Want to find a secluded trail, serene picnic spot, or spectacular view in the Smokies? Use this handy new map from the National Park Service.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America’s most visited national park, attracting more than 12 million recreational visits in 2024 alone. But despite all those visitors, this 800-square-mile park never feels crowded, especially to savvy travelers. Here’s what you’ll find on this essential map of the national park.
Scenic Drives
Look for the park’s two famed loop roads: The Cades Cove loop is home to historic settlements, and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail takes you through a lush forest. Don’t miss Newfound Gap Road, with breathtaking views at the iconic mountain gap.
Visitor Centers
Four visitor centers serve the park. Two of them are your near neighbors if you’re staying in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge:
- Sugarlands Visitor Center: Amenities include an ATM, WiFi, a ranger on duty, restrooms, maps, exhibits, books, and gifts.
- Cades Cove Visitor Center: The center has maps, exhibits, restrooms, park information, and books.
Ranger Stations
Marked on the map with icons of a hut, ranger stations are different from the larger visitor centers. These stations are small bases where rangers help visitors with everything from directions to permits to emergency services. If you’re heading into remote parts of the park, know where to find the nearest station.
Trails
Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts more than 800 miles of trails, from easy strolls to strenuous hikes. You’ll find trailheads throughout the park. The map marks self-guided nature trails with a hiker icon. Consult the park’s website for updates on closed trails and weather conditions.
Picnic Areas
Look for the picnic table icons. At the park’s 11 picnic areas you can eat in the fresh air, with incomparable views. Some picnic areas close in winter, but four–Deep Creek, Cades Cove, Greenbrier, and Metcalf Bottoms–stay open all year. Want to picnic near a pristine, rushing river? Head for Metcalf Bottoms. Hoping to see wildlife? Try Cades Cove.
Campgrounds and Backcountry Campsites
You can find the park’s 10 campgrounds on the map, but the 100 primitive backcountry campsites aren’t marked. For campground use, simply reserve a spot. For backcountry camping, you need a permit from a ranger station.
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