Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
18 Things To Know Before You Go
Smoky Mountains National Park Things To Know.
If you’re planning your first road trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, get excited! The infamous “Land of Blue Smoke” is certain to take your breath away. From stunning hikes to beautiful campgrounds to spectacular scenic drives, there is so much to see and do here.
If you’re gearing up for your first trip, here’s 18 things to know before you go!
1. It’s The Most Visited National Park In America
You might think the most visited National Park in North America is the Grand Canyon. But actually it’s the Smokies! With each passing year, the amount of visitors to the park grows.
Over 11 million people visited the park last year.
2. Travel Weekdays If You Can
Especially during the busy season, you’ll save money and beat crowds if you can travel during the weekend. Most accommodations jump up 10-20% in price on Friday and Saturday.
Popular hiking trails won’t be so crowded and parking will be easier to come by.
3. Book Campgrounds Or Cabins In Advance
As you already know, this National Park is the most popular one in America. So it follows that cabins and campgrounds get filled rapidly during the busy seasons.
So if you’re traveling in the summer or fall, you might want to make sure you’re booking far enough in advance.
We tried booking some accommodation a week out and a few places we had in mind were totally sold out. We were able to find accommodation but if you have somewhere certain in mind you know you want to stay, book in advance!
4. If You Can’t Find A Campsite Inside The Park, Try Moonshine Creek Campground
This campground is fantastic. The property is amazing and when all the campgrounds in the National Park were booked, we were still able to get a campsite here last minute.
It’s fully equipped with private showers, hot running water, private flushable toilets and a plenty of new washing machines and dryers.
Best of all? The campsites are located right along a babbling creek so you’ll fall asleep and wake up to the sound of running water.
The campsites have electricity and water as well.
And it’s only 30 minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
In 2017, it was voted “park of the year” and I can see why! It’s charming, clean, has great amenities and was only $34 for a campsite on the busiest weekend.
5. Driving Blue Ridge Parkway Will Take Longer Than Google Maps Suggests
The Great Smoky Mountains are the beginning point of the iconic road trip route, Blue Ridge Parkway.
This scenic parkway runs for 469 miles before linking to Shenandoah National Park.
As you drive, you’ll encounter one breathtaking overlook after another! But don’t worry, the highway is perfectly designed to allow for you to pull over and soak in the sights.
But if you have dinner plans or are trying to be off the winding mountain roads before sunset, make sure you plan accordingly!
We drove from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad to Pisgah Inn on the Blue Ridge Parkway which allegedly only takes 90 minutes. But the drive is so scenic and the roads so narrow and winding, it took us much longer. Not only will you be pulling over to take photos at the incredible lookouts, it’s like you will get caught behind other slow moving cars.
And if the weather is inclement at all, you will want to drive even slower on the narrow roads given that they are so close to a cliff side. The drive is breathtaking but it isn’t one you’ll want to speed through. This is a slow leisure drive. Allow extra time.
6. Be Ready For Cooler Weather Or Rain When You Hike Clingman’s Dome
Clingman’s Dome is one of the highest mountain peaks in the eastern USA at 6,643 feet above sea level. With that comes cooler temperatures and frequent rain showers.
You can drive up and park at the free parking lot at the top. Here you’ll find amazing views over the mountain tops! From there you can hike the .5 miles to the top observation tower. It’s a steep hike but the entire path is paved.
7. You Can Ride A Historic Steam Train Through The Park and White Water Raft Back
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a great day excursion. You can ride the train round trip with a stopover for lunch. Or you can book a package deal to take the train one way then white water raft back!
On a hot summer day, this is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors!
Book your ride on the steam train.
8. When Booking Train Cars On The Railway Ride, The Open Air Cars Have Better Air Flow And Views
We rode the indoor car one way and then stood in the open air car on the way back.
We enjoyed both ways but found the views to be more enjoyable in the open air car because the views weren’t limited to looking out your single window.
In the July heat, the indoor car was also quite warm. But the open air car allowed for maximum air flow and a great breeze!
You can sit in the open air car but it is just a bench. The indoor cars have a table and more comfortable seats so it’s just about your preference.
8. Gatlinburg And Pigeon Forge Are Touristy
Many people choose to base their travels around the towns of Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. Both towns are home to a wide variety of hotels, tourist shops and quirky attractions. Think fudge shops and mini golf.
If you’re looking for a family fun place with aquariums, fast food and gift shops then you might want to base yourself here during the trip.
If you want a good hotel option, check out Park Vista in Gatlinburg.
However if you want to connect with nature and be in less busy areas of the park, you could rent a cabin, base yourself in a smaller town nearby, camp in the park, stay in an Airbnb or find a private campsite with Hipcamp.
9. Allow Time For Traffic On The Winding Roads
As you drive through the park, you may get caught in slow traffic, especially if it rains.
Like the Blue Ridge Parkway, just plan to allow extra time while driving especially in the peak summer or fall season.
Usually slow drivers will pull over and let people pass but sometimes you’ll get caught in a train of slow moving vehicles.
10. Pisgah Inn Has An Amazing Viewing Platform
If it works in your travel plans, I recommend booking a night at the beautiful Pisgah Inn.
Otherwise, if the inn is booked for the night or you have other accommodation plans, you can come eat here and enjoy the scenic observation deck after a lovely drive along Blue Ridge Parkway.
12. You Can Use This Interactive Map To Plan Your Blue Ridge Parkway Route
This map is extremely helpful if you’re trying to plot your route along Blue Ridge Parkway. It lets you search attractions, accommodations, restaurants and more along the route.
Even if you only plan to drive a small section of the parkway by Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it can be a useful tool to find lesser known hidden gems!
13. You Are Likely To See Confederate Flags Being Flown In Nearby Small Towns
Prior to this trip, the only place I had traveled in North Carolina was Asheville. So I hadn’t seen some of the small towns in the Carolinas and Tennessee.
Being from Minnesota, I found the amount of confederate flags we saw jarring. I’ve never seen them flown outside homes or business establishments prior to my trip to the Smoky Mountains. I know many find the flag offensive or possibly triggering and traumatic so I simply offer this fact so you’re not caught off guard. Never did I see the flag inside the park itself but there are a number of small towns in the area and you will undoubtedly see them.
14. You Can “Glamp” Just Outside The Park
If you’ve never heard of the luxury glamping company, Under Canvas, they are exploding in popularity! Next season they are adding multiple new glamping sites around the USA. (Glamorous + Camping = Glamping)
It isn’t a budget friendly option like actual camping but the experience is pretty amazing.
And if you fly into the Smokies and are unable to bring your own camping gear, this is a great way to connect with nature and enjoy a camping experience (plus a little luxury!) without packing all your gear!
Read: GLAMPING AT GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK WITH UNDER CANVAS
15. The Colors In The Fall Are Spectacular
I’ve only visited in the summer but everyone gushes about the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains in the fall when the leaves change.
If you’re too busy to make it there this summer, just plan a trip to see the beautiful “Land of Blue Smoke” during the height of autumn.
16. Hike Part Of The Famous Appalachian Trail
While You’re There
You might have heard of the famous Appalachian Trail that cuts through 14 states and travels along the Appalachian Mountain Range starting in Georgie and ending in Maine. It has been recently featured in several famous travel books such as Wild by Cheryl Strayed which was then turned into a movie starring Reese Witherspoon.
This iconic trail cuts right through the park and while you may not hike all the way to Maine, you can enjoy smaller sections of the trail!
You can rent the movie Wild on Amazon here.
17. If You’re Coming From Atlanta, Break Up The Drive With A Hike To Tallulah Falls
Often people visit the park from the nearby city Atlanta. It also tends to be the cheapest airport in the area.
So if you’re coming from the Atlanta airport and you’ve already been sitting on a plane for awhile, you might want to break up the remaining 3 hours of driving by hiking to Tallulah Falls in Tallulah Gorge State Park. This hike is scenic, challenging and fun!
18. The Park Is Free Of Charge
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the only parks that doesn’t charge an entrance fee.
Parking and many places inside the park are also free. Clingman’s Dome is a free observation tower and the 11-mile, paved loop road through the park known as Cades Cove is also totally free. However there is a self-guiding tour booklet you can purchase for $1 at the entrance.
Enjoy your adventure in the Smokies and let me know if you have any questions in the comments!
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Smoky Mountains National Park Things To Know
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Smoky Mountains National Park Things To Know. Smoky Mountains National Park Things To Know.
Great tips! My son and I want to go in the fall!
It will be so lovely then!! I hope you have a great trip 🙂
Great info! Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to a trip to this area.
You are so welcome!! 🙂 Thanks for taking time to comment!
This most helpful article. Be visiting Great Smoky Mountain soon. On my way in few days looking forward see this mountain. Thank you