Getting to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park sits in TN / NC, United States, with Pigeon Forge the nearest town of any size — about 12.3 mi (19.8 km) out, or roughly 33 min of driving.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park sells a parking tag on Recreation.gov, which is not an entrance fee. Driving through without parking needs none.
Drive times from Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park sits close enough to Mammoth Cave National Park, Congaree National Park, and New River Gorge National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Mammoth Cave National Park | 179 mi (288 km) | 4 hr 41 min |
| Congaree National Park | 202 mi (325 km) | 5 hr 14 min |
| New River Gorge National Park | 218 mi (351 km) | 5 hr 37 min |
Long trails through this park
Appalachian Trail crosses Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The published corridor is GA–ME.
- Appalachian Trail — official trail site.
Towns to base yourself in
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Pigeon Forge | 12.3 mi (19.8 km) | 33 min |
| Bryson City | 13.6 mi (21.9 km) | 35 min |
| Cherokee | 16.2 mi (26.1 km) | 40 min |
| Sevierville | 17.8 mi (28.7 km) | 43 min |
| Sylva | 24.5 mi (39.4 km) | 54 min |
| Robbinsville | 24.6 mi (39.5 km) | 54 min |
| Cullowhee | 29.3 mi (47.2 km) | 1 hr 2 min |
| Franklin | 31 mi (49.9 km) | 1 hr 5 min |
How to read these numbers
Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.
Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.
Region pages
Common questions
What is the closest town to Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Pigeon Forge, about 12.3 mi (19.8 km) away — roughly 33 min of driving.
Where should I stay when visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
The practical bases are Pigeon Forge, Bryson City, and Cherokee — all within a reasonable drive of the park.