Located just six miles from Pigeon Forge’s city center, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America’s most visited national park, and it’s easy to see why. From sweeping mountain vistas and scenic hiking trails to historic sites and outdoor adventures, the park offers something for every member of the family.
A little advance planning makes group tours of Great Smoky Mountains National Park even easier. Check ahead of time for the easiest places to park and plan the activities that best match your group’s size, ages, and interests. If you’re operating a paid motorcoach or group tour, you’ll need to secure a Road-Based Commercial Tour CUA. Visit the National Park Service’s CUA page to submit your application and obtain parking permits.
Visiting GSMNP with a large group and planning to stay in Pigeon Forge? Check out MyPigeonForge.com for all the key details.
Sunrise Photo Op at Newfound Gap Overlook
Watching the sun rise from Newfound Gap Overlook is an unforgettable experience. Considered one of the best spots for sunrise photography, Newfound Gap sits along Newfound Gap Road (US 441), making it easily accessible.
Why This Stop Belongs on Every Group Itinerary
- Layered mountain views, a wide valley, and vibrant colors offer stunning photo opportunities that vary from minute to minute
- The double-wide viewing area accommodates larger groups without crowding
- An accessible parking lot eliminates the need for a hike to the summit, making this a perfect stop for groups with varied mobility levels
Insider tip: Arrive well before sunrise to scout out a spot and capture the best photos.
Check out other scenic overlooks in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
What to Know Before You Go
Mornings in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are prime time for wildlife, sunrise views, and natural serenity. For the best morning experience, pair your visit to Newfound Gap with a stop at the Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) Observation Tower.
Standing at 6,643 feet, Kuwohi is the highest point in Tennessee and the highest peak in the traditional Cherokee homeland. Its name, restored in September 2024, means “mulberry place” in Cherokee.
- Kuwohi Road turns off Newfound Gap Road about 15.6 miles from the park’s Gatlinburg entrance, just south of the Newfound Gap overlook. You’ll find parking on the left and views on the right.
- The Kuwohi Observation Tower includes a steep half-mile paved trail, but groups with limited mobility can enjoy panoramic views from the parking lot.
- Kuwohi Road is closed seasonally, typically from early December through late March.
Insider tip: For the best sunrise in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can visit Kuwohi or Newfound Gap to see panoramic, unobstructed mountain skies, no hiking required.
Photography Tips for Group Tours
Ready to capture that perfect sunrise shot? Here are some tips:
- Arrive 30–45 minutes before sunrise to grab a spot
- Don’t be disappointed if there’s fog—it makes for more dramatic, layered photos
- Spread out along the overlook to give yourself plenty of space
With a little planning and an early start, you’ll be in a prime position to enjoy and capture all the beauty of this scenic spot.
Exploring the Elkmont Historic District
Step back in time with a visit to Elkmont, where you can explore the remnants of a once-thriving resort community. Originally a logging camp, Elkmont later became a popular mountain getaway in the early 1900s, long before attractions like Dollywood and The Island drew visitors to the area. Today, the historic district offers a glimpse into the past, with preserved cabins, the site of the former Wonderland Hotel, and other reminders of the community that once flourished here.
A Group-Worthy Stop with Layers of History
- Daisy Town cabins
- Appalachian Clubhouse
- Former Wonderland Hotel site
- Restored Spence Cabin
- Stone “troll bridge” over Little River
Located near the Elkmont Campground off Fighting Creek Gap Road, Elkmont Historic District is about 4.9 miles from Sugarlands Visitor Center, making it easy to reach on a driving tour of the park.
Insider tip: While the National Park Service is currently restoring the district, several structures are still open to visitors, offering kids a fun opportunity to explore buildings from the early 1900s.
Discover more historic landmarks in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
What Groups Will See and Do
Elkmont Historic District has plenty of great activities for groups:
- Take a self-guided walking tour of preserved and partially restored cabin structures
- Head to the nearby Little River Trail, an easy, accessible hike for all ages
- Talk to the rangers and park volunteers for more information about the site
- Take a guided tour through a local tour operator
Synchronous Fireflies: A Once-a-Year Bucket List Experience
If you’ve never seen a swarm of synchronous fireflies lighting up the night sky, now is your chance to plan ahead and cross it off your bucket list. Elkmont is home to one of the largest synchronous firefly populations in North America. During their mating period each summer, these fireflies flash in unison, creating a dazzling display as magical as any fireworks show.
The park holds an annual eight-day viewing event from late May to early June. To attend, you’ll need a permit, awarded through a lottery system run by the National Park Service. Even if this year’s lottery has already closed, it’s worth setting a reminder for next year. This is something you won’t want to miss.
Here’s what you need to know:
- The lottery is open in mid-to-late April
- Each household will need its own permit
- Choose one preferred date and one alternate date
- Entering requires a non-refundable $1 application fee, plus a $29 reservation fee if you win
Insider tip: Stay at Elkmont Campground, which is open during firefly season and located near several of the best viewing locations.
Learn more about the Smoky Mountain Firefly Viewing and Lottery.
The Foothills Parkway Missing Link Tour
What Is the Foothills Parkway?
Need a good group activity that doesn’t require too much walking? The Foothills Parkway access point is located 10 miles from Pigeon Forge on Hwy 321. Referred to as the Missing Link, this is the most popular continuous stretch of the Foothills Parkway, running for 16 miles between Wears Valley and Walland.
The Missing Link — What It Is and Why It Matters
The “Missing Link” is a 1.65-mile section connecting the Walland and Wears Valley to the west side of the Parkway. Authorized by Congress in 1944, the project faced decades of funding and environmental challenges before finally opening in November 2018. Today, visitors can enjoy a continuous drive along a route widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in the Eastern United States.
Here’s why groups love it:
- Experience the natural beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Major highlights include Look Rock and Capshaw Branch Overlook
- Completely free to drive and requires no vehicle fees or national park passes
Insider tip: Travel along the Foothills Parkway in fall for some of the best foliage around Pigeon Forge.
Find more scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains.
What Groups Will Experience
Driving the Foothills Parkway is an easy and rewarding activity for groups, offering a scenic, low-effort way to experience the Smokies together.
Here’s why visitors love it:
- Overlooks provide panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains to the south and the Tennessee Valley to the north
- With a slow speed limit and no commercial interruptions, groups can take their time and stop frequently for photo ops
- The Wears Valley entrance connects directly back to the Pigeon Forge/Sevierville corridor, making this a convenient option for groups based in Pigeon Forge
Insider tip: Climb the Look Rock observation tower and experience elevated views of Mt. LeConte, the highest accessible overlook on Chilhowee Mountain. This half-mile hike is a great chance to stretch your legs before getting back in the car, and those with limited mobility can hang out in the parking lot.
Pairing the Foothills Parkway with a Full Group Day
Looking for a memorable day along the Foothills Parkway? Here’s a suggested itinerary for groups:
- Enter the parkway at Wears Valley (near Pigeon Forge) and drive west toward Walland
- Pull off at the Missing Link viaducts to snap some photos
- Continue on to Look Rock and climb the observation tower for sweeping views
Insider tip: This route is especially breathtaking for fall foliage tours (in mid-October to early November) and during spring wildflower season.
What Groups Need to Know Before Visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free to enter, but a little advance planning goes a long way, especially for groups. From parking logistics and shuttle options to restrictions on group size in sensitive areas, knowing what to expect before you arrive helps you spend less time troubleshooting and more time enjoying the park. Here’s what group tour planners need to know.
Park It Forward Parking Fees
If you plan to park for any length of time in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll need a parking tag for your vehicle.
Here’s what to know about permits and parking tags:
- Road-Based Commercial Tour CUA required for all motorcoach tours
- A parking tag is required per vehicle, not per person
- Parking for more than 15 minutes requires a parking tag
- A daily parking tag costs $5
- A weekly tag costs $15
- An annual tag costs $40
You won’t need a parking tag for simply driving through the park, making a brief photo stop, or visiting Sugarlands Visitor Center. But if you plan to hike a trail, explore a historic site, or stop for a picnic, you’ll need to purchase one.
Learn more about parking fees and passes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Arriving Early Makes a Difference
The early bird gets the worm, or in this case, the best parking spots. Great Smoky Mountains National Park draws more than 12 million visitors annually, and temperatures heat up later in the day. Early arrival means better parking, cooler temperatures, and more chances to spot elk, birds, and other wildlife.
If you’re looking for a good place to start your day, head to the Sugarlands Visitor Center at 107 Park Headquarters Road in Gatlinburg. Here, you can find maps, suggested itineraries, and park rangers who can answer your questions. Wildlife tends to be most active in the early morning and in the evening, so if you can’t manage an early start, evening may be the next best time to visit.
Shuttle Services from Pigeon Forge
Stressed about finding parking for your group? If you’re staying in Pigeon Forge, Great Smoky Mountains National Park may be just a shuttle ride away. Simply call one of the park’s authorized shuttle providers to set up rides between Pigeon Forge and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Shuttles run from March through October
- Reservations are required
- You can find the full shuttle list at nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/shuttles.htm
Insider tip: If you’re traveling with a motorcoach or large group, shuttles are a great option for saving money and reducing parking stress.
Group Size Restrictions in Sensitive Areas
Some areas in the park have limits on group size. For example, Whiteoak Sink limits groups to eight or fewer during wildflower season (April 1 to May 3). If you’re coordinating travel for a group, be sure to check restrictions on any specific areas you plan to visit before finalizing the itinerary.
Guide to Visiting GSMNP with a Group
Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans more than 520,000 acres of mountain wilderness, and with Pigeon Forge just a few miles from the park’s Tennessee entrance, your group is already in the perfect position to take it all in. The park offers no shortage of spaces where groups can slow down, spread out, and share the kind of experience that becomes a trip story worth telling.
- Cades Cove
This 11-mile loop road gives visitors a great introduction to the park. Open to bikes only on Wednesdays (early May through late September), it offers plenty of opportunities to see wildlife, explore historical structures, and take in the park’s natural beauty. - Sugarlands Visitor Center
With accessible parking and on-site park rangers, Sugarlands Visitor Center is an ideal first stop on your journey throughout the park. Plus, no parking tag is required for short stops. - Elkmont
Elkmont is a popular choice for group camping and puts you near the Elkmont Historic District, where groups can explore historic cabins, trails, and the remnants of an early Smoky Mountain resort community. - Foothills Parkway
The Foothills Parkway is an ideal route for motorcoach and caravan tours, offering smooth driving, wide-open views, and easy pull-offs where groups can stop, stretch, and take in sweeping Smoky Mountain scenery together.
Accessible Options for Groups
Traveling with a large group can often mean catering to visitors with limited mobility. Here are some of the park’s most accessible spots that also happen to be ideal for groups:
- The Sugarlands Valley Trail is a half-mile, wheelchair-accessible trail featuring a waterfall, located near the Sugarlands Visitor Center
- The Oconaluftee River Trail and Gatlinburg Trail are both relatively flat, plus they allow dogs
- The Cades Cove John Oliver Cabin homesite features a paved, accessible trail that’s easy for all ages
Find more accessible trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Pigeon Forge as Your Group’s Home Base
When you need a convenient, comfortable home base near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pigeon Forge checks all the boxes.
Here’s why it’s a great fit:
- Convenient location six miles from the park’s Gatlinburg entrance
- More than 15,500 overnight accommodations
- Hotels, resorts, and cabins for groups of 2–100+
- 100+ restaurants
- 100+ attractions for all ages and mobility types
Insider tip: Contact Pigeon Forge Group Sales for help coordinating full group itineraries.
Plan Your Group Getaway to the Smokies
With stunning mountain views and natural beauty everywhere you look, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an ideal destination for group travel. And with its convenient location, variety of accommodations, and group-friendly services, Pigeon Forge makes the perfect home base for all your Smoky Mountain adventures.
Visit MyPigeonForge.com to give your group an unforgettable Smokies experience.
