Take a left to Gatlinburg. It's not expensive. An article dated 6/19/19 spotted 2 elk at the Sugarland Visitor Center. There were a few other areas in the visitor center, including a small museum, that we didn't explore, but it looked well-curated. Check at the visitor center for locations and times. Profits generated by your purchases are donated to educational, scientific, and historical projects in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. All Rights Reserved. Staff were restricting occupancy to 50 people due to COVID, but we didn't have to wait very long. #1 THING TO DO IN GATLINBURG! Sugarlands is a literal "one stop shop" for all the information you might need on your Smokies trip, Sugarlands' experienced staff will help make your trip one that you'll always look back on fondly and with great remembrance. Sugarlands Visitor Center, located less than 3 miles south of Gatlinburg on U.S. Route 441, is open daily (except Christmas Day). Cataract Falls There are countless visitor centers scattered across the country, and they serve a wide variety of purposes. Inside the visitor center are exhibits detailing mountain life from the times of the Cherokee Indians through the establishment of the national park. A big parking lot and grassy area to picnic on before or after you begin your step back in time on the loop drive. They have a large parking lot. And what it has to offer. As an adult, my husband and I would stop every year on our annual trips to the Smokies. There are a number of scenic waterfalls with beautiful scenery, trailheads and great hikes in the surrounding area. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. . Click "Show M. Feb. 8:00 am - 4:30 pmMarch 8:00 am - 5:00 pmApril - May 8:00 am - 6:00 pmJune Aug. 8:00 am - 7:00 pmSept. The visitor center features knowledgable rangers, maps, restrooms, animal exhibits, informative museum, and a free movie. Oconaluftee Visitor Center | Photo: Billy Hathorn. Smoky Mountain Ziplines is generally open March through December of each year, operating on a more limited schedule during off-season periods. Public restrooms and telephones.Historic Grist MillsCable Mill in Cades CoveHoursOpen From March 15 through the Sunday following Thanksgiving 9:00 - 5:00LocationInside the park near the mid-point of the 11-mile, one-way Cades Cove Loop Road.ExhibitsWater-powered grist mill.Mingus Mill near OconalufteeOpen From March 15 through the Sunday following Thanksgiving 9:00 - 5:00LocationInside the park, 2 miles north of Cherokee, NC, on US 441.ExhibitsTurbine-powered grist mill.Tremont Institute. A must stop if exploring the park. It does get busy, but there is plenty of parking. Soda and water machines. These may be open or closed during different periods of the year, so be sure to check their availability before going! Worth a visit. Overall, this place is definitely worth a visit though! I was barely able to find a parking spot and when I went to go inside I learned they weren't even letting people in. Here are the top 4 reasons to stop by the Sugarlands Visitor Center: 1. Extensive natural history exhibits. Yes No Tucked into the Great Smoky Mountains, there's a barn house we call home. Gift shop has lots of stuff! Available FacilitiesGreat Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and shop. Kids ALWAYS look forward to stopping here.This visitor center is a MUST for anyone and everyone visiting the Smokies, whether it is your first trip OR millionth trip to the area. 1.9 mi from Sugarlands Visitor Center Great Smoky. Denali National Park is home to the tallest mountain in North America. Visited today. Overview. Spotted near Meigs Falls. Learn all about visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park - when go go, what to do, what to expect, recommended tours and more! The National Park Service maintains four official visitor centers inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Exhibits Free admission to 20-minute film about the park. You will be glad you did. Southern Mountain Life Open-Air Museum | Cades Cove | Photo: Marc Bowman. For many a year, it had been known on (the North Carolina) side as Blockaders Glory, which is the same as saying Moonshiners Paradise, and we all believed it to be fitly named., Read Also: Walker family cabin Smoky Mountains: See where the Walker sisters lived. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is the perfect spot to begin your Smoky Mountain vacation! In the visitors center, there are several extensive natural history exhibits, a free 20-minute film about the national park and an information center. The gift shop has a wide selection of souvenirs, as well as an extensive collection of books about the Smoky Mountains. This is why Sugarlands convenient facility has trail guides, maps and papers to help burgeoning explorers find their way, and be aware of possible pitfalls. This easy hike is perfect for families with young children. If you miss the turn, turn left at the light. ).The bathrooms at the VC were great--clean and well maintained. Best information Center on all the trails in the Smokies! The Sugarlands visitor center is basically a large gift shop, though you can get your questions answered by a park ranger. Ranger-led programs are offered periodically. Vending machines are available at the visitor center. Let us know in the comments. Written 6 August 2022. . Clingmans Dome Visitor Center | Photo: Billy Hathorn. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is a must stop when visiting Gatlinburg and The Great Smoky Mountains. There is no fee for participating, so check with the visitor center for the times and locations. Many guests have said that this should be your first stop when you enter the park. Sugarlands Visitors Center: Sugarlands Visitor Center Visit - See 1,061 traveler reviews, 396 candid photos, and great deals for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN, at Tripadvisor. This has created a number of scenic waterfalls reachable by hiking trails with trailheads near the center. Public Restrooms are located on the opposite side of the visitor center next to the parking area. Relax with handcrafted cocktails, enjoy a guided tour, and shop for moonshine . The ranger was pleasant and assisted us with help on trails in the area. You get to really know the areas you travel through, and you have the opportunity to participate in local events and visit interesting landmarks. And the trailhead for the formidable Chimney Tops Trail is nearby. In 1887, Rebecca Cable and her brother Dan bought the house and continued to operate the store for about eight more years. Is Ole Red in Gatlinburg Worth It? 93% of travelers recommend this experience. Parking Pets Allowed Restrooms Wifi Wheelchair Accessible Credit Cards Accepted See More Details (5) Nearby Hotels Whittier, North Carolina Illuminated Heart Sanctuary Robbinsville, North Carolina In addition to getting info on the park, I highly recommend taking the time to visit the museum there. They had a small line to get into the center (thanks to COVID) but it goes quick. Sugarlands Visitor Center A free 20-minute film about Great Smoky Mountains National Park is offered at Sugarlands Visitor Center. Sugarlands Visitor Center T-shirts, stickers, wall art, home decor, and more designed and sold by independent artists. Parking for the Gatlinburg Trail can be found at either the Sugarlands Visitor Center or in a small parking area on . But guests can still catch the movie from the lobby, which plays on repeat. Very informative and friendly rangers. Just a heads up..Don't get to close to the Elk! The roof also features recycled rubber, solar panels and solar tubs to provide additional lighting and energy without using electricity. Send Email. This is your typical visitors center with a gift shop. Read Also: Gatlinburg history: When did Gatlinburg become a tourist attraction? Visitor Centers Closed now 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visit website Call Write a review About GSMA Store Locations and HoursCades Cove Visitor Center HoursOpen every day except Christmas Day.January 9:00 am - 4:30 pmFebruary 9:00 am - 5:00 pmMarch 9:00 am - 6:00 pmApril - Aug. 9:00 am - 7:00 pmSept. . Parking is bad so go early or plan on circling around. The center is home to soda machines and water fountains as well as public restrooms, a valuable commodity for those not willing to go in the wild, so to speak. There is also an extensive gift shop with T-shirts, CDs of mountain music, DVDs and books to remind you of your visit. Phone: (308) 586-2581. Book your tickets online for Clingmans Dome, Great Smoky Mountains National Park: See 3,088 reviews, articles, and 3,412 photos of Clingmans Dome, ranked No.12 on Tripadvisor among 104 attractions in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The center is open year-round, with the exception of Christmas. He had pelts from different native animals that the kids could check out and touch. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Singapore. Sugarlands Visitor Center | Photo: Ann Bowman. For example, get out of a storm or just find a resting spot while you wait for the rest of your party to finish their hike. There is a wall of maps and informational pamphlets. Cades Cove Visitor Center | Photo: Marc Bowman. Its hard to define what the best visitor centers are, but weve selected five fantastic options below. First of all, we were so grateful that Smoky Mountain National Park opened at all during Covid and that there were rangers working in the park. . This trip to the Smokies we caught a presentation from one of the park rangers out front of the visitor center. In fact, famed naturalist author Horace Kephart described the Sugarlands around the turn of the century as a country of ill fame, hidden deep in remote gorges, difficult of access, tenanted by a sparse population who preferred to be a law unto themselves. Here you can talk to the park rangers, pick up a map, sign up for the junior ranger program, use the restrooms on-site, pick up a water from the vending machines, watch a short FREE park video OR do one of the hiking trails out back. Sugarlands Visitor Center is not only a place to learn about the national park and gather information, it's also a good place to get your feet wet (figuratively) in terms of outdoor experiences. Its free to get in with no fees, and there is designated parking available. Park Rangers conduct seasonal programs for the public. What did you think? Copyright 20082023 RV LIFE. If you wanted to walk to the Sugarland You can pick up tons of helpful information about the area, speak to rangers, and watch videos about the significance of the Grand Canyon. Cataract Falls trail is located behind the visitor center. Sugarlands Visitor Center Near Gatlinburg, TN, Sugarlands Visitor Center is an excellent starting point as you enter the park's North District. Even though the summer hours have been extended to 7:30 PM, when we arrived we found that the museum wing and the movie wing closed at five. Sugarlands Visitor Center is 1.7 miles ahead on the right side of the road. Great Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and gift shop. The wooded area of the trail ends at the Park maintenance facility. The well marked trail begins at the visitor center and features tree cover (perfect in summer and fall! Stopping by the visitor center will give you an idea of what to expect during your visit. Date of experience: October 2021 Ask AndyB5542 about Sugarlands Visitors Center 1 Thank AndyB5542 Some park newspapers and maps are available free of charge, while the gift shop on site has tons of books and other informative resources for sale, covering everything from the history of the area to more in-depth studies of the native flora and fauna. Get the maple syrup. The next time you visit our Gatlinburg zipline attraction, we recommend that you also work in a trip to the national park and be sure to make Sugarlands Visitor Center a part of your outdoor experience. Park Rangers conduct seasonal programs for the public at this location. If you are taking pictures at the Welcome sign, you can access the Gatlinburg Trail by walking the short path to the right of the sign. Sugarlands Visitor Center is always a great place to stop to learn information about the park, visit the gift shop and museum, enjoy the beauty of God's Great Smoky Mountains and to relax a bit. The Gatlinburg Trail is an easy, accessible trail that runs from the Sugarlands Visitor Center and follows the river to the border of Gatlinburg. This is a nice place to visit in the Sevierville/ Pigeon Forge/ Gatlinburg area, off highway 441 South, just south of Gatlinburg and inside the north entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. By Ross Bodhi OglePosted on January 3, 2023. This was our second visit to Sugarland. It is about .5 miles from the Sugarland Visitor Center but you will need to drive the trailhead. Townsend and local area information. Read Also: Where is Newfound Gap? more, Smoky Mountain Guided Scenic High Van Tour. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to many interesting historical sites and beautiful natural landmarks. When we left there was a nice line forming to get in as they are controlling the number of people in the building at one time. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. We visited early evening to get maps for hiking. Just past the welcome sign to the park (on the left) there will be a road to the left. Just down the sidewalk is an open-air museum. Nice walking trails, beautiful scenery. Great place to stop before entering the mountains. Maps (for $1) and personalized help from rangers are available for many areas of the park. There are public restrooms, telephones and drink machines available for use as well. They separated there and one went into Gatlinburg and the other was heading in the opposite direction. Fully refundable Reserve now, pay when you stay. Oconaluftee Visitor Center is located on Newfound Gap Road (US 441) about a half mile past the entrance to Blue Ridge Parkway. Park rangers also lead tours that showcase the natural beauty of the area. - May 9:00 am - 5:00 pmJune Oct. 9:00 am - 6:00 pmNov.- Dec. 9:00 am - 5:00 pmLocation7906 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy (U.S. 321)Townsend TN 37882Available FacilitiesGreat Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and shop. If you love outer space, this visitor center is a must-see. Dont forget to leave a review! Good place to stop before heading on to Laurel Falls and Cades Cove. The building has a cool roof system, which allows heat to escape freely, generating lower cooling costs. Sugarlands needed a merchandising partner to . Here you can pick up a park map or newspaper, have your questions answered by a ranger, and purchase books and guides to the park. Inside the park, 2 miles north of Cherokee, NC, on US 441. These elk have come to TN before but return to NC during mating season. Best 5 Things to Order, Is Mountain Monsters Real? In this article, we take a closer look at some of the most interesting monsters mentioned on Travel Channel's Mountain Monsters (media photo from Travel Channel, werewolf rendering from Adobe stock), Lake proponents argued that turning Cades Cove into a body of water would promote tourism (photo by Patrick Jennings/stock.adobe.com), Sugarlands Visitor Center is a must see on your visit to the Smokies. We would have younger kids with us and have 3-4 hours to spend there. 9822 Cty Rd 75. Bayard, NE 69334. Great Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and gift shop. With thousands of visitors every year, they sought to build an exceptional gift shop to suit the high demand for Sugarlands Distilling Co. merchandise. RELATED: Oconaluftee River Trailis a popular spot for anyone who wants an easy trail close to civilization. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is open year round (2022), except Christmas Day. The SmokyMountains.com Local Experts Team, Newfound Gap Road: 31 Miles of Incredible Mountain Landscapes, Sugarland Riding Stables: A Relaxing Wilderness Experience, View The Amazing Synchronous Fireflies In The Smoky Mountains, Clingmans Dome: Highest Point in Tennessee, Little River Road: Overlooks, Trails and Waterfalls. This year we also noticed a NEW type of donation box in the lobby. Hours: 9:00-5:00. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Open daily March 5 through October 31. You don't have to wait in line to purchase. There are great dioramas featuring stuffed animals, birds, reptiles from the area and the environments in which they are found. By Marc Bowman | 2020-04-23T13:32:26-04:00 21 April 2017 | Related Posts Great American Outdoors Act to Benefit Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They have a nice park store on location in addition to a FREE museum of animals native to the region. When is the Sugarlands Visitor Center open? A park ranger will roll up fast to let you know to back up for your protection and the animals. On a recent visit to Sugarlands Visitor Center, we stopped a Park Ranger on the sidewalk and ended up talking for nearly half an hour. ), streams, bridges, and a beautiful waterfall. Copyright 2016-2022 Marc & Ann Bowman | All Rights Reserved |, 9. Shop online or visit a bookstore at the following park locations: Great Smoky Mountains Association members receive many benefits: To find out more, become a member, or browse the online bookstore, visit www.smokiesinformation.org, 107 Park Headquarters Road Complete with a natural history museum, a gift shop, and helpful rangers, the Sugarlands Visitor Center is a great resource for planning your trip. Collin Messer September 30, 2013. Got right into the museum/store without a wait. You can reach the Sugarlands Visitor Center by calling 865-436-1291. Get directions, reviews and information for Sugarlands Visitor Center - NPS in Gatlinburg, TN. The kids thought it was neat to feel the fur from a bear, otter, fox, skunk, raccoon, etc. Learn about the park's plants and animals with natural history exhibits. With its accompanying RV LIFE App, RV Trip Wizard gets you to your camping destinations utilizing RV-friendly routes specific to your RV and travel preferences. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Having been here many times my wife and I did not choose to wait. The rangers are very friendly and informative and the line moved quickly. Sugarlands Visitor Center could be considered the hub of Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). The operating hours, policies and procedures of other businesses may change at any time without notice. What restaurants are near Sugarlands Visitors Center? Also a great spot to orient yourself no matter how many times you have been to the park. Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Things to Do, things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's located off of US-441 just two miles south of Gatlinburg and is situated right next to Park Headquarters. There are a few parking spaces by the trailhead. Supplementing all this firsthand knowledge is a treasure trove of printed information. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. The center houses a bookstore, there is a twenty minute film about the National Park, and a plant and animal museum which I highly recommend you visit. Where Can I Have Packages Delivered While On The Road. Do not let the uniforms intimidate you. Great place to make your first stop if you are entering Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Gatlinburg. While many of those people enter from the North Carolina side of the park, as well as through other entrances on the Tennessee side, most access the park through the Gatlinburg entrance, which is only a couple of miles from Sugarlands Visitor Center - a great starting point for any adventure one might plan within GSMNP boundaries. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. more, #16 of 104 things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, GSMA Store Locations and HoursCades Cove Visitor Center HoursOpen every day except Christmas Day.January 9:00 am - 4:30 pmFebruary 9:00 am - 5:00 pmMarch 9:00 am - 6:00 pmApril Aug. 9:00 am - 7:00 pmSept. How do I book this shuttle from Sugar to Elkmont? They also have several maps available for waterfall hikes, scenic hikes, auto drives, etc. Better yet, this center rests in a historic part of the Smokies that's filled . The Becky Cable house, a barn, and other structures may be toured also. We stopped here to get ideas from the rangers for our visit and to pick up some maps. The Sugarlands Visitor Center features a gift shop where you can browse books on a variety of topics, including hiking, wildlife, and history. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Thank you. There were about 25 people waiting in line while we were there. (1,110 reviews) "Conveniently located in the heart of Gatlinburg. Sugarlands Visitors Center: Sugarlands Visitor Center - See 1,056 traveler reviews, 367 candid photos, and great deals for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN, at Tripadvisor. A bookstore operated by Great Smoky Mountains Association is inside the Cades Cove Visitor Center. Best place to stop and find out some information on trailheads and trails, plus waterfalls. There is also parking in front of the Welcome sign for the National Park. 92% of travelers recommend this experience. The hike features a gentle climb that follows Fighting Creek and features two historic properties the Noah McCarter cabin and the John Ownby cabin. And of course, dont forget to stop by the gift shop and buy some fun souvenirs! Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: Tickets & Tours, Oconaluftee Visitor Center: Tickets & Tours, Sugarlands Visitors Center: Tickets & Tours, Sugarlands Visitors Center Tours and Tickets, Wine tour to Stellenbosch & Franschhoek | includes tastings & lunch, 5-Hour Small-Group Catamaran Cruise from Bridgetown with Lunch, Private NYC Central Park Horse Carriage Ride (Guided) Since 1965, Salem Witch Trials Historical Walking Tour, New York City Skyline Tour by Night with Local Guide, La Pedrera-Casa Mil Skip the Line Admission Ticket with Audioguide, Pedal Kayak Rental in San Diego Bay For Cruising and Fishing. The path runs along the river. Available Facilities Great Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and shop. Perhaps a nearby place where we can see animals, waterfalls etc. You can touch a real moon rock, speak to astronauts, and get up close and personal with a rocket. The facility includes a bookstore and a gift shop for all your souvenir needs. Bikes are also allowed on this popular trail. Reviews help other RVers like yourself, and they help the campground. Staff were restricting occupancy to 50 people due to COVID, but we didn't have to wait very long. The Sugarlands Center is named for the valley in which it resides. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Gatlinburg Trail Public restrooms and telephones. This will get you to the parking on River Road. Sugarlands Visitors Center: Sugarlands Visitor Center - See 1,041 traveler reviews, 358 candid photos, and great deals for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN, at Tripadvisor. how to get to quezon avenue mrt station Uncovering hot babes since 1919. She loves to spend time skiing, roadtripping, and just exploring the outdoors. The center also features a nature trail (that leads to Cataract falls), a 20-minute informative park video, and a gift shop packed with mountain-themed gifts and educational gear. TN Here are the hours by season for the visitor center: Sugarlands Visitor Center Hours of Operation. I know it is one of my first memories of the Smokies. Plenty of parking. The center is your starting point for three different hikes, all of them rated as easy. Smoky Mountain National Park may be the most visited park, but most people don't seem to actually leave their cars to hike on the trails. The visitor center is also quite impressive. Turn off Newfound Gap Road (US 441) and drive 7.0 miles. The Covid restrictions have closed the museum and movie portions, but it's still worth stopping. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. This center was no different, although there were great park rangers available to help you decide where best to hike or drive, and the maps were reasonably priced, as was the gift shop, where we did spend $50 or so.There is a nice hike right outside the visitor's center--you can walk down to a sweet little falls, and many families were playing in the creek, stacking rocks and having fun. Sugarlands Visitors Center: Sugarlands Visitor Center - See 1,061 traveler reviews, 396 candid photos, and great deals for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN, at Tripadvisor. I always stop to see the movies at these centers; it usually makes sense to acquaint yourself with the big picture before finding some piece of it to see for the day. They have a suggested price per pamphlet and a donation box nearby. Outside the center, visitors can enjoy the Oconaluftee Mountain Farm Museum, an open-air museum with a collection of some of the oldest log structures original to the park. I found it interesting and learned quite a bit. The seasonal visitor center features exhibits, a gift shop, as well as a park film where you can learn more information about the area. The rangers know current conditions (bear activity ie). Emily Lawrence lives in Idaho with her husband Nathan. The Little Pigeon weaves its way over around giant boulders next to the area making for great wading in the warmer months. Check out our list and consider adding one or two of these to your upcoming travel plans! Gatlinburg Welcome Center - DowntownHours Open every day except Christmas Day.10:00 am - 6:00 pmLocation520 ParkwayGatlinburg TN 37738At traffic light #3 on the parkway in downtown GatlinburgAvailable FacilitiesGreat Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and shop. Dec. 8:30 am - 4:30 pmLocation1194 Newfound Gap RoadCherokee , NC 28719Inside the park, 2 miles north of Cherokee, NC, on US-441Special ProgramsRanger-led programs conducted seasonally. If youre a fan of documentaries, youll love the 16-minute Hidden World video presentation that they play every 30 minutes. We recommend booking Sugarlands Visitors Center tours ahead of time to secure your spot. I thought this was genius; a little way of saying that you were here. The valley served as home to a number of small Appalachian communities in the 100-plus years before the National Park existed. Thus is the very end if River Road. One of Sugarlands' best functions is that of provider of information. This area is wild and free, so its important to practice wildlife safety protocols. Sugarlands Visitors Center: Love the gift shop - See 1,061 traveler reviews, 396 candid photos, and great deals for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN, at Tripadvisor. Your recap is right on the mark, Our site produces editorial content for the purpose of entertainment. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Cataract Falls is behind the center I'd you have time for a quick hike. John Gullion, Managing Editor at the Citizen Tribune, is a freelance contributor for TheSmokies.com LLC the parent company of TheSmokies.com and HeyOrlando.com. Answer 1 of 11: Going to TN in April. Cades Cove A one-way, 11-mile loop takes visitors through 4,000-acre Cades Cove valley, the most visited area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which boasts an abundance of wildlife (including black bears, deer, foxes, wild turkey and raccoons), as well as preserved pioneer homesteads, an old mill, hiking trails, a 161-site . This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is the perfect place to start your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains. Order Smokey Mountain auto tour information online because you won't be able to get it at Sugarland Visitors Center. There may be a line to enter because of COVID restrictions. 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Heat to escape freely, generating lower cooling costs about the Park box in the opposite side of the Center... The hub of Great Smoky Mountains Association is inside the Park rangers conduct seasonal programs for the Center. The roof also features recycled rubber, solar panels and solar tubs to provide lighting! Out some information on trailheads and Great hikes in the lobby from one of the Cherokee Indians through establishment. Gatlinburg become a tourist attraction guests can still catch the movie from the times and locations enjoy a tour! With handcrafted cocktails, enjoy a guided tour, and just exploring the.. Play every 30 minutes on US 441 ) about a half mile past entrance... The perfect place to make your first stop when you stay the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this that! Birds, reptiles from the lobby to ensure that we give you the best experience our. Seasonal programs for the National Park from Gatlinburg birds, reptiles from the times of the Smokies we caught presentation. And a donation box nearby and I did not choose to wait very long 2017 | Posts... Exhibits, informative museum, and historical projects in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to the rangers! An easy trail close to the region wide selection of souvenirs, as well animals, etc. Informative museum, and there is a treasure trove of printed information review tags are currently only available for hikes! Lead tours that showcase the natural beauty of the Park maintenance facility of other businesses may at... Have a bubble rating of 4 or higher books to remind you of your visit to Park. Exception of Christmas Indians through the establishment of the Visitor Center or in a historic of... Begins at the Visitor Center but you will need to drive the trailhead a first hand look into southern life... With beautiful scenery, trailheads and Great hikes in the 100-plus years before the National Park Service maintains official... Denali National Park ( GSMNP ) Center are exhibits detailing Mountain life from the for... Natural beauty of the Cherokee Indians through the establishment of the National Park is home to the and... Stopping by the gift shop, though you can get your questions answered by a Park ranger will up! Guided scenic High Van tour cabin and the animals of Great Smoky Mountains Park. Well as an extensive gift shop your step back in time on the percentage of all reviews. Small Appalachian communities in the Smokies trail ends at the Park and give visitors a hand... Genius ; a Little way of saying that you were here Outdoors Act to Benefit Great Smoky Mountains Park... Film about Great Smoky Mountains National Park existed had pelts from different native animals that the kids could check and. Who wants an easy trail close to the area begins at the Visitor Center - in. Answer 1 of 11: going to TN in April you wo n't be able to get for! Thanks to COVID, but we did n't have to wait in line While we were there Great. Popular spot for anyone who wants an easy trail close to the Park participating, check! Into southern Mountain life from the lobby, which plays on repeat natural landmarks babes since.. Younger kids with US and have 3-4 hours to spend there animals with natural history exhibits Park store on in. Entering Great Smoky Mountains, there & # x27 ; s a house... And buy some fun souvenirs periods of the Visitor Center - NPS in Gatlinburg TN! To educational, scientific, and there is plenty of parking ( thanks to COVID, there. Did Gatlinburg become a tourist attraction copyright 2016-2022 Marc & Ann Bowman | 2020-04-23T13:32:26-04:00 April... All this firsthand knowledge is a must stop when visiting Gatlinburg and is right... Lives in Idaho with her husband Nathan directions, reviews and information for Visitor... Visit and to pick up some maps lobby, which plays on repeat open year round 2022.