Great Smoky Mountains National Park

So Many Wide Open Spaces to Explore

Bryson City is home to five entrances to the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the nation's most visited national park, more than any other destination surrounding the Park.

In addition to these five entrances, visitors can explore all the access points once inside the Park. If you're looking for a quiet destination without the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, these numerous access points to the National Park make Bryson City a better alternative for outdoor adventure. In addition to Oconaluftee at Cherokee, Clingmans Dome, the Road to Nowhere, and Deep Creek, you can also access remote areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park after crossing Fontana Dam, on the Appalachian Trail, or by boat on a North Shore excursion, or on a guided hike to Hazel Creek.

There are endless opportunities for outdoor fun, ranging from hiking and waterfalls, biking, horseback riding, tubing and other adventures.Or take a more leisurely approach with a scenic drive or catch the sunset at an overlook in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Clingmans Dome

Known as the highest point of the Great Smoky Mountains with an elevation of 6,634 feet, Kuwhohi - also known as Clingmans Dome - is home to many hiking trails and an observation tower, which overlooks miles of the national forest.

Deep Creek

Deep Creek is known as one of the most stunning areas of North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is located just a few miles from downtown Bryson City.

Road to Nowhere

Steeped in history, the Road to Nowhere is a scenic drive, hiking destination and monument to the past, nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A six-mile winding road weaves through the National Forest, with multiple scenic stops along the way

Oconaluftee

Close to Bryson City in neighboring Cherokee, NC, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Mountain Farm Museum is home to trails and historic buildings along the Oconaluftee River.

Smokemont

Explore the Smokemont section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You'll find a campground, hiking trails, a historic church, and horseback riding.

North Shore

Explore the backcountry wilderness of the North Shore of Fontana Lake, within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park boundary. This is a remote wilderness section of the National Park, which is accessible via hiking trails or by boat.

Newfound Gap Road

Newfound Gap Road travels through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Cherokee, NC to Gatlinburg TN, with several landmarks and scenic overlooks along the way.

Fontana Dam

Fontana Dam impounds Fontana Lake, and also provides access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a popular hiking access point.

Cataloochee Valley

Explore Cataloochee Valley for elk viewing, historic buildings, and a peaceful mountain valley setting.

Cades Cove

Explore Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This expansive, beautiful valley is surrounded by the towering peaks of the Smokies and is one of the best spots to spy wildlife, including whitetail deer, bears, coyotes and others.

Cemeteries

Historical Cemeteries to explore in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Download a Map of Swain County and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Spend 48 Hours in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park For Your Next Vacation

The Nation’s favorite natural playground, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is right at your fingertips when you vacation in Bryson City. Six nearby access points allow unprecedented access to our country’s most visited national park and its many adventures. Got a weekend free and want to…

Great Smoky Mountains National Park 3 years ago

Spot the Majestic Elk of the Smokies: Where to Find Our Wild Neighbors

4 minute read

Many centuries ago, the range we now call the Great Smoky Mountains was full of roaming, majestic…

Newfound Gap Road

A 33 mile scenic drive through the high elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Clingmans Dome Road

Clingmans Dome Road takes you on a scenic journey to the highest point in the Smokies.

Little River Road

This 18-mile scenic drive dead-ends at Cades Cove, and provides spectacular scenery, including overlooks, a tunnel, river scenes, trailheads, picnic areas, campground access points and even a waterfall – Meigs Falls - that can be seen…

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Tour

The 5.5-mile-long, one-way, loop road is a favorite slow drive for many people. It offers rushing mountain streams, glimpses of old-growth forest, and several well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings.

Cades Cove Scenic Loop

Cades Cove Scenic Loop can be traveled by car or bicycle. Explore historic structures and wildlife.

Road to Nowhere

Venture Into History One of the most unique areas in Bryson City is found on Lakeview Drive in an area locally known ... as “The Road to Nowhere ,” part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Frequently Asked Questions About the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Are pets allowed in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Dogs are allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, and along roads, but must be kept on a leash at all times. Near Bryson City in the National Park, dogs are allowed on the Oconaluftee River Trail, the Deep Creek Picnic Area, and the Deep Creek Campground. Pets are not allowed on any other trails in the National Park. For pet-friendly hiking ideas outside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visit our Hiking page and use the amenity search to select "pet friendly."

When is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park open?

The Great Smoky Mountains National park is open year round, however certain roads may close due to inclement weather. Visit the National Park website or their Twitter account for up-to-date road closure information. In particular, Clingmans Dome Road is closed from November through March due to high elevation winter weather.