Hiking in the Smoky Mountains: trails, map and practical info

Practical Information

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the country, with multiple entry points on both the North Carolina and Tennessee sides. Major gateways include Cherokee and Gatlinburg. A few things worth knowing before you go:

• No entrance fee: Unlike most national parks, Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee, though a parking tag is required at most trailheads.
• Backcountry permits: If you're planning an overnight trip, you'll need a backcountry permit, which can be obtained through the park's reservation system.
• Bear safety: Black bears are active throughout the park. Proper food storage is mandatory — use bear canisters or the bear boxes provided at backcountry campsites.
• Trail conditions: Conditions can change quickly, especially at higher elevations. Check current trail reports before heading out, particularly in early spring and late fall when ice and snow are possible on upper ridges.
• Cell service: Expect limited to no cell coverage on most trails. Download offline maps before you leave the trailhead.

Getting There

The Smoky Mountains can be accessed from multiple entry points on both the North Carolina and Tennessee sides. The North Carolina entrance is commonly accessed via Cherokee, NC, which sits at the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway and serves as a gateway to the Oconaluftee area of the park. From there, Newfound Gap Road (US-441) runs through the heart of the park and provides access to numerous trailheads on both the North Carolina and Tennessee sides. The Tennessee side features popular gateways at Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.