Important Dates Regarding The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
I always recommend at least one day to explore the expansive excellence of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you’re staying in Gatlinburg, the entrance lies right at the end of town, so unless the weather doesn’t allow it, you don’t have a good excuse to ignore this Southern treasure. I understand some of us don’t thrive in nature; however it’s difficult to argue the beauty that’s found in many parts of the Smokies. The following gives you some helpful information regarding important dates to get you in the spirit of the mountains and nature.
Cades Cove Loop Road: Vehicle-free access along the Cades Cove Loop Road each Wednesday, from May 3rd through September 27th. Otherwise the road is open daily from sunrise until sunset, weather permitting. Translation: You can walk or bike Cades Cove without worrying about vehicle noise and traffic!
Clingmans Dome Road: Open April 1 - November 30, 2023, weather permitting.
Forge Creek Road: Open March 3 - December 31, 2023, road conditions permitting.
Heintooga/Round Bottom Road: Open May 12 - October 31, 2023 for hiker access.
Heintooga Ridge Road (Balsam Mountain Road): Open May 12 - October 31, 2023 for hiker access. The Balsam Mountain Campground and Picnic area will open May 12, 2023. Motor homes, buses, vans longer than 25 feet, and passenger vehicles towing trailers are prohibited.
Little Greenbrier Road (to the Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse): Open April 7 - November 26, 2023. Buses, motorhomes, vans longer than 25 feet, and passenger vehicles towing trailers are prohibited on this road.
Parson Branch Road: Open April 14 - November 12, 2023. High clearance vehicles are recommended for traveling Parson Branch Road. Motorhomes, buses, vans longer than 25 feet, and passenger vehicles towing trailers are prohibited.
Rich Mountain Road: Open April 7 - November 12, 2023. Buses, motorhomes, vans longer than 25 feet, and passenger vehicles towing trailers are prohibited on this road.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: Open April 7 - November 26, 2023. Buses, motorhomes, vans longer than 25 feet, and passenger vehicles towing trailers are prohibited on this road.
Straight Fork: Road Open April 1 - October 31, 2023.
Be sure to remember to purchase your parking permit, unless you're only stopping briefly at the overlooks and roadside areas where you can get a few quick pics. The NPS website gives you all the information on getting a pass. We plan to get ours in due time.
Sorry for the short post. I kept seeing dates when things were scheduled to be open, and I decided to keep you informed by this method. There’s so much to write about, pertaining The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, that it’s impossible to cover it all in one entry. Anyway, I hope you will follow along with me as I cover more of Gatlinburg and the Smokies for your reading pleasure! And please don’t forget to subscribe!