Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America’s most-visited national park, attracting over 13 million visitors annually to its 500,000+ acres of pristine wilderness straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border. Just minutes from Gatlinburg, this UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases the best of Appalachian biodiversity with ancient mountains, cascading waterfalls, and scenic drives that make it the crown jewel of outdoor recreation in the Southeast.
Established in 1934, the Great Smokies preserve one of the oldest mountain ranges on Earth, with peaks reaching over 6,600 feet at Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome), the highest point in Tennessee. The park’s name comes from the natural fog that blankets the mountains, created by vegetation releasing moisture into the air. This unique climate supports an incredible diversity of life, earning the park recognition as an International Biosphere Reserve.
The park features over 800 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry adventures. Popular trails include the Laurel Falls Trail, offering a paved 2.6-mile round trip to a stunning 80-foot waterfall, and the strenuous Alum Cave Trail leading to Mount LeConte. Portions of the legendary Appalachian Trail traverse the park, including the rewarding hike to Charlie’s Bunion with its dramatic cliff-top views.
Scenic drives provide accessible ways to experience the park’s beauty. The Newfound Gap Road (US-441) climbs from Gatlinburg to the North Carolina border, offering pull-offs with breathtaking vistas along its 31-mile length. Cades Cove Loop Road, an 11-mile one-way circuit through a historic valley, allows visitors to spot wildlife like black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys while exploring preserved 19th-century homesteads and churches.
Wildlife viewing opportunities abound year-round. The park shelters over 65 mammal species, 200 bird species, and the world’s greatest diversity of salamanders. Spring brings wildflower blooms carpeting the forest floor, while fall transforms the canopy into a spectacular display of reds, oranges, and golds. Synchronized fireflies light up June evenings in a natural phenomenon found in only a handful of places worldwide.
Staying at our Gatlinburg vacation rentals puts you at the perfect base camp for exploring the Smokies. Our Rooftop Retreat and Sweetgum Lodge properties offer mountain views and easy access to park entrances, allowing you to maximize your time in nature. Return from a day of hiking to relax in your private cabin’s hot tub, recharge in spacious accommodations, and wake up ready for another adventure. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, photographing wildlife, or simply soaking in mountain vistas, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park delivers unforgettable experiences right from your vacation rental doorstep.
