Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Established in 1934, Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border of both Tennessee and North Carolina. With stunning views of mountain ridgelines, waterfalls, and wildlife, there's a reason why this is annually one of the top visited national parks. The park spans 522,427 acres spread almost evenly across the two states. There are 10 campgrounds containing approximately 1,000 campsites, plus an additional 100 backcountry campsites. The park also contains 850 miles of trails. Start planning your next trip!
Top Adventures in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Hike the Chimney Tops
4.9
3.8 mi
/ 1487 ft gain
The Chimney Top's Trail is one of the most visited trails in the Smokies, which is why I recommend going up just before sunset to beat the crowd!
During the summer and fall months, it's easy to see a hundred people taking in the view on the same ...
Hike to Mt. LeConte via Alum Cave Bluff
5.0
11 mi
/ 3982 ft gain
The Alum Cave trailhead is on Newfound Gap Road, 8 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Mt. LeConte is the third highest peak in the Smokies, and this is an extremely popular hike, so arrive early to get a parking spot and beat the crowds.
S...
Camp out at Mt. LeConte Lodge via Alum Cave
5.0
9.96 mi
At the summit of Mt. LeConte in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the lodge sits at a elevation of 6400 feet. It is the only "accommodations" inside the park boundaries. It is the highest lodge in the eastern United States.
Accessible on...
Hike to Myrtle Point via Alum Cave
5.0
13 mi
/ 3100 ft gain
This hike can be started at the Alum Cave trailhead or the Boulevard Trailhead. For this particular adventure, the starting point is Alum Cave. If you're lucky enough to stay the night at the backcountry shelter on top of Mt. LeConte, (add 0.2 mil...
Great Smoky Mountains National Park camping, hotels, and more
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Twin Creeks Picnic Pavilion
Overview
Twin Creeks Picnic Pavilion is the largest in the park, surrounded by the scenic forest of the Great Smoky Mountains National Pa...
Little River Trail
Spence Cabin
Overview
Spence Cabin is an ideal place to hold a small family gathering or family reunion away from the hustle and bustle of nearby town...
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Appalachian Clubhouse
Overview
The Appalachian Clubhouse is a historic building constructed in 1934 in the Elkmont Historic District. The structure has been re...
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Elkmont Campground
Overview
Located eight miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Elkmont Campground is the largest and busiest campground in Great Smoky Mountain...
