How to Enjoy Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park was created by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in September 1940. More than 500,000 acres in Tennessee and North Carolina are included within the park's boundaries, and it has been declared an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site. The unique atmosphere of the Smokies attracts nearly 10 million visitors each year.

Things You'll Need

• Hiking Boots
• Swimsuits
• Maps
• Walkie-talkies
• Weather Radios
• First Aid Kits
• Insect Repellents
• Sunscreen
• Airline Tickets
• National Park Passes
• Cameras
• Binoculars
• Backpacks
• Bear Safety Devices
• Camping Gear
• Fishing Gear
• Flashlights
• Children's Bicycles

Instructions

1. Decide when to go. Most visitor centers are open all year, but peak camping season is early spring through early November, when the temperatures range in the 80s.

2. Choose a way to get there. You can fly into McGhee-Tyson Airport in Alcoa, Tennessee, or Asheville Airport in North Carolina. From either airport, you'll have a 45- to 60-mile drive to the park.

3. Go camping. Fees range from $12 to $20 a night for front country camping, and you can reserve sites at Cades Cove, Elkmont and Smokemont campgrounds up to five months ahead.

4. Stay indoors. LeConte Lodge, accessible only by foot or horseback and open from mid-March to mid-November, is the only lodging within the park. You can stay in nearby towns if you're not up to hiking to your bed.

5. Stop at a visitor center for orientation. At the Sugarlands, Oconaluftee and Cades Cove visitor centers, you'll find general information on the park, maps, trail guides and other helpful literature.

6. Visit historic Cades Cove, the most popular location in the park. Drive the 11-mile loop road and watch for wildlife, fabulous scenery and historic buildings. This road is often jammed bumper-to-bumper in summer.

7. Do some hiking. Strenuous hikes include those to Clingman's Dome, Ramsay Cascades and Chimney Tops. More moderate hikes are also available.

8. Bring your bike. Bicycles are allowed on most trails in the park, and you can rent a bike at Cades Cove. Don't forget to wear your helmet.

9. Go fishing. If you're 13 or older you'll need a fishing license, but you can fish all year long in the park. Check in at the visitor centers for possession and size regulations.

10. Go horseback riding. The park has more than 500 miles of trails and even some horse camps where you can board your horse. Several stables within the park rent horses by the hour.

11. Bring your inner tubes. Tubing is especially popular at the Little River, Deep Creek and Oconaluftee River. Tubes can be rented outside the park.

12. Explore other recreational options, such as rafting, skiing, golf and more, in the adjacent Smoky Mountains area.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the online National Park Service Reservation Service (see the Related Sites) to make front country camping reservations or call (800) 365-CAMP.

• Pets must be kept on a leash at all times and are not allowed on hiking trails.

• Seven campgrounds within the park cannot be reserved and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

• No fee is charged for entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

• To contact park officials, write to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, or call [phone].

• You will need a permit for backcountry camping. Permits are free and can be picked up at ranger stations or visitor centers. You can reserve some backcountry campsites and tent camping areas by calling [phone].

• Weather conditions in the park can change quickly and are sometimes dangerous. Check the forecast in Gatlinburg, Knoxville or Asheville to stay abreast of weather warnings.

• You may run into bears, wolves, coyotes or even wild hogs in various areas of the park. Check at the visitor centers to find out how to avoid problems with these creatures and others.

• The park has no mountain biking trails.