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For a Quieter, More Relaxed Vacation, Discover the North Carolina Smokies

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s half-million acres are equally divided between Tennessee and North Carolina. And with roughly forty percent of the Park in Swain County, Bryson City is the ideal spot for a relaxing Smoky Mountain vacation — away from the more carnival atmosphere of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Even though the Park is large, there are many quiet getaways  – particularly on the North Carolina side. Explore our uncrowded trails, gaze at our waterfalls, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Smokies.

New: Parking Fees

Parking tags are required in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Three tag durations will be available for purchase for all vehicle sizes and types: Daily, $5; Weekly, $15; or Annual, $40. Tags may be purchased online, or on-site. Parking tags will NOT be required for motorists who pass through the area or who park for less than 15 minutes, or while parked at their designated campsite. Parking Program Info

Click or tap infographic to enlarge

Helpful Info About the Park…

Wildflowers in the Smokies Anticipated wildflower bloomings from March thru September.

Dogs are only allowed on two GSMNP trails (on a leash) – the River Trail at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee, and the Gatlinburg Trail. There are several pet-friendly hiking trails in the Bryson City area, including Island Park in downtown Bryson City.

National Park and Swain County Road Map with Activities  Click or tap to enlarge

Swain Co. & GSMNP map

The Great Smoky Mountains Association (GSMA) supports the GSMNP with education programs, volunteer work in the Park and financial donations. Join the GSMA and enjoy member benefit discounts on programs such as guided hikes to explore lesser-used areas of the park with group hikes, while re-enforcing “Leave No Trace” practices and other hiking values designed to ensure safe, satisfying exploration of the GSMNP. In addition to the hikes, the GSMA offers naturalist programs, history tours & walks, and more. All programs and hikes.

A Top-10 Destination

Southern Living has picked The Great Smoky Mountains National Park as its Number One Weekend Getaway in the Mountains and Bryson City as the place to stay and dine when visiting the Park.

USA Today™ has named The Great Smoky Mountains National Park among their “Top Ten Great Places To See Spring Wildflowers”.  Noting with more than 1,600 flowering species, some have called this Appalachian area Wildflower National Park. The list was based on a list of favorite spots offered by Bob Gibbons, author of “Wildflower Wonders: The 50 Best Wildflower Sites in the World.”

USA Today™ has named The Great Smoky Mountains National Park one of 10 great places in North America to explore geologic wonders. They wrote “the Appalachians top out at less than 7,000 feet, but they once towered as high as the Himalayas. The East Coast range, formed when Africa collided with North America, has been steadily eroding, ‘but the rocks there show this great geologic violence.'” — Larry Blelberg, USA Today™ interview with Garry Hayes, Geotripper blog.

How to Become a Junior Ranger

If you’re between the ages of 5-12, you can become a Junior Ranger! Pick up a Junior Ranger (JR) booklet for $2.50 at any park visitor center or the Bryson City Chamber of Commerce. Complete the activities in the booklet then stop by a visitor center to talk to a ranger and receive your Junior Ranger badge. More info

You can also become a Web Ranger with the on-line Junior Ranger program. Info

How About Not-So-Junior Rangers?

Anyone over the age of 12 can participate in any 3 ranger-led activities and earn a NSJR patch, certificate, and refrigerator magnet.

The program has been hugely successful and the adults or “Not-so’s” as they are fondly referred to by Park staff, really love being able to participate in programs like mountain dulcimer, corn shuck doll making, weaving, Cherokee pottery, and others. Many adults and older siblings participate with their 5-12 year-old JR’s and that way the whole family can be involved!

For more information

Contact the Swain County Chamber of Commerce (below) or…

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-1200

Friends of the Smokies
North Carolina Office
160 South Main Street
Waynesville NC 28786
828-452-0720

Great Smoky Mountains Association Online Bookstore and Gift Shop
All purchases benefit Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Bryson City - Swain County
Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 509
Bryson City, NC 28713

Karen Proctor
Executive Director

828-488-3681

Visitor Guide pages

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