Closest Tennessee Towns to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge is the busiest, most-popular gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This area has the most lodging, restaurants and tourist attractions near the park. Townsend is a much quieter outpost to the west.
Can you drive through Great Smoky Mountain National Park?
Taking a scenic drive is one of the easiest and most rewarding things you can do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With almost 400 miles of roadway in the park and the surrounding scenic area, you can drive to specific locations to enjoy, as well as tour through steadily changing vistas of great beauty.
Is Smoky Mountain National Park worth visiting?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a mecca for outdoor lovers. Along with its abundant wildflowers and wildlife, the park offers stunning waterfalls along wooded trails (Grotto Falls), strenuous climbs (Clingmans Dome or Chimney Tops) and scenic drives (the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail).
What is the most beautiful part of the Smoky Mountains?
10 of the Prettiest Spots in the Smoky Mountains
- Clingmans Dome.
- Newfound Gap.
- Laurel Falls.
- Mount LeConte.
- Cades Cove.
- Rainbow Falls.
- Roaring Fork Motor Trail.
- Chimney Tops. This hike is short (3.3-miles) but steep and is one for those seeking out the prettiest spots in the national park.
What is the closest major city to Gatlinburg Tennessee?
Major cities near Gatlinburg, TN
- 170 miles to Lexington-Fayette, KY.
- 186 miles to Nashville, TN.
- 210 miles to Greensboro, NC.
- 216 miles to Louisville, KY.
- 239 miles to Birmingham, AL.
- 241 miles to Cincinnati, OH.
- 259 miles to Durham, NC.
- 273 miles to Raleigh, NC.
Which is closer Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge?
Closer To the National Park – Gatlinburg is located just outside of the park boundary, while Pigeon Forge is a few miles drive away from park entrances. If you want to spend as much time in the Smokies as possible, this gateway to the national park might be your best place to stay.
What should you not miss in the Smoky Mountains?
20 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains in 2020
- The Island. The Island is one of the top attractions in Pigeon Forge!
- Dollywood.
- Anakeesta.
- Mountain Mile & Tower Shops.
- Chicken Guy!
- Double Decker Bus Tours.
- Pigeon Forge Chairlift.
- Ober Gatlinburg.
How many days do you need in Smoky Mountain National Park?
If you are a first time visitor to the park and want to experience the best of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we suggest 3 to 4 full days of sightseeing plus a day or two for doing some of the longer hikes, river tubing, or horseback riding and still have time to explore Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.
How crowded is Smoky Mountain National Park?
Visit During Non-Peak Months July and October are the two busiest months in the Smoky Mountains. Weekends in October are especially busy because everyone wants to see the fall foliage. If you’re trying to avoid crowds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we suggest visiting during the non-peak months.
How many days do you need in Smoky Mountains?
What is the best time to visit the Smoky Mountains?
The best times to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park are the summer (June, July and August) and the fall. July is the busiest month of the summer season while October weekends draw those in search of autumn foliage.
What city is outside of Gatlinburg?
Sevierville, TN. Maryville, TN. Alcoa, TN.
