frequently asked questions

Timing Your Trip

When is the best time to visit the Smokies?

Basically, anytime is a good time to visit the Smokies. The determining factor for deciding when to visit is: What are your likes and dislikes? For example, the color extravaganza of Fall appeals to nearly everyone—evidenced by the crowding at that time. The floral show of Spring attracts lots of people too. But consider the relative non-crowding of the wintertime. Winters are very mild in the Smokies. Mountain vistas are enhanced by the lack of foliage on the trees. And hiking is easier in some ways. For example, in the winter, one can dress in layers and remove layers as the need arises.

When is the best time–and where is the best place–to view wildlife?

Without question, the best place and time to see deer, wild turkey, and other small wildlife is Cades Cove. In years past, wildlife were very shy and you had to time your searches for the feeding times at dawn and dusk. However, through the years the wildlife have become more tame as Park visitors have grown in number and you can now even see the deer feeding at midday in Cades Cove.

Bear can be found out on some trails and near campgrounds—looking for food. A word of caution, however: Don’t feed the bears. It shortens their lives and creates dangerous circumstances for other travelers. Remember—don’t feed the bears. Also, avoid the mother bear with her cubs. She might sense a threat to her cub and become unpredictable.

Does everything close in the winter?

No, not nearly as much as in years past. Visitors to the Smokies number approximately 10 million—and visitation continues to grow yearly. Businesses are remaining open longer (many all year) to accommodate travelers. So, while a few owners take January and February off, many are open. The National Park remains open all year, with only a few unimproved roads closed due to storm damage or harsh weather. Parson’s Branch and Rich Mountain Roads (off the Cades Cove loop road) and the road to Clingman’s Dome are two examples. Call the Park at (865) 436-1200 for specific questions.

Fishing

Do I need a special license to fish in the Park? What does a fishing license cost?

There are different licenses available depending on your state of residency and the type of fishing you plan to do. Details including cost can be found on our fishing information page.

Where can I purchase a fishing license?

Licenses can be obtained from the Tennessee Government Website or the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

Hiking

What’s the best hike in the Smokies?

The answer to this question will vary depending on who you talk to! However, our favorites include Abrams Falls and Mt. LeConte.

More of your hiking questions might be answered by browsing the trails on our hiking pages.

Lodging

Are lodging accommodations available in the Park?

LeConte Lodge

2018 Lottery and Booking Information

LeConte Lodge will begin booking 2018 reservations (March 19 through November 20, 2018) on Monday, October 2, 2017 at 8:00 am EDT by phone and written request through a lottery type system. Written requests (fax, email, US mail or lottery form) for the 2018 season will be accepted from now through October 2, 2017.

The only true lodging in the Park itself is LeConte Lodge, which can only be reached by hiking trail. There are 5 major trails to Mt. LeConte. The most popular route is the Alum Cave Bluff trail. Accommodations are spartan and should be made a year in advance by contacting the lodge at (865) 429-5704 or writing to 250 Apple Valley Road, Sevierville, TN 37862. The cost is about $80 per person and includes bed, breakfast and dinner.

Campgrounds

The Park also maintains developed campgrounds at ten locations in the Park. Sites at Elkmont, Smokemont, and Cades Cove can be reserved by calling (865)448-2472. Group sites are available at Big Creek, Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Deep Creek, Elkmont, and Smokemont. Reservations are required.

Are there any special places for honeymooners?

Nearly very lodging provider boasts of special accommodations for honeymooners. However, most popular are the private and secluded cabins, chalets and cottages available from the numerous rental companies in the surrounding towns.

Restaurants

Where are the best places to eat?

We don’t generally like to recommend particular restaurants as opposed to others (questions of bias involving advertisers); however, we’ve never had a bad steak at the Peddler in Gatlinburg, or fresh trout at the Tuckaleechee Trout Farm in Townsend (on the Cades Cove side of the Park). Bennetts (Gatlinburg) is great for barbecue.

Flora

When do the leaves reach peak color?

Peak color varies slightly each year, but you can pretty much count on great color at the higher elevations during the first two weeks of October and in the valleys in the second half of October to early November.

When do Rhododendron, Flame Azalea, and Mountain Laurel bloom?

Rhododendrons bloom in June and early July, and mountain laurel in May-June.

Where are the largest trees in the Park?

Some of the largest are found in the Greenbrier section of the Park. From Gatlinburg, drive east along US 321 (stop-light #3 in Gatlinburg) for approximately 6 miles. Turn right on Greenbrier Road and travel 3.1 miles along the Little Pigeon River to Greenbrier Cove. Turn left at Ramsay Prong Road and travel 1.5 miles to the parking area. An eight-mile roundtrip hike will take you through virgin stands of chestnut oaks, poplars, and black cherry.

Weddings

Can we get married in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Yes–if you can hike or drive to it, there are ministers who will accompany the wedding party to conduct the ceremony. Restrictions do apply, as always.


Great Smoky Mountains National Park GSMNP.com is not associated with the National Park Service or the Dept. of the Interior. Credit a group of dedicated people who simply love the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.