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Smoky Mountain Visitor Information

The Smokies offer activities for visitors of various ages and interests. Recommended activities include camping, hiking, picnicking, sightseeing, fishing, horseback riding, and nature viewing. There are also opportunities for ranger-guided programs. We know many questions come to mind when planning a trip, and because PigeonForge.com always strives to provide up-to-date information on everything possibly needed while vacationing, we decided the straight facts about Great Smoky Mountains National Park were a necessity! Visitor Center Information

Cades Cove Visitor Center

This center is located near the mid-point of the 11-mile loop in Cades Cove. It is open year round and offers a bookstore, public restrooms, seasonal ranger-led programs, and both indoor and outdoor exhibits of Southern Appalachian life. Cable Mill, a historic grist mill, the Becky Cable house, and other historic structures also occupy this location. The mill operates spring through fall.

Visitor Center Hours:

December-January 9:00-4:30
February 9:00-5:00
March 9:00-5:30

Oconaluftee Visitor Center

Oconaluftee is located, just two miles from Cherokee, NC on US-441 and is also open year round. Adjacent to the visitor center, Mountain Farm Museum contains a farmhouse, barn, smokehouse, applehouse, corn cribs and other buildings. Seasonal demonstrations of farm life are well worth the pleasant 33 mile drive over the mountain. Oconaluftee also offers public restrooms and telephones, snack machines, backcountry permits, seasonal ranger-led programs, and an information desk with helpful volunteers.

Visitor Center Hours:

October 8:00-6:00
November - March 8:00-4:30
April 8:00-5:00

Sugarlands Visitor Center

This visitor center is located just 2 miles inside the Gatlinburg entrance to the park on US-441. Open year round, Sugarlands offers public restrooms and telephones, a free 20-minute video, exciting plant and animal exhibits, the Natural History Association’s bookstore and gift shop, backcountry permit station, snack machines, seasonal ranger-led programs, and a wonderful information desk with friendly volunteers!

Visitor Center Hours:

October 8:00-6:00 November 8:00-5:00
December-March 8:00-4:30

Contact Sugarlands by Mail:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738

By Fax: 865-436-1220

Weather and Climate Information:

A detailed weather forecast for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is available by dialing 865-436-1200. Below are charts showing average conditions in Gatlinburg versus the higher altitudes in the park. Take note of a trail's elevation before departing and always be prepared for rain or snow. This park is a temperate rainforest; it rains quite often!