Hello there, and welcome to Dirt In My Shoes! Are you ready to plan an unforgettable trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park?! From the stunning old-growth forests and historical buildings to the gorgeous vistas that stretch for many miles, you are sure to find something that everyone in your group will LOVE.
Great Smoky Mountains is a place where memories are made and talked about for years to come. It’s a place that has been beloved by families for many generations, fostering a love for the great outdoors deep within the soul of anyone who steps foot here. You can’t help but be drawn back to this place time and time again!
There is so much to do. You may have already looked at a map and been a little overwhelmed — and eager — to make sure that you don’t miss the best sights.
I’m a former park ranger, and I’ll help you plan your vacation down to the details. I’ve extensively explored the Great Smoky Mountains and am here to help! Whether this is your first time to the Smokies, or if you are returning after many years and would like to be reintroduced to the park, this list of 12 things is for you.
What You Need to Know About Smoky Mountain National Park
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited park in the United States. For the best experience during your time here, get an early start to your day and have a solid plan ===> like this detailed itinerary!
- This park is open year-round, except for a few secondary roads that close during the winter months. Check the NPS Website for information on operating hours and seasonal opening and closing dates within the Great Smoky Mountains.
- This park is unique because only one lodge is available within the park — and you’ve got to hike 5-8 miles on foot to get there! The LeConte Lodge sits atop Mount Le Conte, the park’s third-highest peak. Numerous camping options are available within the park.
- Numerous hiking trails converge and overlap in this park, so you don’t want to be caught hiking without a map. This is the map I use and recommend for Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Traffic and crowding in the Great Smoky Mountains can be terrible.
Did you know that it’s common to get stuck in traffic for an hour or more just trying to enter the park or get parking at trailheads?
Are you hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people?
Stay ahead of the crowds with this Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary. You will see all of the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips!
I’ll make sure that you don’t miss the sights that make this park so famous, but I also want to provide a few treasures that are off-the-beaten-path as well. Let the adventure begin!
Click NEXT to see the list of 12 things you can’t miss on your first visit to the Smokies.
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With the park being so large, and there being multiple entrances. What town would you recommend staying in to be most centralized to see all of these things and to do best hiking?
You’ll find that info in this Lodging post, or my specific recommendations in the Great Smokies Itinerary!
Love your article. so helpful. We are staying in pigeon forge for a few days then down to Cherokee Worth it to do to go to Cades cove? I do plan on visiting Roaring Fork area. Thank you so much!
Yes, for sure! It’s beautiful!
We are going in December and I know we may be limited. What do you recommend that should be open? And what should we be prepared to be closed. Thank you!
You’ll find all of that info here: The Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Just got a waitlist reservation for LeConte! It’s March 21, which is their first day of operation. Will it be too cold / rainy (snowy?!) to make it worth it? Any advice would be great!
It’s usually pretty nice in March, but snow is definitely not unheard of. Have an amazing time!
This is an amazing blog! I really appreciate all of the details.
I am considering going to the Smokys later this month/November. Will it be freezing? I’m having a hard time finding information on weather on the mountain during this time. thank you!
Thanks Ali! November does get a little chilly and sometimes it snows, but the weather typically holds well enough to get out and explore most areas of the park. They don’t start closing down roads for the winter season until the end of the month, but temporary closures are possible if a storm rolls through. Bring lots of layers and enjoy the views and solitude!
Please update the Cade’s Cove info on days closed to vehicles. They are currently closing on Wednesdays and only hiking or bicycling allowed in the Cove on Wednesdays. Thanks for a great article!
Thanks Jeannie! I thought I got that updated everywhere, so I appreciate you letting me know that I missed it!
Hi! Thanks for all the great info! We will be coming mid October this year, dress in lots of layers??
Thanks!!
Yes, layers are best! That way you can be ready for any weather. Have fun!
Is the 2nd week of November a good time to visit for hiking and outdoor activities?
Generally, yes! Though snow closures are possible at that time of year, so just be prepared for that.
What a great article! My husband and I are going in mid November for our anniversary before Thanksgiving for a weekend. Its our first time there. What kind of clothing should we have. I’m trying to buy a parka and like artic gear lol I just hate being cold! My husband on the other hand is ok with a light jacket. Please advise.
Bring lots of layers! The weather can be a little moody this time of year, so it’s much easier if you can add and subtract layers depending on the temps. Have fun!
What a great detailed break down of the park!! We will be in the area mid March, will probably only have one day…what are the top things you recommend to do. (because of knee issue hiking max would be around 1 mile)
Hi Jenn,
You’ll find my recommendations in the Great Smoky Mountain Itinerary found here: https://dirtinmyshoes.lpages.co/great-smoky-mountains-itinerary/ Have fun!