View of the Smoky Mountains from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center

Smokemont is the main southern entrance into Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is therefore one of the busiest regions. Here you will find campgrounds, historical areas, plenty of hiking trails, and one of two major Visitor Centers. The only road through the center of the park, Highway 441, runs between Smokemont and Gatlinburg, the northern entrance.

CAMPGROUNDS

Smokemont Campground
142-site campground that accommodates both tents and RVs. This campground is open year round and reservations are accepted.

Tow String Horse Camp
5-site campground located off of Hwy 441 south of the Smokemont Campground. Open seasonally.

HIKING TRAILS

There are dozens of hiking trails in the Smokemont Region and over 800 miles of trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is not possible for me to hike all of them, but I did hike a few in each region. Here are suggestions for two hikes at Smokemont.

Oconaluftee River Trail
Easy, 3.6-mile trail open to both hikers and bikers

Smokemont Loop Hike
Easy to moderate 6.1-mile loop hike that combines the Smokemont Loop Trail and Bradley Fork Trail.

HISTORICAL AREAS

Mountain Farm Outdoor Museum
Collection of 1800s farm buildings and equipment

Mingus Mill
Operational 1886 turbine grist mill

PICNIC AREAS

Collins Creek Picnic Area

RIDING STABLES

Smokemont Riding Stables
Authorized park concessionaire that provides guided horseback rides for those without a horse. Located next to the Smokemont Campground.

VISITOR CENTERS

Oconaluftee Visitor Center