Although somewhat removed from the nation's largest population centers, Great Smoky Mountains National Park convenient enough to attract about 9 million visitors each year. That is the most visitors of any national park in the U.S.
Thanks to an agreement decades ago that the spectacular landscape here must remain accessible to all visitors without charge, Great Smoky never charges an entry fee. There might be fees for certain services within the park, but you won't have to worry about admission.
Nearby cities like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in Tennessee and Cherokee in North Carolina can be pricey at certain times of year. Look for budget alternatives in nearby Knoxville or Newport, which isn't far from a backdoor entrance to Great Smoky that will help you avoid crowds during the busiest times of year.
