Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Plan Your Visit

Fall Colors by US-Parks

The park is open year-round. Visitor centers at Sugarlands, Oconaluftee, and Cades Cove are open all year, except Christmas Day. Hours of operation vary throughout the year.

Getting There

Plane

The nearest major airport in Tennessee (McGhee-Tyson, TYS) is Alcoa, 45 miles west of Gatlinburg. North Carolina's, Asheville Airport is 60 miles east of the park.

Car

Several major highways lead to the park. The following routes provide access to the three main entrances.

Gatlinburg, TN entrance: From interstate highway I-40 take Exit 407 (Sevierville) to TN Route 66 South, and continue to US-441 South. Follow US-441 to park. Townsend, TN entrance: From interstate highway I-40 in Knoxville - Exit 386B US-129 South to Alcoa/Maryville. At Maryville proceed on US-321 North through Townsend. Continue straight on TN Highway 73 into the park. Cherokee, NC entrance: From I-40, take US Route 19 West through Maggie Valley. Proceed to US-441 North at Cherokee into the park. From Atlanta and points south: follow US-441 and 23 North. US-441 leads to the park.

Public Transportation

There is no public transportation to the national park, however commercial businesses operating in the communities surrounding the national park offer transportation from cities such as Knoxville, TN and Asheville, NC to the park. Information is available from local Chambers of Commerce.