Visitor Centers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
There are four main visitor centers in the park: Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome, Oconaluftee, and Sugarlands.
Cades Cove Visitor Center
This facility in the beloved Cades Cove area, near the midpoint of the Cades Cove loop road, features exhibits on life in the Appalachians, a working gristmill, and historic buildings. Open every day except Christmas, 9 a.m. to as late as 7:30 p.m. in summer (hours vary seasonally).
Clingmans Dome Visitor Center
Pick up park info and browse the gift shop at this smaller center located near the top of Clingmans Dome. Open April to November, 10 a.m. to as late as 6:30 p.m. in summer (hours vary seasonally).
Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Check out two museums in this visitor center just north of Cherokee, NC. Inside, exhibits on human history teach about Native Americans, pioneers, and the development of the national park; outside, tour the restored settlers’ buildings of the Mountain Farm Museum. Open every day except Christmas, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. in summer (hours vary seasonally).
Sugarlands Visitor Center
The park’s largest visitor center features natural history displays and shows a free, 20-minute park movie. You can also ask questions and pick up permits at the Backcountry Information Office here. Open every day except Christmas, 8 a.m. to as late as 7:30 p.m. (hours vary seasonally).