GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK · 01 / 03
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Blue horizons
Blue mountain ridges, valleys with cultural heritage, forest trails and waterfalls define the Smokies across Tennessee and North Carolina. There is no general park entrance fee, but a parking tag is required for vehicles parked beyond 15 minutes.
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Cades Cove
History in the landscape
Pastoral scenery and historic places offer a different way to encounter the Smokies.
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK · 03 / 03
Kuwohi
Above the treetops
A high-elevation perspective rewards visitors who plan road access and weather carefully.
01 / EXPERIENCES
Discover Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Blue mountain ridges, valleys with cultural heritage, forest trails and waterfalls define the Smokies across Tennessee and North Carolina. There is no general park entrance fee, but a parking tag is required for vehicles parked beyond 15 minutes.
PARK EXPERIENCE
Cades Cove
Explore historic buildings and a scenic valley while observing traffic and wildlife guidance.
PARK EXPERIENCE
Kuwohi Views
Plan for the elevated viewpoint area and check seasonal approach road conditions.
PARK EXPERIENCE
Waterfalls & Forests
Choose shorter waterfall walks or longer forest trails to match your party’s capability.
02 / VISITOR INTELLIGENCE
Plan your park adventure
Go beyond a scenic photograph: travel times, seasonal access, permits, safety and accommodation should shape your day-by-day plan. Use official park information for real-time restrictions.
PARK EXPERIENCE
Parking Tags
The park’s parking-tag requirement is distinct from its free general entrance.
PARK EXPERIENCE
Gateway Communities
Gatlinburg, Townsend and Cherokee serve different sides of the park; choose lodging by target areas.
PARK EXPERIENCE
Appalachian History
Discover cultural landscapes, former settlements and the region’s renowned ecological diversity.
03 / COMMON QUESTIONS
Visitor questions worth answering
Is there a Smokies entrance fee?
The National Park Service does not charge a general entrance fee, but parking tags are required for vehicle stops beyond 15 minutes.
What is Kuwohi?
Kuwohi is the official name of the mountain previously known as Clingmans Dome, offering high-elevation scenery.
Where can I explore history?
Cades Cove and other protected cultural landscapes feature historic structures and interpretation.
Do I need a parking tag?
If parking longer than 15 minutes within park boundaries, most vehicles need the appropriate official parking tag.
04 / CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY
Discover more national parks
Explore America’s national parks, then confirm the operating details that matter through the National Park Service.