Do you know why you need a “Travel Guide to The Great Smokey Mountain”?
The Great Smokey Mountain is the most visited National Park in the US. It’s a true gem, offering anything you wish for your relaxing and refreshing adventure, from camping, hiking, waterfalls, wildlife, Fall Foliage, sport activities. It’s very easy to access and a perfect destination for a kid friendly vacation. It’s a true gem and not a destination to miss. It’s an easy last minute planned trip and avoid the crowd year around.
Check out these blogs for other National Parks in the USA and Canada;
Yosemite National Park
Glacier National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Banff National Park
Travel Guide to The Great Smokey Mountain
Where is The Great Smokey Mountain National Park
Great Smoky Mountain is located along the Tennessee -North Carolina border, a part of Appalachian mountains and connected to Blue Ridge region. The two main entrances to the park are: from Pigeon Forge in Tennessee and from Cherokee in North Carolina.
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Where to Stay in Great Smokey Mountains
I will be listing the options here and you decide which one works better for you.
Outside of Park: Pigeon Forge, TN, there are so many options of hotels, lodges in this area, This area is about 10 miles away and it is very convenient.
Gatlinburg, TN: Less than 3 miles away from Park entrance. Gatlinburg has all kinds of accommodation possible, from hotels, lodges, fabulous Cabin Rentals in the woods.
In park campsites: There are several campsite throughout the smokies.
Cosby campground: away from the park crowd, restrooms available but no camp store or shower,
Elkmont campground: More popular, more camps available, restrooms, camp store, firewoods, closer to Gatlinburg and visitor Center, but no shower.
Where to Eat in Smoky Mountain:
There are abundant of options to eat in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, and very close to the park, you can easily dine in or pick up food in the morning and enjoy it in the nature.
If you are planning to camp in the campsites, you can bring your food in a cooler and stay in the nature.
If you are driving, there are several picnic areas with fire pit and grill in the park.
Best Time to Visit Great Smokey Mountains
My Travel Guide to The Great Smokey Mountain suggests Fall.
The Great Smokey Mountain National Park is open 24 hour, all year, every day with no entrance fee. It is very easy to visit it any day, anytime throughout the year.
Winter and early spring will be chilly and weather unpredictable.
Summer will be hot and humid and really unpleasant to fully enjoy the true potential of the park.
Best time to visit Smokies is Fall. Colorful leaves and fall foliage is spectacular and your experience will be extra ordinary. I have visited smokies in fall several times and still crave for it regularly.
Editor’s tip: Mid October to early November is the best time to visit this National Park.
What to Do and See in Smokey Mountains
Besides hiking, biking, rafting, fishing, there are some other important activities and things to see in The Great Smoky Mountain.
Smokey Mountain is very very straight forward for enjoying and having fun. I highly recommend to take the main road as a scenic drive from Gatlinburg,TN to Cherokee, NC and back, The drive is about 3 miles long. You will be amazed from what you see and make several frequent stops for views, waterfalls and simply enjoy the nature.
Halfway in your scenic drive, you should take a road to Clingmans Dome where you will reach the highest point in the Smokies. The view and what you experience is breathtaking. It is just 7-8 miles long road but simply absolutely worth it.
Wildlife in Great Smokey Mountain National Park
This is the easiest part of your “Travel Guide to The Great Smokey Mountain”
To visit Smoky Mountain, why? Because you will see the wildlife everywhere. In October and early November, you will see most of the wildlife, specially elks, wild turkey, and even bears.
Please be cautious not to leave any trash, specially fried food waste, as it will kill the bears easily.
