Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Contact: grsm_smokies_information@nps.gov
Phone: Visitor Information Recorded Message (865) 436-1200

Ridge upon ridge of endless forest straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the Eastern United States. World renowned for the diversity of its plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, and the depth and integrity of its wilderness sanctuary, the park attracts over nine million visitors each year. Once a part of the Cherokee homeland, the Smokies today are a hiker's paradise with over 800 miles of trails.

Click on the In Depth link for our expanded web pages featuring information about accommodations, camping, fishing, ranger-led programs, rules concerning pets, and more. Additional trip planning information is available by clicking on the Plan Your Visit link at right.

Directions

Plane - The nearest major airport in Tennessee (McGhee-Tyson, TYS) is Alcoa, 45 miles west of Gatlinburg. North Carolina's, Asheville Airport is 60 miles east of the park.

Car - Several major highways lead to the park. The following routes provide access to the three main entrances. In Tennessee: 1)From I-40 take Exit 407 (Sevierville) to TN Route 66 South, and continue to U.S. 441 South. Follow U.S. 441 to Park. 2.) From I-40 in Knoxville - Exit 386B U.S. Highway 129 South to Alcoa/Maryville. At Maryville proceed on U.S. 321 North through Townsend. Continue straight on TN Highway 73 into the park. In North Carolina: From I-40, take U.S. Route 19 West through Maggie Valley. Proceed to U.S. 441 North at Cherokee into the park. From Atlanta and points south: follow U.S. 441 and 23 North. U.S. 441 leads to the park.

Public Transportation - No train or bus service accesses the park.

Reservations: http://reservations.nps.gov/parkresults.cfm?park_id=6

More info at http://www.nps.gov/grsm

Great Smoky National Park

Mysteries in Our National Parks: Night of the Black Bear

Price: $4.99*
(National Geographic)

Join the Langdons as they investigate a growing number of bear attacks in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Merchant: National Geographic

Hiking Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Sale Price: $10.95*
Retail: $16.95 (35% off!)
(Overstock Books)

This guide features 82 hikes within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With over 800 miles of maintained trails within the park, author Kevin Adams guides hikers through the rugged landscape and dense vegetation of the Great Smokies so they can ...

Merchant: Overstock Books