Lodging in the Smokies
Staying in the smoky mountains is an experience in itself. Park visitors can choose a rustic log cabin with all the conveniences of home from hot tubs to pool tables and beautiful views of the smoky mountains. Luxury hotels can be found along the parkway of Pigeon Forge and the main highway going through Gatlinburg and Sevierville. Many hotels have converted rooms to full vacation suites with kitchens, fireplaces and the works. All this just next door to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Smoky Mountain hotels, condos, or smoky mountain cabins are convenient and affordable.
Activities and Programs
You can enjoy many activities throughout the entire year in the smoky mountains. Horseback riding, hiking, white water rafting, fishing, snow skiing, or just plain old relaxing. The great smoky mountains natural history association operates the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. Open year-round, this environmental education center hosts conferences, workshops, and other educational programs. The center is open to individuals or groups and is convenient from your smoky mountain hotel or cabin.
Bicycling
Roads in the park tend to be steep and narrow so safe biking areas are rather limited. Bicycles are prohibited on trails. However, Cades Cove and Cataloochee Valley offer a great place to bike safely. The 11 mile loop at Cades Cove is closed to automobile traffic on Saturdays till 10 am from spring through mid-Sept. Bikes can be rented at the Cades Cove Campground store. Cades Cove is a beautiful 25 minute drive from most smoky mountain hotels or cabins. The Cades Cove loop is a most popular biking trail for those that prefer to see the smoky mountains from the seat of a bicycle. Cyclists find the 11 mile route a great way to enjoy the meadows and fields of the smoky mountains. While bicycles are prohibited on most park trails, you can find out about exceptions at the Park visitors centers. Remember, most park roads are narrow and winding and shared by visitors new to mountain road driving, so beware and be careful.
Camping
Park campgrounds offer 1,000 developed campsites, in addition to 100 primitive sites. For more information see the campground section of our vacation guide. We have information on most smoky mountain campgrounds in the smoky mountain region including the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Fishing
Fishing in the smokies can be relaxing and very successful. Popular fishing streams can be found at Abram's creek below cades cove, Big Creek near I-40 at the park's north eastern end, and Little River near Elkmont campground. Fishing is allowed in the park from sunrise to sunset. A valid fishing license is required. Pick up a copy of fishing regulations at the visitors centers.
Hiking
The smoky mountains were made for walking. Winding trails through deep forests along rushing streams make the smokies a great place to get out and just take a walk. Trails are nearby most rental cabins and hotels.Overnight back country hiking requires a back country use permit. Proper equipment, preparation, information, and for some areas, reservations are a must to hike the great trails of the great smoky mountains.
Horseback Riding
The smoky mountains are one of the best places in the world for horseback riding. If you own a horse you can contact the park headquarters for a packet on horseback riding in the park. You can rent horses from private stables by the day or the hour in and around the park.
Special Events
The park holds a variety of events including old timers day, quilt making show, story telling, and apple butter making. Area communities hold several music festivals throughout the year and old car shows are very popular in the smokies.
Wildlife Watching
During the spring, winter, and fall the park is a excellent place to see an abundant variety of wildlife. A large group of bird species can be seen and heard. Wild turkey, white tail deer, and even black bear can be seen moving throughout the park.
Cherokee Indian Reservation
The reservation consists of 56,000 acres and is adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's southern boundary. It contains several attractions to help you learn about the culture and history of the Cherokee people. Cherokee is located on U.S. 441. The visitor center is operated by Cherokee Tribal Travel and Promotion. This is the official promotional arm of the eastern band of the Cherokee nation. For more information call (800-438-1601). The museum of the Cherokee Nation is located on U.S. 441. It contains displays of the history of the Cherokee and exhibits that date back more than 10,000 years. The museum is open daily. For more information call (704-497-3481). To see how the Cherokee lived visit the Oconaluftee Indian Village mid-May through Oct. This model recreates a Cherokee village as it was over 200 years ago. You will see demonstrations of weaving, pottery, and basket making
Gatlinburg Lodging
Gatlinburg hotels and Gatlinburg cabins are available year round for the vacationing family. You can take advantage of great winter rates that make a Gatlinburg hotel or Gatlinburg cabin very affordable. Don't miss the great spring or summer season with the kids when school is out. The fall colors are a favorite in the great smoky mountains national park. Gatlinburg hotels and Gatlinburg cabins are convenient to shopping and theaters as well as all kinds of outdoor fun such as hiking, fishing , or snow skiing. Gatlinburg hotels and Gatlinburg cabins are the way to go for a great visit to the great smoky mountains.
Pigeon Forge Lodging
Pigeon Forge hotels or Pigeon Forge cabins are a great way to visit the smokies also. Pigeon Forge hotels and Pigeon Forge cabins are close to just about anything a family would want to do on a vacation in the smoky mountains. Most theaters are near the Pigeon Forge hotels and Pigeon Forge cabins. Dolly Wood is also located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee..
Feeding Wildlife or picking flowers
Do not feed wildlife or pick flowers as it is a $5,000 fine and six month imprisonment.
See the Smokies by Car
Wildflowers, flowering trees, beautiful fall foilage, scenic mountain vistas, and historic buildings all can be seen throughout the smoky mountains from the comfort of your car. The main road across the smoky mountains is U.S, route 441, also known as Newfound Gap Road. This route is known itself as a famous scenic drive. See the map for other Park roads that offer glimpses of natural and cultural heritages of the park. Many Park roads link you to trails and footpaths to other park attractions. Enjoy one of the greatest public treasures by car when visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Nature Trails
Enjoy the many nature trails available from the main routes through the smoky mountains. Check out our hiking page and find a trail that fits your speed and ability. Sometimes getting out of the car and walking a few hundred yards can be an experience that you will never for get.
The Appalachian Trail
Along the Tennessee and North Carolina border the Appalachian trail runs the length of the National Park. This scenic trail runs north to Maine's Mount Katahdin and south to Georgia's Springer Mountain. This trail runs for 2,155 miles. You can take part in walking this famous stretch by accessing the trail between Newfound gap and Indian Gap.
Visitors Center
Find out how to make the most of your gatlinburg vacations visit to the smoky mountains by stopping in at one of the area visitors centers. Sugarlands, Cades Cove, and Oconaluftee are great sources of information. Rangers are available to answer questions and give helpful information about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Take in the interesting exhibits or browse the book shops for the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park hand book, At Home in the Smokies. Guide books, maps, and videos of the smoky mountains are also available.
Black Bear Country
Store all food in the trunk of your car and place all trash in bear proof trash cans or dumpsters. Be bear aware and help save the lives of bears that might fall victim to contact with humans. Hungry bears can cause a major problem if you give them the opportunity.
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