The national park
The reason most people come: America's most-visited national park starts at the edge of Gatlinburg. The loops, the overlooks and the high road across the ridge — and how to do them without spending the day in a queue of brake lights.
Before you go
Entry is free, parking is not
There is no gate fee, but any car parked in the park for more than 15 minutes needs a parking tag (daily, weekly or annual).
Timing beats everything
Cades Cove, Newfound Gap and the Roaring Fork trail jam from mid-morning in summer and leaf season. Dawn and weekdays change the experience.
Roads close
Clingmans Dome Road and Roaring Fork close in winter, and Newfound Gap Road shuts in snow. Check the NPS road status before you set off.
Our take
Make time for it if
It's your first Smokies trip, you like a drive with a view, or you want wildlife and old cabins more than rides and shows.
Be realistic if
You only have peak-season afternoons — the famous spots are at their most crowded then. Go early or pick the quieter corners.
The 8 places in the park
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“From” prices are the lowest GetYourGuide offer on each page, in USD, checked Sep 2026.