- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Rating Details »
107 Park Headquarters Rd
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-1200
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-1200
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
18 reviews for Great Smoky Mountain National Park
My experience with GSMNP is on the North Carolina side, starting out at Big Creek. I went here for a backpacking trip for four days with 3 guys. This was a "vacation," but it was far from being your typical vacation. This is gonna be a long review of what could go wrong on your trip and how you might be able to prepare, so if you want a description of the scenery, read some other reviews or look at the pictures. Otherwise, read on...
Two of the guys in my party spoke with a guy at the park named Buck to plan our trip. He suggested we start out at Big Creek and hike to campsite 38 (37 was closed due to bear activity at the time of booking) the first day. Second day was from campsite 38 to Laurel Gap shelter. Third day was from Laurel Gap to campsite 39. Fourth day was from campsite 39 to the Swag (bed and breakfast that the guys read about in National Geographic). Now, while I reserve some of the responsiblity for the trip for myself and boyfriend, who failed to fully look into the planned route, I am a bit peeved about "Buck's" suggestions. When it comes to working out and staying fit, I am graded as an A+ (I say that, quoting the person who did my health screening the week before, not because I am trying to be arrogant.) However, these hikes were more than I could handle for my first "big" backpacking trip. I am not saying this to diss the park, I am saying this for the benefit of those who may not have loads of experience backpacking with a heavy pack on steeply inclined/declined trails.
The first day was about 4000 ft up in elevation and 6.5 miles. We did not even make it to the campsite that night (granted, we started around 3 pm). The climb itself was so exhausting, it was the start and cause of some very painful leg soreness (my bf has to go to the doc) that was aggravated further during the rest of our hikes. We should have looked at a topo map to verify that we could make this hike by that night, and I would highly recommend going with a topo map. But, what irritates me is that Buck called the hike a "good climb"...we did not know that meant "bad climb."
Also, I know hiking at night is not preferable, but could they paint the signs with white instead of having names of trails and whatnot carved into the signs? It would be SO much easier to read. And while I talk about the signs, there wasn't even a sign at campsite 38. Yes, it was easier to tell that it was a campsite during the day when we finally reached it, but had it been nighttime, I'm afraid we could have had some difficulty. I know I wouldn't want to be the person to trek around the park putting up signs, but if they're going to have them, maybe they could have made them easier to read/see. You can never really "over-label" when it comes to gigantic parks in the great outdoors.
My last issue is with the map itself. (Yes, I stress again, get a topo map.) But, the map they provide is very deceptive. The way it is drawn out distorts the distances, so you can have a trail labeled as being 6 miles, which looks just a little longer than a trail labeled as 1 mile. There were also problems because we thought we were further than we were because they did not show all the water crossings on the map. We thought we were "halfway there" the first night because we crossed two water points indicated on the map. Yeah, a lot of the water wasn't shown on the map because we proceeded to cross many more streams. Yes, it is difficult to indicate all water on the map because little creeks form when it rains, but I just feel like they did not do a good job with making that map accurate. Perhaps they should blow up portions of the map to make it more detailed and hand those out to hikers heading out to specific areas. Probably not gonna happen, but it would help.
Now, the positive things...the scenery itself, as many have said, is gorgeous. They imported elk and those are pretty awesome to check out. We saw wild turkeys and white-tailed deer--but no bears. Staying at Laurel Gap shelter was nice too, b/c it's surrounded by three walls and a chain link fence with a door, so you can be safe from bears, haha. Fortunately for us, we stayed there the one night it rained badly, so that saved us from packing up a soggy tent.
So, while you may get to see some beautiful scenery that is very admirable, I would make sure I went prepared. Bring a good map, make sure you know the trails and elevations. You do not want to exhaust yourself backpacking due to a strenuous hike and end up unable to meet your schedule, especially if you have a strict one to follow. More importantly, you do not want to end up with painful physical injuries that could result from being ill-prepared for your hike.
I've been to a number of National Parks - including Yosemite, Mt. Rainier, Olympics, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon - and each of them has been unique and spectacular in its own way. For me, Smoky Mountain NP didn't have the kind of striking, awe-inducing qualities that characterize the "larger-than-life" parks, like the Grand Canyon or Yosemite. But the Smokies were memorable for the soft beauty of the place: their quiet, lush woods, the diverse plant and animal life, and the rolling vistas brushed with an ever-present fog hanging over green valleys.
And it was seriously foggy every October day we were in the park, mainly at the higher elevations. We didn't get a chance to see a clear view from Clingman's Dome or Newfound Gap. It rained a lot, too. But the fickle weather that makes the Smokies a temperate rainforest is also responsible for making this one of the most biodiverse areas in the country. It is rich in human history, too, and the role of the nearby communities in preserving this as a national park ensures that admission is free to the public - very cool.
We loved our time exploring the park, though it wasn't nearly time enough... the park is quite large, and driving anywhere (especially on a pleasant morning anytime after, oh, 9am) was a venture in itself with the amount of traffic this park gets. We ended up spending a lot more time in the car than we did hiking, which was a little disappointing, but the nice thing is that this is an extremely accessible park: you can see almost all the "big ticket" sights without leaving the road. Taking the time to explore off the beaten track is well worth it, though, even if it is just for a short, leisurely stroll.
We made a great choice in touring Cades Cove on a rainy day. This is a 1/2 day-trip that is actually good in the rain, since many of the sights are right next to the road, and the view across the valley was striking in the low-hanging clouds. Plus, I think the rain is enough to keep many fair-weather explorers back in town. We left Gatlinburg at 9:30am and hit very little traffic, though on a clear day, I would recommend leaving earlier than that if you want to avoid the worst of the masses.
We enjoyed peaceful hikes on the Alum Cave and Porters Creek trails. Alum Cave trail follows a scenic creek uphill through Arch Rock and on to the lodge at Mt. Leconte. We just hiked just as far as Arch Rock (about 1.5 miles) and enjoyed the fall colors. This is an easy hike to reach from Sugarlands visitor center, only maybe 10-15 minutes up the road towards Newfound Gap. Porters Creek was a nice, easy hike in the quieter Greenbrier section of the park, with traces of old settlements along the way and tons of native plant life. We also saw hog tracks here, but (fortunately) no hogs.
One mid-morning, we drove the narrow, winding Roaring Fork motor trail. A beautiful little drive, especially if you aren't feeling inclined to spend much time exploring on foot. I think our time would have been better spent hiking, though... there are several trailheads you can access along the loop, but we were unfortunately short on time.
One of my favorite parts of our Smokies weekend was getting away from the crowds at the peaceful Cosby area, about a 20-30 minute drive from downtown Gatlinburg west on 321. After the insanity of Gatlinburg's touristic masses (no sleepy mountain town here!), we were really ready for a relaxing picnic lunch and some uninterrupted time in strolling through the forest. Cosby was the perfect place to find it.
If you're looking to do some hiking and are interested in learning more about the natural and human history of the park, I highly recommend booking a guided hike with A Walk in the Woods (http://www.yelp.com/bi... ). We took two walks with them during our stay and loved both;of them; I learned all kinds of things that I wouldn't have otherwise. The prices are reasonable, it was a breeze to schedule, and our guides were friendly and flexible. There are also a number of walks that are kid-friendly, so don't be afraid to take the whole family.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
Ever spend an afternoon reading a good book all alone while lying out on a big rock in the middle of a rushing stream on a sunny day with dragonflies buzzing about and fish jumping up to get them?
I have. And this is the place to do it. Neighbor to charming Gatlinberg, TN, the Great Smokey Mountain National part is a fantastic way to spend a relaxing vacation.
I've been here twice...once 3 years ago during the height of fall leaf season to do some day hiking while staying at Gatlinburg (ugh) and yesterday to do some backpacking.
For my day hikes, I did the Alum Cave Bluff trail to the top of Mt Leconte, where you can rent a cabin (which I didnt do). Spectacular views as you are above the clouds!!! I also did a short hike just inside the Cherokee entrance to a grist mill and then further in the woods to visit a cemetary. Also did a short loop hike on the way to cades cove up to the appalachian trail and back.
Also did the cades cove driving tour which sucked because there were waaaaaaaaaaay too many people. they should really ban cars for this and have like a trolley system or something it was a complete traffic jam!
For my backpacking trip I did an overnight loop starting at deep creek campground, north along Indian creek and then westward to nolan divide and then back to my car. Only saw one other group of backpackers for the two days. Some good views and nice creek crossings, but nothing real spectacular.
Because this park is the most visited in the United States, you can usually expect a lot of people.. However, if you go a little off the beaten path there is solitude to be found if thats what you are seeking. The views are definitely better then in North Georgia, which is what I'm used to so thats a postive. However, after visiting parks out west such as yosemite and sequoia, smoky mountains really cant compare for natural beauty. But for the southern United States, this is the place to go for some good loop hikes and is a great weekend getaway.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
My husband, being the true outdoorsman that he is, suggested we do the Cade's Cove excursion via bicycle. Me, being the bitter, jaded Angeleno, thought of approximately 54 things that I would rather do, many of them having to do with southern fried food. Oh what the hell I thought, I needed to burn off about 3 Cracker Barrel biscuits, so let's get this show on the road! So we proceeded to do Cade's Cove, on bike during a 94 degree humid rainstorm.
Boy was this a reality check. You know when you think you're in shape and you have this false sense of reality that slaps you in the face around minute 35 on the Eliptical Machine? And the people next to you have you by 11 minutes and they're still going? Well, that occured on the first hill at Cade's Cove. As we meandered our way around all the people in cars, I had the stark realization that we were the ONLY on bikes. What does this say about our country? Are we all lazy? Perhaps. Does the view from a bicyle compare to one inside a Chevy Astrovan? So many minivans! As I rode, I began to feel in touch with the pavement, the voice of Lance Armstrong whispering in my ear. Ok, maybe not his voice, but I did picture his face. And that fact that he did this for miles without balls. No balls! I digress.
The ride took us about 5 hours, as we stopped often to go off the beaten path, and enjoy the beauty that is often neglected as we view it from the inside of a moving vehicle. I could smell summer for the first time in my life. Summer, often mixed with the pungent exhaust from a heavy-set man chugging his Harley past us.
One of life's little triumphs was my bike trip through Cade's Cove. I now understand why my husband does things the hard way...
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (6)
- Cool (5)
As a kid, I was lucky enough to have a father and a younger brother who got sucked into Boy Scouts with me. We got to do a lot of camping, and saw many beautiful places - I must have been lucky or forgetful because it seemed each was more beautiful than the next.
Life seems to pick up speed as you get older - maybe that's why time seems to go by so much faster. Over the last few years, I had neglected to go to anywhere to reset the 'this is the most beautiful damn thing I have ever seen' counter.
The old lady, in her infinite wisdom, sensed this and booked us a quiet deserted cabin in the Gatlinsburg mountains, despite my snarling. We planned the drive through the Mountain Pass on 441 (Cumberland Gap), and left on a nice Friday afternoon. Our drive back was on a foggy Sunday morning.
2 things about the GSMNP - it is as beautiful as all these pictures are, and even more. For a grizzled cubicle warrior convinced of the magic that is High Def, there were vista around corners that will take your breath away.
Second, and most importantly - the pass through the mountains into Gatlinsburg? It gets so bad they have to close it at night during the winter. When I say this is treacherous, I mean there are times where the descent is so steep you actually loop under yourself a couple of times. I am not kidding, be very careful during night-time or bad weather, it will be a treacherous drive. Google to find the park website that has information about road conditions.
Warnings aside, plan yourself a weekend. I can't tell you what a weekend in and around that park did for the soul.
People thought this was:
- Cool (2)
The only free national park in the USA (of a large size).
Serene and beautiful throughout. Atmospheric pollution and the tacky nearby Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge (super tacky) are serious threats to the beauty of this park.
Located in the oldest mountain range in North America, the GSMNP is one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
That's all.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (3)
- Cool (4)
People it's FREE to get in. Not many national parks can say that, these days. Now because it's free you might have a little more traffic....people trying to get to Cherokee or wherever....but this park is a gem in the southeast. It's a temperate rainforest, with more species of salamanders than any place in the world. The GSMNP has more species of trees than Western Europe! And one flower...I forget what it's called, right now, but it grows in 7 places in the world and Mt LeConte is one of them. Also, in June, you can go to Elkmont and watch a certain species of male fireflies synchronize their lights! If you love nature at all, go visit the Smokies.
This is an amazing place to visit! It is totally free to explore. The park does a great job managing both the people and the wildlife. There is only one road through the park and it goes from Cade's Cove, TN to Cherokee, NC via Townsend and Gatlinburg, TN. Scenic! I wish I rode a motorcycle because these roads are stunning!
We camped at Cade's Cove. It's $17/night. There are clean bathrooms but no showerhouses.
If you can walk, you can hike any trail in the Smoky's. Even their difficult trails don't come close in difficulty to easy trails in the Adirondacks. Some are even handicapped accessible. Much of the Laurel Falls trail is paved.
This park is accessible to everyone and yet still manages to be a wild place. Both visitor centers are useful and full of information. The park offers special programs throughout the year from "Music in the Mountains" to guided hikes with a forest ranger. Check out their website for schedules and great information.
There is so much to see I reccomend a couple of days in the area.
Please don't ask the bear to hold your baby for that perfect photo. These are wild animals and the smoky mountains are not a petting zoo. We saw a woman let her child get within five feet of a wild deer while she took it's photo!
Don't feed the bears, squirrels, chipmunks, birds, bears, bobcats, etc. Let's keep this place wild so everyone can enjoy this special place.
We are so fortunate that the last generation had the foresight to set aside this area for future generations to enjoy. Well worth the visit!
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
This place is beautiful. Breathtaking. We drove in through the Cherokee, NC entrance. I have seen some beautiful mountains in Europe, and these are just amazing. Some areas you can see the layering of the Blue Ridge mountains. We have a lot of beautiful scenery in the US that we should definitely try and visit and appreciate what Mother Nature offers us. Again...wow.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (2)
One of the best National Parks in the country. What's just awesome about the park is that while it is close to a VERY touristy town, it seems so few of them even want to actually go IN the park!! This is great because it keeps the crowds down. I've went to the park in various seasons, and it's only really been a hassle during the peak summer months. The road through the park is slow and windy, but it also offers quite a few pull-off points to take unforgettable pictures. A couple of 'em are in my album here, actually. It's really very friendly to those who want to pull over every mile or so for a shot. There's also a bunch of good hiking to be done here....if you're willing, walking down to the picturesque streams is fun too....
Beware that you will probably drop about 15 to 20 degrees from the town to the top of the Smokies, so a sweater is probably always adviseable....but from what I've seen, there's no better park to see the Appalachians.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
The Great Smoky Mountain Park is breathtakingly beautiful.
We hiked some amazing trails with beautiful waterfall views and got to see a friendly bear up close and personal - I let him have my sandwich because I was not sure just how friendly he was...
We rented horses for only 38.00 for 2 hours from the Smoky Mountain Riding Stables.
We fished but did not catch anything.
If you love the outdoors you love this place. I cherish my memories of this park.
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (5)
I'm a great big fan of the National Parks, and the Great Smokey Mountains National Park is now definitely among my favorites. It's surreal to drive into this place from Gatlinburg. You go from the unbelievable atrociousness that is the Gatlinburg Strip to the silent, serene, completely concession-free park in almost literally the blink of an eye.
My friends and I spent a Saturday in August at the park, and I was shocked that there weren't more people in it. We really didn't allow enough time to see as much of the park as I would like to, but in one afternoon, we checked out the Visitor's Center (I have an odd affinity for Visitor's Centers), did a short hike (should've been longer, but impending rain and encroaching laziness got in our way), drove half of the Newfound Gap road, and made it to the top of Clingman's Dome. Had I had more time, I would've finished the hike and driven all the way to the North Carolina side of the Newfound Gap road, both of which I hope to get back and do some day.
All things considered, a great day.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
Stunningly beautiful park. My absolutely favorite memories are in Cade's Cove, a valley nestled between mountains where authentic settlers' cabins are still preserved. Hay rides are offered around the valley, or you can bike/hike/drive around it too.
Another fun spot is the "Y", a place where two rivers join. If you bring your swimsuit and a picnic, you can enjoy tubing in the river and picnicking in the field by the water.
NOTE: Be warned--there are a fair amount of tourists on the outskirts of the park during the summer. If peace and quiet is your thing and you're coming from the TN side, bypass all the souvenir shops in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge (either drive straight through, or use a back-entrance to the park in Maryville TN). Once you're actually in the heart of the park, it's solitary and beautiful.
And seriously, please don't feed the bears. :( There are smaller black bears in the woods sometimes; they won't hurt anyone, unless we all start giving them food.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
This park is very nice. If offers tons of trails to go on and plenty of things to see such as waterfalls and wildlife. However, the park is the most visited national park and that means it is crowded. I recommend avoiding the busy times of the year such as the fall since the park is packed.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
Awesome park - went there two years ago with a family friend and it was fun. Too bad it was a last minute plan - if we were there longer we would've enjoyed it a lot better. Lots of things to do, so little time. We planned on going this time around in our visit but couldn't make it. But great place for just to hang out and have great memories.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is a stunningly beautiful national park. It is located along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, with the two main entrances being at Gatlinburg, TN and Cherokee, NC, in addition to other entrances around the park. As John J said, it is the most visited national park in the country. As a result, the most popular spots of the park are usually crowded and there is often traffic. I was staying in Maggie Valley, NC while visiting and as a result, I didn't hit much traffic, as the Blue Ridge Pkwy is the main route to the park from that area. However, while in Cherokee one afternoon, traffic was backed up for miles along US-441, the main route through the park. There is also no off season. In addition, there are a lot of environmental issues, which you can read about at the park's website. Despite all of that, the park's natural beauty is absolutely stunning. Along the border of NC and TN, the views are awe inspiring. That is where the Appalachian Trail can be found, as well as Clingman's Dome, the highest point in the park. The views are amazing from Clingman's Dome. From the observation tower, you can see up to 20 miles. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are in clear sight, while Cherokee is hidden behind a mountain. There are a lot of great trails for all skill levels. Unfortunately, because of time and distance constraints, we didn't get to see as much of the park as we would've liked. It was all worth it though. Overall, I believe every person in America should make a trip to the Smoky Mountains and witness the awe inspiring beauty of the region.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (3)
