The best times to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park are the summer (June, July and August) and the fall July is the busiest month of the summer season while October weekends draw those in search of autumn foliage
How many days do you need in the Smoky Mountains?
If you are a first time visitor to the park and want to experience the best of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we suggest 3 to 4 full days of sightseeing plus a day or two for doing some of the longer hikes, river tubing, or horseback riding and still have time to explore Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge
What is the off season in Gatlinburg?
Though Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains are truly a year-round destination, the off-season in Gatlinburg is during January, February, and March However, these months still see lots of visitors, this “off-season” is simply less busy than other times of the year
Is spring a good time to visit the Smoky Mountains?
Spring is the least crowded time to explore the Smoky Mountains, so if you’d like to enjoy some privacy during your trip simply plan a visit in March or April It’s an ideal time to enjoy destinations like Cades Cove, Alum Cave Trail, and Clingman’s Dome without the crowds
Are the Smoky Mountains worth seeing?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a mecca for outdoor lovers Along with its abundant wildflowers and wildlife, the park offers stunning waterfalls along wooded trails (Grotto Falls), strenuous climbs (Clingmans Dome or Chimney Tops) and scenic drives (the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail)
How long does it take to drive through the Smoky Mountains?
The scenic driving tour through the Cades Cove Loop takes approximately two to four hours depending on traffic Because it’s a single-lane road, be prepared to stop frequently—the slow pace makes it easy to enjoy the amazing mountain landscapes, wildflower meadows, and diverse wildlife
Which is better to stay Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge?
Overall, Gatlinburg is more compact than Pigeon Forge, which creates a more pedestrian friendly area There are some downsides to being in a smaller valley Since there’s not much open space or alternative routes, this mountain town tends to get more crowded than Pigeon Forge
What should you avoid in Gatlinburg?
While there are a lot of things to do, Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals has some tips of things you shouldn’t do while on vacation Do Not Eat Out Every Night Do Not go Taste Moonshine on an Empty Stomach Do Not Wear 5 Inch Heels Do Not Expect Your Cell Phone to Get Great Service Do Not Leave Trash Outside your Cabin
Are there mosquitoes in the Smoky Mountains?
Are There Mosquitoes in the Great Smoky Mountains? If you wonder whether you need to pack bug spray for your upcoming trip to the Great Smoky Mountains, the answer is yes While mosquitoes and ticks are not a big problem here than other areas of the US, they can still make your hike far less enjoyable
What should you not miss in the Smoky Mountains?
20 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains in 2020 The Island The Island is one of the top attractions in Pigeon Forge! Dollywood Anakeesta Mountain Mile & Tower Shops Chicken Guy! Double Decker Bus Tours Pigeon Forge Chairlift Ober Gatlinburg
What is the best way to see the Smoky Mountains?
1 Explore the Smoky Mountains ON FOOT Hiking may be an obvious choice to see the sights, but it’s also one of the best ways to appreciate the natural beauty in the park Wandering through the woods lets you get up close to flowers, plants, trees and shrubs blooming year-round
What are the Smoky Mountains known for?
The area is known for its wildflowers, autumn colors, waterfalls, and black bears A boy plays at the bottom of Spruce Flats Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park It is also known for the blue-colored mist that hangs above mountain peaks and valleys It looks like smoke, and gave the area its name
Is it free to visit the Smoky Mountains?
Entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free The park is one of the few national parks where no entrance fees are charged
Are the Great Smoky Mountains safe?
With better than 800 miles of well-maintained trails lacing its backcountry, Great Smoky Mountains National Park ranks among the finest hiking destinations in the country Just how safe are the Great Smokies for the foot traveler? Well, the short answer is: quite safe
Where should I stay when visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are great and hugely popular options for where to stay when visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park The towns are located near the park border and also offer a lot of activities for days off the park Sevierville is located further away but is more budget-friendly
Is there a scenic drive through the Smoky Mountains?
Newfound Gap Road is by far one of the longest best scenic drives in smoky mountains, at 292 miles one way (584 miles round trip) During this drive, you will climb 3,000 feet up into the highlands before descending down into the lowlands areas again
Is Cades Cove worth visiting?
Worth it? Absolutely, Cades Cove is well worth your time to visit and see if it IS worth your time Cades Cove is the most popular and most visited site in the park
What interstate goes through the Smoky Mountains?
The Great Smoky Mountains Expressway is a four-lane divided highway that serves as the main east–west corridor through Southwestern North Carolina; connecting the towns of Bryson City, Sylva and Waynesville to Interstate 40
How much does it cost to walk across the skybridge in Gatlinburg?
It’s open daily 9 am-9 pm and until 10 pm after Memorial Day Admission prices are $1495 for children ages 4-11, $1795 for adults over 65 and $1995 for adults ages 12-64 Find more information at Gatlinburgskyliftcom
Is Pigeon Forge and Dollywood the same thing?
Gatlinburg is located right at the entrance to the national park Pigeon Forge’s most famous attraction is Dollywood, the awesome theme park named after Smoky Mountain native Dolly Parton As the largest ticketed attraction in Tennessee, Dollywood truly has something for everyone
Which is better Asheville or Gatlinburg?
Asheville is progressive, leftist, somewhat snobby in attitude but not in dress Gatlinburg is a down-home vacation spot, a throwback to earlier times, somewhat conservative, and unassuming Which one you would prefer depends on you Both have gorgeous scenery