Entrances of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans over half a million acres across Tennessee and North Carolina, making it one of the most visited and accessible national parks in the United States. With multiple gateways leading into its mist-covered valleys, scenic drives, and historic sites, each entrance offers a unique experience. From bustling gateways like Gatlinburg to tranquil backroads like Cosby, visitors can explore the Smokies from many directions. Below is a detailed guide to each main entrance to help travelers choose the perfect starting point for their adventure.

Quick Reference: Entrances of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Entrance Name	State	Nearest Town(s)	Main Access / Road	Key Attractions & Access Points	Best For	Crowd Level
Gatlinburg Entrance	Tennessee	Gatlinburg	Newfound Gap Road (US 441)	Sugarlands Visitor Center, Clingmans Dome, Laurel Falls, Chimney Tops	First-time visitors, families, scenic drives	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very High)
Townsend Entrance	Tennessee	Townsend	Laurel Creek Road via Hwy 73	Cades Cove, Laurel Creek, Little River Road	Peaceful trips, wildlife watching, history lovers	⭐⭐ (Low)
Wears Valley Entrance	Tennessee	Wears Valley, Pigeon Forge	Wears Valley Rd (State Route 321)	Metcalf Bottoms, Elkmont, Walker Sisters Cabin	Scenic drives, picnics, avoiding crowds	⭐⭐ (Low)
Cherokee Entrance	North Carolina	Cherokee	Newfound Gap Road (US 441)	Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Mountain Farm Museum, Blue Ridge Parkway	Cultural heritage, scenic drives, family-friendly	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (High)
Bryson City / Deep Creek Entrance	North Carolina	Bryson City	Deep Creek Road	Juney Whank Falls, Tom Branch Falls, tubing & camping	Waterfalls, campers, outdoor enthusiasts	⭐⭐⭐ (Moderate)
Cosby Entrance	Tennessee	Cosby	Hwy 32	Hen Wallow Falls, Mt. Cammerer, Cosby Campground	Hikers, campers, solitude seekers	⭐⭐ (Low)
Cataloochee Entrance	North Carolina	Maggie Valley	Cove Creek Road (gravel)	Elk viewing, historic homes, Cataloochee Valley	Wildlife lovers, photographers, history buffs	⭐ (Very Low)

1. Gatlinburg Entrance (Tennessee)

The Gatlinburg Entrance is the most popular and busiest gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located at the end of the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, this entrance gives visitors immediate access to Newfound Gap Road (US 441) — the scenic highway that cuts through the park from Tennessee to North Carolina.

Just inside the entrance lies the Sugarlands Visitor Center, one of the park’s main information hubs. It offers maps, park exhibits, restrooms, and short nature trails such as the Cataract Falls Trail. From here, visitors can easily reach popular destinations like Clingmans Dome, Chimney Tops, and Laurel Falls.

This entrance is ideal for families and first-time visitors due to its proximity to Gatlinburg’s hotels, restaurants, and attractions. It’s also open year-round, though winter weather can occasionally close higher elevations like Clingmans Dome Road.

2. Townsend Entrance (Tennessee)

Known as the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” the Townsend Entrance provides a quieter and more relaxed alternative to Gatlinburg. Located along Highway 73, this entrance is the best route for visitors heading to Cades Cove, one of the most iconic areas in the park.

The Townsend gateway leads directly to the Laurel Creek Road, which winds through lush forests before opening into Cades Cove’s scenic valley. Visitors here can explore pioneer-era cabins, churches, and grist mills while spotting wildlife such as deer, bears, and wild turkeys.

Townsend itself offers small-town charm with locally owned lodges, campgrounds, and tubing spots along the Little River. This entrance is perfect for travelers looking for serenity, photography opportunities, and easy access to nature.

3. Wears Valley Entrance (Tennessee)

The Wears Valley Entrance is a lesser-known but increasingly popular route into the park. It connects Pigeon Forge and Townsend via Wears Valley Road (State Route 321). Though not an official park entrance with a visitor center, it offers convenient access to the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area and scenic backroads leading to Elkmont and Tremont.

This route is a favorite among locals and experienced visitors who want to avoid the heavier traffic of Gatlinburg. It provides a scenic countryside approach with mountain views, local shops, and vacation cabins lining the valley.

The Wears Valley entrance is best for travelers who enjoy peaceful drives, picnicking, and exploring less crowded park areas like the Little Greenbrier School and Walker Sisters Cabin.

4. Cherokee Entrance (North Carolina)

On the opposite side of the park, the Cherokee Entrance serves as the main gateway from North Carolina. Located at the southern end of Newfound Gap Road, this entrance lies within the Qualla Boundary, home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Just inside the park, visitors will find the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, which offers exhibits on mountain life and a walking path to the Mountain Farm Museum, where historic log buildings are preserved. The Oconaluftee River Trail, a family-friendly path along the river, also begins here.

This entrance is ideal for travelers exploring the cultural side of the Smokies. Nearby, the town of Cherokee offers museums, traditional crafts, and performances that celebrate Native American heritage. From here, visitors can easily drive to Clingmans Dome or connect to the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of America’s most scenic drives.

5. Bryson City / Deep Creek Entrance (North Carolina)

The Bryson City Entrance provides access to the Deep Creek area, a hidden gem known for its waterfalls and tubing. Located just north of downtown Bryson City, this entrance leads to Deep Creek Campground, several picnic spots, and trailheads for Juney Whank, Tom Branch, and Indian Creek Falls — three waterfalls located along a short loop trail.

This entrance is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who love hiking, camping, and water recreation. The town of Bryson City itself is a charming base for visitors, offering the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, local dining, and craft shops. It’s one of the best spots for a quieter, nature-focused Smokies experience.

6. Cosby Entrance (Tennessee)

For travelers seeking solitude, the Cosby Entrance on the northeastern edge of the park is one of the most peaceful gateways. Located off Highway 32, this entrance offers direct access to excellent hiking trails like the Cosby Nature Trail, Gabes Mountain Trail, and Hen Wallow Falls.

The Cosby Campground is less crowded than others, making it perfect for those who prefer a quiet base surrounded by forest. The area also serves as an access point for experienced hikers heading to Mt. Cammerer, one of the park’s most scenic fire towers with panoramic mountain views.

Cosby represents the wilder, more authentic side of the Smokies — ideal for those who want to escape the tourist crowds and connect with nature.

7. Cataloochee Entrance (North Carolina)

The Cataloochee Entrance is one of the most remote and historically rich gateways into the park. Located near Maggie Valley, NC, this entrance is reached via a winding gravel road that leads deep into the mountains. The journey itself feels like stepping back in time.

Cataloochee is famous for its reintroduced elk population, which roam freely across the meadows at sunrise and sunset. The valley also contains preserved historic buildings, including homes, barns, and a church from early mountain settlers.

Though less accessible due to its gravel road, Cataloochee rewards visitors with tranquility, wildlife encounters, and a glimpse into the region’s pioneer past. It’s ideal for photographers, history buffs, and anyone seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.