Is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park free?

Yes — the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has no entry fee, unlike most national parks. This is one of the primary reasons it is the most visited national park in the US. There are no reservations required for most activities (though some campgrounds require reservations). Parking is free at most trailheads.

Where is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the Tennessee–North Carolina state line. The main Tennessee entrance is through Gatlinburg, which is about 5 miles from Pigeon Forge. The main North Carolina entrance is near Cherokee, NC, about 1.5 hours from Asheville.

Are there bears in the Great Smoky Mountains?

Yes — the Great Smoky Mountains have one of the densest black bear populations in the eastern US, with an estimated 1,600+ bears in the park. Bear sightings are relatively common, especially in Cades Cove, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, and at higher elevations in spring and fall. Bears are wild animals — observe from a distance and never feed them.

What is the best hike in the Great Smoky Mountains?

For first-timers: Laurel Falls (2.6 miles roundtrip, paved, spectacular waterfall) is the best easy hike. For intermediate hikers: Alum Cave Trail (4.4 miles roundtrip to Alum Cave Bluffs) is the best overall hike in the park. For experienced hikers: Mt. LeConte via Alum Cave (11 miles roundtrip) is the premier summit hike with one of the most dramatic views in the eastern US.

First-time visitors researching the Smoky Mountains before a trip

What Is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States, receiving over 12 million visitors annually — more than the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone combined. It is located on the Tennessee–North Carolina border, with the primary visitor entrances near Gatlinburg, Tennessee (adjacent to Pigeon Forge) and Cherokee, North Carolina. It is completely free — there is no entry fee — and contains over 800 miles of hiking trails, world-class fall foliage, black bears, elk, and some of the most biodiverse temperate forest on Earth.

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Why the Smoky Mountains Are So Popular

The Great Smoky Mountains are the most visited national park for four reasons. Location: the park sits within a day's drive of a third of the US population, making it highly accessible from the Southeast and Midwest. It is free: no entry fee, unlike most national parks. Natural beauty: the fall foliage in October is among the most spectacular in North America due to the extraordinary tree species diversity. And gateway towns: Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge provide outstanding accommodation, food, and entertainment infrastructure directly at the park entrance.

What to Do in the Great Smoky Mountains

Hiking is the primary activity — over 800 trails ranging from easy waterfall walks (Laurel Falls, 2.6 miles roundtrip) to strenuous summit hikes (Alum Cave to Mt. LeConte, 11 miles roundtrip). Scenic drives include Newfound Gap Road (the only road crossing the park, free) and Cades Cove Loop (11 miles, wildlife viewing for deer, black bears, and wild turkeys). Wildlife viewing: the park has the densest black bear population in the eastern US (1,600+ bears) and a reintroduced elk herd near Cataloochee valley. Waterfalls: Laurel Falls, Rainbow Falls, Grotto Falls, and dozens of others.

The Smoky Mountains and Pigeon Forge

The Great Smoky Mountains are the reason Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg exist as tourist destinations. The towns developed as gateway communities for the national park over the past century. Pigeon Forge is approximately 5 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center park entrance in Gatlinburg. Staying in Pigeon Forge gives you excellent access to the park — most major trailheads are 20–45 minutes from the Parkway. The park is free to enter and completely open year-round (with some road closures in winter).

Pro Tips

1.The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is completely free — no entry fee, making it the best-value attraction in the entire Pigeon Forge region.
2.Arrive at popular trailheads (Laurel Falls, Alum Cave, Chimney Tops) by 8am on peak days — parking fills quickly.
3.Cades Cove on Tuesday and Thursday mornings is vehicle-free (bicycles and pedestrians only) — the best wildlife viewing experience in the park.
4.The Appalachian Trail runs along the park's ridgeline — accessible from Newfound Gap for a day hike on the AT.
5.Black bears are common — store food properly and never feed them. Bear sightings are frequent and exciting when observed safely from a distance.
6.Fall foliage peak at lower elevations (Pigeon Forge area) typically occurs mid-to-late October. Higher elevations peak 2 weeks earlier.