The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country and has received more than 12 million guests per year! While that may sound a bit intimidating for a first time visitor, the good news is that there are some easy ways that you avoid the majority of the crowds! Once you see the beauty of the Smokies for yourself, you’ll realize just why so many people have fallen in love with this stunning area of the country! Here are the top 3 ways to avoid the peak crowds at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
1. Hike Early in the Morning
Since everyone wants to experience the magnificent hiking trails at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can beat the rush by being the early bird! The park is open 24 hours per day, allowing you to get an early start on some of the most popular trails. For example, it is not unusual to see the parking lots for the Alum Cave Trail full by 8:30 AM, so try arriving by dawn if possible! Some of the other popular hiking trails in the Smokies include the Laurel Falls Trail, Grotto Falls Trail, Abrams Falls Trail and the Rainbow Falls Trail.
2. Visit a Less Popular Trail That is Still Beautiful
If you’re not an early riser, you can still avoid the crowds by visiting a less popular trail within the park! After all, there are more than 850 miles of hiking trails to explore! We’ll even let you in on a few secret hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains that aren’t even documented on the official park map! You’ll also find fewer crowds on the North Carolina side of the Smokies, so consider hikes such as the Three Waterfalls Loop in the Deep Creek Lake area or the Sweat Heifer Creek Trail! The exciting news is that all of these alternatives are just as beautiful as the more well known trails!
3. Plan a Trip Outside of the Peak Seasons
While the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a popular destination at any time of year, you can avoid some of the crowds by planning a trip outside of the peak seasons! There are essentially two peak seasons in the Smokies, which consist of the summer season (June to August) and the fall foliage season. You can also count on higher visitation during spring breaks or any other time that schools are out of session. If you can schedule a trip during the spring or fall, you might time it perfectly with low crowds and perfect weather! The winter can even be a good experience, as daytime temperatures at the lower elevations are generally moderate.
Now that you know how to avoid the majority of the crowds at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’re ready for a successful visit enjoying the beauty of the Smokies! If you’re curious why the park is so popular in the first place, here are the top 4 reasons why the Great Smoky Mountains are the most visited national park!
