-: The most-visited national park in the U.S., with misty forested ridges, over 800 miles of trails, and historic Appalachian settler cabins — and, notably, no entrance fee.

Park Pass

Join the National Parks Club

1 to 2 days covers the main scenic drives and overlooks, while 3 to 4 lets you get deeper into the park's 800+ miles of trails.

No special permit is required for general park entry.

Gatlinburg, Cherokee, and Townsend are the main gateway towns, each offering a different pace and price point.

There's no entrance fee; a parking tag is required for any vehicle parked longer than 15 minutes, at $5/day.

Why Visit?:

Great Smoky Mountains is the most-visited national park in the entire country, and it's easy to see why — misty, forested ridges, over 800 miles of trails, and a genuinely rich Appalachian history, all completely free to enter. It's one of the most accessible parks in the system for a wide range of visitors and budgets.

Because of that popularity, timing and location matter more here than at quieter parks — visiting early in the day or choosing the Cataloochee or Cosby areas over the busier Gatlinburg side can make a real difference in your experience.

Things to Do:

Cades Cove is the park's signature scenic drive, an 11-mile loop past historic homesteads with excellent wildlife viewing, especially at dawn or dusk. Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park, offers a short but steep paved trail to a 360-degree observation tower.

For waterfalls, Laurel Falls is an easy, popular paved trail, while Ramsey Cascades is a longer, more strenuous hike to the tallest waterfall in the park — a good option if you want fewer crowds.

Get the Full Itinerary

Closest airports: McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville is closest, about an hour from Gatlinburg, with solid regional flight options.

Nearby Attractions:

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer a full range of family attractions right outside the park, and the Blue Ridge Parkway connects toward Asheville, North Carolina for anyone extending the trip.