Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with a gateway in Cherokee, North Carolina, is the most visited National Park in America.  Covering more than half a million acres in Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee, the Park attracts nature-lovers, hikers, campers, fishermen, photographers, and other travelers looking for beauty, refreshment and renewal of spirit.

Created in 1934, the Park and its mountains take the name "Smoky" because of the soft, blue haze that hovers over the mountain range, especially in summer.  Because of its remarkable biodiversity, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1976 and a World Heritage Site in 1983.  No other area of similar size and climate has as many documented species of plants, animals and invertebrates.  Scientists have recorded more than 10,000 species, but believe there be nine times as many.

Two hundred bird species, including red-eyed vireos, peregrine falcons and more than 30 kinds of warblers can be spotted here.  The Smoky Mountains are also home to 30 species of salamanders, a distinction that makes this the "salamander capital" of the United States.

Nearly a quarter of the Park is old-growth forest – one of the largest blocks of deciduous, temperate, old-growth forest remaining on the continent.

The Great Smokies are among the oldest mountains in the world.  An unbroken, 36-mile chain of ridges over 5,000 feet in elevation runs the length of the Park.  Visitors can enjoy spectacular views from the highest peak, Clingman's Dome, at an elevation of 6,642 feet.

In addition to its natural attractions, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is a place of cultural preservation, featuring some 77 historic structures which provide a window into how early inhabitants once lived in the area.  The Park's Mountain Farm Museum is an outstanding collection of historic log structures which includes a farmhouse, barn, apple house, springhouse and a working blacksmith shop.  At the nearby 1886 Mingus Mill, a miller demonstrates the process of grinding corn using a water-powered turbine rather than a water wheel.  Within the picturesque Cataloochee Valley, the Park preserves remnant buildings from a once large and prosperous settlement.  Elk have been re-introduced into this part of the Park and can often be seen from the roadside.

Hours of Operation:
The Park is open year-round.  Visitor Centers located at Oconaluftee, Sugarlands, and Cades Cove are open all year, except Christmas Day.  Hours of operation vary throughout the year and can be found on the Park's website (see below).

Admission Fees:
The Park does not charge an entrance fee.
*Prices are subject to change without notice & from what is listed on this website.

Location:
Several major highways lead to the Park. The following routes provide access to the three main entrances.

Cherokee, NC entrance: From I-40, take US Route 19 West through Maggie Valley. Proceed to US-441 North at Cherokee into the Park.

From Atlanta and points south: follow US-441 and 23 North. US-441 leads to the Park.

Gatlinburg, TN entrance: From interstate highway I-40 take Exit 407 (Sevierville) to TN Route 66 South, and continue to US-441 South. Follow US-441 to the Park.

Townsend, TN entrance: From interstate highway I-40 in Knoxville - Exit 386B US-129 South to Alcoa/Maryville.  At Maryville proceed on US-321 North through Townsend. Continue straight on TN Highway 73 into the Park.


Great Smoky Mountains National Park
107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Visitor Information Recorded Message: (865) 436-1200
www.nps.gov/grsm/

Cherokee Welcome Center
498 Tsali Boulevard
Cherokee, NC 28719
800-438-1601
http://www.cherokee-nc.com/

Friends of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
North Carolina Office
160 South Main Street
Waynesville NC 28786
(828) 452-0720
http://www.friendsofthesmokies.org/