between the states of Tennessee and North Carolina.. If you have 3 days to spend in the Great Smoky Mountains, this itinerary will fill your time with all of the best things to do in the park. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Be sure to consult our essential guide to renting a cabin in the Smoky Mountains for a list of my favorite cabin rental companies, as well as things to consider when booking a cabin in the area. I have memories of visiting here with my mom and grandmother when I was much younger, eating mouth-watering apple fritters and stocking up on its delicious jams and kinds of butter. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Length: 5.9 milesElevation Gain: 1,407 feetType: LoopDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time to Complete: 3.5 hours. Like much of Appalachia, the Smokies were targeted by logging companies seeking rich stands of timber. Economic Impact Clingmans Dome: (DO NOT MISS) This 1-mile round trip paved trail is one of the best family activities in Smoky Mountains. Luckily, parking is right by the trailhead after turning onto Abrams Falls Road. Gatlinburg, something of a resort village, is packed with hotels and guesthouses, and there are cabin rentals around the city and throughout the surrounding area particularly near Cherokee, Bryson City and Pigeon Forge. Check here before booking an award fare. 7 Steakhouses, Ranked, Who Has the Best Pancakes in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg? The tenth of a mile or so leading to the falls is a fairly steep downhill and the trek back out, therefore is a decently steep uphill. While I may be a little biased as a Tennessee native, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is somewhere everyone should experience at least once. The Smokies are very car-friendly and fairly easy to navigate by automobile. Once youre situated, the Pine Oak Nature Trail is a great way to stretch your legs and start seeing the park! Size: 522,419 acres. In fact, lets rank the best times to visit the Great Smoky Mountains: After the holidays, many attractions in the area operate on a reduced or limited schedule. With temperatures still quite warm through late September, especially in the lower elevations, this is my favorite time to visit Dollywood. This trail is semi-popular but going early will avoid most other hikers. National and state parks are reopening in the US in phases - heres what we know, 7 reasons staycations are going to be our saviour in 2020, This corner of northeastern Utah is the wilderness only locals know about, You now need to pay to park at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Possibly the best hike in Cades Cove, Abrams Falls Trail is an out and back that greets you with a waterfall and an opportunity for a swim! Plan Your Visit. There are thousands of cabins to choose from across Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Townsend and more. Gatlinburg, If you have some extra time and energy to spare, the Jakes Creek Trail is a great way to cap off day 2. Tubing is one of the best ways to take in the scenery, especially in late summer/early fall when the leaves begin to change. If you only have three days to spend in the Great Smokies, the best way to end your trip is by going to Smokemont. In the summer and fall, start on the North Carolina side The parks hiking opportunities include a 71 mile portion of the Appalachian Trail, which runs right through the center of the park between Fontana Dam and Davenport Gap. Bring a towel and some flip flops if you want to get into the water (and you definitely do)! You'll be hard-pressed to find a more impeccable combination of hospitality, amenities, cuisine, craft brews and wines from around the world. We just got back from a Smokies trip in mid February. The summer months are the most crowded in the Great Smoky Mountains (photo by Marie Graichen/TheSmokies.com). 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Primary roads such as US-441 (Newfound Gap Road), Little River Road, and the Cades Cove Loop Road are open year round, weather permitting. Summer, of course, is the most popular time in the Smokies for obvious reasons. These also require advanced reservations. Backcountry Trails It's since become home to some of the most exciting roller coasters, mouth-watering Southern food and annual festivals that attract visitors from far and wide. Camping one of the best ways to experience the Smokies runs less than $25 a night per site and as little as $14. Once youre past the Oktoberfest and Halloween of everything, the glorious colors are fading into brown. April 14, 2023. Although the park is open daily year-round, some visitor centers, campgrounds and historic attractions close during the winter months. How To Visit Great Smoky Mountains tahapanbca February 6, 2023 Tourists 0 Comments Adventurous StewardsPink Adventure Tours understands the explorers heart, and our guides are the reason why. Also, be sure to check out our guide for 10 family-friendly activities in Gatlinburg. If you only have 1 or 2 days to spend How to Spend Two Weeks in Belize: An Itinerary for First-time Visitors, How to Spend Three Magnificent Days in Tbilisi, Georgia: A 2023 Itinerary, How to Spend Three Magical Days in Cusco, Peru: A 2023 Itinerary, How to Spend Two Amazing Weeks in Peru: An Itinerary for First-Time Visitors, How to Spend Three Fantastic Days in Quito, Ecuador: A 2023 Itinerary, 19 Enchanting Things to Do in Seville, Spain, Nerves and Nausea Over the Great Barrier Reef, How to Spend Three Days in Los Angeles: A 2023 Itinerary, Exploring The Stunning Town Of Eger And Not Drinking Its Wine. We are reminded of how quickly the seasons leap forward, carrying us ever more swiftly into our inevitable demise. Wherever youre coming from, youll want a car, as theres no scheduled bus service to the park nor any public transit available inside of it once you get there. Youll also be rewarded with some of the Great Smokies best forest to walk through! I make national park trip planning easy. Major roads close intermittently as, even though the park straddles Tennessee and North Carolina, the higher elevations do get snow throughout the winter months. WebOnly have one day in Great Smoky Mountains National Park? The Dollywood theme park is closed seasonally from early January through mid-March, and many of the other areas popular attractions tend to follow suit or operate on a much more limited schedule. Townsend, TN 37882. On clear days views expand over a 100 miles. Developed Campgrounds Day 2 was our long day, and we spent pretty much the entire day in the park. On any given day throughout the year, youll find full parking lots in the Smoky Mountains! The lodge is truly back-to-basics. While you can hike the trail in around two and a half hours, youll definitely want to budget some time to enjoy the waterfalls! Make sure you check the parks website for the most up to date information if visiting during the winter! Length: 5.5 milesElevation Gain: 629 feetType: Out and BackDifficulty: ModerateEstimated Time to Complete: 2.5 hours. Its generally not too hot to enjoy outdoor activities like horseback riding. Visitation Since youre in the campground area, youll have plenty of parking options, although there is parking right by the trailhead for the Elkmont Nature Trail. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation.