Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States — and it earns that distinction. Straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border, the park encompasses over 500,000 acres of ancient Appalachian forest, with over 800 miles of hiking trails, more species of trees than all of northern Europe, and wildlife ranging from black bears to elk to salamanders. Best of all, the park is free to enter — there's no entrance fee.
Top Things to Do in the Smokies
Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park at 6,643 feet, offers 360-degree views above the clouds on clear days — the observation tower at the summit is an easy half-mile walk from the parking area. Alum Cave Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in the park, leading past bluff overhangs and arch rock formations to a stunning backcountry shelter perch. For waterfall lovers, Laurel Falls is the most visited waterfall in the park and accessible via a paved trail.
Wildlife viewing in the Smokies is spectacular. The park has one of the densest black bear populations in the eastern US — early morning and evening drives along Cades Cove Loop Road reliably turn up bears, deer, and wild turkey. The Cataloochee Valley on the North Carolina side is home to the park's reintroduced elk herd and is one of the most magical places in the eastern US at dawn.
Gateway Towns
Gatlinburg, Tennessee is the main gateway town — touristy but convenient, with good restaurants and lodging right at the park entrance. Cherokee, North Carolina on the southern entrance offers a more authentic experience and access to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Asheville, North Carolina — about an hour from the southern entrance — is one of the most vibrant small cities in the South.
What to Pack for the Smokies
Mountain weather in the Smokies is highly variable — pack layers, rain gear, and sturdy hiking boots. Bear spray is recommended for backcountry hikes. The VacationGrabs Big Outdoor Leather Backpack is built for this kind of adventure — durable, roomy, and handles mountain terrain beautifully. For the road trip or cabin stay, the VacationGrabs Large Leather Travel Duffel carries everything you need.
Book Smoky Mountains Tours and Experiences
Guided wildlife tours, white water rafting on the Nantahala, and Blue Ridge Parkway driving tours are among the region's top experiences. Browse Great Smoky Mountains tours on Viator to plan your Appalachian adventure.
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