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-NDSouth Bend, Indiana3,553 contributionsThe main hub from GatlinburgThis 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 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 April 2023
- ManningAvengerSellersburg, Indiana1,490 contributionsGreat place to learnIf 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 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 June 2023
- Krystal WeissHouston, Texas58 contributionsSmoky mountain visitor centerGreat 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 2023Travelled with familyWritten 8 July 2023
- Sandy CUnited States29 contributionsYou 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 2023Written 14 July 2023
- Chris SMilwaukee, Wisconsin103 contributionsCrossroads of the parkThis 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 2023Travelled with familyWritten 9 August 2023
- Dr_XaosPalatine, Illinois1,182 contributionsConveniently Located And Educationally InformativeThis 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 2023Written 14 August 2023
- Kim BSaline, Michigan251 contributionsa starting point as you enter the national parkGood 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 2023Travelled with familyWritten 14 August 2023
- ChrisHFrederick, Maryland525 contributionsNicely done Visitor CenterVisited 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 2023Travelled with familyWritten 8 October 2023
- AmandaMaryland74 contributionsYou can quickly buy parking pass hereThis 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 2023Travelled with familyWritten 3 January 2024
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4.5
1,076 reviews
Excellent
764
Very good
257
Average
41
Poor
10
Terrible
4
dbinhou7511
Houston, TX1,652 contributions
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
R8529FSalanm
Denver, NC28 contributions
How do I book this shuttle from Sugar to Elkmont?
I have a group of 82 travels who will be in Bryson City from June 3-6th
SarahStarandAl
Huntersville, NC80 contributions
Is the Gatlinburg Trail fairly easy? We are visiting with my parents who love nature, but are not as sure on their feet as they used to be. Thank you.
Janet W
Jeffersonville, IN7,625 contributions
The Gatlinburg Trail is very easy and well maintained. It can easily be accessed at the end of River Road in Gatlinburg. There are a few parking spaces by the trailhead. There is also parking in front of the Welcome sign for the National Park. 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. The path runs along the river. There is one small and gentle hill. The wooded area of the trail ends at the Park maintenance facility. If you wanted to walk to the Sugarland
Visitor Center, you start walking along the road for about .4 miles.
As you near hwy 441, you get on a sidewalk that passes in front of the park headquarters. The sidewalk will take you in between the visitor center and the restrooms.
MrWorldTraveler
United States114 contributions
Can someone recommend a short easy trail/s around that area? We would have younger kids with us and have 3-4 hours to spend there. Perhaps a nearby place where we can see animals, waterfalls etc.
Janet W
Jeffersonville, IN7,625 contributions
Cataract Falls trail is located behind the visitor center. Short and easy to hike. Just up Newfound Gap Road/hwy 441 S is the Sugarland Valley Nature Trail. It is a concrete .5 mile loop trail that goes past the river.
It is about .5 miles from the Sugarland Visitor Center but you will need to drive the trailhead.
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. When you leave the visitor center, take a left to get back to New found Newfound Gap Road. Take a left to Gatlinburg. Just past the welcome sign to the park (on the left) there will be a road to the left. Thus is the very end if River Road. There is a few parking spaces. If you miss the turn, turn left at the light. Turn left at the stop sign. This will get you to the parking on River Road. The trail is very easy and flat. It runs along the river and walk as much or as little as you like. You can actually get to the visitor center on this trail but the last .4 miles require walking along a side road which you might not want to do with kids.
Nancy M
Asheville, NC45 contributions
Do the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail and Fighting Creek Trail both start at the visitor center?
Janet W
Jeffersonville, IN7,625 contributions
Sugarland Valley Nature Trail is located about 1/2 mile from the Sugarland Visitor Center on Newfound Gap Road. It is a paved 1/2 mile loop trail suitable for wheel chairs.
mdbryson
Waycross, GA10 contributions
Anyone seen elk? Heading that way Thursday.
Janet W
Jeffersonville, IN7,625 contributions
This answer is for others...
An article dated 6/19/19 spotted 2 elk at the Sugarland Visitor Center. They separated there and one went into Gatlinburg and the other was heading in the opposite direction. Spotted near Meigs Falls. That one could easily make it to Cades Cove. It is hard to say where it will end up but signs are posted to be careful if you spot one and stay 50 yards from it. These elk have come to TN before but return to NC during mating season.
Momof2Kids2014
Saint Louis, MO25 contributions
Is there an easy trail at this visitor center? Does it have a waterfall and/or stream? Name of trail?
4Vacati0N
Cleveland104 contributions
Yes. It is directly behind the building. It is the Cataract falls trail. Very easy walk on the trail along side a creek. The falls at the end are a bonus. You just turn around and walk out the same trail.
Harplb
3 contributions
What are dates for 2016 firefly event and when will tickets go on sale?
cwhumphreys
Brandon, MS
Can I get the "America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass" at the Sugarlands Visitors Center when I get to Gatlinburg or do I need to apply for it online or by mail in advance of our trip?
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Claim your listingSUGARLANDS VISITORS CENTER: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Sugarlands Visitors Center
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Sugarlands Visitors Center:
- Smoky Mountain Guided Scenic High Van Tour (From €138.54)
- Fall Color Tour in the Smoky Mountains (From €157.01)
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour (From €14.12)
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cades Cove Self-Driving Bundle Tours (From €23.08)
- Full Day Private Audio Guided Great Smoky Mountains National Park (From €9.23)
- Hotels near Sugarlands Visitors Center:
- (0.32 km) Balsam Mountain Campground
- (2.69 km) Bearskin Lodge on the River Hotel
- (2.97 km) Old Creek Lodge
- (2.91 km) The Lodge at Buckberry Creek
- (2.61 km) Riverhouse at the Park
- Restaurants near Sugarlands Visitors Center:
- (3.64 km) Tennessee Jed’s
- (2.89 km) Cherokee Grill
- (4.04 km) Chesapeake's Seafood and Raw Bar
- (3.65 km) New Orleans Sandwich Company
- (2.95 km) Log Cabin Pancake House
- Attractions near Sugarlands Visitors Center:
- (0.46 km) Cataract Falls
- (0.30 km) Baxter Creek Trail
- (1.02 km) Gatlinburg Trail
- (0.48 km) Fighting Creek Trail
- (3.30 km) Sugarlands Distilling Company