Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in America — and it’s not even close. More than 12 million people make the trip each year, drawn by ancient mountains, cascading waterfalls, black bears, and over 800 miles of hiking trails.
But here’s what most visitors don’t realize: the Smokies reward the people who go deeper. The ones who get off the main roads, learn the trails, and come back again and again.
That’s exactly who we built Trails of the Smokies for. Whether you’re planning your first visit or your fiftieth, this guide will help you make the most of one of the most remarkable places in America.
Where Is Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
The park straddles the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, with two main gateway towns — Gatlinburg, TN on the Tennessee side and Cherokee, NC on the North Carolina side. The park is within a day’s drive of roughly one-third of the US population, which helps explain those visitor numbers.
The nearest major cities are: Knoxville, TN (about 30 miles west), Asheville, NC (about 60 miles east), Charlotte, NC (about 3 hours east), and Nashville, TN (about 3 hours west).
Is It Free to Visit?
Yes — Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the few major national parks that does not charge an entrance fee. However, there is a parking tag requirement called the Smokies Tag — $5/day or $15/week — that applies to most developed parking areas in the park.
Best Time to Visit
Every season in the Smokies has something special to offer.
Spring (March–May) — Wildflowers bloom across the park, including the famous synchronous fireflies event in late May/early June. Waterfalls are at their fullest after winter rains.
Summer (June–August) — The most popular season. Trails are busy but the mountains are lush and green. Higher elevations offer cool temperatures even on hot days.
Fall (October–November) — Many people consider this the best time to visit. The fall foliage in the Smokies is world-class, typically peaking in mid-to-late October.
Winter (December–February) — The crowds thin out dramatically. Snow on the trails and mountaintops is magical. Many facilities close but the park itself stays open.
Top Trails to Know
With 800+ miles of trails, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. Here are a few that we keep coming back to:
Alum Cave Trail (5 miles roundtrip, Moderate) — One of the most popular trails in the park for good reason. Dramatic rock formations, mountain views, and a fascinating geology lesson all in one hike.
Laurel Falls (2.6 miles roundtrip, Easy) — The most visited trail in the park. A paved path leads to a beautiful two-tiered waterfall. Perfect for families and first-timers.
Charlies Bunion (8 miles roundtrip, Moderate-Strenuous) — A section of the Appalachian Trail with one of the best views in the entire park. The rocky outcropping at the end is unforgettable.
Ramsey Cascades (8 miles roundtrip, Strenuous) — A longer, more challenging hike that rewards you with the tallest waterfall in the park. Worth every step.
Come Hike With Us
The Smokies have a way of getting into your blood. You come once, and then you keep coming back. That’s the story of Trails of the Smokies — a father and son who couldn’t stop returning to these mountains and decided to share everything they’ve learned along the way.
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