Great Smoky Mountains National Park
United States of America · Tennessee & North Carolina · 600 m
Description
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, is one of the best-known and most visited national parks in the United States and a spectacular natural haven in the heart of the southern Appalachians. The park is known for its blue, mist-shrouded mountain ridges, vast forests, picturesque waterfalls, and exceptionally diverse wildlife and plant life, including wildflowers and black bears. Scenic drives and numerous hiking trails, including a section of the famous Appalachian Trail, lead through the unspoiled mountain landscape and offer sweeping views, especially spectacular during the fall foliage season. Historic settlements and buildings reflect the cultural heritage of the Appalachians, while Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are popular gateways for exploring the region.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 5 days (optimal 3 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: April – May or September – October
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Cades Cove Loop Road
- Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome)
- Blue Ridge Parkway(Day trip)
- Gatlinburg(Day trip)
- Newfound Gap Road
- Pigeon Forge(Day trip)
- Alum Cave Trail & Mount Le Conte
- Dollywood(Day trip)
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
- Newfound Gap
- Laurel Falls
- Black Bears
- Autumn Foliage
- Grotto Falls
- Chimney Tops Trail
- Appalachian Trail
- Oconaluftee Valley & Visitor Center
- Cherokee(Day trip)
- Elk at Oconaluftee
- Cataloochee Valley
- Elk at Cataloochee
- Abrams Falls
- Rainbow Falls
- Synchronous Fireflies
- Little River Road
- Little Greenbrier School & Walker Sisters Place
- Elkmont Historic District
- Mingus Mill
- Mountain Farm Museum
- Andrews Bald
- Charlies Bunion
- Ramsey Cascades
- Hen Wallow Falls
- Deep Creek Waterfalls
- Deep Creek Tubing
- Mouse Creek Falls
- Big Creek
- Fontana Lake
- Foothills Parkway
- Look Rock