Greenbrier Area

A creek with large boulders framed by green trees in early spring. A mountain peaks between trees in the distance. — NPS Photo

Greenbrier is a heavily forested cove in the park’s northeast area approximately 20 minutes east of Gatlinburg. A partially paved entrance road follows the Middle Fork of the Little River upstream to a riverside picnic area and several trailheads that lead into the surrounding mountains. Greenbrier is known for its wildflowers, waterfalls, fishable streams, and historic structures and cemeteries.

Places to Go in Greenbrier Area

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Greenbrier Picnic Area
- Locations: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A shady daytime recreational area with tables and charcoal grills along the Little Pigeon River.

Things to Do in Greenbrier Area

Showing results 1-2 of 2

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Hike to Ramsey Cascades
- Type: Hiking
- Locations: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Reservations: No
- Pets: No
- Location: Expect crowds and full parking at Ramsey Cascades Trailhead—consider a shuttle
Hike 8 miles (12.9 km) roundtrip on this popular but relatively challenging trail through cove hardwood forest to see the tallest waterfall in the park. The trail begins on an old roadbed but becomes narrower and rockier crossing multiple footlog bridges and streams as it ascends.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Hike Porters Creek Trail
- Type: Hiking
- Locations: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Duration: 1-3 Hours
- Reservations: No
- Pets: No
- Location: Greenbrier
Porters Creek is a peaceful trail that is filled with history and natural wonders, hike as far as you'd like to explore. If you are up for about a 4-mile roundtrip hike you can visit the beautiful Fern Branch Falls.

Visitor Center & Campground Information

Sugarlands Visitor Center

Near Gatlinburg, TN, Sugarlands Visitor Center is an excellent starting point as you enter the park's North District. Learn about the park's plants and animals with natural history exhibits. Enjoy ranger-led programs conducted seasonally. Peruse the park bookstore and shop. Access public restrooms and drink vending machines. The Backcountry Permit Office is here, too.

Every Day:9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Hours vary seasonally.

Closures & Seasonal Exceptions

Winter Hours

December 1–February 28

Every Day:9:00 AM–4:30 PM

Hours vary in December, January, and February.

Holidays

2025–2026

Holiday	Date	Hours
New Year's Day	January 1, 2026	9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.	January 19, 2026	9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Washington's Birthday	February 16, 2026	9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Christmas Day	December 25, 2025	Closed

The entrance area to a building, including grass, trees, benches, sidewalks, and enclosed gardens.

A curved wooden welcome desk with a shiny top in front of a brick column with a colorful sign

Entrance into the museum

Park patrons looking for the perfect souvenir

Building with a snowy roof on a cloudy day. The nearby pavement looks wet and people are approaching

The entrance area to a building, including grass, trees, benches, sidewalks, and enclosed gardens. — Sugarlands Visitor Center offers seasonal ranger programs near the entrance area.
NPS Photo

A curved wooden welcome desk with a shiny top in front of a brick column with a colorful sign — During visitor center hours, you will find helpful employees at the front desk to answer your questions.
NPS Photo

Entrance into the museum — Millions have visited Sugarlands Visitor Center to view "Discover Life in the Smokies"
NPS Photo / Cedric Talley

Park patrons looking for the perfect souvenir — You can't come to the Smokies and not get something to take home.
NPS Photo / Cedric Talley

Building with a snowy roof on a cloudy day. The nearby pavement looks wet and people are approaching — Great Smoky Mountains National Park receives winter snow, sometimes even at lower elevations.
NPS Photo

Open

Elkmont Campground

Cell Phone Reception: No
Internet Connectivity: No
Trash/Recycling Collection: Yes, Seasonal
Food Storage Lockers: Yes, Seasonal
Camp Store: Yes, Seasonal
Ice for Sale: Yes, Seasonal
Firewood for Sale: Yes, Seasonal
Staff On Site: Yes, Seasonal
Amphitheater: Yes, Seasonal
Laundry: No
Dump Station: No
Potable Water: Potable Water - Seasonal

Elkmont Campground—open March 14–November 30, 2025—is the closest family campground to Sugarlands Visitor Center in the North District of the park. At 2,150 feet (655 m), winters are mild and summers are hot and humid. Tent and RV campsites, flush toilets, and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers.

America the Beautiful passes (not accepted in lieu of the parking tag for parking outside your campsite) are sold at the campground ranger station in summer & fall or online through the USGS store.

TOTAL SITES: 211

Electric Hookups: 0

RV Only: 0

Tent Only: 25

Walk to/Boat to: 22

Group: 4

Horse: 0

Other: 0

View Details

Closed

Cosby Campground

Cell Phone Reception: No
Internet Connectivity: No
Trash/Recycling Collection: Yes, Seasonal
Food Storage Lockers: Yes, Seasonal
Camp Store: No
Ice for Sale: No
Firewood for Sale: No
Staff On Site: Yes, Seasonal
Amphitheater: Yes, Seasonal
Laundry: No
Dump Station: Yes, Seasonal
Potable Water: Potable Water - Seasonal

Cosby Campground is tucked in the mountains under a canopy of shade. With an elevation of 2,459 feet (750 m), Cosby provides a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Campsites for both tents and RVs, flush toilets, and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers are available at the campground.

TOTAL SITES: 157

Electric Hookups: 0

RV Only: 0

Tent Only: 134

Walk to/Boat to: 0

Group: 0

Horse: 0

Other: 0

View Details

Last updated: March 14, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Phone:

(865)436-1200

Alerts In Effect

Park Closures

Cosby Entrance Road closed for construction

Greenbrier Area

Places to Go in Greenbrier Area

Greenbrier Picnic Area

Things to Do in Greenbrier Area

Hike to Ramsey Cascades

Hike Porters Creek Trail