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GUIDE TO GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

There are many things to do in Gatlinburg when you visit but the most popular spot to visit is Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These iconic mountains are part of the most visited national park in the country, nearly quadrupling the amount of visitors of the second-place park. It's easy to see why thanks to its beautiful landscape and plethora of activities to do. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also unique in that it is the only national park in Tennessee and it sits on the state line with North Carolina. A good chunk of the Smoky Mountains attractions and activities sit on the Tennessee side, making it a great place to spend some time when you stay at Country Town N' Suites.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitor Center

There are four different visitor centers in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Sugarlands Visitor Center is the closest to Gatlinburg, sitting two miles south of town on U.S. Highway 441. Hours differ depending on the month but it always opens at 9 a.m. Closing time depends on the time of year with the center being open later in the summer. Another option on the Tennessee side is the Cades Cove Visitor Center set at the midpoint of the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Trails

There are many different trails to explore in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many of the trails are multi-use, allowing for hiking, biking and horseback riding. For an extensive look at the various trails in the park, refer to the trail map. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Trails

There are many different trails to explore in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many of the trails are multi-use, allowing for hiking, biking and horseback riding. For an extensive look at the various trails in the park, refer to the trail map. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Parks Hiking

Regardless of when you visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park, hiking is a great way to spend some time. The trick often is finding the right trail for you. Some of the popular trails include Alum Cave, Charlies Bunion and Chimney Tops. There are also plenty of easier hikes — such as the Kephart Prong and Porters Creek trails — that are perfect for the entire family. One iconic trail that splits the park is the Appalachian Trail along the Tennessee-North Carolina state line. There are many stretches of this iconic trail that you can trek.  

Best Waterfalls in Smoky Mountains

Hikers won't want to miss a chance to see the many waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. There are several hikes that take you past some gorgeous waterfalls including Grotto, Laurel, Abrams and Rainbow falls. While there are numerous large waterfalls, you can find smaller ones on nearly every river and stream in the park. There are 12 waterfalls on the Tennessee side and seven on the North Carolina side. 

Best Waterfalls in Smoky Mountains

Hikers won't want to miss a chance to see the many waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. There are several hikes that take you past some gorgeous waterfalls including Grotto, Laurel, Abrams and Rainbow falls. While there are numerous large waterfalls, you can find smaller ones on nearly every river and stream in the park. There are 12 waterfalls on the Tennessee side and seven on the North Carolina side. 

Fishing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park houses about 2,900 miles of streams and rivers within its boundaries, making it a prime spot for fishing. The park is home to one of the last wild trout habitats in the eastern U.S. and about 20% of the waterways can support a trout population. Anglers are allowed to fish the bodies of water in the lake year round from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. A fishing license is required from either Tennessee or North Carolina so be sure to pick one up in Gatlinburg or online. Be sure to follow all park regulations including possession and size limits.

Other Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a treasure trove of great outdoor activities. All paved roads are open to cyclists but there are no mountain bike-specific trails in the park. Cyclists, however, can ride the Gatlinburg and Oconaluftee River trails on bikes.You can also take to the trails via horseback by visiting either the Cades Cove, Smoky Mountain or Sugarlands horse stables. There are several trails that are open to those who bring their own horses. Regardless of what you do at the Great Smoky Mountains, you are sure to come across some fantastic wildlife including deer, elk, bears, turkeys, woodchucks and many other animals.

Other Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a treasure trove of great outdoor activities. All paved roads are open to cyclists but there are no mountain bike-specific trails in the park. Cyclists, however, can ride the Gatlinburg and Oconaluftee River trails on bikes.You can also take to the trails via horseback by visiting either the Cades Cove, Smoky Mountain or Sugarlands horse stables. There are several trails that are open to those who bring their own horses. Regardless of what you do at the Great Smoky Mountains, you are sure to come across some fantastic wildlife including deer, elk, bears, turkeys, woodchucks and many other animals.
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