Sugarlands Area

Visitor center building with arrowhead on front and benches/walking areas surrounding it. — NPS Photo

Sugarlands is the northern gateway to the Smokies near Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Although it is one of the most highly trafficked areas of the park, several trails lead away from the roadways to peaceful streams, waterfalls, and historic log cabins. Near the intersection of Newfound Gap Road (US 441) and Fighting Creek Gap Road is a riding stable and visitor center containing the Backcountry Office.

Places to Go in the Sugarlands Area

Showing results 1-3 of 3

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
John Ownby Cabin
A historic log cabin built in the 1860s by John Ownby.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Chimneys Picnic Area
Chimneys Picnic Area is one of ten designated picnic areas in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located in the northern part of the park along Newfound Gap Road, this picnic area is heavily forested and near water.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Grotto Falls
A unique 25-foot (7.6 m) waterfall that you can walk behind on Trillium Gap Trail.

Things to Do in the Sugarlands Area

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Hike the Gatlinburg Trail
- Type: Hiking
- Reservations: No
- Pets: Yes
Enjoy a riverside stroll approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) roundtrip through a cove hardwood forest along one of the only dog- and bike-friendly trails in the park. This trail includes sections of sidewalks and roadsides as well as graded dirt path.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Walk Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail
- Type: Hiking
- Reservations: No
- Pets: No
Wander through a cove hardwood forest with streamside views, rock walls, and historic stone chimneys on this half-mile (0.8 km) loop along a paved, flat trail. The trailhead is adjacent to a small parking area with several accessible spaces along Newfound Gap Rd (US 441) near Sugarlands Visitor Center.

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

Last updated: February 12, 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

Sugarlands Area

Places to Go in the Sugarlands Area

John Ownby Cabin

Chimneys Picnic Area

Grotto Falls

Things to Do in the Sugarlands Area

Hike the Gatlinburg Trail

Walk Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail