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G R E AT S M O K Y M O U N TA I N S N AT I O N A L PA R K
G R E AT S M O K Y M O U N TA I N S
N AT I O N A L PA R K
New Regulations for Commercial Vehicles
As of Oct. 1, 2019, a commercial use authorization is required for all road-based
commercial tour operators to enter the national park. More information is available
at nps.gov/aboutus/commercial-use-authorizations.htm.
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is world
renowned for its natural beauty, the quality of
its historic Southern Appalachian culture and
diversity of plant and animal life.
SUGARLANDS VISITOR CENTER
This is the primary point of information for
visitors coming to the national park. At
Sugarlands, visitors can view natural history
exhibits and a film about the park’s history. 107
Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
PARK TRAILS
Whatever your hiking skills are, the park has
trails for your enjoyment. Some favorites
include:
SUGARLANDS VALLEY TRAIL – A wheelchair
accessible trail, located near Sugarlands Visitor
Center.
LAUREL FALLS TRAIL – Halfway through this 2.6-
mile paved trail you can view the 80-foot-high
Laurel Falls.
CLINGMANS DOME—A picturesque drive, followed
by a half-mile hike, takes you to the highest point
in the park.
WILDLIFE
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home
to more than 400 species of animals, including
the American black bear.
HISTORIC LANDSCAPES
There are a number of historic sites and locales
in the park, including Cades Cove, a visual
history of the people that lived on the land that
became America’s most visited national park.
BICYCLING AND HORSEBACK RIDING
While there are no designated bicycling trails in
the national park, Cades Cove Loop Road is an
exceptional place for cyclers. Wednesday and
Saturday, from early May until late September,
the Loop Road is open for bicycles only from
6-10 a.m. Guided horseback rides are available
at four riding stables from mid-March through
late November.
PICNIC AREAS
The park has several picnic facilities, including
Cades Cove and Metcalf Bottoms, that include
tables, grills and restrooms.
FOLIAGE REPORT
The magnificent display of fall colors in
the Smoky Mountains can start as early as
mid-September, reaching their peak between
mid-October and early November. Updates
are posted each year beginning in September
at nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fallcolor.htm.
DRIVING TIPS
A tour bus guide for tips on driving
motorcoaches in the national park can
be downloaded at nps.gov/grsm.
Cell phone signals can be difficult to find in
Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We
invite you to enjoy the quiet and listen for the
call of the great outdoors.
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