Sugarlands Visitors Center
Sugarlands Visitors Center
4.5
08:00 - 17:00
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
08:00 - 17:00
Sunday
08:00 - 17:00
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. – 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. Check at the visitor center for times.ExhibitsIndoor and outdoor exhibits of Southern Mountain life and culture. Includes Cable Mill, a grist mill which operates spring through fall, the Becky Cable house, and other historic structures. Available FacilitiesGreat Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and shop. Public restrooms. Oconaluftee Visitor CenterHoursOpen every day except Christmas DayJan. - April 8:30 am - 4:30 pmMay 8:30 am - 5:00 pmJune – Aug. 8:00 am - 6:00 pmSept.- Oct. 8:30 am - 6:00 pmNov. – Dec. 8:30 am - 4:30 pmLocation1194 Newfound Gap RoadCherokee , NC 28719Inside the park, 2 miles north of Cherokee, NC, on US-441Special ProgramsRanger-led programs conducted seasonally. 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. Demonstrations of farm life are conducted seasonally.Available FacilitiesGreat Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and shop. Public restrooms and telephones. Soda and water machines. Backcountry permit station. Sugarlands Visitor CenterHoursOpen every day except Christmas Day.Jan. – 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. – 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. Check at the visitor center for locations and times. Exhibits Free admission to 20-minute film about the park. Extensive natural history exhibits. Available Facilities Great Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and shop. Public restrooms and telephones. Soda and water machines. Backcountry permit station. Gatlinburg Welcome Center - DowntownHours Open every day except Christmas Day.10:00 am - 6:00 pmLocation520 ParkwayGatlinburg TN 37738At traffic light #3 on the parkway in downtown GatlinburgAvailable FacilitiesGreat Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and shop. City of Gatlinburg information. 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. City of Gatlinburg information. 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. Sevier County, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville information. Public restrooms and telephones.Townsend Visitor CenterHoursOpen every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.Jan. - 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. Townsend and local area information. Public restrooms and telephones.Historic Grist MillsCable Mill in Cades CoveHoursOpen From March 15 through the Sunday following Thanksgiving 9:00 - 5:00LocationInside the park near the mid-point of the 11-mile, one-way Cades Cove Loop Road.ExhibitsWater-powered grist mill.Mingus Mill near OconalufteeOpen From March 15 through the Sunday following Thanksgiving 9:00 - 5:00LocationInside the park, 2 miles north of Cherokee, NC, on US 441.ExhibitsTurbine-powered grist mill.Tremont Institute
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  • Indy-ND
    South Bend, Indiana3,553 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The main hub from Gatlinburg
    This place is usually booming. The majority of the people coming into the park from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg stop here. They have a decent store, good bathrooms, and even a few trails start here. There is a new parking pass this year and there are kiosks in the parking lot that you can buy them from. I'm a little partial to the Visitor Center on the Cherokee side, but this one is nice too.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 26 April 2023
  • ManningAvenger
    Sellersburg, Indiana1,490 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great place to learn
    If you want to find out information about the park, this is the place to go. The 3D map inside was well done with the mountain ranges and everything. The gift shop had some good items to choose from.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 9 June 2023
  • Krystal Weiss
    Houston, Texas58 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Smoky mountain visitor center
    Great visitor’s center. Parking could be an issue during the busy season. There is a fun museum inside and a little gift shop. Behind the center is a short hike to Cataract Falls that is appropriate for kids and those with limited mobility.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 8 July 2023
  • Sandy C
    United States29 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    You get more moonshine here!
    We really enjoyed Abby at Sugarlands. She was sassy and fun! If you choose to go, go on Thursday! Abby said they give out more tastings on Thursday, which is likely true sine we had a couple of cocktails that weren’t listed on the menu. If you have kids, no worries. I gave my phone to y daughter and she was perfectly fine while we tried some delicious samples.
    Visited July 2023
    Written 14 July 2023
  • Chris S
    Milwaukee, Wisconsin103 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Crossroads of the park
    This was a very busy place ... the literal crossroads of the park close to Gatlinburg. There is plenty of parking and bathrooms and a visitor shop. We stopped here several times during our vacation in the Smokies, if only for the bathrooms as we passed by. You can buy your parking pass at kiosks outside the visitor center.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 9 August 2023
  • Dr_Xaos
    Palatine, Illinois1,182 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Conveniently Located And Educationally Informative
    This visitor center is an excellent starting point if you plan on visiting the Smokey Mountains National Park. It's conveniently located near one of the main roads, and there are multiple trails/sites nearby. Due to its location and convenience, however, it can be difficult to find a free parking spot on busier days/times. Large parking lots available, but they filled up quickly. You can also purchase your parking pass for the National Park here. The physical building for the visitor center was well maintained. There's a ranger station/desk right inside the front doors. They also have a small but informative natural museum off to one side of the front lobby. To the other side, they have a book/gift store if you're looking for mementos or whatnot. Ranger staff were friendly and helpful. They also offer informative presentations multiple times throughout the day.
    Visited June 2023
    Written 14 August 2023
  • Kim B
    Saline, Michigan251 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    a starting point as you enter the national park
    Good place to stop if you need the restroom. They were open even when the visitor center was not open. We went inside to get our national park passports stamped and to look in the gift shop. We were able to pick up a map as well. There are volunteers or rangers (not sure which) at an info table if you have questions on getting to a trail. The line was long for this, and they were not very friendly.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 14 August 2023
  • ChrisH
    Frederick, Maryland525 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nicely done Visitor Center
    Visited here a couple of different days the last week of September 2023. Closest visitor center to Gatlinburg, We enjoyed the small display museum of plants and animals found in the park. The rangers were helpful. The restrooms were clean. No park movie available. A larger park store (as usual nowadays). Parking ticket kiosks are outside. You need either a $5 day pass or a $15 weekly pass. We did see the parking lot being monitored today. As noted by others and as prevalent in all areas of the park, parking can be difficult or even non-existent due to the overwhelming crowds. We took the short trail to the small Cataract Falls. Nice walk but expect that the falls are more impressive after a good rainfall. YMMV.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 8 October 2023
  • Amanda
    Maryland74 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    You can quickly buy parking pass here
    This was our first stop in the park. They have several machines out front that make it easy to get your parking pass, just make sure you know your license plate number when you go to get the parking pass. Inside most of the exhibits were closed when we visited, but we were able to get brochures, use the restrooms, and stop at the bookstore. Passport stamps are right inside by the entrance, since I always forget my NPS passport I have started buying a postcard at the bookstores and stamping that. If your kids are doing the Junior Ranger program you have to actually buy the booklet here, I think it was $4. The ranger said they charge for the booklet since park entry is free.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 3 January 2024
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,076 reviews
Excellent
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dbinhou7511
Houston, TX1,652 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
Very busy Visitors Center on the west side of the park in Tennessee. Plan on extra time for the traffic. Bathroom stop if you need it. Nice displays.
Written 16 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Amanda
Maryland74 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
This was our first stop in the park. They have several machines out front that make it easy to get your parking pass, just make sure you know your license plate number when you go to get the parking pass. Inside most of the exhibits were closed when we visited, but we were able to get brochures, use the restrooms, and stop at the bookstore. Passport stamps are right inside by the entrance, since I always forget my NPS passport I have started buying a postcard at the bookstores and stamping that. If your kids are doing the Junior Ranger program you have to actually buy the booklet here, I think it was $4. The ranger said they charge for the booklet since park entry is free.
Written 3 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ChrisH
Frederick, MD525 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Family
Visited here a couple of different days the last week of September 2023. Closest visitor center to Gatlinburg, We enjoyed the small display museum of plants and animals found in the park. The rangers were helpful. The restrooms were clean. No park movie available. A larger park store (as usual nowadays). Parking ticket kiosks are outside. You need either a $5 day pass or a $15 weekly pass. We did see the parking lot being monitored today. As noted by others and as prevalent in all areas of the park, parking can be difficult or even non-existent due to the overwhelming crowds. We took the short trail to the small Cataract Falls. Nice walk but expect that the falls are more impressive after a good rainfall. YMMV.
Written 8 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DeeS9348
Marion, PA300 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Solo
Very knowledgeable staff and I was able to pick up some really neat souvenirs for family and friends - nice little park area behind the center with a waterfall
Written 3 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

PJS22182
Vienna, VA156 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023
A perfect first stop in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located close to Gatlinburg, Tenn. Worth a look.
Written 27 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SeniorTravelerTF
Fort Atkinson1,199 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023
The main entry point of a national park is usually the showplace visitor center - not so here. First, no movie of the park, which is a standard. Second, the exhibits are generally uninteresting, unlike Oconaluftee in the south. And the reception desk should be working at a Motel 6 instead of a national park - three times giving me confusing directions to another area of the park. (The park map is no help.) Bathrooms and an uninspiring gift shop round out the offerings. Note that due to the popularity of the park, parking is tight. Be early, be patient, or be flexible.
Written 21 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SouthernSunshine
Fort Mill, SC286 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
The rangers and staff are always helpful. The gift shop was well organized and staff were very friendly.
The nature exhibit is very nice.
Overall, it’s the most dated of all the visitor centers we’ve been too.
Written 16 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kim B
Saline, MI251 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Family
Good place to stop if you need the restroom. They were open even when the visitor center was not open.

We went inside to get our national park passports stamped and to look in the gift shop. We were able to pick up a map as well.

There are volunteers or rangers (not sure which) at an info table if you have questions on getting to a trail. The line was long for this, and they were not very friendly.
Written 14 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dr_Xaos
Palatine, IL1,182 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023
This visitor center is an excellent starting point if you plan on visiting the Smokey Mountains National Park. It's conveniently located near one of the main roads, and there are multiple trails/sites nearby. Due to its location and convenience, however, it can be difficult to find a free parking spot on busier days/times. Large parking lots available, but they filled up quickly. You can also purchase your parking pass for the National Park here.

The physical building for the visitor center was well maintained. There's a ranger station/desk right inside the front doors. They also have a small but informative natural museum off to one side of the front lobby. To the other side, they have a book/gift store if you're looking for mementos or whatnot.

Ranger staff were friendly and helpful. They also offer informative presentations multiple times throughout the day.
Written 14 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Chris S
Milwaukee, WI103 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Family
This was a very busy place ... the literal crossroads of the park close to Gatlinburg. There is plenty of parking and bathrooms and a visitor shop. We stopped here several times during our vacation in the Smokies, if only for the bathrooms as we passed by. You can buy your parking pass at kiosks outside the visitor center.
Written 9 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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SUGARLANDS VISITORS CENTER: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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