The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great attraction to put on your itinerary if you're vacationing in Tennessee or North Carolina. You'll be able to see why it receives more than 12 million visitors each year! This is more visitors than any other national park in the United States. It's time to prepare for your visit. Here is a list of the top 3 things to know before exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
1. You Need a Parking Pass
You will want to spend a long time taking in the beauty of the Smokies during your visit. It is important to note that if you plan to stay in the park longer than 15 minutes, you'll need a parking pass for your vehicle. The parking pass program was introduced in 2023. There are daily, weekly, and yearly options. All the fees are very affordable, and the funds go back into maintaining the park. The money has helped improve both visitor experience and safety. You'll be happy to know that you don't need a parking pass if you drive through the park. There are some great scenic routes to take, such as Cades Cove Loop Road. It is home to the John Oliver Cabin, the oldest human structure in the Smokies. It was built during the 1820s by the cabin’s namesake and his wife.
2. There is Potential for Road and Trail Closures
Another thing you should know before exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is that the roads and trails can close temporarily. This is due to bad weather conditions, including ice and flooding. There may be maintenance as well. To keep visitors safe, the National Park Service may decide to close areas until the weather improves or the maintenance is finished. To stay up-to-date on all the closures, check the Smokies Road Info page (@SmokiesNPS) on X. (Formerly Twitter). It is also a good idea to have alternate trails in mind. If your first choice does close due to weather or maintenance, you can still have a fun day at the park!
3. Stay At Least 150 Feet Away From Wildlife At All Times
The stunning scenery at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to all kinds of wildlife. You may have the exciting opportunity to see some during your visit. If you do, refrain from getting too close. Rather, stay at least 150 feet away from wildlife at all times. Pack some binoculars for the best view from a safe distance. Another helpful safety tip is to keep food and trash secure. Black bears are the Smokies’ most popular animal. They are active in the warmer months and have a keen sense of smell. In fact, they can smell food sources from over a mile away. Make sure you pick up after yourself as well because human food may be unsafe for wildlife to eat.
We hope you follow all these tips when exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Need some help deciding what activities to do? Explore our other list of the top most popular things to do in the Smoky Mountains!
