National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains get their name from the blue-like smoky mist that surrounds them. These beautiful peaks make a picturesque backdrop for Pigeon Forge. In the Smoky Mountains you’ll discover 500,000 acres of Southern Appalachian wilderness on one of the oldest uplands on earth! The mountains are 95-percent forest and home to diverse wildlife. Here you can uncover breathtaking streams, waterfalls and flowering plants.

The National Park offers a variety of activities throughout the year including 800 miles of trails for hiking, exploration and plenty of sightseeing. There are countless photo opportunities along the park’s beautiful scenic routes. Weather conditions in the mountains tend to be moderate making it a favorite vacation spot for couples and families alike.

Alerts

PARKWIDE CAMPFIRE BAN ISSUED

Due to continued dry conditions and high fire danger, the National Park Service (NPS) is banning all campfires and charcoal use in Great Smoky Mountains National Park effective immediately. The fire restriction will be in effect until further notice on both the Tennessee and North Carolina sides of the park.

Campers, backpackers and visitors using picnic areas may continue to use cookstoves with compressed gas canisters and gas grills that have an on/off switch. Stoves and grills should be attended at all times.

The NPS is working with multiple area agencies in response to current and predicted weather and fuel conditions. Visitors should use extra caution recreating on public lands including national parks and national forests in North Carolina and Tennessee when fire danger is increased.

PARKING FEES AND PASSES

Parking tags are now required for parking anywhere within the boundaries of the National Park. Learn more about parking fees and passes.

ROAD CLOSURE ALERT

For current temporary road closures and construction projects in the National Park, click here.

Sugarlands Visitor Center

Located inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, off US highway 441, the Sugarlands Visitor Center has all the answers to your questions regarding planning your trip to the national park.

Cades Cove Vehicle Free Days

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials are providing vehicle-free access on the Cades Cove Loop Road each Wednesday from May 4 through September 28, in an effort to improve the visitor experience and to reduce congestion. For more information, click here.

Podcasts

Podcast lover and want to know more about our beautiful Great Smoky Mountains? Then check out a great podcast from The Group travel Voice as they interview Great Smoky Mountains National Park employee Dana Soehn. Check back for other great podcasts that we’ll add periodically.

Listen to Podcast – The Group Travel Voice: Dana Soehn

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Map

Lodging Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

If you’re planning on “roughing it”, there are numerous camps located within the Smoky Mountains or you can try out one the Pigeon Forge campgrounds featuring sizeable picnic areas that are perfect for any size gathering. Of course, the city also has a variety of other lodging options including cabins, hotels and condos that are priced to suit a variety of budgets.