Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Looking for the best resources to help plan your Great Smoky Mountains National Park vacation?

Then you’ve come to the right place!

Hi, I’m Natalie, and I am a national parks-obsessed mom who has compiled all of the details, itineraries, dining guides, and hiking information for the perfect trip to the world’s first national park.

Whether you need to know what campgrounds are nearby or which trail is best for your kids, you’ll find it here.

I only write about places I’ve been and experiences that I’ve had, so you’re getting up-to-date advice from a parent who has been there.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park at a glance

  • Covers 522,000 acres

  • Located in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina

  • Best known for its beautiful mountain views

  • Near Gatlinburg, Tennessee

  • Has historic homes and the Cades Cove scenic loop

Complete Itineraries

All you’ll need to do is book the plane tickets and hotel rooms. These complete itineraries take care of the day to day planning for you with suggestions on hotels, dining, and activities for the entire family.

Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails

  • Cataract Falls Hike in Gatlinburg, TN: A Guide

    An easy hike to a small waterfall near the Sugarlands Visitors Center

    Read more

  • Clingman's Dome/Kuwohi Hiking Guide

    A short but steep hike to incredible long range mountain views

    Click Here

Camping

It can be hard to choose where to camp while visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park because there are so many options, both inside and near the park.

Here are a few recommended locations just outside of the park’s borders with kid-friendly amenities for family fun.

The author's pop-up camper near the Cherokee entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The branded wagon at the entrance of the Up the Creek RV Camp in Pigeon Forge, TN
The author's camper at the Up the Creek RV Park in Pigeon Forge, TN

Great Smoky Mountains Must Haves

  • GuideAlong Audio Tour

    We LOVE these inexpensive but excellent tours for our national parks visits. Purchase the Great Smoky Mountains National Park GuideAlong Audio Tour to learn about the park’s history, geology, wildlife, and important figures as you drive.

    It doesn’t need wifi after you’ve downloaded the tour, and it starts and stops automatically as you approach areas of interest!

  • Hiking Shoes

    To truly experience the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, you’ll want to make sure that everyone in your family has the proper footwear.

    I swear by my Altra Timp Trail Runners, which are lightweight and sturdy.

    I also love my Keen Newport H2 hiking sandals, which are great if you’re hiking in the park during the warmer months.

  • AllTrails+ Annual Subscription

    It’s always helpful to get up-to-the minute notes on hiking trails, so I recommend scoping out the trails at Great Smoky Mountains National Park on AllTrails+ before you go.

    The annual subscriptions lets you download maps for offline use and track your mileage so you always know where you are.

  • Garmin InReach Mini

    I never go hiking without this tiny GPS attached to my pack.

    Since I’m often hiking alone with my kids, the Garmin InReach gives me peace of mind that we could get help quickly if one of them (or me!) got hurt or sick on the trail.

    The mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee don’t always have great cell reception, but you can always reach help with this unit.

  • Rental Car

    There’s no public transportation within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and you’re going to want the flexibility of your own vehicle while exploring the park.

    Check for the best rates at RentalCars.com with convenient pick-up options at all area airports.

  • Travel Insurance

    A national park visit can be the trip of a lifetime, and you don’t want to let sickness or flight delays to ruin your trip.

    Be sure to secure travel insurance from Visitors Coverage before you leave, and you’ll be ready for whatever life throws at you.

Other Helpful Resources

  • 7 Best Towns near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    Read more