North carolina scenery smokey mountains free#

There is no park admission, but as of March 1, 2023, a purchased parking tag will be required to enter the park.

North carolina scenery smokey mountains free#

Plan Your Visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park What to KnowĬOST: It is free to access Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 6,643 feet), with a seven-mile detour off of Highway 441. And, you can access Clingman's Dome, the highest point in the Smokies (elev. Top attractions along the way include Newfound Gap, an overlook with gorgeous views. to the entrance in Gatlinburg, Tenn. US Highway 441 features numerous overlooks and trail heads.

US Highway 441/Newfound Gap/Clingman's Dome: This two-lane scenic drive takes you through the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, connecting the entrance in Cherokee, N.C.Hike to Midnight Hole and Mouse Creek Falls, or take a more ambitious trek up to Mount Cammerer. Big Creek: With a large picnic area and hiking trails, Big Creek makes for a relaxing day trip.

It's also a popular place to go tubing in the summer. A loop hike takes you to the area’s three main waterfalls. Deep Creek: Waterfalls abound at this outdoor adventure hot spot near the mountain community of Bryson City.There are also several great hiking trails, including the Little Cataloochee Trail. While you’re in Cataloochee Valley, see the one-room school, the church and the farm house. Volunteers are often present to share information about the elk and provide insight into area history. Cataloochee is known as the area's best place to see these incredible animals. Cataloochee Valley: See majestic elk as they roam this historic valley.Just outside this Park entrance is the town of Cherokee. You can explore inside the mill from 9 a.m.

A half mile north of the visitor center inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll find Mingus Mill-a historic grist mill built in 1886. Here, you'll have access to the trail head for the Oconaluftee River Trail, a great wildflower hike in spring. The large grassy field near the visitor center is actually a top place for viewing the Park's famous elk and other wildlife.

Oconaluftee Visitor Center/Cherokee: The main western entrance to the National Park, Oconaluftee, is home to a visitor center (with restroom facilities), collection of preserved historic log buildings and picturesque mountain meadows.

(Driving distances from downtown Asheville are shown in parenthesis.) Highlights in Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Asheville include everything from incredible natural beauty to the ease of access to the region’s best hiking trails, from the powerful waterfalls to the stunning scenic drives. Top Places to Visit in Great Smoky Mountains National Park Near Asheville, NC Asheville is within an hour and a half drive (or less) of five key entrances to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Smoky Mountains are known for the blue mist that always seems to hover around the peaks and valleys.Īsheville, North Carolina makes the perfect home base for a day trip to the North Carolina Smokies. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, and covers 520,000 acres (800 square miles). It's no wonder why. As you watch the low-hanging fog rise among the ridge lines, you’ll feel the majesty of these storied mountains and see for yourself how they earned their name. Great Smoky Mountain National Park is America’s most visited National Park.