What do I need to know before going to Smoky Mountains?

12 things to know before going to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  • It's free to enter, but not to park. ...
  • Enter a lottery in April for the summer firefly spectacle. ...
  • Book your trout fishing license in advance. ...
  • Mingus Mill is a good alternative to busy Cades Cove. ...
  • Consider a shoulder season visit to avoid the crowds.




People Also Ask

Encounters With Bears Treat bear encounters with extreme caution! Bear pepper spray may be carried by hikers within Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the strict purpose of protection against bodily harm from aggressive wildlife.

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The closest major airport to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is McGee-Tyson Airport (TYS) in Alcoa, Tenn., just south of Knoxville. The airport is served by five major commercial airlines: Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier and United.

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There are eight to 10 reported sightings of mountain lions, also called cougars or pumas, in Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year.

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