Page Updated: March 06, 2024
Great Smoky Mountains
National Park
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New Found Gap Overlook - GSMNP
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is comprised of 522k+ acres of protected lands on the North Carolina-Tennessee border. It is the single most visited national park in the United States - continuously. Close proximity to major metropolitan areas are said to be a key factor for its consistent 12+ million visitors annually. The park is full of beautiful waterfalls and abundant wildlife. The perfect escape for a quick weekend away.
Nearly two decades in the making, Great Smoky Mountains was dedicated as a national park in September of 1940 by Franklin D Roosevelt at Newfound Gap.
The native Cherokee refer to these mountains as Shaconage, “the place of blue smoke.”
There are 16 mountains in GSMNP higher than 6000 feet.
The Appalachian Trail passes through Great Smoky Mountains and crosses over Clingman’s Dome. At 6,643 feet, the peak is both the highest in the park and the highest on the AT.
As of March 1, 2023, parking tags are required for all visitors parking in GSMNP for longer than 15 minutes. Interagency Park passes of any type are not considered a valid parking pass. Parking tags must be purchased at machines found in multiple locations throughout the park. Additionally, purchasing a parking tag does not guarantee a spot or specific location anywhere in the park.
Scenic Drive
Auto-touring was a pivotal factor in the creation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and today there are hundreds of miles of road to explore. Clingman’s Dome Road takes visitors to the highest point in the park. Newfound Gap Road passes through the heart of the park and straddles the TN/NC border at New Found Gap. Millions of visitors tour Cades Cove Loop each year. And Foothills Parkway, currently only open in sections, will stretch 72 miles once completed.
Hiking
Charlies Bunion, Rainbow Falls, and Chimney Tops are a few of the most popular trails in Great Smoky Mountains. But, there are hundreds of miles of hiking trails spread throughout the park to chose from; including 71 miles of the Appalachian Trail.
From waterfalls, to open vistas, to summits, there’s a hike or walk for everyone.
Camping
GSMNP is the most visited park in the U.S. As such, getting reservations for front country camping in one of the parks 10 developed campgrounds can be challenging.
The park has 100+ backcountry campsites within the park. Permits are required, as is the newly implemented parking tag.
For current info, news, and updates on all things Great Smoky Mountains - including fees, permits, and closures - visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park at nps.gov
2023 MAR
We’re back! This visit we explored parts of Great Smoky Mountain National Park we’ve never been! Visit 2023
2022 JAN
We’ve visited Great Smoky Mountains National Park a couple of times over the past couple of decades. In our early days we weren’t as appreciative of the experience as we are now. Visit 2022