THE EARNEST TRAVELER
The Smokies straddle Tennessee and North Carolina, and which side you fly into shapes the drive. There's no entrance gate to wait at — but there is now a parking tag to sort out before you arrive.
Nearest Airports
Knoxville (TYS) is closest to the busy Tennessee side and Gatlinburg. Asheville (AVL) is the gateway to the quieter North Carolina side and the Blue Ridge. Chattanooga (CHA) is a third option to the southwest. Rent a car at any of them — you'll need one; there's no transit into the park.
The Main Roads
Newfound Gap Road (US 441) is the spine, crossing the park between Gatlinburg and Cherokee and open year-round, weather permitting. Kuwohi Road branches off it and closes for winter (open roughly April 1–November 29). Little River and Laurel Creek Roads lead to Cades Cove on the Townsend side.
The Parking Tag
There's no entrance fee, but any stop longer than 15 minutes needs a Park It Forward parking tag: $5 a day, $15 a week, $40 a year. Buy it online before you come — most trailheads have no machine — and match it to the license plate of the car you're driving.
Cell service is thin to nonexistent across much of the park, especially Cataloochee and the high country. Download offline maps and directions before you lose signal.
Handy for the road in and the days in the park.