Welcome to our comprehensive guide on reaching Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In this guide, we will provide detailed information on driving directions, nearest airports, and the various entrances to the park. Our goal is to make your journey to the park as smooth and enjoyable as possible, so you can focus on creating unforgettable memories in this beautiful natural wonderland.

Driving Directions to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Driving to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a popular choice for many visitors, as it allows for a scenic and flexible journey. In this section, we will discuss the driving distance to nearby cities, basic driving directions, major highways, towns, and interesting sights along the way, as well as recommend places to stop for food and refreshments.

Driving Distance to Nearby Cities

Here are the approximate driving distances to Great Smoky Mountains National Park from a few major cities:

  • Asheville, NC: 60 miles
  • Knoxville, TN: 45 miles
  • Atlanta, GA: 195 miles
  • Charlotte, NC: 170 miles
  • Nashville, TN: 215 miles

Basic Driving Directions

To reach Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you will primarily use two major highways: Interstate 40 (I-40) and U.S. Route 441 (US-441). The following directions will help you navigate to the park from some of the nearest cities:

  • From Asheville, NC: Take I-40 west toward Knoxville, TN. At Exit 27, take US-74 west toward Waynesville. Continue on US-74 to US-441, which leads you into the park through the Oconaluftee entrance.
  • From Knoxville, TN: Take I-40 east to Exit 407, then take TN-66 south to Sevierville. From Sevierville, follow US-441 south through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, entering the park via the Sugarlands entrance.
  • From Atlanta, GA: Take I-85 north to I-985, which becomes US-23 north. Continue on US-23 to US-74 west, then take US-441 north through Cherokee, NC, and enter the park at the Oconaluftee entrance.
  • From Charlotte, NC: Take I-85 south to US-74 west. Follow US-74 west to US-441 north, and enter the park through the Oconaluftee entrance.
  • From Nashville, TN: Take I-40 east to Knoxville, TN, and follow the directions provided for Knoxville.

Interesting Sights and Places to Stop

While driving to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are several interesting sights and towns to explore, as well as convenient places to stop for food and refreshments. Some highlights include:

  • Asheville, NC: Known for its vibrant arts scene and historic architecture, Asheville is a great place to visit en route to the park. Be sure to check out the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately-owned home in the United States, or explore the River Arts District, home to numerous galleries and studios.
  • Pigeon Forge, TN: This popular tourist destination offers a variety of attractions, such as Dollywood, the Titanic Museum, and the Hollywood Wax Museum. Pigeon Forge is also home to several restaurants and shopping centers, making it a convenient stop for a meal or supplies before entering the park.
  • Gatlinburg, TN: Situated at the doorstep of the park’s Sugarlands entrance, Gatlinburg is a charming mountain town with a variety of attractions, including Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, and the Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area.
  • Cherokee, NC: This town, located near the park’s Oconaluftee entrance, is the headquarters of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Visitors can learn about Cherokee culture at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, watch a performance of the outdoor drama “Unto These Hills,” or try their luck at the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.
  • Blue Ridge Parkway: This scenic 469-mile highway connects Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, offering breathtaking vistas and numerous overlooks to stop and enjoy the view.

Nearest Airports to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

If you prefer to fly, there are several airports near Great Smoky Mountains National Park serviced by major airlines. In this section, we will discuss the distance from these airports to the park, basic driving directions, and available amenities such as car rental facilities and airlines servicing the airports.

McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)

Located approximately 45 miles from the Sugarlands entrance of the park, McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, TN, is the closest airport to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is a regional airport serviced by several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, and United. Car rental facilities are available on-site, making it convenient for visitors to rent a car and drive to the park. The drive to the park is relatively straightforward, following I-40 east to Exit 407 and then taking TN-66 south to Sevierville, where you will join US-441 south to the park’s entrance.

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)

Asheville Regional Airport, located about 60 miles from the Oconaluftee entrance of the park, is another option for visitors. This airport is serviced by major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and United, as well as low-cost carriers like Allegiant Air. Car rental facilities are available at the airport, allowing visitors to rent a car for the drive to the park. To reach the park from Asheville Regional Airport, take I-26 west to I-40 west, then follow the driving directions provided for Asheville, NC, in the “Basic Driving Directions” section above.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

For those seeking a larger international airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, GA, is approximately 195 miles from the Oconaluftee entrance of the park. As the world’s busiest airport, it is serviced by numerous airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, and United, as well as international carriers like Air France and British Airways. Car rental facilities are available at the airport, making it easy to rent a car for the drive to the park. To reach the park from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, follow the driving directions provided for Atlanta, GA, in the “Basic Driving Directions” section above.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Entrances

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has several entrances, each offering access to various attractions and facilities within the park. In this section, we will discuss the distance from each entrance to some of the park’s major attractions.

Sugarlands Entrance

Located just outside of Gatlinburg, TN, the Sugarlands entrance is one of the most popular entry points to the park. From this entrance, visitors can easily access some of the park’s top attractions, such as:

  • Cades Cove: A picturesque valley with an 11-mile loop road offering abundant wildlife viewing, historic structures, and hiking trails. Cades Cove is approximately 25 miles from the Sugarlands entrance.
  • Laurel Falls: A popular 2.3-mile roundtrip hike to an 80-foot waterfall. The trailhead is approximately 3.8 miles from the Sugarlands entrance.
  • Newfound Gap: The lowest drivable pass in the park, offering stunning views and access to the Appalachian Trail. Newfound Gap is approximately 16 miles from the Sugarlands entrance.

Oconaluftee Entrance

The Oconaluftee entrance, located near Cherokee, NC, provides access to the eastern side of the park. Some of the major attractions within easy reach of this entrance include:

  • Mingus Mill: A historic grist mill dating back to 1886, located approximately 2 miles from the Oconaluftee entrance.
  • Clingmans Dome: The highest point in the park, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Clingmans Dome is approximately 19 miles from the Oconaluftee entrance.
  • Cataloochee Valley: A remote valley with abundant wildlife, historic buildings, and hiking opportunities. Cataloochee Valley is approximately 39 miles from the Oconaluftee entrance, with the last 11 miles being a winding, gravel road.

Greenbrier Entrance

Located near Cosby, TN, the Greenbrier entrance is a less-crowded option for accessing the park. Attractions near this entrance include:

  • Porters Creek Trail: A moderate 4-mile roundtrip hike with wildflowers, historic buildings, and a waterfall. The trailhead is approximately 1.5 miles from the Greenbrier entrance.
  • Ramsey Cascades: A strenuous 8-mile roundtrip hike to the park’s tallest waterfall. The trailhead is approximately 5.5 miles from the Greenbrier entrance.

With this comprehensive guide, you should have all the information you need to plan your journey to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Whether you choose to drive or fly, we hope that your trip to this stunning national treasure will be filled with awe-inspiring views, memorable wildlife encounters, and unforgettable experiences.