Situated outside the historic Mountain Farm Museum, the visitor center serves as the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park with all its natural beauty, outdoor attractions, and amenities. Inside the park, 2 miles north of Cherokee, NC, on US 441. Gatlinburg, All Rights Reserved. Seasonal opening and closing dates for the secondary roads are as follows: Balsam Mountain Road Open May 15 November 1. Get a free Great Smoky Mountains National Park trip planner for inspiring itineraries and essential information. Townsend Visitor Center. Visitors can experience an array of outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, zip lining, horseback riding, tubing, kayaking and motorcycle riding. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park visitor centers offer a variety of resources that help you to navigate through the park and have a truly memorable time! A free twenty-minute film about the park runs on a loop inside the visitor center. NOTE: The featured photo above is Cades Cove Visitor Center. Sugarlands Visitor Center is located two miles south of Gatlinburg, Tennessee on US-411. The Folk Art Center is located nearby, two miles to the north along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. Situated outside the historic Mountain Farm Museum, the visitor center serves as the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park with all its natural beauty, outdoor attractions, and amenities. Make your trip to the park more enjoyable and memorable! Smoky Mountains Visitor Center at Townsend 7906 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy. The Cades Cove Loop winds for 11 miles through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a picturesque drive with a backdrop of the mountain peaks and its lush, rolling greens. Clingmans Dome Visitor Center is the highest elevation information center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 6,300 feet in elevation. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to 4 visitor centers: Cades Cove, Oconaluftee, Sugarlands and Clingmans . Oconaluftee Visitor Center Near Cherokee: Southern Gateway to the Smokies. Location. 2022 2. All Rights Reserved. September October: 10:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. What makes Cades Cove unique from other visitor centers in the park are the two historical grist mills that are located nearby. Spread throughout the national park, the visitor centers provide educational materials and exhibits on the park; offer water, snacks, and restrooms; and allow access to rangers for any questions or concerns. Things To Do Hiking, biking, picniking, watching wildlife, auto touring. Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Tripadvisor NOTE: The featured photo above is Cades Cove Visitor Center. Want to get listed and grow your business? A wildly popular destination, Cades Cove can be packed to the brim with adventurers at times. In the visitors center, there are several extensive natural history exhibits, a free 20-minute film about the national park and an information center. Website. 107 Park Headquarters Road Camp under the stars. That is not to say you wont find information, however, its just that you will most likely have increased access to park officials. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Gatlinburg Trail . Copyright 2016-2022 Marc & Ann Bowman | All Rights Reserved |, 9. RELATED: Cades Cove is the most popular destination in the park. I found it interesting and learned quite a bit. That historical information in the visitor center comes nicely complemented by the free, open-air Mountain Farm Museum next door, which displays a number of vintage log buildings from the Great Smokies. Clingmans Dome has a different schedule. The Oconaluftee Visitor Centerthe first visitor center in Great Smoky Mountains National Park built since the 1960sserves as a fantastic introduction to this most popular of U.S. national parks. History of Elkmont The Elkmont area was first settled in the 1840s, when it was known as "Little River." Clingmans Dome Visitor Center | Photo: Billy Hathorn. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail Open April 10 November 30. June August: 10:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Check with the visitor center for times and exact locations. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Townsend, Tennessee 37882. It was impacted by the 2016 fires, but the downtown was spared. TN September October: 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Inside the visitor center are exhibits detailing mountain life from the times of the Cherokee Indians through the establishment of the national park. Access to snacks and water can be found on the property as well as suitable restrooms for those in need. November: 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. The well marked trail begins at the visitor center and features tree cover (perfect in summer and fall! Feel free to ask questions, get directions, or just chat. Heintooga Ridge Road Open May 15 November 1 for hiker access. 15 Best Things To Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park 1. Stop here to stretch your legs, get your bearings, and speak with experts about your itinerary. While driving the loop road, please be courteous to other visitors and use pullouts when stopping to enjoy the scenery or view wildlife. Great Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and gift shop. Manage Settings Hiking. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park hours are 24/7, 365 days a year! However, some of the secondary roads are subject to seasonal closures. more information on current conditions Vehicle-free access along the Cades Cove Loop Road, Self-Guiding Auto Tour Booklet Cades Cove. Click Here. Oconaluftee is home to the rich culture of the Cherokee Indians in Cherokee, North Carolina. Download a park trail map, Mileage to Cades Cove: Sugarlands Visitor Center Near Gatlinburg - smokymountains.com Visitor Centers Historic Gristmills All roads and facilities are subject to temporary closures due to weather and construction. If Rover is tired of being cooped up in the car, this is your best option! The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is Great Smoky Mountains National Park's first new visitor service facility to be constructed since the early 1960s. For your convenience, here is a guide to each of the visitor centers in the park. Explore a historic mill. Museum Inside Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Oconaluftee Visitor Center is located on Newfound Gap Road (US 441) about a half mile past the entrance to Blue Ridge Parkway. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S. National Park Service) January: 9:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. This easy hike is perfect for families with young children. The Oconaluftee Visitor Centerthe first visitor center in Great Smoky Mountains National Park built since the 1960sserves as a fantastic introduction to this most popular of U.S. national parks. Learn more about the region's early inhabitants, tap ranger knowledge, and explore historic Smoky Mountain structures next door at the Mountain . The trailhead is located between the visitor center and the comfort station. TN We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The famous Clingmans Dome is the highest peak in the entire Appalachian Mountains. Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park's official online store for other books, maps, and guides to the park. Situated outside the historic Mountain Farm Museum, the visitor center serves as the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park with all its natural beauty, outdoor attractions, and amenities. Share the Smoky Mountains video with the people you'll be camping in the Smoky Mountains with!. It closes in winter due to weather conditions. Travelers can see various species, such as black bears, deer, and wild turkeys, driving around the loop. Newfound Gap - Smoky Mountain National Park Within the visitor center youll find some fascinating museum displays focused on the history and culture of the Oconaluftee Valley and the Smokies in general, including American Indian and early Euro-American heritage, as well as information on the establishment of the park and the CCCs lasting influence. America's most-visited national park does not charge entrance fees, but starting today, it does charge for parking. Living-history demos take place here regularly, helping bring these timeworn structures to life. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is the perfect spot to begin your Smoky Mountain vacation! Your adventure awaits! Mountain Farm Museum | Cherokee, NC Stop by a park bookstore for a wide array of fun and educational items to help you explore the park: The park's bookstores are operated by Great Smoky Mountains Association, a nonprofit partner of the park. more information on current conditions Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park's official online store for books, maps, and guides to the park. 'Cades Cove Visitor Information Center. -While the Cataloochee area tends to the most productive place to spot elk in the Great Smokies, its not uncommon to see them grazing in the meadow beside the Oconaluftee Visitor Center as well, particularly around dawn and dusk. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Cades Cove Visitor Center Obviously, the visitor centers cant be run 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, but they are operated for a majority of the year. As with the other visitor centers, Park Rangers conduct seasonal programs for the public. These programs are educational and fun and the children especially love it. 1:29. December: 8:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. January February: 9:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Clingmans Dome. Finally, if you have the time, Sugalands offers a free 20-minute movie about the park. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. A Comfort Station (official jargon for restrooms), is located next to the visitor center. 204 reviews #3 of 20 things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park Dams Visit website Call Write a review About One may take a cable car ride into the depths of the Fontana Dam. Elkmont - Smoky Mountain National Park Explore with Pets Review pet-friendly park activities for a great visit. These include Cades Cove Picnic Area, Deep Creek Picnic Area, Greenbrier Picnic Area and Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area. Open Friday-Sunday in November Clingmans Dome Information Center and Store, Park Entrances to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 10 Best Things to Do on a Great Smoky Mountains Vacation, Official Great Smoky Mountains National Park Map PDF, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Region Map PDF. Plan Your Visit - Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S. National Temporarily closed for preservation and rehabilitation work. Other campgrounds close for the winter season. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is open year round (2022), except Christmas Day. These Are The 10 Hottest National Parks You Should Visit - TheTravel The Great Smoky Mountains National Park hours are 24/7, 365 days a year! On these days, the 11-mile loop can be enjoyed on foot or bicycle. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Get the Guide - Blount Tourism Theres also benches to take a rest, first aid kits, and food and drinks. 11 Most Scenic Road Trips to Take in Tennessee - WorldAtlas The hike, which is less than a mile roundtrip, ends at a beautiful 25-foot waterfall. Check with the volunteers, or ask a Ranger, for information about times and locations. These structures are original to the park and give visitors a first hand look into southern mountain life and culture. Cataract Falls Buses, motorhomes, vans longer than 25 feet, and passenger vehicles towing trailers are prohibited on this road. You can choose from 10 frontcountry campgrounds or head into the backcountry. While the park itself is open all day, every day, some areas and roads in the park do close throughout the year. They are Sugarlands, Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome, andOconaluftee. Check at the visitor center for location and times.ExhibitsThe adjacent Mountain Farm Museum contains a fascinating collection of log structures including a farmhouse, barn, smokehouse, applehouse, corn cribs and others. Wildlife viewing tips. Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Sugarlands Visitor Center Gloria Wadzinski. Explore and learn how families lived in the mountains 100 years ago. What do you want to do in the park? Gatlinburg is the busiest, most touristy gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Oconaluftee River corridor deeper in the park hosts an array of trailheads, but youve also got a fine hiking opportunity right here at the visitor center. It's the largest and busiest campground in the Great Smoky Mountains and just 8 miles from Gatlinburg! THE 10 CLOSEST Hotels to Sugarlands Visitors Center, Great Smoky Of the visitor centers, Sugarlands, Oconaluftee, and Cades Cover are only closed on Christmas Day. If you would like to order a printed guide, please fill the following form. Fontana Dam & Visitors Center (Great Smoky Mountains National Park Sugarlands Visitor Center is 1.7 miles ahead on the right side of the road. After passing Ski Mountain Road, you will enter the National Park. Start Summer with 50% Off Outside+, Ends June 1. Located half-way around the loop road in the Cable Mill historic area. Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park's official online store for other books, maps, and guides to the park. Visitor Centers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park Explore Gatlinburg, TN | Things to Do & The Great Smoky Mountains Allow at least two to four hours to tour Cades Cove, longer if you walk some of the area's trails. Roundbottom/Straight Fork Road Open April 3 November 1. Website Development by PaleoSun. Townsend, TN 37882 Contact kmitchell@blountpartnership.com 865-448-6134 Hours 7 days a week - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Christmas Day. Exit at Milepost 469. 4 Great Reasons to Visit the Smoky Mountain National Park Visitors Center Park Rangers are approachable and some of the nicest people you will ever meet. 299. Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. They are Sugarlands, Cades Cove, Clingman's Dome, and Oconaluftee. Along Newfound Gap Road, you can experience a variety of forests, like cove hardwood, pine-oak and northern hardwood forests to get to the . The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is open year round (2022), except Christmas Day. Cades Cove Story Check out two museums in this visitor center just north of Cherokee, NC. March: 9:00 a.m. 6:30 p.m. The park's largest visitor center features natural history displays and shows a free, 20-minute park movie. Nestled in the foothills of the Smokies in Chestnut Hill, Tennessee, just 45 minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Bush's Visitor Center is a fascinating journey into America's favorite canned bean brand. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. April August: 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. The Becky Cable house, a barn, and other structures may be toured also. By 1830 the population of the area had already swelled to 271. The museum walks you through the history of Native Americans and early European Settlers in the Smokies as well as the history of the establishment of the park. Beyond its interpretive displays, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center also serves as an all-around information hub: Rangers and staff are on hand to answer any questions you might have about the parka useful resource, to say the least, for planning your itinerary here. Review of Oconaluftee Visitor Center in National Park - smokymountains.com Top 5 Places to See a Sunrise in the Smoky Mountains There are 200 tent/RV campsites, 20-walk-in sites for tents, restrooms and more. Every State Inside the Appalachian mountains, Smoky Mountain Speedways: The Complete List, How the Appalachian Mountains Were Formed, Cataloochee: From Spring Resort to Ski Resort. Open April to November, 10 a.m. to as late as 6:30 p.m. in summer (hours vary seasonally). For hundreds of years Cherokee Indians hunted in Cades Cove but archeologists have found no evidence of major settlements. Over the course of a year, close to 1 million people stop by the Sugarlands Visitor Center to get information on the park. Large numbers of white-tailed deer are frequently seen, and sightings of black bear, coyote, ground hog, turkey, raccoon, skunk, and other animals are also possible. Its a spiffy structure, all the more so given its energy-efficient and eco-friendly architecture and design, which includes flooring made from salvaged American chestnut, rubber, and recycled carpets as well as a geothermal heating and cooling system. In addition to the free movie, knowledgable rangers, and exhibits, you will find several easy hikes with a trailhead next to the visitor center. There is no fee for participating, so check with the visitor center for the times and locations. Day Hikes In and Around Cades Cove Whether you are looking for help, education, history, culture, or adventure, you can find it through all of these visitor centers. This trail begins at the visitor center and follows a beautiful river to the outskirts of Gatlinburg. Buses, motorhomes, vans longer than 25 feet, and passenger vehicles towing trailers are prohibited on this road Please note: When Forge Creek Road is closed due to mud, Parson Branch Road is not accessible to motor vehicles. The visitor center is open daily, with the exception of Christmas, and includes indoor and outdoor exhibits about the Smoky Mountains, the John P. Cable Mill, a bookstore and shop, and restrooms. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center is located at Parkway milepost 384, which is about a mile south of the US 70 intersection (or one mile north of the US 74-A intersection) and about 8 miles east of downtown Asheville. The Cades Cove, Elkmont and Smokemont campgrounds are open year round. No part of this website may be reproduced, published, distributed, displayed, performed, copied or stored for public or private use without written permission from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.