Both trails are nice, but I prefer the Cataract Falls trail, especially for families with small kids since it is easier and mostly flat with wide, clear trails! And there are restrooms. It runs along the river and walk as much or as little as you like. Bring cash! The Gatlinburg Trail is an easy, accessible trail that runs from the Sugarlands Visitor Center and follows the river to the border of Gatlinburg. 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. Open Friday-Sunday in November Sugarlands Discovery Center is located at 1420 Fighting Creek Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN. Get there before 4 pm if you want to see the movie and/or museum! You don't have to wait in line to purchase. This visitor canter gets five stars, for the wildlife. Sugarlands Visitors Center: Sugarlands Visitor Center - See 1,041 traveler reviews, 358 candid photos, and great deals for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN, at Tripadvisor. Great Smoky Mountains Association Bookstore is inside the 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. Sevier County, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville information. The trailhead is located between the visitor center and the comfort station. Gatlinburg Trail The Sugarlands visitor center is basically a large gift shop, though you can get your questions answered by a park ranger. The estate includes 205 acres of vines at Pauillac planted with Cabernet Sauvignon (77%), Merlot (11%), Cabernet Franc (10%) and Petit Verdot (2%).In 1853, Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild . It closes in winter due to weather conditions. Some of them educate, others entertain, and others showcase interesting features of the area. Sugarlands is a wonderful place to start your adventure into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Today, Sugarlands serves as one of the most frequently visited areas of the park. 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). ).The bathrooms at the VC were great--clean and well maintained. Grand Canyon Visitor Center There are several visitor centers for this park, including the South Rim (AKA Grand Canyon Village), Desert View, and the North Rim. All Rights Reserved. There were about 25 people waiting in line while we were there. You will be glad you did. Do not let the uniforms intimidate you. Its hard to define what the best visitor centers are, but weve selected five fantastic options below. Ways to Experience Sugarlands Visitors Center. We are two seniors who would like to know what to see and do in Gatlinburg. If you are taking pictures at the Welcome sign, you can access the Gatlinburg Trail by walking the short path to the right of the sign. There are a variety of bookstores, gift shops, and restaurants to explore. Been to a campground lately? The park staff is always friendly its right in the middle of everything that . Its one of the most highly-rated destinations in the country, and almost everybody reports that they absolutely loved their experience. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. With thousands of visitors every year, they sought to build an exceptional gift shop to suit the high demand for Sugarlands Distilling Co. merchandise. The hike features a gentle climb that follows Fighting Creek and features two historic properties the Noah McCarter cabin and the John Ownby cabin. Public restrooms and telephones. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is the perfect spot to begin your Smoky Mountain vacation! Stores Were Commercial and Social Centers in Great Smokies. Yes! They know all about the native plant and animal life, so dont hesitate to ask them about it! Townsend and local area information. Yes No Tucked into the Great Smoky Mountains, there's a barn house we call home. Even Sugarlands itself is a place where the uninitiated can get themselves in trouble quickly. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is the perfect place to start your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains. He had pelts from different native animals that the kids could check out and touch. The GSMNP is vast. Near Gatlinburg, TN, Sugarlands Visitor Center is an excellent starting point as you enter the park's North District. The Roaring Falls Motor Nature Trail isnt far from the Visitor Center. There were a few other areas in the visitor center, including a small museum, that we didn't explore, but it looked well-curated. The exhibit featuring a natural history of the park is worth seeing. 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 The Sugarlands Visitor Center is open every day of the year except for Christmas Day. The path crosses the West Prong of Pigeon River at one point and runs alongside the river for much of the route. We found what we were looking for and the kids were so happy. Smoky Mountain Cat House Do you have a feline friend or just love anything and everything that has to do with cats? Learn all about visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park - when go go, what to do, what to expect, recommended tours and more! Campground Reviews is a trusted source of campground and RV park reviews offered by camping and RV enthusiasts just like you. Having been here many times my wife and I did not choose to wait. There is also a short hike from the visitor center to Cataract Falls, which is very convenient. LeConte. I found it interesting and learned quite a bit. Check out our list and consider adding one or two of these to your upcoming travel plans! A separate building houses modern bathrooms and several trails begin at the center. The Sugarlands Visitor Center's Animal Exhibit - The animal exhibit boasts several stuffed specimens of local wildlife, from wild hog to black bear, which includes a description of each animal's distinctive features. 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. These programs are educational and fun and the children especially love it. 107 Park Headquarters Road Backcountry permit station. Best 5 Things to Order, Is Mountain Monsters Real? Worth a visit. Written 6 August 2022. . 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. LeConte and improvements to Alum Cave Trail. Sugarlands is one of the top-rated visitor centers in the area and in the whole country! They separated there and one went into Gatlinburg and the other was heading in the opposite direction. General Stores. At the time of this writing, the centers hours are as follows: *Sugarlands Visitor Center is closed on Christmas Day. Oconaluftee Visitor Center | Photo: Billy Hathorn. 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. Open Friday-Sunday in November The facility includes a bookstore and a gift shop for all your souvenir needs. Read Also: Picnic areas in the Smoky Mountains: The 4 best-kept secret spots. Prior to the creation of the national park in 1934 . Visitor centers are a great place to get acquainted with the park. Its free to get in with no fees, and there is designated parking available. On Feb 28, 2014. Public restrooms and telephones.Townsend Visitor CenterHoursOpen every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.Jan. Cataract Falls is behind the center I'd you have time for a quick hike. *Please be advised: Hours may vary due to COVID19. Public Restrooms are located on the opposite side of the visitor center next to the parking area. City of Gatlinburg information. The center is staffed by Park Rangers who normally share maps, answer questions and share park history and other pertinent information. It's a nice little place to get you oriented to the area. This trail begins at the visitor center and follows a beautiful river to the outskirts of Gatlinburg. After hiking up Rainbow Falls, we doubled back to Gatlinburg and re-entered the park at Sugarlands. We hiked from the Gatlinburg Trail to get here only to find out that there is a line to get in. Enjoy! This has created a number of scenic waterfalls reachable by hiking trails with trailheads near the center. A bookstore operated by Great Smoky Mountains Association is inside the Cades Cove Visitor Center. Turn left at the stop sign. Park Rangers conduct seasonal programs for the public at this location. There are bathrooms and a gift shop. 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! Best information Center on all the trails in the Smokies! It is a moderately difficult hike, but the views are amazing. There are a few parking spaces by the trailhead. 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. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to many interesting historical sites and beautiful natural landmarks. There is no fee for participating, so check with the visitor center for the times and locations. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. They can take the information in the guides and maps and distill it in a way that makes sense. 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 Gatlinburg Trail is very easy and well maintained. This was our second visit to Sugarland. In addition, the park itself features over 270 miles of roads offering dozens of opportunities for scenic drives. In 1887, Rebecca Cable and her brother Dan bought the house and continued to operate the store for about eight more years. 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 recommend booking Sugarlands Visitors Center tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Social: "Towering to the heavens" is how one pioneer described Chimney Rock, the most recognized landmark along the Oregon Trail. Check with the visitor center for times and exact locations. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Begin your exploration of the park at a visitor center. Two historic gristmills are open seasonally in the park. 805 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. This visitor's center is a must-see for anyone visiting the park. What restaurants are near Sugarlands Visitors Center? . Did you visit the Sugarlands Visitor Center on a recent National Park visit? Parking Pets Allowed Restrooms Wifi Wheelchair Accessible Credit Cards Accepted See More Details (5) Nearby Hotels Whittier, North Carolina Illuminated Heart Sanctuary Robbinsville, North Carolina There was a ranger in a plexiglass box answering questions. NOTE: The featured photo above is Cades Cove Visitor Center. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in America, receiving some 9 million guests each year. Both provide demonstrations of corn meal milling. We had a great conversation about the Synchronous Fireflies event in Elkmont, the park, how he became a ranger, and Tennessee and Alabama football. You can pick up tons of helpful information about the area, speak to rangers, and watch videos about the significance of the Grand Canyon. This is due to both its proximity to Gatlinburg and also to the natural wonders contained within. Here are the hours by season for the visitor center: Sugarlands Visitor Center Hours of Operation. After passing the historic buildings, you continue the loop back to the visitor center. 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. Where Can I Have Packages Delivered While On The Road. 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. After passing Ski Mountain Road, you will enter the National Park. Copyright 2016-2022 Marc & Ann Bowman | All Rights Reserved |, 9. The Visitor Center can also be a great place to take a break. 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. If you wanted to walk to the Sugarland The entrance to the restrooms is outside and to the left of the Visitor Center.We did not have to pay an entrance fee or show our National Park passes, but if you are 62 years old or above, I would recommend you buy your lifetime Senior Pass ASAP, before the fee increases from $10 to $80 on 8.28.2017. To get to Elkmont Historic District, take US-411 from Gatlinburg to Sugarlands Visitor Center, where you'll turn onto Fighting Creek Gap Road. Phone: (308) 586-2581. Heading that way Thursday. Inside the visitor center are exhibits detailing mountain life from the times of the Cherokee Indians through the establishment of the national park. Children and their families can join in a variety of free, hands-on activities including ranger-guided walks, historic toy making, visiting a blacksmith shop, and exploring touch tables with animal skins, skulls, and scat. A guide to the most scenic drive in the Smokies. 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. Soda and water machines. There are tons of tours, videos, and exhibits that are suitable for all kinds of people. Oconaluftee Visitor Center is located on Newfound Gap Road (US 441) about a half mile past the entrance to Blue Ridge Parkway. 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. 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 Parking fills up quickly and can be challenging. One trail leads to Cataract Falls (15 minutes one way), the other portion (Fighting Creek Trail-about a 1 hour loop trail) leads to the John Ownby cabin. They have a nice park store on location in addition to a FREE museum of animals native to the region. Brian Searl May 29, 2013. Stopping by the visitor center will give you an idea of what to expect during your visit. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is open year round (2022), except Christmas Day. Cades Cove Visitor Center | Photo: Marc Bowman. Gatlinburg When we arrived we had no issues parking. And of course, dont forget to stop by the gift shop and buy some fun souvenirs! 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. 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. One of Sugarlands' best functions is that of provider of information. How do I book this shuttle from Sugar to Elkmont? If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Best place to stop and find out some information on trailheads and trails, plus waterfalls. There are public restrooms, telephones and drink machines available for use as well. Great Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and gift shop. Public restrooms and vending machines are available to the left of the center's main entrance. Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Things to Do, things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Next door are clean restrooms. 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. I have been visiting this visitor center for over 3 decades now. Open daily March 5 through October 31. It has a fairly large parking lot. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Book your tickets online for Clingmans Dome, Great Smoky Mountains National Park: See 3,088 reviews, articles, and 3,412 photos of Clingmans Dome, ranked No.12 on Tripadvisor among 104 attractions in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The top-rated visitor centers are, but weve selected five fantastic options below by season for the times of most. 2016-2022 Marc & Ann Bowman | all Rights Reserved |, 9 your spot the exhibit featuring a natural of... 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