Rehabilitation began on December 9 for the 2.3-mile-long Cosby Entrance Road from TN State Route 32 to the gate of Cosby Campground. While crews are working, the entrance road is closed to the public. The work is projected to be completed in spring 2025. More
Oconaluftee is the southern gateway to the Smokies neighboring Cherokee, North Carolina, and the Qualla Boundary. The large river valley is home to one of the park's two main elk herds as well as a visitor center, campground, picnic area, and riding stable. In addition to the area’s many trails and historic structures, the nearby Museum of the Cherokee People is also a draw just outside the park.
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Collins Creek Picnic Area is one of ten picnic areas in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located along Newfound Gap Road, it offers 182 shaded sites and a pavilion available by reservaiton.
Hike 3.6 miles (5.8 km) roundtrip through hardwood forest following the path of mountain streams to a peaceful cascade. This trail is wide, well-graded, and regularly used by both hikers and horse riders.
Enjoy a riverside stroll approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) roundtrip on one of the only pet- and bike-friendly trails in the park. This popular trail is relatively flat, wide, and graveled and follows the Oconaluftee River through elk habitat and hardwood forest.
Location:Limited parking available at Kephart Prong Trailhead—consider a shuttle
Follow the flow of mountain streams 4 miles (6.4 km) roundtrip through hardwood forest and across several log footbridges to the remains of a CCC camp and the Kephart Shelter.
Near Cherokee, North Carolina, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center is an ideal starting point as you enter the park's South District. Explore cultural history exhibits. Enjoy ranger-led programs conducted seasonally. Peruse the park bookstore and shop. Find public restrooms and drink vending machines.
The adjacent Mountain Farm Museum contains a collection of log structures including a farmhouse, barn, smokehouse, applehouse, corn crib and others.
Physical Address
1194 Newfound Gap Road Cherokee, NC28719
Mailing Address
107 Park Headquarters Road Gatlinburg, TN37738
Located on Newfound Gap Road (US-441) two miles north of Cherokee, NC
Smokemont Campground—open year-round—is the closest family campground to Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the South District of the park. At 2,198 feet (670 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.
This tour booklet describes the history and buildings of the Mountain Farm Museum. It is keyed to numbered posts and landmarks you'll see at the farm, and features historical photographs and illustrations that show what life was like a century ago.
Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park's official online store for books, maps, and guides to the park. Operated by the nonprofit Smokies Life, proceeds generated by purchases at the store are donated to educational, scientific, and historical projects in the park.
