Where To Stay In The Great Smoky Mountains?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Cades Cove

is the most popular place to visit in the Smoky Mountains! This is partly due to the variety of sights you can see in this area. Whether you're hiking to Abrams Falls or driving along the 11-mile loop, you'll have some of the most beautiful sights in the park!

Where do people stay when visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park?


Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

are the most popular options for where to stay when visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The towns are located near the park and also offer a lot of activities for days off the park.

Can you stay in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

The national park itself is a major destination for visitors, but

there are limited lodging and options inside the Smokies' boundary

. As a result, most vacationers stay in “gateway cities” located a short drive away from national park entrances.

What is the closest town to the Great Smoky Mountains?

  • Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge is the busiest, most-popular gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. …
  • Townsend is a much quieter outpost to the west. …
  • Cherokee anchors the southern side of the park.

Which side of the Great Smoky Mountains is better?

But with the park split between two states, the question of which side is better is always present. Julie Graham, the executive director for the Middle-East Tennessee Tourism Council, says that

some consider the east side of the Smokies to be the adventure side, while the west side is known to be the peaceful side

.

What should you not miss in the Smoky Mountains?

  • 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.

What is better Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg?


Gatlinburg tends to offer more higher end restaurants

. If you're planning a great date night dinner or just want to grab a bite at one of the best steakhouses, Gatlinburg makes a better option for high-end food. Pigeon Forge offers great dining options as well.

What is best time to visit 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.

Is there a train that runs through the Smoky Mountains?


The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

offers scenic train excursions through the North Carolina mountains along Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers, across valleys and through tunnels. All of the train rides depart from the depot in downtown Bryson City (near Cherokee).

Does Smoky Mountains have cabins?

An Elevated Getaway In The Heart Of The Smokies

Rentals through

Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Cabins

allow you to choose what best suits your family from amenities such as stunning mountain views, outdoor hot tubs, game rooms, state-of-the-art electronics and more.

How many waterfalls are in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

The Great Smoky Mountains boast over 2,000 miles of streams and rivers and precipitation levels that match that of a temperate rainforest. The result?

Over 100

waterfalls and cascades to discover within the park borders! And autumn is one of the best times to explore these natural treasures of the Smokies.

How much does it cost to rent a cabin in the Smoky Mountains?

The average nightly rate of a cabin in Gatlinburg is

$229 per night

. This average nightly rate includes use of the entire cabin, its amenities and all of the linens including sheets and towels. A typical family spends 4 nights vacationing in a Gatlinburg cabin, making the total for a 4-night cabin stay $916.

What major city is Gatlinburg near?

81 miles: Asheville 7 miles: Pigeon Forge 134 miles: Greenville (South Carolina) 35 miles: Cherokee (North Carolina) 108 miles:

Johnson City (Tennessee)

What cities are near the Great Smoky Mountains?

  • Sevierville, TN.
  • Waynesville, NC.
  • Maryville, TN.
  • Alcoa, TN.
  • Knoxville, TN.
  • Morristown, TN.
  • Farragut, TN.
  • Lenoir City, TN.

What city is outside of Gatlinburg?


Sevierville, TN

. Maryville, TN. Alcoa, TN.

What is the difference between Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains?

They are

a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains, and form part of the Blue Ridge Physiographic Province

. The range is sometimes called the Smoky Mountains and the name is commonly shortened to the Smokies.

Is Asheville NC in the Great Smoky Mountains?


Asheville is located between the Great Smoky Mountains

and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northern part of North Carolina.

Is Hot Springs NC in the Smoky Mountains?


The town of Hot Springs in North Carolina is located just 45 minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

. Situated on the Appalachian Trail, this small town is home to a number of natural, hot water springs.

How do you spend 3 days in the Great Smoky Mountains?

  1. First up: Ramsey Cascades!
  2. The Best Little Hidden Gem Waterfall in the Smokies: Baskins Creek Falls.
  3. Hiking Up Mt. …
  4. Time to #Treatyourself With Some Local Brews and Dones.
  5. Hike Mount LeConte from Alum Cave Bluffs.

What is so special about Cades Cove?

Located about an hour away from downtown Gatlinburg, TN, Cades Cove is famous for its

well-preserved historic buildings, lovely mountain vistas, and unrivaled wildlife viewing

. All of the valley's major landmarks are conveniently located along an 11-mile loop road, which makes the Cove ideal for auto touring.

What is the Great Smoky Mountains known for?

World renowned for

its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture

, this is America's most visited national park.

What should you avoid in Gatlinburg?

  • Do Not Eat Out Every Night. …
  • Do Not go Taste Moonshine on an Empty Stomach. …
  • Do Not Wear 5 Inch Heels. …
  • Do Not Expect Your Cell Phone to Get Great Service. …
  • Do Not Leave Trash Outside your Cabin.

Is Pigeon Forge worth visiting?

This town is comprised of lifelong residents, nature enthusiasts, and, of course, tourists from near and afar.

Pigeon Forge is a great place to visit no matter the season

, offering a gorgeous getaway for a weekend, week, or even longer.

How many days do you need in Smoky Mountains?

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 busy is Great Smoky Mountain national park?

The park receives

approximately nine million visits per year

. However, even in the Smokies it is possible to find solitude. Here are some practical tips for avoiding the crowds. Visit during the “off season.” There are two peak seasons in the Smokies, mid-summer (June 15-August 15) and the entire month of October.

What is the best time to go to Clingmans Dome?

The best time to visit Clingmans Dome is

in the morning for sunrise and before the crowds or at sunset

.

When should I go to Gatlinburg?

The best time to visit Gatlinburg is

between September and October

. The two peak seasons in Gatlinburg are summer (June, July and August) and the month of October, when the fall foliage is at its zenith. July is the busiest month of the summer season, while weekends in October draw the largest crowds in the fall.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.