Great Smoky Mountains National Park stretches over 500,000 acres across Tennessee and North Carolina, and is known for its wildlife and historic homesteads. It’s the most visited national park in the country (yes, beating Yellowstone), with 12 million visitors in the last year alone.
With six park entrances to choose from, it’s important to base yourself near the sites you most want to see. Each gateway town has its own personality, but most don't get as much press as well-known Gatlinburg. Here, we break down what each of the six towns has to offer to help you decide where to stay for your Smokies getaway.
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Bryson City and Cherokee, North Carolina
Best for: Family vacations
Bryson City is the hub for the North Carolina Smokies and is popular with families riding the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, as the best-known route snakes through the mountains between Bryson City and Dillsboro. Train tickets include admission to the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum, which has over 7,000 model train engines and cars.
Neighboring Cherokee is an essential stop for learning about the Native people who were forcibly removed from this land in 1838. The tribe still has a presence here, and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian details their 11,000-year history. Support the community by shopping for Cherokee-made crafts at Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Inc.
When you’re feeling peckish, Naber’s Drive In is like stepping back in time, complete with carhop service and a simple menu featuring burgers and hot dogs. Anthony's Restaurant, in the heart of downtown Bryson City, is known for its white pizza and garlic knots (you'll need to fuel up for all that hiking, after all).
Cozy up at Sky Ridge Yurts, located just across the river from rafting outfitters like Nantahala Outdoor Center. The permanent tents have porches overlooking the forest, fire pits, full-sized bathrooms, WiFi, televisions, and kitchens (some come with kitchenettes, others offer full set-ups).
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Best for: Smokies first-timers
The streets that wind through Gatlinburg can be congested, but there’s a reason most visitors stop here. As the unofficial gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, travelers to this area enjoy easy access to the Sugarlands Visitors Center. It’s also close to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park, which has an observation tower and connects to the Appalachian Trail.
The admission price to the Anakeesta theme park ($32.99 for adults) is well worth it for the 600-foot-high views, accessed by a gondola or open-air vehicle. While you’re there, climb to the top of the observation tower, soar through the trees on a zip line, or relax with a cocktail at The Bar At The Top Of The World.
Gatlinburg has some iconic old-school eateries like The Donut Friar, which opened in 1969 and still makes its yeast doughnuts the traditional way. For dinner, book a table at The Greenbrier Restaurant, a converted log cabin that serves dry aged steaks and seafood.
Spend the night at Buckhorn Inn, a bed and breakfast that opened in 1938. As part of every stay, guests are served decadent breakfasts and four-course dinners with views of Mount LeConte.
Maryville, Tennessee
Best for: Friend getaways
Located between Knoxville and Gatlinburg, Maryville is popular with cyclists, thanks to its easy access to several public parks connected by the seven-mile-long Maryville Alcoa Greenway. It is also home to craft breweries like Blackberry Farm Brewery, owned by the luxury resort of the same name in Walland, and Tri-Hop Brewery, a pet-friendly spot known for its IPAs.
Continue your night with drinks and appetizers at Diamondjack Wine Bar, with a menu featuring charcuterie and lobster empanadas. The bar, owned by a Blackberry Farm alum, has bottles from around the world.
Enjoy dinner at Foothills Milling, which uses local ingredients to craft its menu around the best regional cuisines in the South, including Lowcountry shrimp and grits and Creole-inspired blackened redfish.
Unwind for the night at RT Lodge, located on the charming campus of Maryville College. The 57-room inn has rustic guest rooms, an on-site restaurant, and a hearty daily breakfast included in every stay.
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Best for: Kitschy fun
Pigeon Forge has all-you-can-eat buffets and themed dinner shows, but it also happens to be home to Dollywood, owned by country music legend Dolly Parton. The theme park has state-of-the-art roller coasters, musical performances, and a museum with artifacts from Parton’s career, including her former tour bus with a custom-made bathtub.
There are a few more offbeat museums in town, as well. Titanic Museum features a replica of the doomed ship, while the Alcatraz East Crime Museum lets visitors get up close to Ted Bundy’s VW Beetle and OJ Simpson’s White Bronco.
Historic Pigeon Forge is also home to iconic pottery studios that are set along the river. The Old Mill Restaurant is one of the most famous places to eat here, with family-style meals like fried chicken and collard greens, all served on dishes made at the Old Mill studios. They don’t take reservations, so get there early. If you want a no-fuss meal, Smokies Cuban Cafe is a local favorite in an unassuming strip mall, known for its Cuban sandwiches, ropa vieja, and signature sweet (and strong) cafecito.
There are endless hotels that lean into the area’s rustic mountain style, but RiverStone Resort & Spa provides the most elevated experience with fully furnished condos and log cabins. The resort also has an on-site spa and outdoor pool.
Townsend, Tennessee
Best for: Multigenerational celebrations
Townsend is called the “peaceful side of the Smokies” for a reason. Instead of neon lights and chain brands, you'll find a small downtown area alongside the Little River with easy access to the national park.
The eastern part of town is closest to the park’s most incredible waterfalls: Meigs Falls and Spruce Flats Falls. The Smokies have more than 700 fishable rivers, including the Little River, that can be visited with Townsend-based Little River Outfitters.
In Townsend, Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro is a great spot to eat, with Appalachian-inspired dishes like striped bass and sorghum glazed chicken on offer.
In terms of places to stay, there are two great options: Little Arrow Resort, in Townsend, has safari-style tents, Airstreams, tiny houses, and full-sized vacation homes that sleep up to 12. Otherwise, head to nearby Walland for Blackberry Farm, a Relais & Châteaux resort spread over 4,000 acres—and hands down the most notable stay in these parts. It has James Beard award-winning restaurants including The Barn (which accepts reservations from non-guests), known for its dishes crafted from seasonal and local ingredients.
Waynesville, North Carolina
Best for: A couples weekend
Located south of Lake Junaluska and the ski slopes of Maggie Valley, Waynesville is convenient to both the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and the Cataloochee entrance to the national park, where elk famously roam every fall.
Treat yourselves to an outdoor couples massage with Maggie Valley Wellness Center, set up on a deck that overlooks Jonathan Creek and the mountains beyond. Silent tea meditation and private yoga classes are also available.
Grab a bite at Bogarts Restaurant and Tavern, which has been serving steaks and burgers to Waynesville residents since 1977. The menu at Birchwood Hall Southern Kitchen changes frequently, but diners can expect thoughtful dishes like local rabbit and foraged vegetable pasta.
And when you're ready to bed down, beeline for The Swag. Its address may be Waynesville, but trust us—the mountaintop lodge feels like its own universe, bordering national park property along the Cataloochee Divide. The hotel's wooden buildings were originally part of a private home but opened to the public following the 1982 World’s Fair. Guests can enjoy all-inclusive meals, naturalist talks, and balcony showers.