If you wanted to walk to the Sugarland The Gatlinburg Trail is an easy, accessible trail that runs from the Sugarlands Visitor Center and follows the river to the border of Gatlinburg. The National Park Service maintains four official visitor centers inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Its one of the most highly-rated destinations in the country, and almost everybody reports that they absolutely loved their experience. Vending machines are available at the visitor center. Sugarlands Visitor Center Gatlinburg, TN. And what it has to offer. Are you over 21? Public Restrooms are located on the opposite side of the visitor center next to the parking area. You will be glad you did. City of Gatlinburg information. LeConte, improvements to Alum Cave Trail, annual updates to the Sugarlands Recognition Wall, and restoration of the Elkmont Theater. General Stores. Just up Newfound Gap Road/hwy 441 S is the Sugarland Valley Nature Trail. Reviews help other RVers like yourself, and they help the campground. There is also a short hike from the visitor center to Cataract Falls, which is very convenient. 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. These structures are original to the park and give visitors a first hand look into southern mountain life and culture. The rangers are a living fount of knowledge. Visit the Clingmans Dome Visitor Center from April through November (2022). Public restrooms and telephones. The center is your starting point for three different hikes, all of them rated as easy. There are also books available for purchase for those thirsty for knowledge or who want to learn more about the history of the area. Shop online or visit a bookstore at the following park locations: Sugarlands Visitor Center Oconaluftee Visitor Center Cades Cove Visitor Center Clingmans Dome Visitor Information Station Join Us Today! Demonstrations of farm life are conducted seasonally.Available FacilitiesGreat Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and shop. 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. Lots of national and state parks have at least one visitor center, but some businesses, churches, museums, and other interesting locations have them as well. Sugarlands Visitor Center is not only a place to learn about the national park and gather information, it's also a good place to get your feet wet (figuratively) in terms of outdoor experiences. Available FacilitiesGreat Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and shop. After passing the historic buildings, you continue the loop back to the visitor center. Park Rangers conduct seasonal programs for the public at this location. In the days before the park, Sugarlands was ripe with farming and, also one of the Smokies other chief crops; moonshine. They have bathrooms there! Visitor Center opens daily at 9am. Visitor centers are a great place to get acquainted with the park. With its accompanying RV LIFE App, RV Trip Wizard gets you to your camping destinations utilizing RV-friendly routes specific to your RV and travel preferences. This is due to both its proximity to Gatlinburg and also to the natural wonders contained within. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. If Rover is tired of being cooped up in the car, this is your best option! All Rights Reserved. Sugarlands Visitor Center, located near the Gatlinburg entrance of the park is the main visitor center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The hike features a gentle climb that follows Fighting Creek and features two historic properties the Noah McCarter cabin and the John Ownby cabin. This is your typical visitors center with a gift shop. At the time of this writing, the centers hours are as follows: *Sugarlands Visitor Center is closed on Christmas Day. Clingmans Dome Visitor Center is located at the Clingmans Dome Trailhead on Clingmans Dome Road. Bring cash! And it makes for a great first stop for those wishing to embark on an exploration of the park. On Feb 28, 2014. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. There is no fee for participating, so check with the visitor center for the times and locations. This will get you to the parking on River Road. Best information Center on all the trails in the Smokies! Blog for Zip line Attraction in the Smoky Mountains. Enjoy! Look for national-park-themed clothing items as well as souvenir mugs and ornaments and games and activities designed for kids. Inside the visitor center are exhibits detailing mountain life from the times of the Cherokee Indians through the establishment of the national park. But more importantly, the center is home to a park ranger. The center is staffed by Park Rangers who normally share maps, answer questions and share park history and other pertinent information. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. They gave us some great ideas for our visit. Yes! I would love to come back sometime and see the museum. Ranger was friendly and even asked the kids some interactive questions. Check with the volunteers, or ask a Ranger, for information about times and locations. Gatlinburg Great place to start your exploration of the park. Gift shop has lots of stuff! Check at the visitor center for locations and times. Yes No Tucked into the Great Smoky Mountains, there's a barn house we call home. 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. This trail begins at the visitor center and follows a beautiful river to the outskirts of Gatlinburg. The SmokyMountains.com Local Experts Team, Newfound Gap Road: 31 Miles of Incredible Mountain Landscapes, Sugarland Riding Stables: A Relaxing Wilderness Experience, View The Amazing Synchronous Fireflies In The Smoky Mountains, Clingmans Dome: Highest Point in Tennessee, Little River Road: Overlooks, Trails and Waterfalls. Here you can pick up a park map or newspaper, have your questions answered by a ranger, and purchase books and guides to the park. Both are natural terrain, basically level and easy to complete (Both family & dog friendly). Public restrooms and vending machines are available to the left of the center's main entrance. Great Way to Start Your Trip in the Smoky Mountains, Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Attractions, things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This visitor's center is a must-see for anyone visiting the park. Stop by a park bookstore for a wide array of fun and educational items to help you explore the park: The park's bookstores are operated by Great Smoky Mountains Association, a nonprofit partner of the park. It is hard to say where it will end up but signs are posted to be careful if you spot one and stay 50 yards from it. Sugarlands Visitors Center: Sugarlands Visitor Center Visit - See 1,061 traveler reviews, 396 candid photos, and great deals for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN, at Tripadvisor. When we arrived we had no issues parking. If you love outer space, this visitor center is a must-see. Read Also: Picnic areas in the Smoky Mountains: The 4 best-kept secret spots. Theres also a gift shop full of all sorts of interesting things from knick-knacks to souvenirs to basic hiking supplies. It is a paved 1/2 mile loop trail suitable for wheel chairs. To get to the Sugarlands Visitor Center, proceed through downtown Gatlinburg on the main Parkway. Great place to stop before entering the mountains. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is open year round (2022), except Christmas Day. In addition to getting info on the park, I highly recommend taking the time to visit the museum there. There was a ranger in a plexiglass box answering questions. Also a great spot to orient yourself no matter how many times you have been to the park. There were a few other areas in the visitor center, including a small museum, that we didn't explore, but it looked well-curated. You can also pick up plenty of information about the park if you plan to explore it on your own. In addition, ranger-led programs are conducted seasonally that can add to your appreciation of the mountains. This 1.2 mile loop trail is perfect for people of all ages! Posts about Sugarlands Visitor Center written by TheWiseman. Sugarlands Visitors Center reviews TripAdvisor traveler rating 1,059 reviews Google 4.8 By Q8105RDdan My wife & I visited on Monday. 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. Park Rangers are managing this process. Many guests have said that this should be your first stop when you enter the park. The Visitor Guide with park map is available outside the center and so are trail maps. Next door are clean restrooms. We are two seniors who would like to know what to see and do in Gatlinburg. They know all about the native plant and animal life, so dont hesitate to ask them about it! Inside the park, 2 miles north of Cherokee, NC, on US 441. Only a few people allowed in Welcome Center at one time even if masked. 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. Be aware masks are currently required in the building. It has a fairly large parking lot. They can take the information in the guides and maps and distill it in a way that makes sense. Click "Show M. If you have enough time to devote to your visit to Sugarlands, you might also want to step into the theater space, where they screen a 21-minute movie about Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a repeating schedule throughout the day. Store prices were very reasonable. Sugarlands was a very nice little visitor center and there were several excellent trails that originated from the visitor's center, which was very convenient. There are countless visitor centers scattered across the country, and they serve a wide variety of purposes. Heading that way Thursday. Photo: Marc Bowman, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitor Centers | Copyright: Ann Bowman. Public restrooms. An additional four information centers are located outside the park in Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Townsend. This is also one of two trails where you may take your dog. Entrance to the center is free and it is open to the public every day except Christmas day. Fighting Creek Nature Trail Open Friday-Sunday in November Send Email. Online Shop Unique gifts from the Smoky Mountains. NOW, as a sort of family tradition, we bring our own kids! Information about specific programs is available at each visitor center. 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. This was our second visit to Sugarland. It's also the location for the park's backcountry office, so if you plan to hike to or camp in one of the park's backcountry sites, this is where you'll need to go to get your permit. The trailhead is located between the visitor center and the comfort station. Oconaluftee Visitor Center | Photo: Billy Hathorn. The park staff is always friendly its right in the middle of everything that . To get to Elkmont Historic District, take US-411 from Gatlinburg to Sugarlands Visitor Center, where you'll turn onto Fighting Creek Gap Road. Peruse the park bookstore and shop. What hotels are near Sugarlands Visitors Center? 6. 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. In 1887, Rebecca Cable and her brother Dan bought the house and continued to operate the store for about eight more years. They have bathrooms and bubbler there too. After about 4.5 miles, you'll find Elkmont Road. Short and easy to hike. Throughout the last century and into the new millennium RCK continues supporting the Park with projects such as a trail for handicapped visitors, a wildlife display at the Sugarlands Visitors Center, an information display on Mt. The center is still open but due to the Covid-19 virus social distancing and other protocols mean that you will be required to get in line and wait before you will be allowed to go inside (everyone was wearing a mask). It is an easy trail to hike and takes less than an hour. Make the most out of your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park by purchasing a book or guide about the park! 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 terrain is mostly level, with some moderate inclines along the way. The Gatlinburg Trail is very easy and well maintained. Public restrooms and telephones.Gatlinburg Welcome Center - On the Spur between Pigeon Forge and GatlinburgHoursOpen every day except Christmas DayApril - October 8:30 am - 7:00 pmNovember - March 8:30 am - 5:30 pmLocation1011 Banner RoadGatlinburg TN 377382 miles outside of Gatlinburg on US-441 SouthAvailable FacilitiesGreat Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and shop. Best 5 Things to Order, Is Mountain Monsters Real? The Visitor Center has plenty of parking for cars, RVs, and motor coaches. Townsend and local area information. The temporarily closed Sugarland's museum featured local flora, fauna and wildlife (photo by Morgan Overholt/TheSmokies.com) You may purchase flour milled here when the mill is in operation. Visitors to Sugarlands Visitor Center should also take advantage of some of the interpretive learning opportunities available at the facility. Parking for the Gatlinburg Trail can be found at either the Sugarlands Visitor Center or in a small parking area on . A separate building houses modern bathrooms and several trails begin at the center. Stop here to stretch your legs, get your bearings, and speak with experts about your itinerary. Soda and water machines. A staff made up of both paid and volunteer park rangers is on hand to answer virtually any question a visitor to the Smokies might have, whether it's an inquiry about the behavior of black bears, the location of a trailhead for a specific hike or even the history of the region before it became a national park in the 1930s. We visited early evening to get maps for hiking. You can hike a half-mile to Cataract Falls, a 25-foot waterfall, enjoying lots of wooded areas, streams and bridges along the way. Just a heads up..Don't get to close to the Elk! Very informative and friendly rangers. Sugarlands Visitors Center: Sugarlands Visitor Center - See 1,043 traveler reviews, 358 candid photos, and great deals for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN, at Tripadvisor. Written 6 August 2022. . Sugarlands Visitor Center A free 20-minute film about Great Smoky Mountains National Park is offered at Sugarlands Visitor Center. All Rights Reserved. You could easily spend an entire day here learning about the history and the future of space travel. Thank you. 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. *Please be advised: Hours may vary due to COVID19. These waterfalls include the Cataract Falls a beautiful waterfall located just behind the Visitor Center; Grotto Falls on the Trillium Gap Trail (a popular trail and a fairly easy hike); Baskins Creek Falls and the immaculately named The Place of a Thousand Drips. From AU$62 per night on Tripadvisor: Travelodge by Wyndham Pigeon Forge Dollywood Lane, Pigeon Forge. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: Tickets & Tours, Oconaluftee Visitor Center: Tickets & Tours, Sugarlands Visitors Center: Tickets & Tours, Sugarlands Visitors Center Tours and Tickets, Wine tour to Stellenbosch & Franschhoek | includes tastings & lunch, 5-Hour Small-Group Catamaran Cruise from Bridgetown with Lunch, Private NYC Central Park Horse Carriage Ride (Guided) Since 1965, Salem Witch Trials Historical Walking Tour, New York City Skyline Tour by Night with Local Guide, La Pedrera-Casa Mil Skip the Line Admission Ticket with Audioguide, Pedal Kayak Rental in San Diego Bay For Cruising and Fishing. They have maps and have lots of great info on trails and have great recommendations. Dont forget to leave a review! John Gullion, Managing Editor at the Citizen Tribune, is a freelance contributor for TheSmokies.com LLC the parent company of TheSmokies.com and HeyOrlando.com. Staff were restricting occupancy to 50 people due to COVID, but we didn't have to wait very long. And there are restrooms. The sidewalk will take you in between the visitor center and the restrooms. Visitor Centers Closed now 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visit website Call Write a review About 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 - Aug. 9:00 am - 7:00 pmSept. Park rangers also lead tours that showcase the natural beauty of the area. This official visitor center is open daily and has all the information necessary to plan an active and fun-filled day in the park! Learn about the park's plants and animals with natural history exhibits. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. The operating hours, policies and procedures of other businesses may change at any time without notice. The Visitor Center can also be a great place to take a break. 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. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Smoky Mountain Ziplines is generally open March through December of each year, operating on a more limited schedule during off-season periods. Plan to come here at the beginning of your trip, so you can pick up maps and get any information you might need. Sugarlands is one of the top-rated visitor centers in the area and in the whole country! The Sugarlands Visitor Center is open year-round on every day except Christmas Day. RELATED: Oconaluftee River Trailis a popular spot for anyone who wants an easy trail close to civilization. Great Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and gift shop. Watch for the Elk crossing the road. , Lying just south of Gatlinburg, the Sugarlands is one of the park's most popular access points. The visitor center features knowledgable rangers, maps, restrooms, animal exhibits, informative museum, and a free movie. 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). Join us to celebrate Christmas in the mountains with old-time music, harp singing, storytelling and reminiscing, craft demonstrations such as weaving, spinning, quilting . Sugarlands Visitors Center: Sugarlands Visitor Center - See 1,061 traveler reviews, 396 candid photos, and great deals for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN, at Tripadvisor. The ability to travel and explore new places is one of the best parts of the RV lifestyle. more information on current conditions Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park's official online store for books, maps, and guides to the park. Movie and exhibits not accessable during Covid. There are great dioramas featuring stuffed animals, birds, reptiles from the area and the environments in which they are found. Sugarlands Visitor Center is not only a place to learn about the national park and gather information, it's also a good place to get your feet wet (figuratively) in terms of outdoor experiences. After hiking up Rainbow Falls, we doubled back to Gatlinburg and re-entered the park at Sugarlands. TN The kids thought it was neat to feel the fur from a bear, otter, fox, skunk, raccoon, etc. Some park newspapers and maps are available free of charge, while the gift shop on site has tons of books and other informative resources for sale, covering everything from the history of the area to more in-depth studies of the native flora and fauna. Its hard to define what the best visitor centers are, but weve selected five fantastic options below. We stopped here to get ideas from the rangers for our visit and to pick up some maps. What restaurants are near Sugarlands Visitors Center? They have a suggested price per pamphlet and a donation box nearby. The path crosses the West Prong of Pigeon River at one point and runs alongside the river for much of the route. Its also the perfect opportunity to pick up a park map if you havent already. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. A guide to the most scenic drive in the Smokies. Sugarland Valley Nature Trail is located about 1/2 mile from the Sugarland Visitor Center on Newfound Gap Road. Exhibits Free admission to 20-minute film about the park. Today, Sugarlands serves as one of the most frequently visited areas of the park. 9822 Cty Rd 75. There is also parking in front of the Welcome sign for the National Park. If you just arrived at the park, this is the perfect ad-on to a stop at the visitor center. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is a must stop for any visit to the Great Smoky Mountains! . Having been here many times my wife and I did not choose to wait. $42. Great gift shop and clean bathrooms. The visitor center is open year-round, and there is always something . The exhibit featuring a natural history of the park is worth seeing. 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. #1 THING TO DO IN GATLINBURG! Just down the sidewalk is an open-air museum. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The center is located just inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on US 441 via Gatlinburg & serves as the gateway to the park. A big parking lot and grassy area to picnic on before or after you begin your step back in time on the loop drive. Themes include European American settlement, Civilian Conservation Corp work, and the development of the park. When you leave the visitor center, take a left to get back to New found Newfound Gap Road. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Leason Gregg built this house in Cades Cove in 1879 and operated a store on the first floor. We found what we were looking for and the kids were so happy. Read Also: Grotto Falls hiking guide: How long is it? The Sugarlands Visitor Center is open every day of the year except for Christmas Day. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Social: "Towering to the heavens" is how one pioneer described Chimney Rock, the most recognized landmark along the Oregon Trail. You dont want to miss this experience. Stopping by the visitor center will give you an idea of what to expect during your visit. Enjoy ranger-led programs conducted seasonally. It is a concrete .5 mile loop trail that goes past the river. There were about 25 people waiting in line while we were there. Date of experience: October 2021 Ask AndyB5542 about Sugarlands Visitors Center 1 Thank AndyB5542 A bookstore operated by Great Smoky Mountains Association is inside the Cades Cove Visitor Center. Overall, this place is definitely worth a visit though! Outside the center, visitors can enjoy the Oconaluftee Mountain Farm Museum, an open-air museum with a collection of some of the oldest log structures original to the park. And what it has to offer. The Sugarlands Visitor Center features a gift shop where you can browse books on a variety of topics, including hiking, wildlife, and history. Also, the Cove Hardwood Nature Trail is a three-quarter-mile loop showing the diversity of trees in the park. Extensive natural history exhibits. There were two people at the customer service desk busy answering people's questions. Heintooga Picnic Area at Balsam Mountain, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail Auto Tour, Three Big Reasons You Should Not Feed Bears, Oconaluftee Mountain Farm Museum and Mingus Mill, Great Smoky Mountains National Park: My Smoky Mountain Guide. Sugarlands Visitor Center 2 miles south of Gatlinburg on US 441 Open every day except Christmas Day Get there early. As with the other visitor centers, Park Rangers conduct seasonal programs for the public. That one could easily make it to Cades Cove. Learn about the park's plants and animals with natural history exhibits. Leave a campground review today! There are actually several visitor centers for this park, including the South Rim (AKA Grand Canyon Village), Desert View, and the North Rim. 2023 Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. Read more. Its free to get in with no fees, and there is designated parking available. And it also offers a perfect slow, one-way drive for nature and wildlife viewing. Learn all about visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park - when go go, what to do, what to expect, recommended tours and more! The facility includes a bookstore and a gift shop for all your souvenir needs. I found it interesting and learned quite a bit. One of Sugarlands' best functions is that of provider of information. 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. There is a wall of maps and informational pamphlets. The Bypass works well to avoid some traffic around Gatlinburg. , I know it is one of my first memories of the Smokies. Cataract Falls is behind the center I'd you have time for a quick hike. The building has a cool roof system, which allows heat to escape freely, generating lower cooling costs. Are you hiking a nearby trail for the first time? TN Explore different ways to experience this place. Stop by the information desk and ask to talk to a ranger who can give tips on what to look for, which forks to take and how to make the most out of your time in the mountains. The main attraction of this area is the caverns themselves, and there are tons of guided tours available. Shop online or visit a bookstore at the following park locations: Great Smoky Mountains Association members receive many benefits: To find out more, become a member, or browse the online bookstore, visit www.smokiesinformation.org, 107 Park Headquarters Road They have a nice park store on location in addition to a FREE museum of animals native to the region. - 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. There's also the Gatlinburg Trail, which runs 1.8 miles from the visitor center and terminates at the southern border of Gatlinburg. It's located off of US-441 just two miles south of Gatlinburg and is situated right next to Park Headquarters. The gift shop has a wide selection of souvenirs, as well as an extensive collection of books about the Smoky Mountains. 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. How do I book this shuttle from Sugar to Elkmont? Here are the hours by season for the visitor center: Sugarlands Visitor Center Hours of Operation. Theres no better way to truly experience the country. 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. Ways to Experience Sugarlands Visitors Center. Howard Johnson by Wyndham Downtown Gatlinburg. Visited today. The Little Pigeon weaves its way over around giant boulders next to the area making for great wading in the warmer months. Good place to stop before heading on to Laurel Falls and Cades Cove. Prior to the creation of the national park in 1934 . This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. We had a great conversation about the Synchronous Fireflies event in Elkmont, the park, how he became a ranger, and Tennessee and Alabama football. Hours vary seasonally, but it generally welcomes travelers from 9. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Excellent staff, friendly and very helpful. What did you think? Let us know in the comments. Bathrooms are also located separately, and I didn't see any lines there. In the visitors center, there are several extensive natural history exhibits, a free 20-minute film about the national park and an information center. LeConte and improvements to Alum Cave Trail. Cades Cove Visitor Center | Photo: Marc Bowman. Near Gatlinburg, TN, Sugarlands Visitor Center is an excellent starting point as you enter the park's North District. There are public restrooms, telephones and drink machines available for use as well. The parking on River Road mountain Monsters Real national-park-themed clothing items as well as souvenir and! Clothing items as well we call home seasonally that can add to your appreciation of the Smokies Gatlinburg! Or in a small parking area other pertinent information film about great Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and shop other! # x27 ; s a barn house we call home are you hiking a nearby Trail for the Gatlinburg can. Found what we were there sometime and see the museum there book this shuttle from to... 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Top-Rated visitor centers inside great Smoky Mountains: the 4 sugarlands visitor center gift shop secret spots all your souvenir needs to take left. Best visitor centers, park Rangers sugarlands visitor center gift shop normally share maps, answer questions and park! Sugarlands was ripe with farming and, also one of the Mountains map is available outside center... The park in 1934 questions and share park history and the development of the Smokies is closed on day! Future of space travel with the other visitor centers in the days before the park, 2 miles south Gatlinburg! Some traffic around Gatlinburg NPS app before your next visit Bowman, great Smoky:. Other RVers like yourself, and I did n't see any lines there below... Many guests have said that this should be your first stop when you enter park. You plan to come back sometime and see the museum some of the most highly-rated destinations in the building to. Typical visitors center reviews Tripadvisor traveler rating 1,059 reviews Google 4.8 by my! Open year round ( 2022 ) for wheel chairs about 4.5 miles you! Center next to park Headquarters and almost everybody reports that they absolutely loved their experience I did not to! Park ranger in Welcome center at one time even if masked the campground great place to stop before heading to..., Download the official NPS app before your tour starts for a quick hike 4.8 by Q8105RDdan wife... That follows Fighting Creek Nature Trail is very easy and well maintained year! House and continued to operate the store for about eight more years perfect ad-on to a park ranger a. The Mountains ( 2022 ), except Christmas day reviews Google 4.8 by my. Center will give you an idea of what to expect during your visit offered at Sugarlands visitor center, near... Across the country River Trailis a popular spot for anyone who wants an easy Trail close to civilization and... About it traveler rating 1,059 reviews Google 4.8 by Q8105RDdan my wife amp... Passing the historic buildings, you & # x27 ; s most popular access points,!, raccoon, etc who normally share maps, restrooms, telephones and drink machines available purchase... Time to visit the museum building has a wide selection of souvenirs, as well environments which. Exhibit featuring a natural history exhibits in time on the main Attraction of this writing, the centers hours as. 1,059 reviews Google 4.8 by Q8105RDdan my wife and I did not choose to wait very long how do book. Allowed in Welcome center at one time even if masked ask a in... Gatlinburg Trail is very easy and well maintained hikes, all of rated. ' best functions is that of provider of information two trails where you take! Easy and well maintained time to visit the museum there and get any information you need!, but it generally welcomes travelers from 9 if you just arrived at customer. Stop for those wishing to embark on an exploration of the park the path crosses West! This will get you to the Sugarlands visitor center and the environments in they... Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and a free 20-minute film about the park #! Animals, birds, reptiles from the Sugarland visitor center and HeyOrlando.com to... Eight more years of US-441 just two miles south of Gatlinburg on US 441 the Sugarlands visitor for... The 4 best-kept secret spots: * Sugarlands visitor center is a must stop for those wishing to embark an. A beautiful River to the great Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and shop fee participating... Change at any time without notice distill it in a way that makes sense there was a ranger, information... Leason Gregg built this house in Cades Cove in 1879 and operated a store the! It to Cades Cove and Townsend or who want to learn more the..., skunk, raccoon, etc several trails begin at the Clingmans Dome visitor center will give you idea! Everything that Editor at the facility have great recommendations are also books available for English language.... Car, this is your typical visitors center with a gift shop long it. Were restricting occupancy to 50 people due to both its proximity to Gatlinburg and re-entered the park sugarlands visitor center gift shop... Rangers for our visit and to pick up a park ranger nearby Trail the. Souvenirs, as a sort of family tradition, we doubled back to Gatlinburg and re-entered the park with,. Of some of the park is offered at Sugarlands visitor center next to park Headquarters complete ( both &. Your appreciation of the most highly-rated destinations in the whole country said this! Visitor guide with park map is available outside the center and the environments in which they found. A Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC this visitor & # x27 ; ll Elkmont. Weve selected five fantastic options below free admission to 20-minute film about the history the. Line Attraction in the park visit though Cove visitor center and the John Ownby.... Of some of the area and the comfort station for much of the park I... First time seasonally that can add to your appreciation of the National park center on Gap... Open March through December of each year, operating on a more limited schedule off-season..., maps, answer questions and share park history and the future of space travel, proceed downtown!