The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for our area starting January 2 at 10:00pm through January 3 mid-day. Conditions could be hazardous so plan ahead and stay safe. Learn more here.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A Wonderous Adventure Awaits

Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America’s most visited national park. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses over one-half million acres, making it one of the largest natural areas in the East.

Some of the most popular spots and attractions within Great Smoky Mountains National Park include:

  • Cades Cove, an iconic 11-mile loop road in an open valley surrounded by tall mountains
  • Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park at 6,643 feet
  • Newfound Gap, the nearly mile-high spot where Newfound Gap Road crosses the mountain ridge

New GSMNP Park Parking Tag

We are NOW selling Great Smoky Mountains National Park Parking Passes at the Haywood County Visitor Center located at 91 N Lakeshore Drive, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745.
 
Stop by to purchase an annual parking pass or make us your first stop on your way to the park, for a weekly or daily pass.

*If you are disabled and have a handicap parking tag you do not have to purchase a GSMNP parking tag*

Attention: Weather and road conditions can vary greatly in different elevations. Click here or visit twitter.com/smokiesroadsnps for the latest road and facility closures.

Discover Cataloochee Valley

Nestled in Haywood County, Cataloochee Valley was once a populous settlement and mountain community and is perhaps now best known for elk, which were reintroduced in the valley in 2001 after disappearing from North Carolina in the late 1700s as a result of over-hunting and loss of habitat.

Cataloochee Valley is rich in history, with original homesteads still standing. Visitors can tour a school, churches, a barn, and several homes to learn what life was like for early settlers of the area. There’s also plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing to be had here, so make sure a trip to Cataloochee Valley is on your itinerary while visiting Haywood County.

Explore Cataloochee Valley

Be Elk Smart

Little Cataloochee Church Hike

LENGTH: 8 MILES
RATING: MODERATE
DOGS: NOT ALLOWED

Boogerman Trail

LENGTH: 4 MILES
RATING: MODERATE
DOGS: NOT ALLOWED

Balsam Mountain Nature Trail

LENGTH: 1.2 MILES
RATING: EASY
DOGS: NOT ALLOWED

Appalachian Trail Sections

DISTANCE: 95.7 MILES
DIFFICULTY: EASY-CHALLENGING