The Visitor Centers At Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has four visitor centers providing visitors with information and resources to enhance their understanding and enjoyment of the park’s natural and cultural resources.
Below are the addresses for each visitor center, which are open 9 am – 5 pm daily, but hours do vary by season (usually shorter in the winter).
Sugarlands Visitor Center
1420 Fighting Creek Gap Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Oconaluftee Visitor Center
1194 Newfound Gap Road
Cherokee, NC 28719
Cades Cove Visitor Center
Cable Mill Road
Townsend, TN 37882
Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) Visitor Center
Clingmans Dome Road
Cherokee, NC 28719
Various educational exhibits, interactive displays, and informational materials about the park can be found at the Oconaluftee and Sugarlands centers, including exhibits that explore the wildlife and history of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The Oconaluftee Visitor Center has an adjacent Mountain Farm Museum while Cades Cove has multiple historic structures including the gristmill (operates spring through fall) and the Becky Cable house.
From the Kuwohi Visitor Center visitors have a steep climb up a paved road to the highest point in the park. Behind Sugarlands is a short trail to Cataract Falls and inside is some impressive taxidermy.
The centers provide information about recreational activities available in the park, such as hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.
There are also kiosks outside to purchase your parking permits required for the park.
Park rangers and staff at the center are available to assist with trip planning and answer any questions that visitors may have. Get brochures on the park including trail maps and ask where the best spots to view wildlife are.
Rangers give free educational talks and tours throughout the year. Don’t forget to sign your little ones up for the Junior Ranger program or get your passport stamped.
Gift shops in the visitor centers offer books, trail guides, maps, magnets, postcards, shirts, and any other souvenirs you may want to remember your trip to the park.
Restrooms, trashcans, free WiFi, and a water bottle filling station are all available here.
The visitor centers are an excellent way to start your exploration of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Valuable information and resources can be found here that will enhance your experience in the park.
