Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tours

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
America’s most visited national park offers blue mountain ridges, forested hiking trails, a variety of wildlife and bits of Southern mountain history. 

The beauty and diversity of Great Smoky Mountains National Park explain why it is the most visited of the U.S. national parks. Enjoy nature, wildlife and the quiet peace of endless forests.

Come to Cades Cove to use modern visitor center services and see historic community buildings. Look for churches, a grist mill and a newlywed “weaner cabin.” Drive the 11-mile (18-kilometer) loop road to see wildlife and historic structures.

Hiking is one of the park’s most popular activities. Hike to Grotto Falls, Laurel Falls and Ramsey Cascades. The Appalachian Trail runs through the park, making a climb to Clingmans Dome. Hike or drive to this spot, the park’s highest elevation at 6,643 feet (2,025 meters). Walk the last steep 0.5-mile (0.8-kilometer) sidewalk and spiral ramp up an observation tower. Your 360-degree view over the park may stretch to 100 miles (160 kilometers) on a clear day.

Enjoy the park’s year-round colors of flowers, trees and shrubs along the Oconaluftee River Trail and a dozen other easy mapped walking paths. Before the snow is completely melted, spring ephemeral flowers poke through the ground. In late April, join the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, an exploration of flora and fauna that has been held in the park annually for more than 60 years. Return in autumn for exquisite fall colors.

The park abounds with wildlife. Go birding to spot some of the 200 species here. Walk quietly through the forest to look for over 65 species of mammals, including deer, flying squirrels and an estimated 1,500 American black bears. The park’s 700 miles (1,100 kilometers) of streams have more than 50 native fish species. Notice some of the 30 species of salamander scurrying past your feet.

Nearby Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer boundless tourist opportunities for dining, drinking and entertainment. The park remains open year-round however, the central highway may close during winter storms, requiring a much longer outside drive to travel between the Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Cherokee, North Carolina entrances. 

U.S. national parks offer visitors great, affordable adventures. Enjoy your adventure in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Plan a trip to see Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Harrah's Hotel and Casino Las Vegas
Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino
Treasure Island – TI Las Vegas Hotel  Casino, a Radisson Hotel
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Reviews of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
3593
" "5 - Excellent 79.05390539053906%
4 - Good
856
" "4 - Good 18.833883388338833%
3 - Okay
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" "3 - Okay 1.7381738173817383%
2 - Disappointing
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" "2 - Disappointing 0.22002200220022003%
1 - Terrible
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" "1 - Terrible 0.15401540154015403%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 16, 2020

The trip up the mountain was incredible. The views were amazing.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 12, 2020

Amazing

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
May 10, 2020

It was closed!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 19, 2020

Worth the one hour drive A large elk heard was grazing at the entrance to the park, Incredible to see! Maggie Valley is a nice stop on the way to or from the park. Lots of little shops and restaurants.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jan 24, 2020

Hard to park at certain areas

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 24, 2019

Great any time of the year!!

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Super 8 by Wyndham Downtown Gatlinburg at Convention Center
Super 8 by Wyndham Downtown Gatlinburg at Convention Center
2 out of 5
417 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN
Super 8 by Wyndham Downtown Gatlinburg at Convention Center
Glenstone Lodge
Glenstone Lodge
3.5 out of 5
504 Historic Nature Trl, Gatlinburg, TN
Glenstone Lodge
The Park Vista - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - Gatlinburg
The Park Vista - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - Gatlinburg
4 out of 5
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The Park Vista - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg Town Square by Exploria Resorts
Gatlinburg Town Square by Exploria Resorts
2.5 out of 5
515 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN
Gatlinburg Town Square by Exploria Resorts
Brookside Lodge
Brookside Lodge
3 out of 5
463 E Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
Brookside Lodge
Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
4 out of 5
539 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Downtown Gatlinburg
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Downtown Gatlinburg
2.5 out of 5
242 Bishop Lane, Gatlinburg, TN
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Downtown Gatlinburg
Sidney James Mountain Lodge
Sidney James Mountain Lodge
2.5 out of 5
610 Airport Road, Gatlinburg, TN
Sidney James Mountain Lodge
Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg On The River
Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg On The River
2.5 out of 5
293 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg On The River
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.