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Great Smoky Mountains National Park

National Park

Gatlinburg

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9.5^/10

530

ratings

"Cades Cove is beautiful to bike early and see wildlife."(5 Tips)
"steep hike up to Clingmans Dome"(4 Tips)
"Tons to do, ots of wildlife, free, absolutely stunning vistas!!!"(6 Tips)
"Breathtaking views and a great area for serene relaxation."(22 Tips)

114 Tips and reviews

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GreatistSeptember 26, 2014
Watch Out For: Bears & snakes. Many carry bear spray when hiking for added safety. Be sure to follow food storage rules. Very few snakebites occur but the park is home to 2 species of venomous snakes. Read more
Jon DarveauAugust 26, 2016
The most visited national park in the country, so things can get crazy here in the summer and parking can be tough. Wait for dusk/dawn to do Cades Cove, that's when the wildlife will be most active.
Upvoted 4 days ago
James CJuly 28, 2017
Park was outstanding. You must hit a visitor center first to get an overview and layout of where to go. It's amazing the size and life that is within the park. One of the most beautiful parks in USA.
Upvoted 3 weeks ago
Andra ZapartanMay 28, 2019
The most visited NP in the US is home to the highest point on the 2,147-mile Appalachian Trail.❤️ Lots of trails for hiking, horse riding, bear sightseeing & thousands fireflies glowing in the night.
Ashley RoseDecember 25, 2017
Even on a “smoky” day- the park is serene and a welcome respite from bustling Gatlinburg. Stop by Newfound Gap for great views.
SaraSeptember 11, 2014
Amazing, scenic and breath taking beauty. Rent car and drive around. There is so much to see and outdoor activities: zip lining, rafting, horseback riding, ski lifts, trams, free trolley, etc.
Angela MooreApril 28, 2013
Bring lots of friends good food and many cameras. Any time of the year is good it's beautiful. This seasons change and the beauty is always great. We come very often and its never the same.
Nancy ThompsonJanuary 2, 2014
Just go by the Visitor's Center, find about the trails and camping spots, and just get outside. Might want to take driving tour first for an overview of park and views!
Patrick MasonJune 21, 2013
Take extra batteries for the camera. Definitely take advantage of the free maps and plan YOUR hike . Most of all take your time and enjoy your walk its not a race so soak in all the beauty.
Phyllis BoxNovember 23, 2019
Drive the gaitlinburg to pigeon forge scenic route. We hiked Laurel Trail up to some waterfalls too. About a 1.5 mi hike one way. Easy to moderate.
Kimberly BeykeOctober 2, 2011
Beautiful in the fall! Check out laurel falls, its a nice walk. Also make the drive/trek up to clingmans dome. Spectacular views the whole trip up. Pack some winter clothes before the walking portion
Condé Nast TravelerMay 10, 2016
Now 80 years old, Great Smoky is a tribute to natural grandeur, and to the pioneers of our first frontier. Read more
Smithsonian ChannelJune 23, 2011
These 500,000 acres host more plant species than any other area in North America, leading to the park’s designation as an International Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. (From Aerial America) Read more
DanielApril 3, 2012
If you're hiking Mt. Cammerer, the best place to stay is the Cosby Campground in the Smokies. As of 2006 there weren't any grocery stores nearby, so make sure you arrive with an ample food supply.
Daniel SullinsNovember 18, 2013
The view is so beautiful and the drive is so pleasant, it is worth the cost of a hotel room just to take the drive. Better yet, go camping and enjoy the great outdoors.
Highlands CondosJune 29, 2012
Most visited National Park in the U.S. Don;t miss the short but steep hike up to Clingmans Dome, the views are amazing.
Anthony DuranJune 3, 2016
It was an honor to have worked along side the men and women of the National Park Service on the Alum Cave Trail during my time in A.C.E. What a mystical and beautiful place. Thank you!
Michael IameleDecember 13, 2010
The hike to Laurel Falls is beautiful. This is a great park to spend some time with the special people in your life. I recommend bringing some food to BBQ, do some hiking, and support the park through
Southern LivingFebruary 14, 2012
Made our South's Best List! One of the most popular places to see the leaves and wildlife is Cades Cove, a broad valley at the northwestern corner of the park. Read more
Acorn Cabin Rentals near DollywoodApril 2, 2012
Been here 5+ times
Make sure you hike, walk, or zipline to enjoy the Great Outdoors while you are here! A camera is always good to carry with you for those memorable moments!!
Deanna TratensekJune 29, 2013
Beautiful area! A MUST for outdoor lovers. Can hike various trails but even driving through is a great escape.
♰Jim KerrOctober 14, 2013
It's beautiful in the smokies but our govt. thought they would inconvenience everyone by blocking the pull off areas with cones during the shut down. Why block these un-manned parking areas?
A SJune 25, 2016
There's something for everybody. Hiking trails, waterfalls, sunset drive, campgrounds.. they have it all.
Lumberjack FeudMay 30, 2011
Be sure to visit the Little River Lumber Museum! Its free and has amazing history, photos, artifacts of the logging that took place in the Smoky Mountains!
Jerilyn BurchfieldJuly 17, 2013
Be safe and aware while driving, also keep ALL trash off the ground. Keep it clean and breath the fresh air!
Chad HembreeJanuary 18, 2017
I've been to many parks around the country and this is still one of the prettiest. Great waterfalls when it rains.
Sam M.September 9, 2018
Breathtaking and beautiful! A very scenic drive with lots of pull-offs at overlooks and picnic areas.
National Wildlife FederationApril 25, 2013
The Great Smoky Mountains are known as the salamander capital of the world, home to 30 species.
Michelin LifestyleFebruary 24, 2011
The most visited national park in the U.S., on the border of TN and NC. If the sun is shining or the threat of rain is near, Michelin Pilot hiking boots will give tire traction needed to stay safe.
Michelin Travel & LifestyleNovember 18, 2013
Head to Clingmans Dome for sunset views. On a clear day you’ll see the Carolinas, GA, and TN. – Green Guide Editor
Colin LordMarch 4, 2017
It goes without saying but beware that once you get into the park, cell phone coverage is spotty at best!
Jason HeeresOctober 2, 2020
With traveling to the Rockies and Glacier Park every year, this is a close second!
Sam (@HandstandSam)September 9, 2015
Cades Cove is beautiful to bike early and see wildlife.
Shermans TravelSeptember 25, 2012
The park is home to more than 800 miles of hiking trails and scenic roads that are perfect for hours of exploring in the colorful forests. Read more
VisitMySmokiesJune 14, 2011
I definitely recommend hiking or at least driving through the park. There's a reason it's the most visited park in the U.S.!
Laura TurnerNovember 23, 2014
Tons of places to swim, hike, and just view its beauty!
Tiffany Jennings-CavalierAugust 11, 2014
If you go to Cade's cove and see a bear please stay in your car. People behind you would like to see the animal too
IvBeenThere.comMarch 31, 2015
There are bears in those hills. Be sure to be extra careful with your food when camping in the park. Read more
Matt ChabotJanuary 18, 2012
Been to a lot of National Parks. This one is maybe the best. Tons to do, ots of wildlife, free, absolutely stunning vistas!!!
Mrs. Kelley HermanNovember 14, 2015
Gorgeous! See tons of bears. Hiking trails are amazing.
Joy JohnsonJuly 3, 2011
Don't forget the camers and binoculars. Plenty of Kodak moments. And pack a lunch. Plenty of nice pull-offs by the mountain streams
BallzSeptember 5, 2013
It's Free and I think it's the busiest National Park... Park Rangers are very helpful...
Audrey BennettAugust 26, 2012
Take the bypass on the way in to Gatlinburg for some great scenic views of the town and the surrounding mountains!
Serhii LutskoNovember 9, 2017
Great park. Liked trails, hiking and sunset
ChrisSeptember 25, 2015
Beautiful scenic views. More trails to hike than I can count.
Crusty RoscoeSeptember 16, 2014
Been here as a kid. Dont remember much tho but it had some nice scenic views!
John T. CunninghamSeptember 10, 2013
Deep Creek - read 5 things Mr. Dunlap likes about Bryson City. GATORS TUBES was his favorite. Read more
Moe DexlerSeptember 4, 2016
Great hiking spots here and throughout.
Arrie RossouwJuly 10, 2012
Worth a visit for locals, out of state visitors and foreigners - one of the wonders of the world, in MHO
Krissa Swain RandolphApril 12, 2018
Ancient, wise, rugged, beautiful mountains.

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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