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 vi
Free — you won’t need your pass here.
Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
- Fee type No fee — No fee is charged here.
- HoursPrimary roads are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round, weather permitting. This includes Newfound Gap Road (US-441), Little River Road, and Laurel Creek Road. Secondary roads are closed seasonally.
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the borders of the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. The three main entrances to the park are in Gatlinburg, TN; Townsend, TN; and Cherokee, NC.
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Great Smoky Mountains National Park — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
No Is there a fee at Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
No — it’s free to enter, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include #67 Goldmine Branch Access, Abrams Falls Trail, Ace Gap Trail, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you bike here?
Yes — biking is available at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.
Depends Can you ride OHVs or ATVs here?
Yes — off-highway vehicle use is among the activities here. Stay on designated routes and check any permit or registration rules.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Yes What are the hours?
Primary roads are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round, weather permitting. This includes Newfound Gap Road (US-441), Little River Road, and Laurel Creek Road. Secondary roads are closed seasonally.
Nearby sites
National Forests in North Carolina
CheckThis Forest Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
NPS Photo National Park Service Andrew Johnson National Historic Site
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
