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Entrance
Free
No permit needed
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⭐ Highlights
→Clingmans Dome — 6,643 ft summit
→Cades Cove — wildlife-rich historic valley
→Appalachian Trail — 71 miles through the park
→Alum Cave Trail — iconic geology
→Free admission always
⚠ Before you go
!Bears active year-round — food storage required
!Cades Cove full by 9am in summer
!Clingmans Dome Road closes Dec 1–Mar 31
When to visit
Great Smoky Mountains by Season
Spring (Mar–May)
Wildflowers peak. Fewer crowds.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Busiest. Arrive early.
Fall (Sep–Nov)
Peak foliage mid-October.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Snow at elevation. Quiet.