Budget-Friendly Tips for Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains

It might surprise you to learn that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located on both sides of the Tennessee-North Carolina border, regularly draws more visitors than famous places like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, or Yellowstone.

Popularity of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Two key reasons for its popularity are its proximity to many East Coast and Midwestern metropolitan areas, which represent about 60 percent of the U.S. population, and the fact that there is no admission charge for entering the park.

Visitors arrive to find scenic beauty, superb hiking, and a wealth of recreational opportunities. Although there is no admission fee, you will need to pay for camping sites and optional services within the park, such as horseback riding, hayrides, and pavilion rentals.

Reservations are advisable for camping and other services, especially during the summer and the fall foliage season, which can extend into November in this southern region.

The area is served by airports in Knoxville, TN, and Asheville, NC, with Knoxville providing more convenient access. Drivers can utilize Interstates 75 and 40 to reach the park.

Accommodations near the Park

In an area that attracts millions of tourists from around the world, you might assume that most accommodations are expensive; however, in the Sevierville-Gatlinburg area, it is possible to find reasonably priced hotel rooms featuring jacuzzi suites, fireplaces, and private balconies. Additionally, camping options and cabin rentals provide a variety of overnight stay choices. Travelers should carefully monitor the calendar as vacancy rates fluctuate with the seasons.

Attractions within the National Park

From towering waterfalls to one of the world’s most famous hiking trails, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a host of natural treasures and is undoubtedly one of the best parks to visit in the fall. Visiting the park during this season presents an absolute treat as the leaves of various tree species transition from green to vibrant hues of ruby red, rust orange, and bright gold. Consequently, planning ahead and creating your own checklist by mapping out a satisfying itinerary can lead to a memorable and budget-friendly trip.

Nearby Attractions

While the natural attractions within the park are the primary draw, the Sevierville-Gatlinburg corridor is also filled with secondary destinations worth exploring. Not all attractions merit your time and budget; however, the ones that appear here are worth considering as your interests direct. Travelers can take a break from the mountains to enjoy unique attractions and dining establishments in the Great Smoky Mountains. These locations can enhance a visit on a rainy day, providing opportunities for family fun.