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Answering Your Questions About Great Smoky Mountains National Park

As the most-visited national park in the United States, Great Smoky Mountains National Park welcomes millions of visitors each year who are looking to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of nature. When it comes to planning your visit to the Smoky Mountains, however, you may end up with questions along the way. That is why we have gone ahead and put together the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Let’s get started:

Where are the best spots to visit at Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Kuwohi Observation TowerThere are so many amazing places that you can visit when you come to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park! One of the most popular spots to visit is Cades Cove, as the 11-mile loop road at this destination offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing, historic structures, waterfalls, and more, giving visitors some of everything. Another popular location is Kuwohi, which is the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and provides views for miles and miles on clear days.

Is there a fee to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee, but there is a small parking fee that visitors must pay when coming to visit the park. Fortunately, there are plenty of places to buy a Smoky Mountains parking pass. Additionally, you can choose between a daily pass, a weekly pass, and an annual pass, depending on your needs.

Does Great Smoky Mountains National Park close?

what's open and closed during winter in the smoky mountainsWhile some roads, campgrounds, and facilities close during winter and depending on weather, Great Smoky Mountains National Park itself is open 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. You can always check with the National Park Service to inquire about specific road closures, facility hours, and more.

Are pets allowed at Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Generally, pets are not allowed at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, since they can pose a risk to wildlife and put humans in danger. Dogs can disturb local wildlife, including chasing smaller animals or agitating larger animals, such as bears. Many negative encounters between humans and bears involve dogs, which is part of why they are not permitted in the park. However, there are two walking paths that do allow leashed dogs — the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail. Additionally, pets are allowed in campgrounds and picnic areas, but must be kept on a leash of 6 feet or less at all times.

What animals live in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

bear in cades coveThe Smoky Mountains are home to lots of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, over 30 species of salamanders, tons of bird species, and more. Cades Cove is among the most popular places to see the wildlife that live here in the Smokies, as it is a relatively wide-open area that offers good sightlines of the animals!

We hope that we have been able to answer some of your top questions about Great Smoky Mountains National Park! If you are looking for more information, you can find out more about the Smoky Mountains today. We look forward to welcoming you to the area!