Great Smoky Mountains National Park
America’s Most-Visited National Park — Right in Your Backyard
Explore the wonder of the Smokies — the most-visited national park in America!
Spanning more than 500,000 acres along the Tennessee–North Carolina line, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a world of misty ridges, waterfalls, wildflowers, and abundant wildlife. There’s no entrance fee, and it’s just a short drive from your cabin — so you can go as often as you like.
Drive the scenic Newfound Gap Road, spot black bears and elk, picnic beside a mountain stream, or hike to a waterfall or overlook. Cades Cove offers an 11-mile loop past historic cabins and open meadows, while Clingmans Dome (Kuwohi) rewards you with the highest views in the park. Visitor centers at Sugarlands and Cades Cove make it easy to plan your day.
From an easy roadside overlook to a full day on the trail, the Smokies deliver the kind of natural beauty that makes a Smith Creek Resort vacation unforgettable — in every season.
Information
Opening Hours
- Park open 24/7, year-round
- Sugarlands Visitor Center: daily, hours vary by season (typically 8:30am–4:30pm)
At a Glance
- Type of Experience: Outdoor Adventure, Family Fun
- Best For: Families, Couples, Groups, Nature Lovers
- Top Season / Time to Visit: All-Year Round (wildflowers in spring, fall color in October)
The Essentials: What’s Here, What’s Nearby & Why You’ll Love It
From scenic drives to waterfalls, wildlife, and historic sites, here’s everything you need to plan your day in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Explore at your own pace and discover why the Smokies draw more visitors than any other national park.
What You'll Experience
Drive the scenic Newfound Gap Road across the mountains
Spot black bears, deer, and elk in the wild
Hike to waterfalls, overlooks, and quiet forest trails
Loop through historic Cades Cove
Take in the highest views from Clingmans Dome (Kuwohi)Amenities & Features
No entrance fee (Park It Forward parking tag: $5 day / $15 week / $40 year) Visitor centers at Sugarlands and Cades Cove Picnic areas and campgrounds throughout Ranger programs and junior ranger activities Hundreds of miles of marked trailsWhy We Love It
Endless free adventure minutes from your cabin
Beautiful in every season, from wildflowers to snow Something for every pace — scenic drives to summit hikes
World-class wildlife watching in the wildNearby Attractions
Downtown Gatlinburg – ~2 mi Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail – ~4 mi Laurel Falls Trail – ~4 miFrequently Asked Questions
Is there an entrance fee for the park?
No — the park has never charged an entrance fee. However, a Park It Forward parking tag is required to park for more than 15 minutes ($5 daily, $15 weekly, $40 annual).
Do I need a reservation to enter?
No. There’s no timed-entry reservation or entrance gate — you just need a parking tag if you stop and park.
Where's the best place to start?
The Sugarlands Visitor Center, just past Gatlinburg, is the main Tennessee gateway — grab maps, ranger tips, and your parking tag there.
When is the best time to see wildlife or fall color?
Early morning and evening are best for wildlife, especially in Cades Cove. Peak fall color usually arrives in mid-to-late October.
What Guests Are Saying About the Attractions
Stay Close to the Adventure
After a fun-filled day at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there’s no better way to unwind than at one of our luxury resorts in smoky mountains, where comfort meets mountain charm. Whether you’re looking for great smoky mountains vacation large cabins or a place that offers breathtaking views, Smith Creek Resort has the perfect stay waiting for you.
Getting There from Smith Creek Resort
Route: From the resort, take the Parkway (US-441 S) through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, then continue straight onto Newfound Gap Road into the park. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is about 2 miles past Gatlinburg on the right.
Drive time: ~35 minutes
Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Sugarlands Visitor Center
1420 Fighting Creek Gap Rd
Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA