Planning a trip to Great Smoky Mountains? This beautiful wilderness it the most visited National Park in the United States. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about how to get to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including the closest airports to the Smokies, closest cities, driving directions, Park entrances, and getting to Great Smoky Mountains in winter.
Once you’ve figured out how to get there, don’t forget to plan your itinerary with my Smoky Mountain Itinerary Guide and Things to Do in Cades Cove.
A Quick Look at How to Get to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Here’s a quick look at the nearest cities and nearest airports to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Note that there are several entrances to Great Smoky Mountains (more on those, below), so these charts show the nearest cities and nearest airports to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Townsend, Tennessee and Cherokee, North Carolina, the major gateways to the Park.
Nearest Cities to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
| City | Closest Park Visitor Center | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Gatlinburg, Tennessee | Sugarlands Visitor Center | 4.5 Mi / 15 Minutes |
| Townsend, Tennessee | Cades Cove Visitor Center | 16.8 Mi / 45 Minutes |
| Cherokee, North Carolina | Oconaluftee Visitor Center | 3.5 Mi / 10 Minutes |
Nearest Airports to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
| Airport | Closest Park Visitor Center | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport | Sugarlands Visitor Center | 42 Mi / 1 Hour 15 Minutes |
| Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport | Cades Cove Visitor Center | 37 Mi / 1 Hour 15 Minutes |
| Asheville Regional Airport | Oconaluftee Visitor Center | 60 Mi / 1 Hour 15 Minutes |
Where is Great Smoky Mountains National Park Located?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in the Southeastern United States, encompassing the stunning ridge of mountains on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located approximately halfway between the cities of Knoxville, Tennessee and Asheville, North Carolina. The Park is located directly outside the towns of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Townsend, Tennessee and Cherokee, North Carolina.
The Great Smoky Mountains, or “the Smokies” are part of the Blue Ridge mountains, which is a section of the greater Appalachian Mountain chain. Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Park, is also the highest point on the Appalachian Trail as it winds 2,192 miles from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Katadhin, Maine.
Planning a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park? The Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary Guide has your perfect 1, 2, or 3 day Smoky Mountains trip completely planned for you! With over 20 pages of detailed hiking guides, printable daily itineraries, lodging and dining suggestions, you can spend less time stressing and more time making epic memories! Check it out, here.
Map of Great Smoky Mountains
Nearest Airports to the Great Smoky Mountains
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited National Park in the country, and that means that visitors arrive from all corners of the globe! Many visitors arriving from outside the East Coast will need to fly to reach Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The nearest airport to Gatlinburg, Tennessee (Sugarlands Entrance) is Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport. The nearest airport to Cherokee, North Carolina (Oconaluftee Entrance) is Asheville Regional Airport, in Asheville, North Carolina.
>> Click here to book your flight to Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport
>> Click here to book your flight to Asheville Regional Airport
The nearest international airport to Great Smoky Mountains is Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in Greenville, South Carolina.
>> Click here to book your flight to Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport
Map of the Nearest Airports to Great Smoky Mountains
How to Use This Map: Click the Icons on the map to see more information about each location. Click the star at the top of the map to add the map to your Google Maps account.
Nearest Regional Airports to the Great Smoky Mountains
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is near to several regional airports. Regional Airports are smaller airports that generally don’t have international flights.
The nearest regional airports to Great Smoky Mountains are:
| Airport | Nearest Visitor Center | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Knoxville McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) | Sugarlands Cades Cove | 42 Mi / 1 Hour 15 Min 37 Mi / 1 Hour 15 Min |
| Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) | Oconaluftee | 60 Mi / 1 Hour 15 Minutes |
| Tri-Cities Airport, Tennessee (TRI) | Sugarlands | 105 Mi / 2 Hours |
| Chattanooga Airport (CHA) | Sugarlands | 147 Mi / 2 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Blue Grass Airport (LEX) | Sugarlands | 221 Mi / 3 Hours 40 Minutes |
| Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) | Oconaluftee | 205 Mi / 3 Hours 30 Minutes |
Other Major Airports Near the Great Smoky Mountains
There are several major international airports located within driving distance of Great Smoky Mountains. These airports usually offer more frequent (and cheeper!) flights than regional airports, as well as better options on rental cars, hotels, ect.
The nearest international airports near Great Smoky Mountains are:
| Airport | Nearest Visitor Center | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) | Oconaluftee | 120 Mi / 2 Hours 10 Minutes |
| Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) | Oconaluftee | 165 Miles / 3 Hours |
| Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) | Oconaluftee | 175 Miles / 3 Hours |
| Nashville International Airport (BNA) | Sugarlands | 215 Mi / 3 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) | Oconaluftee | 290 Mi / 4 Hours 35 Minutes |
Nearest Cities to Smoky Mountains
Despite being one of the largest wilderness areas in the contiguous United States, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is conveniently located near several major cities. In fact, almost 2/3 of the United States’ population is within a day’s drive of the Smokies, making it the most visited National Park in the United States.
This chart shows the closest large cities to the Smoky Mountains.
| City | Closest Visitor Center | Driving Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Asheville, NC | Oconaluftee Visitor Center | 60 Mi / 1 Hour 15 Minutes |
| Knoxville, TN | Sugarlands & Cades Cove Visitor Centers | 42 Mi / 1 Hour 15 Minutes |
| Charlotte, NC | Oconaluftee Visitor Center | 180 Mi / 3 Hours 15 Minutes |
| Atlanta, GA | Oconaluftee Visitor Center | 165 Mi / 3 Hours 15 Minutes |
| Nashville, TN | Sugarlands & Cades Cove Visitor Centers | 225 Mi / 3 Hours 45 Minutes |
Entrances to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
There are 6 entrances to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Roads into Great Smoky Mountains run from two-lane highways, like Highway 321 (aka Newfound Gap Road) to dirt and gravel off-road trails, accessible by 4×4 wheel drive only.
But most visitors will use one of the 3 main entrances when visiting the Smokies:
The Gatlinburg / Sugarlands Entrance
This is the main entrance used by visitors staying in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The Gatlinburg Entrance is on Highway 321 on the North Side of the park. Once Highway 321 enters the Park, it becomes Newfound Gap Road, the major road through the Smokies, where many of the Park’s most visited attractions are located. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is also located near the Gatlinburg Entrance.
Because of its convenient location to hotels, shopping, major highways and the Knoxville Airport, this is the most popular entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Along this road you’ll find must-see points in the park, including Alum Cave and Mount LeConte, Clingman’s Dome, Newfound Gap, the Appalachian Trail and two visitor centers.
Newfound Gap road is a winding mountain road with hairpin turns and some of the most fantastic scenery in the Smokies. The Gatlinburg Entrance and Newfound Gap Road is open year round, but may close periodically during winter weather.
The Gatlinburg Bypass from Highway 321 / Highway 441 takes drivers directly into Great Smoky Mountains Park, bypassing downtown Gatlinburg, which can get very congested with traffic. This is the quickest entrance for visitors coming from Pigeon Forge and points north of Gatlinburg.
The Townsend Entrance
The Townsend Entrance is located approximately 20 miles east of Gatlinburg, on the northeastern side of the Park. The small resort town of Townsend, Tennessee advertises itself as the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies.” The Townsend Entrance is the closest entrance to Cades Cove, one of the Great Smoky Mountains’ most popular destinations.
The Townsend Entrance is conveniently located just 45 minutes from Knoxville, Tennessee.
Access the Townsend Entrance from Highway 321. Exit the Highway and follow E. Lamar Alexander Highway south into the Park. Once inside the Park, the road becomes Townsend Entrance Road.
The Oconaluftee (Cherokee, NC) Entrance
The Oconaluftee Entrance is located on the southern side of the Park in North Carolina. The Oconaluftee Entrance is located just outside the town of Cherokee, North Carolina. The Oconaluftee Entrance is named for the Oconauluftee Visitor Center, located just within the Park’s entrance on Highway 321.
To enter the Park through the Oconaluftee Entrance, drive north on Highway 321 from Cherokee, Tennessee. Once Highway 321 enters the Park, it becomes Newfound Gap Road.
The Oconaluftee Entrance is the nearest entrance to the Smokies from Asheville, North Carolina, Atlanta, Georgia, and other Southeastern cities.
The town of Cherokee is part of the larger Qualla Boundary, commonly referred to as the Cherokee Indian Reservation, and the tribal capital of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Map of Entrances to Great Smoky Mountains
This map does not include the primitive roads leading in and out of the Park. These roads are dirt and gravel and suitable for SUVs and 4×4 vehicles only.
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Driving Directions to Great Smoky Mountains
Driving directions to Great Smoky Mountains depend on exactly where you are staying and where you are headed inside this vast park. However, these general directions will get you to the main Park entrances outside Gatlinburg, Townsend, and Cherokee.
Driving Directions to Gatlinburg
From Interstate 40, take exit 407 for TN-66 South towards Sevierville/ Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg. In Sevierville, continue straight onto Highway 441 South. Follow Highway 441 South through Pigeon Forge, where it becomes Highway 321. Follow Highway 321 / 441 through Gatlinburg and into Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Drivers can also opt to take the Gatlinburg Parkway Bypass. The Bypass skirts around downtown Gatlinburg, which often has heavy traffic.
To take the Bypass, follow Highway 321 / 441 South. Follow signs for National Park / Gatlinburg Bypass. The Bypass leads directly into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, rejoining Newfound Gap Road (Highway 321).
Driving Directions to Townsend Entrance
From I-40 in Knoxville, Tennessee and other points North, take Highway US-129 South towards Alcoa. In Alcoa, keep to the left for TN-35 N/N Hall Rd. Continue on TN-35. In Maryville, follow US-321 North/ TN -73 / Lamar Alexander Parkway to Townsend.
In Townsend, continue straight on TN-73 / Lamar Alexander Parkway into Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
From I-75 south of Knoxville, including Chattanooga, take I-75 North and take exit 376 to merge onto I-140 E toward Maryville. Take exit 11A to to US-129 S/Alcoa Highway towards Alcoa.
In Alcoa, keep to the left for TN-35 N/N Hall Rd. Continue on TN-35. In Maryville, follow US-321 North/ TN -73 / Lamar Alexander Parkway to Townsend.
In Townsend, continue straight on TN-73 / Lamar Alexander Parkway into Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Driving Directions to Cherokee
From highway I-40 (Asheville, Charlotte, Greensboro and other points North), exit and follow US-74 West towards Waynesville.
Take exit 103 for US-19 toward Maggie Valley/Cherokee. Turn onto US-441 North at Cherokee and follow the road into the park.
From the South (Atlanta, Chattanooga) Follow US-441/US-23 North. At Dillsboro merge on US-74 West/US-441 North. Take exit 74 to merge onto US-441. Follow US-441 through Cherokee and into the park.
Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway to Great Smoky Mountains
While not the most direct way to Great Smoky Mountains, the Blue Ridge National Scenic Parkway is one of America’s most scenic and iconic road trips, and well worth the visit. The Parkway stretches 469 Miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, adjacent to the Cherokee, North Carolina entrance.
Road Trippers can drive as little, or as long on the Parkway as their itinerary allows. Popular spots along the Blue Ridge Parkway include Shenandoah, Asheville North Carolina, Peaks of Otter, Linn Cove Viaduct and of course the Great Smoky Mountains.
Learn more about driving the Blue Ridge Parkway and directions here.
Tips for Driving in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Whether you are driving on the parks scenic roads or headed to your next hike, you’ll likely spend a good amount of time in your car while visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Smokies are easy to drive and navigating is pretty straightforward, but keep in mind these tips for driving in and around Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
NEW in 2023 – Great Smoky Mountains ‘Pay It Forward’ Parking Fees
Beginning March 1, 2023 Great Smoky Mountains National Park will require all visitors to purchase and display a “Parking Tag” while parking inside the National Park.
Why? Great Smoky Mountains does not charge an entrance fee, meaning that the over 14 million annual visitors can enjoy this park for FREE. However, as visitor numbers increased, the Park budget has not, and the Park is struggling to maintain basic services. To continue funding Great Smoky Mountains, the Park has implemented a new Parking Fee program.
All visitors who wish to park for more than 15 minutes in Great Smoky Mountains, including at trailheads, scenic points, Visitor Centers, ect. must purchase and display a paid Parking Tag. One Parking Tag is required per vehicle.
Parking Tag fees are $5 per day, $15 per week, and $40 annually.
Parking Tag sales are not limited or capped, meaning you do not need advanced reservations to enter the Park. Parking tags do NOT guarantee a parking spot, so be sure to arrive early to trailheads and popular spots!
Don’t Rely on Cell Service and Google Maps
Cell phone service, and cell phone internet data is unreliable or nonexistent in most areas of the Park. Download or print maps and directions to your hotel, campsite, and intended destinations BEFORE you go. Maps are also available in all Visitor Centers, as well as the NPS website.
Google maps is notoriously unreliable when it comes to directions in Great Smoky Mountains. (Seriously, it once tried to send us down a closed, unpaved, primitive road in Cades Cove. 😕) Always consult official NPS maps or ask a Ranger about road conditions if you aren’t using on of the Parks 3 main entrances.
Arrive Early to Find Parking
There are far more visitors then there are parking spots in Great Smoky Mountains. Many trailheads become insanely crowded by mid-morning until sunset. Arrive early (ideally before 8 AM) and avoid weekends and holidays for the best chance of enjoying some peace and quiet.
Drive Safely
If goes without saying, but obey all traffic laws, drive safely on the winding mountain roads, and drive sober. Despite their wild status, National Parks are generally safe places. However, the #1 cause of death in National Parks is motor vehicle accidents. Stay alert for wildlife, especially around dawn and dusk.
There are no streetlights in GSM and driving the winding mountain roads at night can be scary and intimidating, so plan accordingly.
Getting Around Great Smoky Mountains in Winter
Weather permitting, the main roads in the Park stay open year-round, including Newfound Gap Road, Cades Cove Loop, and Little River Road. Winter storms may cause temporary closures on these roads, especially the higher elevations of Newfound Gap Road.
Chains are not required to navigate Great Smoky Mountains in winter.
Secondary roads, including Clingmans Dome, Little Greenbrier Road, Parsons Branch Road, and Roaring Fork Mountain road close in winter, typically early-December to late-March.
Road updates are posted on the official GSM Twitter account, here.
Planning a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park? The Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary Guide has your perfect 1, 2, or 3 day Smoky Mountains trip completely planned for you! With over 20 pages of detailed hiking guides, printable daily itineraries, lodging and dining suggestions, you can spend less time stressing and more time making epic memories! Check it out, here.
Ready to explore more of Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Check out these itinerary and planning guides here:
Ultimate Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary in 2 Days
17 Things to Do In Cades Cove – Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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