Learn all about visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park - when go go, what to do, what to expect, recommended tours and more! There are countless visitor centers scattered across the country, and they serve a wide variety of purposes. The only downside of this experience is the price point. Dogs are not allowed inside. Upvote 6 Downvote. . Why is Sugarlands a must-stop when visiting the Smoky Mountains with kids? 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. Public restrooms and vending machines are available to the left of the center's main entrance. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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. The terrain is mostly level, with some moderate inclines along the way. Sugarlands Visitor Center, located less than 3 miles south of Gatlinburg on U.S. Route 441, is open daily (except Christmas Day). See 63 traveller reviews, 42 photos, and cheap rates for Travelodge by Wyndham Pigeon Forge Dollywood Lane, ranked #69 of 99 hotels in Pigeon Forge and rated 3.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. RELATED: Cades Cove is the most popular destination in the park. Visitor Center opens daily at 9am. Copyright 2016-2022 Marc & Ann Bowman | All Rights Reserved |, 9. If you miss the turn, turn left at the light. But before you worry about what you can do once you leave the center, it's important to know more about the center itself. Howard Johnson by Wyndham Downtown Gatlinburg. Park rangers also lead tours that showcase the natural beauty of the area. Anyone seen elk? Denali National Park is home to the tallest mountain in North America. And it also offers a perfect slow, one-way drive for nature and wildlife viewing. Posts about Sugarlands Visitor Center written by TheWiseman. Restaurants near Sugarlands Visitors Center: Attractions near Sugarlands Visitors Center: Sugarlands Visitors Center, Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Hours, Address, Sugarlands Visitors Center Reviews: 4.5/5. This will give you additional information about the caverns so you can more fully enjoy your experience once youre in them. Sugarlands Visitors Center (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. 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. Smoky Mountain Cat House Do you have a feline friend or just love anything and everything that has to do with cats? Both are natural terrain, basically level and easy to complete (Both family & dog friendly). Its a bit discouraging to see that entrance fee, especially if you have younger kids who might not get their moneys worth. The center is your starting point for three different hikes, all of them rated as easy. Public restrooms and telephones.Townsend Visitor CenterHoursOpen every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.Jan. We strolled through the wildlife exhibit. 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 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 Sugarlands Visitor Center is the perfect spot to begin your Smoky Mountain vacation! How do I book this shuttle from Sugar to Elkmont? The center also features a nature trail (that leads to Cataract falls), a 20-minute informative park video, and a gift shop packed with mountain-themed gifts and educational gear. In this article, we take a closer look at some of the most interesting monsters mentioned on Travel Channel's Mountain Monsters (media photo from Travel Channel, werewolf rendering from Adobe stock), Lake proponents argued that turning Cades Cove into a body of water would promote tourism (photo by Patrick Jennings/stock.adobe.com), Sugarlands Visitor Center is a must see on your visit to the Smokies. The kids thought it was neat to feel the fur from a bear, otter, fox, skunk, raccoon, etc. Within walking distance to all attractions, restaurants and shops." You can find even more campgrounds and RV parks while planning your route with RV LIFE Trip Wizard or the RV LIFE App. The rangers know current conditions (bear activity ie). What To Know About the Shows Creatures, Cades Cove Lake: The effort to turn the Cove into a body of water, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Entrance Fees, What You Should Know, Smoky Mountains in March: Events in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge [2023], A Simple Guide to Smoky Mountain Parking Passes, Park it Forward, 5 Reasons Why Dollywood Is Better Than Disney World, What To Expect at the Dolly Parton Stampede in Pigeon Forge. There is also an extensive gift shop with T-shirts, CDs of mountain music, DVDs and books to remind you of your visit. You can reach the Sugarlands Visitor Center by calling 865-436-1291. What restaurants are near Sugarlands Visitors Center? The gift shop is awesome. This section provides lots of information about the animals and their habitats as well as many of the types of wildflowers and vegetations that thrive within the park throughout the year. They have a suggested price per pamphlet and a donation box nearby. The Gatlinburg Trail is located at the very end of River Road in Gatlinburg which is no more than a 5 minute drive from the Visitor Center. City of Gatlinburg information. NOW, as a sort of family tradition, we bring our own kids! A bookstore operated by Great Smoky Mountains Association is inside the Cades Cove Visitor Center. Ranger was friendly and even asked the kids some interactive questions. Even Sugarlands itself is a place where the uninitiated can get themselves in trouble quickly. The rangers are very friendly and informative and the line moved quickly. These may be open or closed during different periods of the year, so be sure to check their availability before going! These programs are educational and fun and the children especially love it. 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. Its free to get in with no fees, and there is designated parking available. Campground Reviews is a trusted source of campground and RV park reviews offered by camping and RV enthusiasts just like you. Sugarlands Visitors Center: Sugarlands Visitor Center - See 1,056 traveler reviews, 367 candid photos, and great deals for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN, at Tripadvisor. Impossibilities Magic, Mindreading and Mayhem! Its also the perfect opportunity to pick up a park map if you havent already. The Sugarlands Center is named for the valley in which it resides. Peruse the park bookstore and shop. Prior to 2020, the Sugarlands Visitor Center was also something of a small museum with extensive natural history exhibits that even young children could enjoy, which included a free 21-minute movie about the park. There are a number of scenic waterfalls with beautiful scenery, trailheads and great hikes in the surrounding area. You will be glad you did. An additional four information centers are located outside the park in Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Townsend. Visited today. You don't have to wait in line to purchase. They know all about the native plant and animal life, so dont hesitate to ask them about it! 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. Peruse the park bookstore and shop. Look for national-park-themed clothing items as well as souvenir mugs and ornaments and games and activities designed for kids. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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! 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 Sugarlands visitor center is basically a large gift shop, though you can get your questions answered by a park ranger. Park Rangers conduct seasonal programs for the public at this location. Overview. This trail begins at the visitor center and follows a beautiful river to the outskirts of Gatlinburg. The path runs along the river. For your convenience, weve also provided some information about nearby RV parks and resorts. Make the most out of your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park by purchasing a book or guide about the park! ), streams, bridges, and a beautiful waterfall. Here are the hours by season for the visitor center: Sugarlands Visitor Center Hours of Operation. Even though the summer hours have been extended to 7:30 PM, when we arrived we found that the museum wing and the movie wing closed at five. Visitors to Sugarlands Visitor Center should also take advantage of some of the interpretive learning opportunities available at the facility. Oconaluftee Visitor Center is located on Newfound Gap Road (US 441) about a half mile past the entrance to Blue Ridge Parkway. Do the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail and Fighting Creek Trail both start at the visitor center? All Rights Reserved. The main attraction of this area is the caverns themselves, and there are tons of guided tours available. Open Friday-Sunday in November My Mom and Grandma used to bring us here when we were kids. 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. Get there before 4 pm if you want to see the movie and/or museum! This is why Sugarlands convenient facility has trail guides, maps and papers to help burgeoning explorers find their way, and be aware of possible pitfalls. This was at 8:15 am on a Tuesday. Near Gatlinburg, TN, Sugarlands Visitor Center is an excellent starting point as you enter the park's North District. Backcountry permit station. Enjoy ranger-led programs conducted seasonally. By Ross Bodhi OglePosted on January 3, 2023. America's Top-Rated 5-Star TripAdvisor distillery experience is open daily offering samples of award-winning Sugarlands Shine, Appalachian Sippin' Creams, and more. We are not endorsed by, authorized by, or affiliated with any mentioned attractions. Here are the top 4 reasons to stop by the Sugarlands Visitor Center: 1. . Smoky Mountain National Park may be the most visited park, but most people don't seem to actually leave their cars to hike on the trails. Learn about the park's plants and animals with natural history exhibits. But before you worry about what you can do once you leave the center, its important to know more about the center itself. There were a few other areas in the visitor center, including a small museum, that we didn't explore, but it looked well-curated. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. Visitor centers are one of the best ways to learn about a new area. Fighting Creek Nature Trail is a 1.2-mile loop that's also suitable for all ages. 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. 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 next time you visit our Gatlinburg zipline attraction, we recommend that you also work in a trip to the national park and be sure to make Sugarlands Visitor Center a part of your outdoor experience. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is a must stop for any visit to the Great Smoky Mountains! After about 4.5 miles, you'll find Elkmont Road. Located inside theGreat Smoky Mountains National Park, off US highway 441, the Sugarlands Visitor Center has all the answers to your questions regarding planning your trip to the national park. You can also access the Cataract Falls trail or the Gatlinburg trail from here. If youre a fan of documentaries, youll love the 16-minute Hidden World video presentation that they play every 30 minutes. They gave us some great ideas for our visit. Relax with handcrafted cocktails, enjoy a guided tour, and shop for moonshine . Soda and water machines. You may purchase flour milled here when the mill is in operation. Sugarlands Visitor Center is 1.7 miles ahead on the right side of the road. It is a moderately difficult hike, but the views are amazing. 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. This sophisticated center packs a big punch with its varied display of preserved flora and fauna. All Rights Reserved. Great place to stop before entering the mountains. The Grand Canyon always draws crowds from all over the country. Send Email. Just up Newfound Gap Road/hwy 441 S is the Sugarland Valley Nature Trail. Join us to celebrate Christmas in the mountains with old-time music, harp singing, storytelling and reminiscing, craft demonstrations such as weaving, spinning, quilting . #1 THING TO DO IN GATLINBURG! We visited early evening to get maps for hiking. Amazed how many people were there. Its one of the most highly-rated destinations in the country, and almost everybody reports that they absolutely loved their experience. Check at the visitor center for times.ExhibitsIndoor and outdoor exhibits of Southern Mountain life and culture. A big parking lot and grassy area to picnic on before or after you begin your step back in time on the loop drive. Your recap is right on the mark, Our site produces editorial content for the purpose of entertainment. Gatlinburg Trail 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Also, the Cove Hardwood Nature Trail is a three-quarter-mile loop showing the diversity of trees in the park. They separated there and one went into Gatlinburg and the other was heading in the opposite direction. You must wear a mask to enter the center. Oconaluftee Visitor Center | Photo: Billy Hathorn. 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. In addition, ranger-led programs are conducted seasonally that can add to your appreciation of the mountains. more, #16 of 104 things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National 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 Aug. 9:00 am - 7:00 pmSept. Theres no better way to truly experience the country. Stop here to stretch your legs, get your bearings, and speak with experts about your itinerary. Today a museum operated by History Nebraska pays tribute to those who traveled the trails and features unique exhibits and a gift shop with one-of-a-kind items. Can someone recommend a short easy trail/s around that area? Ways to Experience Sugarlands Visitors Center. The park staff is always friendly its right in the middle of everything that . Today, Sugarlands serves as one of the most frequently visited areas of the park. These elk have come to TN before but return to NC during mating season. 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. A park ranger will roll up fast to let you know to back up for your protection and the animals. Staff were restricting occupancy to 50 people due to COVID, but we didn't have to wait very long. There is one small and gentle hill. Townsend and local area information. That one could easily make it to Cades Cove. The path crosses the West Prong of Pigeon River at one point and runs alongside the river for much of the route. There is plenty of free parking near the visitor center. 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. With thousands of visitors every year, they sought to build an exceptional gift shop to suit the high demand for Sugarlands Distilling Co. merchandise. Despite the cold winters in this area, its Emilys favorite season! The Sugarlands visitor center is basically a large gift shop, though you can get your questions answered by a park ranger.They have a large parking lot. To do with cats important to know more about the park kids might. Worry about what you can more fully enjoy your experience once youre in them enter center... 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