Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Woolyback Overlook

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, and covers 520,000 acres (800 square miles). The Smoky Mountains are known for the blue mist that always seems to hover around the peaks and valleys. 

Asheville, North Carolina makes the perfect home base for a day trip to the North Carolina Smokies. Asheville is within an hour and a half drive (or less) of five key entrances to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is free to enjoy the National Park.

Top Places to Visit in Great Smoky Mountains National Park Near Asheville, NC

Highlights in Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Asheville include everything from incredible natural beauty to the ease of access to the region’s best hiking trails, from the powerful waterfalls to the stunning scenic drives. (Driving distances from downtown Asheville are shown in parenthesis.)

• Oconaluftee Visitor Center/Cherokee: The main western entrance to the National Park, Oconaluftee, is home to a visitor center (with restroom facilities), collection of preserved historic log buildings and picturesque mountain meadows. The large grassy field near the visitor center is actually a top place for viewing the Park's famous elk and other wildlife. Here, you'll have access to the trail head for the Oconaluftee River Trail, a great wildflower hike in spring. A half mile north of the visitor center inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll find Mingus Mill—a historic grist mill built in 1886. You can explore inside the mill from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (mid-March through mid-November). Just outside this Park entrance is the town of Cherokee. (55 miles, 1 hour and 10 minutes)
• Cataloochee Valley: See majestic elk as they roam this historic valley. Cataloochee is known as the area's best place to see these incredible animals. Volunteers are often present to share information about the elk and provide insight into area history. While you’re in Cataloochee Valley, see the one-room school, the church and the farm house. There are also several great hiking trails, including the Little Cataloochee Trail. (40 miles, 1 hour)
• Deep Creek: Waterfalls abound at this outdoor adventure hot spot near the mountain community of Bryson City. A loop hike takes you to the area’s three main waterfalls. It's also a popular place to go tubing in the summer. (68 miles, 1 hour and 10 minutes)

Indian Creek Falls

• Big Creek: With a large picnic area and hiking trails, Big Creek makes for a relaxing day trip. Hike to Midnight Hole and Mouse Creek Falls, or take a more ambitious trek up to Mount Cammerer. (55 miles, 1 hour) 
• US Highway 441/Newfound Gap/Clingman's Dome: This two-lane scenic drive takes you through the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, connecting the entrance in Cherokee, N.C. to the entrance in Gatlinburg, Tenn. US Highway 441 features numerous overlooks and trail heads. Top attractions along the way include Newfound Gap, an overlook with gorgeous views. And, you can access Clingman's Dome, the highest point in the Smokies (elev. 6,643 feet), with a seven-mile detour off of Highway 441.

Plan Your Visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

COST

It is free to access Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There is no park admission, but as of March 1, 2023, a purchased parking tag will be required to enter the park. Three tag durations are available for purchase for all vehicle sizes and types: $5 for daily, $15 for weekly and $40 for annual entrance. Parking tags are not replaceable, refundable, transferable or upgradable. Parking tags are not required for motorists who pass through the area or who park for less than 15 minutes.

HOURS

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. However, certain roads and services may close during inclement weather. The best source for updated road conditions is on the National Park Service website.

ACCESS

Most key points of interest in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are located on or near paved highways that are easily accessible by car. However, please note that some areas of the Park, including Cataloochee Valley, may require driving on dirt or gravel roads. Given the Park's large size, there are remote back country areas that are only accessible by hiking trail.

SERVICES

There is a visitor center with a museum, shop and restroom facilities at the Oconaluftee entrance in Cherokee, N.C.

PETS

Dogs are allowed in picnic areas and along roads as long as they are on a leash. However, dogs and other pets are not allowed on the National Park trails. This policy is in place for many large national parks that have extensive back country areas because of the threat domesticated pets pose to sensitive wildlife and habitats.

WEATHER

Due to a wide variety of elevations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, weather can greatly vary. Dress in layers to be prepared for changes in weather conditions.

History of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Cherokee referred to these ancient mountains as Shaconage (Sha-CON-uh-GEE) meaning "land of blue smoke." It was their homeland until they were driven out first by English settlers and then by the Trail of Tears. A handful of Cherokee remained in the hills and managed to survive. In the late 1800s, the Qualla Indian Reservation was established along, what is now, the National Park's southern boundary.

The creation of the National Park began in the early 1900s with a simple idea: a wealthy family in Knoxville, Tenn. suggested creating a National Park in the Smokies. At the time, the National Park Service was looking for park sites in the East having already opened parks in the West.

In the late 1920s, through a number of state, federal and private investments, including a $5 million donation by John D. Rockefeller Jr., the National Park Service was able to acquire the land for the Park. Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established June 15, 1934. After more than 17 years of efforts by those passionate about the project, the Park was officially dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1940.

Source: National Park Service