The Smokies straddle Tennessee and North Carolina: half a million acres of ancient, rounded mountains wrapped in a blue haze given off by the forest itself. It is the most visited national park in the country — free to enter, within a day’s drive of half the US population — with waterfalls, old-growth forest, historic log cabins and around 1,900 black bears.
Best things to do in Smokies
Cades Cove
An 11-mile one-way loop around a valley of 19th-century churches, cabins and a mill, with deer, turkeys and often black bears in the fields. It can take two to four hours in summer traffic; go at opening.
On Wednesdays from May to September, the loop is closed to cars and open to walkers and cyclists.
Clingmans Dome
The highest point in the park (and in Tennessee). A steep half-mile paved path leads to a spiral observation tower above the clouds. The Cherokee name, Kuwohi, has been official since 2024. The road is closed in winter.
3Alum Cave Trail
The best day hike: across log bridges, through Arch Rock, to the overhanging Alum Cave Bluffs (4.4 miles return) — or all the way to Mount Le Conte (11 miles return).
4Laurel Falls & Grotto Falls
Laurel Falls is the easiest waterfall walk (2.6 miles return, paved). Grotto Falls lets you walk behind the curtain of water.
5Newfound Gap Road
The 33-mile road across the park from Gatlinburg to Cherokee, over the state line at 5,046 feet, where the Appalachian Trail crosses.
6Synchronous fireflies
For about two weeks in late May or June, thousands of fireflies flash in unison near Elkmont. Viewing is by lottery on recreation.gov.
Smoky Mountains entrance fees and reservations
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Entrance | Free |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | US residents $80 · non-residents $250 — covers the whole car and the $100 fee |
A parking tag is required to park anywhere in the park for more than 15 minutes: $5 a day, $15 a week, $40 a year.
- No entrance fee and no reservation.
Fall colors and the best time to go
Colors climb down the mountains through October: high elevations turn first, the valleys peak in the last two weeks of the month. It is also the busiest time; come on weekdays. Late April and May bring wildflowers and flowering dogwoods, June the fireflies and rhododendrons. Summer is warm, humid and hazy. Winter is quiet, with snow on the peaks.
Black bears
Seeing a bear is likely. Stay at least 50 yards (46 m) away, never feed them, and store food in your car. If one approaches, stand your ground, make noise and back away slowly.
Where to stay in Smokies
Three gateway towns, three moods. There are no hotels inside the park except the hike-in LeConte Lodge.
Our 2 hotel picks in Smokies
Photos, facilities and tips →
Boutique$$$$Dancing Bear Lodge & Appalachian Bistro
Townsend, near the park’s Townsend entrance and Cades Cove
Cabins with fireplaces and hot tubs on 38 wooded acres in Townsend, with an acclaimed Appalachian bistro and breakfast included.
Family$$$$The Bearskin Lodge
Downtown Gatlinburg, on the Little Pigeon River near the park entrance
A family-owned hotel on the Little Pigeon River at the park entrance, with a lazy river and free breakfast and parking.
Gatlinburg
$$$$Best for: convenience, families
A mountain resort town at the main entrance, with pancake houses, attractions and cabins in the hills.
Hotels in Gatlinburg partner linkPigeon Forge
$$$$Best for: Dollywood, entertainment
Dolly Parton’s theme park, dinner shows and cheaper motels, 20 minutes from the park.
Hotels in Pigeon Forge partner linkTownsend
$$$$Best for: peace and quiet
The “peaceful side of the Smokies”, near Cades Cove.
Hotels in Townsend partner linkBryson City & Cherokee
$$$$Best for: the North Carolina side
A small railroad town and the Cherokee reservation, near the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Hotels in Bryson City & Cherokee partner linkWeather in Smokies by month
Compare every destination month by month in the when-to-go explorer.
Smokies: your questions
Is Great Smoky Mountains National Park free?
There is no entrance fee, but any car parked for more than 15 minutes needs a parking tag: $5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year.
When is the best time to visit the Smoky Mountains?
Mid to late October for fall colors, and late April to May for wildflowers. Summer is busiest; winter is quietest.
Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge?
Gatlinburg is right at the park entrance and walkable. Pigeon Forge is cheaper and has Dollywood but is a 20-minute drive away.
How many days do you need in the Smokies?
Two days for Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome and a waterfall hike; three or more to hike seriously.
Written by Kylian Dev · Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Prices are in US dollars, before sales tax.