Traffic & Travel Tips

Plan Like a Ranger - How to Avoid the Crowds

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is consistently the most visited national park in the country. It lies within a day’s drive of more than half the U.S. population. Here are some tips to help you #PlanLikeARanger!

 

2024 Congestion Forecasting Calendar

Flexible on Dates? Choose When to Come Wisely
Check out the 2024 congestion forecasting calendar to help you choose when to visit the park and know what to expect during your visit.

• Green Circle Days - On green circle days, roadways are not predicted to be very congested, and parking is likely to be available at most destinations.
  

• Yellow Triangle Days - On yellow triangle days, we predict moderate congestion and many full parking lots across the park.
  

• Red Diamond Days - On red diamond days, we predict heavily congested roadways and completely full parking lots at most destinations.
  
  The forecasted calendar is based on historic traffic counter data. The calendar represents data-driven predictions, but on the ground conditions may vary from these predictions due to many complex factors.

 

Chart showing hours of the day on the horizontal axis and vehicle entry volume of the vertical axis.

Consider Arrival Time
Maybe you know which dates you plan to visit, but have you thought about planning what time of day your visit should begin? Most visitors arrive between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Instead, opt for an earlier or later start and you will have better chances of finding a parking spot at your destination of choice. Late afternoon hikes can be a great way to avoid the crowds - just make sure you have enough daylight for your adventure!

 

Cars fill the parking lot at Laurel Falls.

Have a Back-Up Plan
You are a planner, we get it! If you want to truely #PlanLikeARanger, you will have not one, but two (or more plans). Parking is limited. You may not find legal parking at your destination of choice. But with 848 miles of trails, 384 miles of roads, 126 historic structures and 11 picnic areas - there are always uncrowded destinations in the Smokies to explore! Think about the goals of your visit to identify alternative plans.

• Interested in a waterfall? Hike Gabes Mountain Trail to Hen Wallow Falls instead of Laurel Falls
• Interested in iconic views? Try Look Rock Tower instead of Clingmans Dome

 

Ride a Shuttle
Don't stress about finding parking. Arrive at your destination of choice, at your time of choice. Relax and enjoy a shuttle ride from local communities to park destinations. Most shuttle services run March through October.

 

Other Travel Tips:

Restrictions on Large Vehicles
Trailers, RVs, and buses are prohibited on some secondary roads in the park, including Balsam Mountain Road, Greenbrier Road past the ranger station, Heintooga Ridge Road, Rich Mountain Road, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, and the road exiting the park at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area. Caution is also advised when traveling on Little River Road between the Townsend entrance to the park and Elkmont Campground, and on the road leading into Cataloochee Valley.

Avoid Collisions with Animals
Watch for animals crossing roads, especially at night. Scores of bears and other animals are killed by motorists every year. Following posted speed limits will reduce your chances of hitting wildlife.

Use Pullouts if Driving Slowly
As a courtesy to other park visitors, slow moving vehicles should use pullouts to let other cars pass. Pullouts are located every mile or so on most park roads.

Road Markers
Numbered posts along park roads are keyed to the book Smokies Road Guide or to booklets on specific park areas (Cades Cove, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, etc.). These publications are available at park visitor centers.

Gas Stations
There are no gas stations or other related services available in the park. Complete services are available in Cherokee, NC, Gatlinburg, TN, and Townsend, TN.

Emergency Number
In the event of an emergency, call 911. For non-emergency calls to park headquarters, dial [phone].