Size: 522,427 Acres
Year Established: 1934
Annual Visitors: 14.16 Million
Firearms Information in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A federal law took effect on February 22, 2010, making it legal for people who are allowed to possess weapons by federal, state, and municipal law to do so in this park. Before visiting the park, guests are responsible for familiarizing themselves with and abiding by all local, state, and federal firearms regulations.
There are also places in this park where guns are not allowed by federal law (Federal Buildings). These places are marked with signs at all public entrances.
The Tennessee General Assembly passed a bill enabling limited permitless handgun carry in the state of Tennessee as of 1 July 2021; nevertheless, 39-17-1311 requires permits in public parks. Therefore, the permit holder must have the permit in their immediate possession at all times when carrying a firearm, and must present it to a law enforcement officer upon request.
The possession of long firearms, including shotguns and rifles, must comply with North Carolina state gun laws and Tennessee state guns law.
Hunting in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, hunting is prohibited. However, you can find hunting ground close to the park in the surrounding mountains.
You can learn more about North Carolina Hunting Laws and Tennessee Gun laws here.
Additional Information About Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A thin layer of blue vapor forms from the rising mist, reflecting light and filling the atmosphere. Southern Appalachians are where you’ll find the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are 384 kilometers of roads that wind across the mountains, disappearing into the fog.
More people have visited this park than any other in the country. Because it is one of the few that is always free, it has attracted a lot of attention. Visitors to the park can take in sights such as Rainbow Falls, where the water’s descent creates rainbow-colored bands in the sun, and the park’s expansive, forested terrain.
The park is widely recognized as the global salamander center. Not only does it have hundreds of different ferns and mushrooms, but it also contains over 1,500 different species of blooming plants. There are 30 different kinds of salamanders in this region, and the hellbender is one among them. A full-grown specimen can reach a length of 29 inches. At night, there are 18 distinct species of fireflies to observe. Only one species of lightning bug in North America, the synchronous firefly, flashes its lights in a synchronized pattern.
Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The best time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is between the months of June to November.
Visitor Fees
$5.00 per vehicle for up to 1 day
$15.00 per vehicle for up to 7 days
$40.00 per vehicle for up to 12 months (Annual Pass)
Interesting in visiting multiple National Parks this year?
Consider the America The Beautiful Annual Park Pass.
This annual park pass to gets you and some friends into all U.S. National Parks for $80.
They also offer Senior, Military, and other discounts.
Visitor Centers
Clingmans Dome Visitor Contact Station
Address
Clingmans Dome Road
Cherokee, NC 28719
Phone Number
(865) 436-1200
Hours of Operation
Daily 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Cades Cove Visitor Center
Address
Cable Mill Road
Townsend, TN 37882
Hours of Operation
Daily 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Be sure to check for seasonal closures.
Sugarlands Visitor Center
Address
1420 Fighting Creek Gap Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Phone Number
(865) 436-1200
Hours of Operation
Daily 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Be sure to check for seasonal closures.
Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Address
1194 Newfound Gap Road
Cherokee, NC 28719
Hours of Operation
Daily 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Be sure to check for seasonal closures.