Great Smoky Mountains National Park
National Parks
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Information
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | |
| IUCN Category II (National Park) | |
| Location | Swain & Haywood counties in North Carolina; Sevier, Blount, & Cocke counties in Tennessee, USA |
| Nearest city | Cherokee, North Carolina and Gatlinburg, TennesseeNearest city: Cherokee, North Carolina and Gatlinburg, Tennessee |
| Coordinates | 35°41′0″N 83°32′0″W |
| Area | 521,086 acres (276,344 acres in North Carolina, 244,742 acres (990.44 km2) in Tennessee) |
| Established | June 15, 1934 Established: June 15, 1934 |
| Visitors | 9,289,215 (in 2006) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | |
|---|---|
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
| State Party | United States of America |
| Type | Natural |
| Criteria | vii, viii, ix, x |
| Reference | 259 |
| Region** | Europe and North America |
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park Inscription History | |
| Inscription | 1983 (7th Session) |
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Seasonal Road Schedule
| Type | Dates |
| Balsam Mountain | Open May 28 - October 31, 2011. |
| Cades Cove Loop Road | Open January 1 - February 28 Closed March 1 - May 21 Open May 22 - December 31 |
| Clingmans Dome | Open May 29 - November 30, 2011. |
| Heintooga Ridge Road | Open May 28 - October 31, 2011. |
| Little Greenbrier | Open March 12 - December 31, 2011. |
| Parson Branch | Open May 22 - November 21, 2011. |
| Rich Mountain | Open May 22 - November 21, 2011. |
| Roaring Fork | Open May 29 - November 30, 2011. |
| Roundbottom/Straight Fork | Open March 12 - November 15, 2011. |
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Fees
| Type | Ticket Price |
| Entrance Fee | Free |
| Activity Fees | $14-23 per night |
| Campground | Number of Sites |
Fee | Elevation | 2011 Open/Close Dates |
Maximum RV Length |
| Abrams Creek | 16 | $14 | 1,125' | 3/12-10/31 | 12' |
| Balsam Mountain Please see campground noise advisory below. |
46 | $14 | 5,310 | 5/28-10/11 | 30' |
| Big Creek | 12 | $14 | 1,700 | 3/12-10/31 | No RVs |
| Cades Cove | 159 | $17-$20 | 1,807' | Year Round | 35' |
| Cataloochee | 27 | $17 | 2,610' | 3/12-10/31 | 31' |
| Cosby Campsites have recently been renumbered. |
165 | $14 | 2,459' | 3/12-9/6 | 25' |
| Deep Creek | 92 | $17 | 1,800' | 4/1-10/31 | 26' |
| Elkmont Please see campground noise advisory below. |
220 | $17-$23 | 2,150' | 3/12-11/30 | Trailers-32' Motor Homes-35' |
| Look Rock | 68 | $14 | 2,600' | 5/14-10/31 | No size limit |
| Smokemont | 142 | $17-$20 | 2,198' | 1/1-3/9 5/28-12/31 Closed 3/10-5/27 |
Trailers-35' Motor Homes-40' |
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Group Campgrounds
| Group Campground |
2011 |
Number |
Maximum |
Cost |
| Big Creek (828) 486-5910 |
March 12 - Oct. 31 |
1 |
25 |
$44 |
| Cades Cove Nov 1- May 14 (865) 448-4106 May 15 - Oct 31 (865) 448-4103 |
March 12 - Oct. 31 |
2 |
20 |
$35 |
| Cataloochee (828) 497-1930 |
March 12 - Oct. 31 |
3 |
25 |
$35 |
| Cosby (423) 487-2683 |
March 12 - Oct. 31 |
3 |
20 |
$26 |
|
Deep Creek |
April 1 - Oct. 31 |
3 |
20 |
$35 |
| Elkmont (865) 436-1271 |
April 10 - Oct. 31 |
1 |
15 |
$26 |
| Smokemont Nov 1 - May 14 (828) 497-1940 May 15 - Oct 31 (828) 497-9270 |
May 28 - Oct. 31 |
1 |
15 |
$26 |
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Things To Do
- Places To Go
- Visitor Centers
- Cades Cove
- Cataloochee
- Clingmans Dome
- Fontana Dam
- Mountain Farm Museum and Mingus Mill
- Newfound Gap
- Roaring Fork
- Off the Beaten Path
- Nearby Attractions
- Schedule Of Events
- Auto Touring
- Bicycling
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horse Riding
- Historic Buildings
- Picnicking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Workshops and Classes
- When Will It Snow?
- Waterfalls
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Events
| Monday 3/22/2011 |
Cataract Falls Walk 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM Elkmont Nature Trail 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM The Smokies Largest Mammal: The Elk 12:30 PM to 1:15 PM |
| Tuesday 3/23/2011 |
Take a Walk with a Naturalist 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM |
| Wednesday 3/24/2011 |
Newfound Gap Appalachian Trail Walk Porters Flats Walk |
| Thursday 3/25/2011 |
Trees of the Smokies Most Dangerous Animals in the Smokies (Great for Junior Rangers) |
| Friday 3/26/2011 |
Waterfalls Walk 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Myth, Magic, and Medicine 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Civil War in the Smokies 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM Elkmont History Walk 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM |
| Saturday 3/27/2011 |
Bear with Us (Great for Junior Rangers) Junior Ranger: Fishy Facts |
| Sunday 3/28/2011 |
Junior Ranger: Charismatic Mega-fauna Sunday Morning in Sugarlands Valley |
| Monday 3/29/2011 |
Cataract Falls Walk The Smokies Largest Mammal: The Elk |
| Tuesday 3/30/2011 |
Take a Walk with a Naturalist 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM |
| Wednesday 3/31/2011 |
Newfound Gap Appalachian Trail Walk 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM Porters Flats Walk 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM |
| Thursday 4/1/2011 |
Trees of the Smokies 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM Highland Homeland 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Most Dangerous Animals in the Smokies (Great for Junior Rangers) 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM |
| Friday 4/2/2011 |
Waterfalls Walk Elkmont History Walk |
| Saturday 4/3/2011 |
Bear with Us (Great for Junior Rangers) 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM Junior Ranger: Fishy Facts 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM Cataract Falls Walk 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Down on the Farm 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM |
| Sunday 4/4/2011 |
Junior Ranger: Charismatic Mega-fauna Sunday Morning in Sugarlands Valley Ranger Guided Hike: Where the Waters Sing! |
| Monday 4/5/2011 |
Cataract Falls Walk 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM Elkmont Nature Trail 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM The Smokies Largest Mammal: The Elk 12:30 PM to 1:15 PM |
| Tuesday 4/6/2011 |
Little Greenbrier School Take a Walk with a Naturalist |
| Wednesday 4/7/2011 |
Newfound Gap Appalachian Trail Walk 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM Porters Flats Walk 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM |
| Thursday 4/8/2011 |
Trees of the Smokies 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM Highland Homeland 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Most Dangerous Animals in the Smokies (Great for Junior Rangers) 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM |
| Friday 4/9/2011 |
Waterfalls Walk 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Myth, Magic, and Medicine 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Civil War in the Smokies 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM Elkmont History Walk 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM Music of the Mountains 7:00 PM Volunteer Opportunity: Trails Forever Work Day 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM |
| Saturday 4/10/2011 |
Bear with Us (Great for Junior Rangers) 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM Music of the Mountains 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Junior Ranger: Fishy Facts 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM Cataract Falls Walk 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Down on the Farm 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM Music of the Mountains 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM Enjoying Spring`s Beauty 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM |
| Sunday 4/11/2011 |
Junior Ranger: Charismatic Mega-fauna 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM Sunday Morning in Sugarlands Valley 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM Bear with Us (Great for Junior Rangers) 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM Ranger Guided Hike: Where the Waters Sing! 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM |
| Monday 4/12/2011 |
Cataract Falls Walk The Smokies Largest Mammal: The Elk |
| Tuesday 4/13/2011 |
Little Greenbrier School 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Take a Walk with a Naturalist 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM |
| Wednesday 4/14/2011 |
Newfound Gap Appalachian Trail Walk 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM Porters Flats Walk 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM |
| Thursday 4/15/2011 |
Trees of the Smokies 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM Highland Homeland 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Most Dangerous Animals in the Smokies (Great for Junior Rangers) 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM |
| Friday 4/16/2011 |
Waterfalls Walk Elkmont History Walk |
| Saturday 4/17/2011 |
Bear with Us (Great for Junior Rangers) Down on the Farm |
| Sunday 4/18/2011 |
Junior Ranger: Charismatic Mega-fauna 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM Sunday Morning in Sugarlands Valley 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM Bear with Us (Great for Junior Rangers) 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM Ranger Guided Hike: Where the Waters Sing! 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM |
| Monday 4/19/2011 |
Cataract Falls Walk Elkmont Nature Trail |
| Tuesday 4/20/2011 |
Little Greenbrier School 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Take a Walk with a Naturalist 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM |
| Wednesday 4/21/2011 |
Newfound Gap Appalachian Trail Walk 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM Porters Flats Walk Great Smoky Mountains National Park 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage & Greener Living Expo 8:00 AM |
| Thursday 4/22/2011 |
Trees of the Smokies 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM Highland Homeland 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Most Dangerous Animals in the Smokies (Great for Junior Rangers) 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM v 8:00 AM |
| Friday 4/23/2011 |
Waterfalls Walk Elkmont History Walk |
| Saturday 4/24/2011 |
Bear with Us (Great for Junior Rangers) National Junior Ranger Day |
| Sunday 4/25/2011 |
Volunteer Opportunity: Elkmont Nature Trail Community Service Project Sunday Morning in Sugarlands Valley |
| Monday 4/26/2011 |
Cataract Falls Walk 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM Elkmont Nature Trail 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM The Smokies Largest Mammal: The Elk 12:30 PM to 1:15 PM |
| Tuesday 4/27/2011 |
Little Greenbrier School Take a Walk with a Naturalist |
| Wednesday 4/28/2011 |
Newfound Gap Appalachian Trail Walk 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM Porters Flats Walk 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM |
| Thursday 4/29/2011 |
v 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM Highland Homeland 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Most Dangerous Animals in the Smokies (Great for Junior Rangers) 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM |
| Friday 4/30/2011 |
Waterfalls Walk 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Myth, Magic, and Medicine 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Civil War in the Smokies 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM Elkmont History Walk 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM |
| Saturday 5/1/2011 |
Bear with Us (Great for Junior Rangers) 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM Junior Ranger: Fishy Facts 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM Cataract Falls Walk 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Down on the Farm 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM Enjoying Spring`s Beauty 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM |
| Sunday 5/2/2011 |
Junior Ranger: Charismatic Mega-fauna Sunday Morning in Sugarlands Valley Bear with Us (Great for Junior Rangers) |
| Monday 5/3/2011 |
Cataract Falls Walk 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM Elkmont Nature Trail 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM The Smokies Largest Mammal: The Elk 12:30 PM to 1:15 PM |
| Tuesday 5/4/2011 |
Little Greenbrier School 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Take a Walk with a Naturalist 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM |
| Wednesday 5/5/2011 |
Newfound Gap Appalachian Trail Walk 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM Porters Flats Walk 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM |
| Thursday 5/6/2011 |
Trees of the Smokies 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM Highland Homeland 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Most Dangerous Animals in the Smokies (Great for Junior Rangers) 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM |
| Friday 5/7/2011 |
Waterfalls Walk Elkmont History Walk |
| Saturday 5/8/2011 |
Bear with Us (Great for Junior Rangers) 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM Junior Ranger: Fishy Facts 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM Down on the Farm 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM Volunteer Opportunity: Saturday in the Smokies Trail Work Day 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM Walking in the Walker Sisters` Footsteps 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM |
| Sunday 5/9/2011 |
Junior Ranger: Charismatic Mega-fauna Ranger Guided Hike: Where the Waters Sing! |
| Monday 5/10/2011 |
Cataract Falls Walk 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM Elkmont Nature Trail 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM The Smokies Largest Mammal: The Elk 12:30 PM to 1:15 PM |
| Tuesday 5/11/2011 |
Little Greenbrier School 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Take a Walk with a Naturalist 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM |
| Wednesday 5/12/2011 |
Newfound Gap Appalachian Trail Walk 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM Porters Flats Walk 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM |
| Thursday 5/13/2011 |
Trees of the Smokies 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM Highland Homeland 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Most Dangerous Animals in the Smokies (Great for Junior Rangers) 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM |
| Friday 5/14/2011 |
Waterfalls Walk 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Myth, Magic, and Medicine 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Civil War in the Smokies 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM Elkmont History Walk 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM |
| Saturday 5/15/2011 |
Bear with Us (Great for Junior Rangers) Down on the Farm |
| Friday 6/11/2011 |
Volunteer Opportunity: Trails Forever Work Day 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM |
| Saturday 6/19/2011 |
Women`s Work Festival 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Volunteer Opportunity: Saturday in the Smokies Trail Work Day 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM |
| Friday 7/9/2011 |
Volunteer Opportunity: Trails Forever Work Day 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM |
| Saturday 7/24/2011 |
Volunteer Opportunity: Saturday in the Smokies Trail Work Day 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM |
| Friday 8/13/2011 |
Volunteer Opportunity: Trails Forever Work Day 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM |
| Saturday 8/21/2011 |
Volunteer Opportunity: Saturday in the Smokies Trail Work Day 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM |
| Friday 9/10/2011 |
Volunteer Opportunity: Trails Forever Work Day 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM |
| Saturday 9/18/2011 |
Volunteer Opportunity: Saturday in the Smokies Trail Work Day 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM |
| Friday 10/8/2011 |
Volunteer Opportunity: Trails Forever Work Day 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM |
| Saturday 10/16/2011 |
Volunteer Opportunity: Saturday in the Smokies Trail Work Day 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM |
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Camping
Backcountry Camping - Backpacking
- Oconaluftee Visitor Center
- Sugarlands Visitor Center
- Twentymile Ranger Station
- Fontana Marina
- Fontana Dam Visitor Center
- Deep Creek Campground Office
- Smokemont Campground Office
- Cataloochee Valley near campground
- Big Creek Ranger Station
- Cosby Campground Office
- Greenbrier Ranger Station
- Elkmont Campground Office
- Tremont Environmental Center
- Cades Cove Campground Office
- Abrams Creek Ranger Station
Frontcountry Camping
- Abrams Creek
- Balsam Mountain
- Big Creek
- Cades Cove
- Cataloochee
- Cosby
- Deep Creek
- Elkmont
- Look Rock
- Smokemont
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Picnicking
| Picnic Area | 2011 Open/Close Dates |
Number of Sites |
Pavilion | Notes |
| Big Creek | Year Round | 10 | No | |
| Cades Cove | Year Round | 81 | No | Closes at 8:00 PM May 1 - Aug 31 |
| Chimneys | Year Round | 89 | No | Closes at 8:00 PM May 1 - Aug 31 |
| Collins Creek | March 12 - Oct. 31 | 182 | Seats 70 | Closes at 8:00 PM May 1 - Aug 31. Pavilion can be in advance for $20 |
| Cosby | Year Round | 95 | Seats 55 | Pavilion can be in advance for $20 |
| Deep Creek | Year Round | 58 | Seats 70 | Pavilion can be in advance for $20 |
| Greenbrier | Year Round | 12 | Seats 70 | Pavilion can be in advance for $10 |
| Heintooga | May 28 - Oct. 11 |
41 | No | |
| Look Rock | May 14 - Oct. 31 |
51 | No | |
| Metcalf Bottoms | Year Round | 165 | Seats 70 | Pavilion open March 12 - Oct. 31; can be in advance for $20 |
| Twin Creeks | April 1 - Oct. 31 |
Pavilion only |
Seats 150 | By reservation only ($35-$75) |
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hotels & Lodging
| Hotel Name | Area | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| The Abbey Inn | Maggie Valley | 800/545-5853; 828/926-1188 |
| Balsam Mountain Inn | Dillsboro | 800/224-9498; 828/456-9498 |
| Baymont Inn | Around Town | NA |
| Blackberry Farm | Nearby Places | 800/557-8864; 865/984-8166 |
| Carriage Inn | Bryson City | 800/480-2398; 828/488-2398 |
| Cataloochee Ranch | Maggie Valley | 800/868-1401; 828/926-1401 |
| The Chalet Inn | Bryson City | NA |
| The Folkestone Inn | Bryson City | NA |
| Fontana Village Resort | Fontana Dam | 800/849-2258; 828/498-2211 |
| Fryemont Inn | Bryson City | 800/845-4879; 828/488-2159 |
| Harrah's Cherokee Casino & Hotel | Around Town | 800/HARRAHS (427-7247); 828/497-7777 |
| Jarrett House | Dillsboro | 800/972-5623; 828/586-0265 |
| Lloyd's on the River | Bryson City | 888/611-6872; 828/488-3767 |
| Maggie Valley Resort and Country Club | Maggie Valley | 800/438-3861; 828/926-1616 |
| Newfound Lodge | Around Town | 828/497-2746 |
| Olde Towne Inn | Dillsboro | 888/528-8840; 828/586-3461 |
| Riverside Motel and Campground | Around Town | 877/643-1439; 828/497-9311 |
| Squire Watkins Inn | Dillsboro | 800/586-2429; 828/586-5244 |
| The Swag | Maggie Valley | 800/789-7672; 828/926-0430 |
