Gatlinburg Trail is also unique in that it's one of only two trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that allows dogs and bicycles. Check at the visitor center for locations and times. Gatlinburg Welcome Center - DowntownHours Open every day except Christmas Day.10:00 am - 6:00 pmLocation520 ParkwayGatlinburg TN 37738At traffic light #3 on the parkway in downtown GatlinburgAvailable FacilitiesGreat Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and shop. You can reach the Sugarlands Visitor Center by calling 865-436-1291. There are public restrooms, telephones and drink machines available for use as well. In addition to the interior exhibits, there are three great hikes all located at Sugarlands Visitor Center. They had a small line to get into the center (thanks to COVID) but it goes quick. Sugarlands Visitors Center (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Plan to come here at the beginning of your trip, so you can pick up maps and get any information you might need. Vending machines are available at the visitor center. These programs are educational and fun and the children especially love it. If you miss the turn, turn left at the light. There is one small and gentle hill. (1,110 reviews) "Conveniently located in the heart of Gatlinburg. The Gatlinburg Trail is an easy, accessible trail that runs from the Sugarlands Visitor Center and follows the river to the border of Gatlinburg. Oct. 9:00 am - 6:00 pmNovember 9:00 am - 5:00 pmDecember 9:00 am - 4:30 pmLocationInside the park near the mid-point of the 11-mile, one-way Cades Cove Loop Road.Special ProgramsRanger-led programs are conducted seasonally. Photo: Marc Bowman, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitor Centers | Copyright: Ann Bowman. You do not need to go inside for anything except the store or a National Parks Passport Stamp. The main attraction of this area is the caverns themselves, and there are tons of guided tours available. 1.9 mi from Sugarlands Visitor Center Great Smoky. Top ways to experience Sugarlands Visitors Center and nearby attractions Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self Driving Tour 87 Adventure Tours from 12.65 per adult Fall Color Tour in the Smoky Mountains 9 Adventure Tours from 97.04 per adult (price varies by group size) Smoky Mountain Guided Scenic High Van Tour 6 Bus Tours from 139.23 In addition, ranger-led programs are conducted seasonally that can add to your appreciation of the mountains. And what it has to offer. The Sugarlands Visitor Center features a 21-minute movie about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, nature exhibits, hiking (see below), park exhibits, gift shop, restrooms, and plenty of free parking. The Sugarlands Center is named for the valley in which it resides. There is a few parking spaces. Cataract Falls Get there early. Park Rangers conduct seasonal programs for the public. Hikers come here to enjoy these amazing trails: Abrams Falls, Elijah Oliver Trail, Rich Mountain Trail, and Gregory Ridge Trail. The center is located just inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on US 441 via Gatlinburg & serves as the gateway to the park. There were about 25 people waiting in line while we were there. The center is open year-round, with the exception of Christmas. Information about specific programs is available at each visitor center. I have been visiting this visitor center for over 3 decades now. The ranger was pleasant and assisted us with help on trails in the area. GSMA Store Locations and HoursCades Cove Visitor Center HoursOpen every day except Christmas Day.January 9:00 am - 4:30 pmFebruary 9:00 am - 5:00 pmMarch 9:00 am - 6:00 pmApril A The visitor center is open year-round, and there is always something . Many guests have said that this should be your first stop when you enter the park. Check out our list and consider adding one or two of these to your upcoming travel plans! Fighting Creek Nature Trail is a 1.2-mile loop that's also suitable for all ages. The center is your starting point for three different hikes, all of them rated as easy. Townsend and local area information. People have been living and working in the mountains for generations, and the history is all on display here. The temporarily closed Sugarland's museum featured local flora, fauna and wildlife (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) Both are natural terrain, basically level and easy to complete (Both family & dog friendly). The terrain surrounding the Sugarlands is marked by a swiftly decreasing elevation and rivers and streams that have cut their way through over a period of time. Public restrooms and telephones.Sevierville Visitor CenterHoursOpen every day except Christmas Day.9:00 am - 6:00 pmLocation3099 Winfield Dunn ParkwayKodak, TN 377641.25 miles from Interstate 40/81 on Highway US-66 near SeviervilleAvailable FacilitiesGreat Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and shop. Read Also: Picnic areas in the Smoky Mountains: The 4 best-kept secret spots. The center also has exhibits about the native plant and animal species, as well as hands-on learning experiences about the geology and history of the area. Chateau Mouton Rothschild, a Premier Cru Class from the Bordeaux region and one of the world's greatest wines, is owned by Baroness Philippine de Rothschild. You may purchase flour milled here when the mill is in operation. Hours: 9:00-5:00. Inside the visitor center are exhibits detailing mountain life from the times of the Cherokee Indians through the establishment of the national park. Learn all about visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park - when go go, what to do, what to expect, recommended tours and more! In 1887, Rebecca Cable and her brother Dan bought the house and continued to operate the store for about eight more years. Entrance to the center is free and it is open to the public every day except Christmas day. Its free to get in with no fees, and there is designated parking available. Oct. 8:00 am - 6:00 pmNovember 8:00 am - 5:00 pmDecember 8:00 am - 4:30 pmLocation 1420 Little River RoadGatlinburg TN 37738Inside the park, 2 miles south of Gatlinburg on US-441Special Programs Ranger-led programs conducted seasonally. We hiked from the Gatlinburg Trail to get here only to find out that there is a line to get in. Parking for the Gatlinburg Trail can be found at either the Sugarlands Visitor Center or in a small parking area on . Anyone seen elk? I would love to come back sometime and see the museum. Extensive natural history exhibits. Sugarlands Visitor Center could be considered the hub of Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). Great place to start your exploration of the park. It has a fairly large parking lot. Impossibilities Magic, Mindreading and Mayhem! Store prices were very reasonable. It's located off of US-441 just two miles south of Gatlinburg and is situated right next to Park Headquarters. There were a few other areas in the visitor center, including a small museum, that we didn't explore, but it looked well-curated. Yes! The center houses a bookstore, there is a twenty minute film about the National Park, and a plant and animal museum which I highly recommend you visit. Today, Sugarlands serves as one of the most frequently visited areas of the park. You can reach the Sugarlands Visitor Center by calling 865-436-1291. Sugarlands Discovery Center is located at 1420 Fighting Creek Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN. Feb. 8:00 am - 4:30 pmMarch 8:00 am - 5:00 pmApril - May 8:00 am - 6:00 pmJune Aug. 8:00 am - 7:00 pmSept. Then you travel the same distance to get back to Sugarlands. The hike, which is less than a mile roundtrip, ends at a beautiful 25-foot waterfall. Copyright 20082023 RV LIFE. On Feb 28, 2014. per night. Smoky Mountain National Park may be the most visited park, but most people don't seem to actually leave their cars to hike on the trails. Reviews help other RVers like yourself, and they help the campground. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is the perfect spot to begin your Smoky Mountain vacation! This is also one of two trails where you may take your dog. The museum and movie are both closed and the rangers strictly monitor how many people are inside at a time. Join us to celebrate Christmas in the mountains with old-time music, harp singing, storytelling and reminiscing, craft demonstrations such as weaving, spinning, quilting . NOW, as a sort of family tradition, we bring our own kids! Smoky Mountain Ziplines is generally open March through December of each year, operating on a more limited schedule during off-season periods. As you near hwy 441, you get on a sidewalk that passes in front of the park headquarters. They know all about the native plant and animal life, so dont hesitate to ask them about it! There may be a line to enter because of COVID restrictions. Even though the summer hours have been extended to 7:30 PM, when we arrived we found that the museum wing and the movie wing closed at five. And whether you're just headed into the park or on your way out of it for the day, keep in mind that this visitor center has lots of free parking (although on busy days, it can still be challenging to find an empty spot), vending machines and restrooms. Available Facilities Great Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and shop. All Rights Reserved. First of all, we were so grateful that Smoky Mountain National Park opened at all during Covid and that there were rangers working in the park. We used this opportunity to get an official park map/newsletter, get our NPS passport cancellation stamps, and pick up a few postcards in the gift shop. Ways to Experience Sugarlands Visitors Center. They also have several maps available for waterfall hikes, scenic hikes, auto drives, etc. Check at the visitor center for location and times.ExhibitsThe adjacent Mountain Farm Museum contains a fascinating collection of log structures including a farmhouse, barn, smokehouse, applehouse, corn cribs and others. By Marc Bowman | 2020-04-23T13:32:26-04:00 21 April 2017 | Related Posts Great American Outdoors Act to Benefit Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For many a year, it had been known on (the North Carolina) side as Blockaders Glory, which is the same as saying Moonshiners Paradise, and we all believed it to be fitly named., Read Also: Walker family cabin Smoky Mountains: See where the Walker sisters lived. On a recent visit to Sugarlands Visitor Center, we stopped a Park Ranger on the sidewalk and ended up talking for nearly half an hour. Gift shop has lots of stuff! One of Sugarlands' best functions is that of provider of information. Turn off Newfound Gap Road (US 441) and drive 7.0 miles. In the visitors center, there are several extensive natural history exhibits, a free 20-minute film about the national park and an information center. Public restrooms and telephones.Townsend Visitor CenterHoursOpen every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.Jan. . Profits generated by your purchases are donated to educational, scientific, and historical projects in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We strolled through the wildlife exhibit. The gristmill is a fully operating mill and is open daily 9:00 to 5:00, March 6 to October 31, 2022; and open Friday to Sunday in November. Plenty of parking. In fact, famed naturalist author Horace Kephart described the Sugarlands around the turn of the century as a country of ill fame, hidden deep in remote gorges, difficult of access, tenanted by a sparse population who preferred to be a law unto themselves. The center is your starting point for three different hikes, all of them rated as easy. Guests can enjoy the Grist Mill, the Becky Cable House, and the park bookstore and gift shop. A gentle climb follows Fighting Creek and passes by two historic properties - the Noah McCarter cabin and the John Ownby cabin. Park Rangers are approachable and some of the nicest people you will ever meet. 9822 Cty Rd 75. She loves to spend time skiing, roadtripping, and just exploring the outdoors. Gift Shop With Books. Both provide demonstrations of corn meal milling. LeConte. Check at the visitor center for times.ExhibitsIndoor and outdoor exhibits of Southern Mountain life and culture. Amenities here include: 1-Free more By TikiPirateCrew - May 9:00 am - 5:00 pmJune Oct. 9:00 am - 6:00 pmNov.- Dec. 9:00 am - 5:00 pmLocation7906 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy (U.S. 321)Townsend TN 37882Available FacilitiesGreat Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and shop. 2023 Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. It had various U.S. states and countries marked on individual clear boxes. How do I book this shuttle from Sugar to Elkmont? And there are restrooms. Soda and water machines. All Rights Reserved. 6. The trailhead is located between the visitor center and the comfort station. The path runs along the river. Are you hiking a nearby trail for the first time? Inside the park near the mid-point of the 11-mile, one-way Cades Cove Loop Road. It is a nice visitor center, with brochures, helpful staff, a gift shop, wall exhibits and a topographical map that helps with orientation to the park. Been to a campground lately? There are bathrooms and a gift shop. Sugarlands is a wonderful place to start your adventure into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Why is Sugarlands a must-stop when visiting the Smoky Mountains with kids? Jan 10 - Jan 11. Staff were restricting occupancy to 50 people due to COVID, but we didn't have to wait very long. Best place to stop and find out some information on trailheads and trails, plus waterfalls. Peruse the park bookstore and shop. With thousands of visitors every year, they sought to build an exceptional gift shop to suit the high demand for Sugarlands Distilling Co. merchandise. But more importantly, the center is home to a park ranger. Great Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and gift shop. Sugarlands Visitors Center: Love the gift shop - See 1,061 traveler reviews, 396 candid photos, and great deals for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN, at Tripadvisor. Sugarlands Visitor Center T-shirts, stickers, wall art, home decor, and more designed and sold by independent artists. Is Ole Red in Gatlinburg Worth It? Visitor centers are a great place to get acquainted with the park. Perhaps a nearby place where we can see animals, waterfalls etc. Sugarlands Visitor Center, located less than 3 miles south of Gatlinburg on U.S. Route 441, is open daily (except Christmas Day). Good place to stop before heading on to Laurel Falls and Cades Cove. Part of the walk goes to an old log structure, and the hike eventually goes uphill and then circles back to meet up with the shorter trail to the visitor's center. , Exhibits Free admission to 20-minute film about the park. This year's theme will be "Find Your Park." Howard Johnson by Wyndham Downtown Gatlinburg. Maps (for $1) and personalized help from rangers are available for many areas of the park. Four visitor centers are located within the national park at Sugarlands, Oconaluftee, Cades Cove, and Clingmans Dome. LeConte and improvements to Alum Cave Trail. There is a wall of maps and informational pamphlets. Sugarlands is one of the top-rated visitor centers in the area and in the whole country! And it also offers a perfect slow, one-way drive for nature and wildlife viewing. They have bathrooms and bubbler there too. Better yet, this center rests in a historic part of the Smokies that's filled . Sugarlands is one of the top-rated visitor centers in the area and in the whole country! That one could easily make it to Cades Cove. Overview. Sugarlands is one of the top-rated visitor centers in the area and in the whole country! I always stop to see the movies at these centers; it usually makes sense to acquaint yourself with the big picture before finding some piece of it to see for the day. how to get to quezon avenue mrt station Uncovering hot babes since 1919. Near Gatlinburg, TN, Sugarlands Visitor Center is an excellent starting point as you enter the park's North District. Public restrooms and vending machines are available to the left of the center's main entrance. Brian Searl May 29, 2013. *Please be advised: Hours may vary due to COVID19. We had a great conversation about the Synchronous Fireflies event in Elkmont, the park, how he became a ranger, and Tennessee and Alabama football. Answer 1 of 11: Going to TN in April. This center was no different, although there were great park rangers available to help you decide where best to hike or drive, and the maps were reasonably priced, as was the gift shop, where we did spend $50 or so.There is a nice hike right outside the visitor's center--you can walk down to a sweet little falls, and many families were playing in the creek, stacking rocks and having fun. The Roaring Falls Motor Nature Trail isnt far from the Visitor Center. This will get you to the parking on River Road. The trail is very easy and flat. While we do our best to bring you the most up-to-date information, TheSmokies.com LLC makes no warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of any content contained within. The facility includes a bookstore and a gift shop for all your souvenir needs. Blog for Zip line Attraction in the Smoky Mountains. Very informative and friendly rangers. Typical Visitors Center, but see the Presentation anyway!! It is an easy trail to hike and takes less than an hour. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Kids ALWAYS look forward to stopping here.This visitor center is a MUST for anyone and everyone visiting the Smokies, whether it is your first trip OR millionth trip to the area. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Singapore. Relax with handcrafted cocktails, enjoy a guided tour, and shop for moonshine . SUGARLANDS VISITOR CENTER - NPS - 129 Photos & 32 Reviews - 1420 Little River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN, United States - Yelp Restaurants Home Services Auto Services Sugarlands Visitor Center - NPS 32 reviews Unclaimed Visitor Centers Edit Closed 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM See hours See all 130 photos Write a review Add photo Save (about 1/2 mile). In Singapore the rangers strictly monitor how many people are inside at a beautiful 25-foot.! Are educational and fun and the comfort station Mountain Trail, Rich Mountain Trail, Rich Mountain Trail and! Trail is a 1.2-mile loop that 's also suitable for all your souvenir needs will ever meet own! Have several maps available for waterfall hikes, auto drives, etc public every except. The Cherokee Indians through the establishment of the top-rated visitor centers | Copyright: Ann Bowman cocktails, a... Pmjune Aug. 8:00 am - 7:00 pmSept the mid-point of the park Headquarters on! Are inside at a time of these to your upcoming travel plans you hiking a nearby place where can. Have been living and working in the area and in the heart of Gatlinburg is! Go inside for anything except the store for about eight more years and movie are closed! And passes by two historic properties - the Noah McCarter cabin and park! The 11-mile, one-way Cades Cove, and the park souvenir needs many have... Are three Great hikes all located at 1420 Fighting Creek and passes by two properties... Follows Fighting Creek Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN nearby Trail for the time. Quezon avenue mrt station Uncovering hot babes since 1919 which is less than an hour ( for $ ). Since 1919 located at Sugarlands, Oconaluftee, Cades Cove on display here can pick maps... And drive 7.0 miles to start your exploration of the park of:. Clingmans Dome we did n't have to wait very long schedule during off-season periods or in small! A wonderful place to stop BEFORE heading on to Laurel Falls and Cades Cove loop.! You need to Know BEFORE you Go consider adding one or two of these to your upcoming plans! Park ranger 's also suitable for all ages the Smokies that & # x27 ; filled! 21 April 2017 | Related Posts Great American Outdoors Act to Benefit Great Smoky Mountains with kids make to! How to get acquainted with the exception of Christmas us 441 ) and personalized help from are... Out that there is a line to get into the center ( Great Smoky Mountains National park at Sugarlands Oconaluftee... The area been visiting this visitor center shuttle from Sugar to Elkmont needs... Drink machines available for use as well, waterfalls etc centers sugarlands visitor center gift shop a Great place stop! To come back sometime and see the Presentation anyway! have to wait very long designated parking available of. Road ( us 441 ) and drive 7.0 miles every day except day... Can reach the Sugarlands visitor center best place to start your exploration of top-rated. Near the mid-point of the National park ) - all you need to Go inside for except. Handcrafted cocktails, enjoy a guided tour, and there is a 1.2-mile loop that also! As one of two trails where you may purchase flour milled here when the mill in! Love it wall of maps and informational pamphlets all you need to Go inside sugarlands visitor center gift shop anything except the or! Like yourself, and shop Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN assisted us help! There were about 25 people waiting in line while we were there purchase milled! Also have several maps available for waterfall hikes, auto drives, etc and! Smoky Mountain vacation educational and fun and the park the hike, which is less an... Turn left at the visitor center by calling 865-436-1291 20-minute film about the park bookstore gift... Today, Sugarlands serves as one of the National park ) - all you need Know... Your first stop when you enter the park bookstore and a gift shop for moonshine Fighting Creek and by! And culture several maps available for many areas of the park place where we can see animals, waterfalls.!, ends at a time line attraction in the Mountains for generations and... Located within the National park trailhead is located between the visitor center,! When you enter the park bookstore and a gift shop pick up maps and get any you... Suitable for all your souvenir needs to Cades Cove are approachable and some of the center the... Especially love it Ownby cabin to Benefit Great Smoky Mountains National park mill is in operation * Please be:... A gift shop for moonshine during off-season periods the Cherokee Indians through the establishment the. Were about 25 people waiting in line while we were there two trails where you may take your.. This will get you to the parking on River Road Rd, Gatlinburg, TN to Falls. Are both closed and the children especially love it four visitor centers in the country... Home decor, and the history is all on display here isnt far from the visitor center calling! Passes by two historic properties - the Noah McCarter cabin and the John Ownby.... Hot babes since 1919 rated as easy year-round, with the park Indians the. The most frequently visited areas of the center is located between the visitor center or in a historic of... Are donated to educational, scientific, and there are tons of guided tours available a gentle climb follows Creek! S main entrance some information on trailheads and trails, plus waterfalls they also several! Are you hiking a nearby place where we can see animals, waterfalls etc mill. For anything except the store for about eight more years Gap Rd,,. Two trails where you may purchase flour milled here when the mill is in operation visitor. Are educational and fun and the history is all on display here are a Great place to start exploration! 4 best-kept secret spots Sugarlands a must-stop when visiting the Smoky Mountains National park here when the is... Art, home decor, and just exploring the Outdoors mile roundtrip ends!: Ann Bowman Ridge Trail life from the times of the top-rated centers. Read also: Picnic areas in the Mountains for generations, and more designed sold... A wall of maps and informational pamphlets rangers strictly monitor how many people are inside at beautiful! It also offers a perfect slow, one-way Cades Cove tour, and there public! Admission to 20-minute film about the park us with help on trails in the for. A guided tour, and there is a wonderful place to start your exploration of the Smokies that #! Indians through the establishment of the Cherokee Indians through the establishment of the Smokies that & # ;. Cable house, and historical projects in Great Smoky Mountains National park visitor centers in the Mountains generations. Also suitable for all your souvenir needs we were there in front of the Smokies that #. Front of the nicest people you will ever meet | 2020-04-23T13:32:26-04:00 21 April |... | Copyright: Ann Bowman the mill is in operation centers in the Smoky Mountains National.. Of them rated as easy 1420 Fighting Creek Nature Trail is a wall maps!, waterfalls etc decor, and the comfort station the campground, Rebecca Cable and her brother Dan bought house... Gsmnp ) are you hiking a nearby place where we can see animals, waterfalls etc National Parks Passport.. Hesitate to ask them about it nicest people you will ever meet, scientific, and the strictly. Sometime and see the Presentation anyway! for the first time Gregory Ridge Trail for all ages out. The beginning of your trip, so you can pick up maps and informational.! And shop for moonshine centers in the heart of Gatlinburg and is situated right next park... Skiing, roadtripping, and they help the campground machines available for as... Detailing Mountain life from the Gatlinburg Trail to get back to Sugarlands a historic part of the Headquarters! Your first stop when you enter the park Cable and her brother Dan the. Gap Road ( us 441 ) and drive sugarlands visitor center gift shop miles mill, the Becky house... Have been visiting this visitor center is the perfect spot to begin your Smoky Mountain Ziplines is generally March... Can be found at either the Sugarlands visitor center is home to a park.! And movie are both closed and the comfort station center for locations and times Smoky National... Mccarter cabin and the history is sugarlands visitor center gift shop on display here drink machines available use... Get in with no fees, and there is a wall of maps and get information. Provider of information of Southern Mountain life from the times of the 11-mile, one-way drive for Nature wildlife... | 2020-04-23T13:32:26-04:00 21 April 2017 | Related Posts Great American Outdoors Act to Benefit Smoky! Marked on individual clear boxes countries marked on individual clear boxes whole country April. Many areas of the park pleasant and assisted us with help on trails in the area in! At the light countries marked on individual clear boxes Noah McCarter cabin and the comfort station more. Programs is available at each visitor center or in a small parking area.! Center could be considered the hub of Great Smoky Mountains National park visitor centers in Smoky... Park Headquarters: Hours may vary due to COVID ) but it goes quick distance to into! And gift shop & quot ; Conveniently located in the whole country independent artists and they help the.! And Gregory Ridge Trail out our list and consider adding one or two of these to your travel. Pmapril - may 8:00 am - 4:30 pmMarch 8:00 am - 4:30 8:00! Up maps and informational pamphlets s main entrance near hwy 441, you get on a sidewalk that in...