It also has a grassy area where visitors can play volleyball, Frisbee or just sit in the sun and read. From Oconaluftee Visitor Center: Drive 19.9 miles on Newfound Gap Road (US 441) to the Alum Cave Trail parking area on the right. From Sugarlands Visitor Center in Gatlinburg, drive 25 miles into the park and per adult. The Mountain Farm Museum and the Visitor Center are open daily from mid-March through mid-November (and also on Thanksgiving Day) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our Sugarlands Visitor Center also includes an incredible museum and theater. Family-friendly Shows. Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park is actually straddled by a creek coming out of the mountains. Hiking from Newfound Gap Road to the Kephart Prong Shelter, you'll cross the Oconaluftee River several times as you follow the old Champion Fiber Company logging road to the shelter. Hwy 441 South, just past Oconaluftee Visitor Center turn left on Blue Ridge Parkway. It's a good idea to start your visit at the Sugarlands center, just 2 miles from the Gatlinburg entrance, for a 20-minute orientation film that will give you a nice overview. Cherokee history isnt musty and mothball covered. In Oconaluftee Indian Village, its alive, well, and amazing. As you enter the soft trails of the village, its no longer the 21st century: youre immediately transported to the 1760s. The parking lot and restroom facility and its immediate walkway at the parking lot are not affected by this closure. Fall - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm / 6:00 pm (depending on the month) 1420 Little River Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. It's not a campground. When you reach the top of the Clingmans dome, youll get panoramic views of the Great Smokies. 120. Milepost 469. Contact Backcountry Reservations at the number below for information. Begin at the Tennessee-North Carolina Border at Newfound Gap on U.S. 441. Oconaluftee Visitor Center. The Rangers there were very helpful. Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground: Located in Bryson City, NC about 30 minutes from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. It is four miles up Bradley Fork to Cabin Flats Trail, then another 1.1 miles to campground 49 at Cabin Flats. You can now find elk in several regions on the south and east sides of the park. If you are asking if there are RV spots to hook up and camp overnight, like a campground, the answer is no. Things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. | Photo: Ashley Rossi. Take the $22 Challenge for #GivingTuesday2021. Here is a great online guide to driving the loop. The Cherokee KOA is a full service campground. Popular for its spectacular views, Andrews Bald is accessed via the Forney Ridge Trail, which is located at the far end of the Clingmans Dome parking lot. With great access to the Oconaluftee River and Bradley Fork, a number of great hiking trails, the Mountain Farm Museum and Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Smokemont and its 142 sites make exploring the park easy and fun year round. 9 miles enter the one-way Balsam Mtn Road and 8.4 miles to Pin Oak Gap. Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee: See Tripadvisor's 29,969 reviews & photos of 105 Great Smoky Mountains National Park attractions. Police car came by around 10pm but we didnt exchange any words. You can explore parking locations using the Interactive Campus Map. The best places to spot elk are in the Cataloochee and Oconaluftee areas. Our first stop at the park was the visitor center where we found upwards of 100 cars. But like others have said, there are some parking lots very close that would accommodate a camper or RV. Charlies Bunion. Summer - 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the Tennessee and North Carolina border right near Asheville. Bring a bag lunch and drinking water. Even the parking lot views at Waterrock Knob are spectacular, with the shadow-dappled peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains rippling seamlessly toward the horizon. 23:40. Leave your car in the parking area by the Deep Creek Trailhead. WILDWATER JEEP TOURS. From Cherokee, drive 20.2 miles north to reach the parking area at Newfound Gap. The main Tennessee entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located just outside of Gatlinburg. 451.2: Waterrock Knob. You'll see why, with its interesting geological features and stunning views. Take the $22 Challenge for #GivingTuesday2021. Indeed, we ran across an elk herd hanging out along the road just west of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center on our most recent visit. Bryson City is about 30 minutes from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and there is a 3 waterfall hike at the Deep Creek area of the national park. Then drive 1.4 miles to reach the campground. Pottery on display at the Oconaluftee Indian Village. Description. The large field where the Visitor Center is located is a great place to witness the night sky without even going into the park itself. Cades Cove is by far the most crowded place in the park. We recommend parking at the Official Charleston Area Visitor Center, 375 Meeting Street, and taking the free hop-on, hop-off DASH shuttle, which makes stops across the peninsula. Both centers are staffed by volunteers who can answer any questions you may have. Situated outside the historic Mountain Farm Museum, the visitor center serves as the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park with all its natural beauty, outdoor attractions, and amenities. Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Oconaluftee Visitor Center - Elk in the park come up to the visitor center in the field in the evenings. From the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, drive 7.3 miles north on Newfound Gap Road to reach the parking area for the Kephart Prong Trail, located on your right, just off the side of the road. For camping, bring a tent, sleeping bag and pad, food, cooking equipment, and general overnight equipment. 9:46. After our morning hike we headed to the lake, found a shady spot in the parking lot and fixed up some Brats for lunch. Oconaluftee Indian Village 218 Drama Road, Cherokee, NC 828-497-2111 A place we did not visit this time around, but will on our next trip, is the Oconaluftee (pronounced Oh-khan-uh-luft-ee) Indian Village, just up the hill from the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Oconaluftee Indian Village - 1.4 km / 0.9 mi Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama - 1.5 km / 0.9 mi Smokey Mountain Gold & Ruby Mine - 1.6 km / 1 mi Harrahs Cherokee Casino - 2.4 km / 1.5 mi Cherokee Fun Park - 3 km / 1.9 mi Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 4.2 km / 2.6 mi Oconaluftee Visitor Center - 5.5 km / 3.4 mi The visitor center is open year-round, except Christmas day, and is accessible. Nearby. 7. parking river | Wild Camping United States Details. Ken Lund The Blue Ridge Parkway delivers visitors to the parks southeastern entrance, in a valley along the Oconaluftee River. The park is working so hard to give visitors the best experience possible while preserving and protecting the historical and natural resources of the Smokies. Tips For Booking Reservations for RV-accessible campgrounds can be made through Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center has an outdoor farm museum with beautiful buildings 2.6 miles turn left on Heintooga Ridge Rd. Additional parking is located 150 yards further. More Info At www.charlestoncvb.com Parking Near Wrigley Field #2 - Laurel Falls Trail. Oconaluftee Islands Park, Cherokee: See 446 reviews, articles, and 166 photos of Oconaluftee Islands Park, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 17 attractions in Cherokee. The Oconaluftee River Trail offers easy access views of the river. Overnight Tours. Farmers market, hayrides, food truck, pumpkin patch. Parking is on right. Kephart Prong Trail 4.2 miles in and out, the trailhead is on Newfound Gap Road (US 441) about 7 miles north of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Located just 0.7 miles from Sugarlands Visitor Center, the guides lead you through mountain trails and rivers on the back of well-trained horses. Restrooms are accessible. Attractions. The park is working so hard to give visitors the best experience possible while preserving and protecting the historical and natural resources of the Smokies. Parking is limited, so arrive early in the day or late afternoon for smaller crowds. If coming from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in NC, the trailhead parking is 2.5 miles past the Newfound Gap state line. The 1.2-mile Clingmans Dome Trail begins at the edge of the parking lot and ascends 300 in about half a mile to the observation tower on the summit. The other permanent Cherokee settlement within todays park boundaries was Oconaluftee village, set along the river near the present-day Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Over the years, the elk population has grown. In this newest of the Parkways Visitors Centers, high-tech and innovative exhibits entertain and inform. About 30 mins to the oconaluftee visitor center at Great Smoky. and convenient for overnight campers and day visitors to the Smokemont Campground. Oconaluftee Visitor Center Field As you enter the Great Smokies in Cherokee, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center is the gateway to the Park. To reach the trailhead from the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, drive 13 miles south along Newfound Gap Road. There is also an annual parking pass option at $40. Before entering the campground turn left and drive 0.6 miles to a parking lot for the trail. There are 165 stairs to get to the falls though. Here is a brief minute and a half long video showing the elk at Oconaluftee with a little bit of information about the herd from the wildlife biologist for the Smoky Mountains National Park. Oconaluftee Visitor Center Mingus Mill offers visitors a glimpse into 19th century life in the region. US Highway 441, also known as Newfound Gap Road, bisects the park, running east-west, connecting Cherokee, North Carolina, with Gatlinburg, Tennessee, a drive of about 90 minutes. From the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, you'll drive 21.8 miles south on Newfound Gap Road to reach the trailhead. If coming from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in NC, the trailhead parking is 2.5 miles past the Newfound Gap state line. How to Get There: The trail starts from a large, signed parking area 6.8 miles south of Sugarlands, TN Visitor Center on Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441). Duration is 4-5 hours. From Sugarlands Visitor Center in Gatlinburg, drive 25 miles into the park and $61.55. Mingo Falls is about a 5 mile drive from Cherokee and is very tall. This is a moderate hike, 5 miles round-trip, 300 ft. elevation change with some steep trali sections. How to Get There: The trail starts from a large, signed parking area 6.8 miles south of Sugarlands, TN Visitor Center on Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441). Theres a gentleness and kindness youll find all over Western North Carolina. And guess what: parking is free here. Hiking From the visitor center parking lot, we took the hiking trail leading to Hidden Falls and Window Falls. 7. Little Greenbrier: Park at Mecalf Bottoms and walk across the bridge. Come see why this is the most visited national park in the United States with 11+ million visitors each year. Campfire Lodgings RV Park Asheville, NC Aug 2016 Review. There is potential for parking along the sides of the road. The trailhead is located halfway into the campground on the left side. From the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, drive 7.3 miles north on Newfound Gap Road to reach the parking area for the Kephart Prong Trail, located on your right, just off the side of the road. Ocanaluftee Visitor Center 865-436-1200. North (Tennessee) EV Charging. Top ways to experience Oconaluftee Visitor Center and nearby attractions Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self Driving Tour 43 Adventure Tours from 8.17 per adult Great Smoky Mountains, Cherokee, and Southern Blueridge Private Day Tour Full-day Tours from 244.98 per adult Thundering Streams and Falls of the Smokies Guided Hiking Tour 32 8. An 8.1 mile roundtrip hike, Charlies Bunion offers amazing panoramic views of the park and a large variety of wildflowers. More about Laurel Falls Trail. Parking is limited, so arrive early in the day or late afternoon for smaller crowds. Campsite #50 is quite popular, and requires a reservation for anyone planning an overnight stay. Address 1194 Newfound Gap Road Cherokee About Oconaluftee Visitor Center The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is located inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park just two miles outside Cherokee, North Carolina. From the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, drive 7.3 miles north on Newfound Gap Road to reach the parking area for the Kephart Prong Trail, located on your right, just off the side of the road. An ideal spot for watching sunrises and sunsets across the rugged mountains, Waterrock Knob Visitor Center sits at almost 6,000 feet elevation. Visitors will see the Oconaluftee Visitors Center as they leave the National Park. This is an outdoor historical museum that is located right next to Safety measures. The parking does fill quickly. This place was packed. If you arrive 10:00 a.m. or later, expect to share vistas and waterfalls with lots of other people. Exhibits, information desk, and book sales area are all on one level. Learn more with a visit to the National Park Service website. Travel down through the mountains with views of the Oconaluftee Valley past the Webb Overlook and Mingus Mill. Annual Smoky Mountain Overnight Relay. Deep Creek Loop Wear comfortable hiking shoes. Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials today hosted a grand opening and ribbon-cutting for its new 6,300-square-foot visitor center and adjacent 1,700-square-foot comfort station.The facilities were constructed and donated by Clingmans Dome Road is a 7-mile scenic route that starts near Newfound Gap Overlook and ends at a large parking area just below the summit of the mountain. Simply pull over onto the designated parking area and pull up a chair. Tennessee. There are 165 stairs to get to the falls though. Open in Google Maps. The displ 10 February 2017. Traffic is very heavy and slow moving. The trailhead is located in the Newfound Gap parking lot. Aside from the stunning backdrop, the parks Oconaluftee entrance is also deeply entranced with cultural history. Plan your vacation and adventures with our guides below. More about Laurel Falls Trail. The parking lot is 1-mile wide, so parking in the middle is recommended. Laurel Falls is one of the most popular destinations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and parking at the trailhead is limited. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The group will fund the reopening of Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg and Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, N.C., for Friday through Monday, Jan. 18-21. The trailhead is located at the footbridge over the Oconaluftee River 7.0 miles north of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center on the Newfound Gap Road. Oconaluftee Visitor Center Located on US 441 two miles north of Cherokee at the Park entrance, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center is the Parks main welcome and information center for the North Carolina side. The center is staffed daily (except Christmas) by knowledgeable, helpful park rangers and volunteers. The Smokemont region of the Smokies is one of the most convenient, located just a short few miles northwest of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center off Hwy 441. Crews will be out performing road striping operations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park beginning Monday, April 30, through Friday, May 18, The proposed cost is $5 for the day or $15 for a 7-day pass. Volunteers must attend one of the following training opportunities held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, NC on Friday, April 29 or at Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, TN on Saturday, April 30. I did not realize how dark and small the old Oconaluftee Visitor Center at Great Smoky Mountains National Park was until I walked into the airy, spacious new one. There is limited parking so an early start is very important. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has two main visitor centers Sugarlands and Oconaluftee. Oconaluftee River Trail. The first 0.25 mile of trail passes by the site of an old CCC camp and fish hatchery. Located just 0.7 miles from Sugarlands Visitor Center, the guides lead you through mountain trails and rivers on the back of well-trained horses. At the Sugarlands Entrance, youll find the Sugarlands Visitor Center where theres a J-1772 Level 2 charger at the far end of the parking lot just before the exit. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is Great Smoky Mountains National Parks first new visitor service facility to be constructed since the early 1960s. For dates and time call Oconaluftee Visitor Center at 828-497-1904. Meet at parking area on left just after entering Cataloochee Valley. Outdoor Gravity Park Zorbing Admission Ticket in Once inside, you'll find four visitors centers Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome, Oconaluftee and Sugarlands each providing park information and ranger-led programs. Sylva - lots of breweries within walking distance from public parking. Oconaluftee Visitor Center Located on US 441 two miles north of Cherokee at the Park entrance, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center is the The parking areas will be on the left, about 8.5 miles past the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is located near the parks main northern entrance, two miles south of Gatlinburg along Oconaluftee Visitor Center, the Mountain Farm Museum, and Mingus Mill Designated accessible parking spaces are available at the visitor center. 462.9: Oconaluftee Visitor Center The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is Great Smoky Mountains National Parks first new visitor service facility to be constructed since the early 1960s. Overnight guests at LeConte Lodge are very special people. Hiking from Newfound Gap Road to the Kephart Prong Shelter, you'll cross the Oconaluftee River several times as you follow the old Champion Fiber Company logging road to the shelter. from. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee, situated within a days drive of half of the U.S. population. The 6,300-square-foot visitor center and history museum, located two miles north of Cherokee, North Carolina, opened April 1 to the public. 9. The trail runs about 1.5 miles and starts at the Oconaluftee Visitors Center. Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud Show and Adventure Park Ticket. Directions: From the Oconaluftee Visitors Center in Cherokee, drive 7 miles into the park, and look on the right for a small parking area and footbridge. Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center Asheville NC. How long is the hike to LeConte Lodge? I have always been impressed with the knowledge of the Rangers at all the National Parks we have visited and this was not exception. Bryson City is about 30 minutes from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and there is a 3 waterfall hike at the Deep Creek area of the national park. Deep Creek Loop The flowers are brilliant along both the Bradley Fork and Cabin Flats Trails. This is the last visitor center before the parkways southern terminus. 1h 6m. Those will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, North Carolina, on Friday, April 29, or at Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg on Let them know how much we appreciate them by donating $22 (or more) for #GivingTuesday as they get ready for a big year in 2022! You can hear the male elk bugle at the beginning of the video. Oconaluftee Visitor Center Parking C, 1194 Newfound Gap Rd, North Carolina 28719, USA. Top Places to Visit in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee: See Tripadvisor's 29,963 traveller reviews and photos of Great Smoky Mountains National Park attractions. Oconaluftee Visitor Center is open:Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 5:30 PMBuy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. From the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, you'll drive 21.8 miles south on Newfound Gap Road to reach the trailhead. The Alum Cave Trail is the most hiked in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. An 8.1 mile roundtrip hike, Charlies Bunion offers amazing panoramic views of the park and a large variety of wildflowers. Meeting Point: Each day we meet at 9AM at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center on Newfound Gap Road in the national park 2 miles north of Cherokee. Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 8. If the parking area is full, a second parking area is just 150 yards further. Description. Cherokee history isnt musty and mothball covered. In Oconaluftee Indian Village, its alive, well, and amazing. As you enter the soft trails of the village, its no longer the 21st century: youre immediately transported to the 1760s. You wont need your robotic-voiced GPS here. At the Sugarlands Entrance, youll find the Sugarlands Visitor Center where theres a J-1772 Level 2 charger at the far end of the parking lot just before the exit. From Gatlinburg, TN to: Alum Cave Bluff Trailhead go south on Hwy 441, Newfound Gap Road. All Recommendations. The parking does fill quickly. Address: .. fotoMonkee/Getty Images Two hours should be enough time to experience this place, with some walking up and downhill. Separate trailheads are located in the parking areas. 10 February 2017. Oconaluftee Islands Park, Cherokee: See 446 reviews, articles, and 166 photos of Oconaluftee Islands Park, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 17 attractions in Cherokee. The main Tennessee entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located just outside of Gatlinburg. This loop trail is only about 1 mile in length and involves little climbing, making it easy for young children and adults alike. The creekside sites are narrow but not a problem getting into them. at NOC (828) 785-4856. According to the National Park Service (NPS), prices were determined by comparing rates on private and other public lands. Directions: From the Oconaluftee Visitors Center in Cherokee, drive 7 miles into the park, and look on the right for a small parking area and footbridge. Trail starts at the Grotto Falls parking lot at mile 1.7 on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (a one-way road, closed in winter, no RVs or trailers permitted). A wooden hut at the farmstead exhibition in Oconaluftee Visitor Centre on the US-441 in the Great Smoky Mountains. The site has so many improvements to attract visitors Situated outside the historic Mountain Farm Museum, the visitor center serves as the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park with all its natural beauty, outdoor attractions, and amenities. Enjoy Fry Bread at Pauls Restaurant Photo by Julie McElmurry 1111 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC 28719 828-497-9012 Recommendations. Visitor Parking Locations. From the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, drive 7.3 miles north on Newfound Gap Road to reach the parking area for the Kephart Prong Trail, located on your right, just off the side of the road. Oconaluftee Visitor Center: maps, driving directions and local area information. Laurel Falls Trail. Turn onto Little River Rd from Sugarlands Visitor Center and drive 6 miles to the parking lot on the right. If you want to drive the loop, plan at least half a day, maybe all day. As you continue hiking through the green tunnel forest, you will walk alongside the Oconaluftee River. This old-growth forest is diverse with trees like hemlock, maple, and dogwood, among others. This trail offers beautiful views all year round. In mid to late spring, you will find plentiful wildflowers blooms of more than 40 species. Hop on and ride for free to your intended destination - hop off and explore the area on foot. Mingo Falls is about a 5 mile drive from Cherokee and is very tall. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is in the North Carolina side of the national park. 9. Let them know how much we appreciate them by donating $22 (or more) for #GivingTuesday as they get ready for a big year in 2022! 2 to 3 hours (approx.) easy (5820) Length: 2.4 mi Est. Charlies Bunion. You begin at the trailhead which is located at the parking area of the visitors center. Travel around the surrounding area for other gems such as Clingmans Dome, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Last Visited: about 1 year ago: GPS: 35.45292, -83.39342: Altitude: Great place for an overnight along the river. Annual Smoky Mountain Overnight Relay. Drive southwest from Asheville for 65 miles (105 kilometers) to get here in about 75 minutes. Oconalufee Visitor Center. The trailhead is located in the Newfound Gap parking lot. At one point on your climb to the summit, the trail will intersect with Appalachian Trail. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is Great Smoky Mountains National Parks first new visitor service facility to be constructed since the early 1960s.