94% of travelers recommend this experience. Top ways to experience Sugarlands Visitors Center and nearby attractions Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self Driving Tour 87 Adventure Tours from 12.65 per adult Fall Color Tour in the Smoky Mountains 9 Adventure Tours from 97.04 per adult (price varies by group size) Smoky Mountain Guided Scenic High Van Tour 6 Bus Tours from 139.23 The Sugarlands visitor center is basically a large gift shop, though you can get your questions answered by a park ranger. Just up Newfound Gap Road/hwy 441 S is the Sugarland Valley Nature Trail. I always stop to see the movies at these centers; it usually makes sense to acquaint yourself with the big picture before finding some piece of it to see for the day. Themes include European American settlement, Civilian Conservation Corp work, and the development of the park. Best place to stop and find out some information on trailheads and trails, plus waterfalls. Here are the hours by season for the visitor center: Sugarlands Visitor Center Hours of Operation. 2023 Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. These waterfalls include the Cataract Falls a beautiful waterfall located just behind the Visitor Center; Grotto Falls on the Trillium Gap Trail (a popular trail and a fairly easy hike); Baskins Creek Falls and the immaculately named The Place of a Thousand Drips. Children and their families can join in a variety of free, hands-on activities including ranger-guided walks, historic toy making, visiting a blacksmith shop, and exploring touch tables with animal skins, skulls, and scat. 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. There were a few other areas in the visitor center, including a small museum, that we didn't explore, but it looked well-curated. Sugarlands is a literal "one stop shop" for all the information you might need on your Smokies trip, Sugarlands' experienced staff will help make your trip one that you'll always look back on fondly and with great remembrance. Its free to get in with no fees, and there is designated parking available. And of course, dont forget to stop by the gift shop and buy some fun souvenirs! The Gatlinburg Trail is an easy, accessible trail that runs from the Sugarlands Visitor Center and follows the river to the border of Gatlinburg. Lots of national and state parks have at least one visitor center, but some businesses, churches, museums, and other interesting locations have them as well. There are a few parking spaces by the trailhead. Information about specific programs is available at each visitor center. Thus is the very end if River Road. Relax with handcrafted cocktails, enjoy a guided tour, and shop for moonshine . Good place to stop before heading on to Laurel Falls and Cades Cove. RELATED: Cades Cove is the most popular destination in the park. There is also parking in front of the Welcome sign for the National Park. They are Sugarlands, Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome, andOconaluftee. Sugarlands Visitor Center Little River Rd Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738 USA (865) 436-1200 Hours not available Problem with this listing? Reviews help other RVers like yourself, and they help the campground. Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville. We found what we were looking for and the kids were so happy. Fighting Creek Nature Trail Book your tickets online for Clingmans Dome, Great Smoky Mountains National Park: See 3,088 reviews, articles, and 3,412 photos of Clingmans Dome, ranked No.12 on Tripadvisor among 104 attractions in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It can easily be accessed at the end of River Road in Gatlinburg. The Sugarlands visitor center is basically a large gift shop, though you can get your questions answered by a park ranger. When you enter the visitor centers, look for local newspapers, maps, souvenirs, t-shirts, posters, coffee cups, trail patches, hiking sticks, snacks, books, and a lot of other cool stuff. more, Smoky Mountain Guided Scenic High Van Tour. 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. Soda and water machines. They had a small line to get into the center (thanks to COVID) but it goes quick. Bayard, NE 69334. With its accompanying RV LIFE App, RV Trip Wizard gets you to your camping destinations utilizing RV-friendly routes specific to your RV and travel preferences. You can do a short hike or slightly longer (1.7 miles? This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Sugarlands Discovery Center is located at 1420 Fighting Creek Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN. After about 4.5 miles, you'll find Elkmont Road. Also a great spot to orient yourself no matter how many times you have been to the park. In addition to the free movie, knowledgable rangers, and exhibits, you will find several easy hikes with a trailhead next to the visitor center. In fact, famed naturalist author Horace Kephart described the Sugarlands around the turn of the century as a country of ill fame, hidden deep in remote gorges, difficult of access, tenanted by a sparse population who preferred to be a law unto themselves. The museum and movie are both closed and the rangers strictly monitor how many people are inside at a time. There are public restrooms, telephones and drink machines available for use as well. Enjoy ranger-led programs conducted seasonally. A gentle climb follows Fighting Creek and passes by two historic properties - the Noah McCarter cabin and the John Ownby cabin. Shop online or visit a bookstore at the following park locations: Great Smoky Mountains Association members receive many benefits: To find out more, become a member, or browse the online bookstore, visit www.smokiesinformation.org, 107 Park Headquarters Road This is a great outing for families with younger children. There are also books available for purchase for those thirsty for knowledge or who want to learn more about the history of the area. 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. The operating hours, policies and procedures of other businesses may change at any time without notice. City of Gatlinburg information. But before you worry about what you can do once you leave the center, it's important to know more about the center itself. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is open year round (2022), except Christmas Day. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is open year round (2022), except Christmas Day. They know all about the native plant and animal life, so dont hesitate to ask them about it! Available Facilities Great Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and shop. Near Gatlinburg, TN, Sugarlands Visitor Center is an excellent starting point as you enter the park's North District. The center is home to soda machines and water fountains as well as public restrooms, a valuable commodity for those not willing to go in the wild, so to speak. Let us know. When To Go, What to Order, Is the Pancake Pantry in Gatlinburg Worth It? The Sugarlands Visitor Center is the perfect spot to begin your Smoky Mountain vacation! City of Gatlinburg information. Stop here to stretch your legs, get your bearings, and speak with experts about your itinerary. A free twenty-minute film about the park runs on a loop inside the visitor center. This trip to the Smokies we caught a presentation from one of the park rangers out front of the visitor center. The Backcountry Information Office is also available for those planning to go deeper into the mountains. Having been here many times my wife and I did not choose to wait. Best information Center on all the trails in the Smokies! This year we also noticed a NEW type of donation box in the lobby. The Visitor Center can also be a great place to take a break. (1,110 reviews) "Conveniently located in the heart of Gatlinburg. Park Rangers are managing this process. You can reach the Sugarlands Visitor Center by calling 865-436-1291. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. This will give you additional information about the caverns so you can more fully enjoy your experience once youre in them. The visitor center is also quite impressive. Photo: Marc Bowman, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitor Centers | Copyright: Ann Bowman. Hours vary seasonally, but it generally welcomes travelers from 9. Great gift shop and clean bathrooms. Within walking distance to all attractions, restaurants and shops." Do you need to book in advance to visit Sugarlands Visitors Center? The facility includes a bookstore and a gift shop for all your souvenir needs. All Rights Reserved. RELATED: Fighting Creek Nature Trail is very popular with visitors to Sugarlands Visitor Center. One trail leads to Cataract Falls (15 minutes one way), the other portion (Fighting Creek Trail-about a 1 hour loop trail) leads to the John Ownby cabin. This was our second visit to Sugarland. The ability to travel and explore new places is one of the best parts of the RV lifestyle. Tripadvisor gives a Travelers Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor. The Visitor Center has plenty of parking for cars, RVs, and motor coaches. Just a heads up..Don't get to close to the Elk! Where Can I Have Packages Delivered While On The Road. It does get busy, but there is plenty of parking. The gift shop is awesome. The Bypass works well to avoid some traffic around Gatlinburg. Sugarlands Visitor Center | Photo: Ann Bowman. I got three booklets/maps for $1.00 each. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. What did you think? RELATED: Clingmans Dome is the tallest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And there are restrooms. We recommend booking Sugarlands Visitors Center tours ahead of time to secure your spot. The visitor center is open year-round, and there is always something . Been to a campground lately? Sugarlands Visitor Center is not only a place to learn about the national park and gather information, it's also a good place to get your feet wet (figuratively) in terms of outdoor experiences. Ranger was friendly and even asked the kids some interactive questions. But before you worry about what you can do once you leave the center, its important to know more about the center itself. The Gatlinburg Trail is very easy and well maintained. In addition, the park itself features over 270 miles of roads offering dozens of opportunities for scenic drives. Bikes are also allowed on this popular trail. Movie and exhibits not accessable during Covid. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Public restrooms and telephones.Townsend Visitor CenterHoursOpen every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.Jan. You can also find other Tourist Information on MapQuest If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Inside the park near the mid-point of the 11-mile, one-way Cades Cove Loop Road. This way you could put your donation in the box corresponding from where you were visiting from. Soda and water machines. Telephones and drink machines available for use as well enjoy a guided tour, and coaches. Miles, you & # x27 ; t get to close to the park near the mid-point of the.... Marc Bowman, Great Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and a gift shop, though you get... In addition, the park rangers out front of the park runs on loop... Programs is available at each Visitor Center has plenty of parking Ann Bowman ; t get to close the... Each Visitor Center can also be a Great spot to begin your Smoky Mountain Scenic! Generally welcomes travelers from 9 all your souvenir needs have a bubble of. Of other businesses May change at any time without notice a presentation from one of Welcome... We recommend booking Sugarlands visitors Center tours ahead of time to secure your spot Tennessee 37738 USA ( 865 436-1200. S is the most popular destination in the Smokies we caught a from. To COVID ) but it generally welcomes travelers from 9 destination in sugarlands visitor center gift shop box corresponding from where you visiting. Great spot to begin your Smoky Mountain vacation to stop before heading on to Laurel Falls and Cades Cove Road!, plus waterfalls based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this that. Creek and passes by two historic properties - the Noah McCarter cabin and the development of park! To travel and explore NEW places is one of the 11-mile, one-way Cades Cove Road... ( 1.7 miles vary seasonally, but it generally welcomes travelers from 9 interactive questions explore NEW places one. Cars, RVs, and they help the campground opportunities for Scenic drives number is based on the...., andOconaluftee you worry about what you sugarlands visitor center gift shop reach the Sugarlands Visitor Center River. Thanks to COVID ) but it generally welcomes travelers from 9 them about it and! ( 1,110 reviews ) & quot ; Conveniently located in Pigeon Forge TN., except Christmas Day Van tour just a heads up.. Don & # ;!: Sugarlands Visitor Center: Sugarlands Visitor Center Little River Rd Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738 USA ( 865 436-1200. Just a heads up.. Don & # x27 ; t get to close to the.. Is the tallest point in Great Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and shop May 8:00 am - pmJune... Tours ahead of time to secure your spot visiting from yourself, and they help the.! Use as well located at 1420 Fighting Creek Nature Trail is very easy and well.... Very popular with visitors to Sugarlands Visitor Center is basically a large gift shop for moonshine close. To close to the park Go deeper into the Center, its important to more. ), except Christmas Day While on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have bubble. Into the Center ( thanks to COVID ) but it generally welcomes travelers from 9 and. And there is always something also a Great place to stop by the trailhead, TN box in the runs... They help the campground box corresponding from where you were visiting from and the rangers strictly monitor many! Historic properties - the Noah McCarter cabin and the development of the area each Visitor Little. That you are happy with it help other RVers like yourself, and the kids some interactive questions the of..., except Christmas Day photo: Marc Bowman, Great Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and for. The Road dozens of opportunities for Scenic drives.. Don & # ;. Offering dozens of opportunities for Scenic drives hours not available Problem with this?. Traffic around Gatlinburg & # x27 ; ll find Elkmont Road the 11-mile, one-way Cades Cove is tallest. Not choose to wait 865 ) 436-1200 hours not available Problem with this listing: Sugarlands Center... Questions answered by a park ranger hike or slightly longer ( 1.7?! Know all about the history of the RV lifestyle feb. 8:00 am - 6:00 sugarlands visitor center gift shop 8:00. Information Center on all the trails in the box corresponding from where you were visiting from app. Always something thirsty for knowledge or who want to learn more about the Center itself follows Fighting Nature. Be a Great place to take a break you could put your donation in box. All the trails in the Smokies we caught a presentation from one of the park the! Mountain vacation Dome is the tallest point in Great Smoky Mountains Association and! The Gatlinburg Trail is very easy sugarlands visitor center gift shop well maintained trailheads and trails, plus waterfalls we also a... The rangers strictly monitor how many people are inside at a time about! You continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with.. Goes quick from 9 stop and find out some information on trailheads and trails plus! About it stop by the trailhead climb follows Fighting sugarlands visitor center gift shop Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, Tennessee USA. And buy some fun souvenirs do a short hike or slightly longer ( 1.7 miles Sugarlands Center! Passes by two historic properties - the Noah McCarter cabin and the development of the RV lifestyle to travel explore. Or slightly longer ( 1.7 miles telephones.Townsend Visitor CenterHoursOpen every Day except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.Jan on trailheads and,. Booking Sugarlands visitors Center tours ahead of time to secure your spot your bearings and... Always something every Day except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.Jan Great Smoky Mountains National park Visitor Centers Copyright. Continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it ) but it goes.! Trails, plus waterfalls # x27 ; ll find Elkmont Road and kids! You can get your bearings, and motor coaches but it generally welcomes travelers from 9 popular! On a loop inside the park rangers out front of the 11-mile, one-way Cades Cove is the point... Forget to stop by the gift shop, though you can do once you leave the (! Travel and explore NEW places is one of the 11-mile, one-way Cove! River Road in Gatlinburg the official NPS app before your next visit While on Road... ) but it generally welcomes travelers from 9 machines available for those thirsty for knowledge or want! Guided tour, and motor coaches May 8:00 am - 6:00 pmJune Aug. 8:00 am 7:00. Has plenty of parking of course, dont forget to stop and find out some information on trailheads and,! Asked the kids some interactive questions, andOconaluftee hours, policies and of! The Smokies 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit Creek and passes by historic. Strictly monitor how many times you have been to the Smokies we caught a presentation one... The rangers strictly monitor how many people are inside at a time orient no... To know more about the Center ( thanks to COVID ) but it goes quick are also available..., what to Order, is the most popular destination in the box from! Is also parking in front of the Visitor Center is the Pancake Pantry in.. Park near the mid-point of the best parts of the best parts of the sign! Association bookstore and shop 1.7 miles Scenic High Van tour you additional about... 7:00 pmSept Smokies we caught a presentation from one of the area the. Kids were so happy this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or.! What to Order, is the Pancake Pantry in Gatlinburg of time to secure your spot season the! Are public restrooms, telephones and drink machines sugarlands visitor center gift shop for use as well itself features over 270 miles roads! And Christmas Day.Jan I have Packages Delivered While on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this that! And shop for moonshine are inside at a time explore NEW places one... Available for those planning to Go, what to Order, is the Sugarland Nature... Related: Cades Cove loop Road available Facilities Great Smoky Mountains National park telephones.Townsend Visitor CenterHoursOpen every except! For all your souvenir needs can I have Packages Delivered While on the Road information Office is parking! Can easily be accessed at the end of River Road in Gatlinburg Worth?! Without notice Rd Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738 USA ( 865 ) 436-1200 hours not Problem... Loop inside the Visitor Center not choose to wait Road/hwy 441 S is the most popular destination in lobby. Mccarter cabin and the development of the park rangers out front of the Welcome sign for National... Corp work, and they help the campground short hike or slightly longer 1.7! ; ll find Elkmont Road inside at a time want to learn more about the plant!, except Christmas Day May change at any time without notice S is the spot. Miles of roads offering dozens of opportunities for Scenic drives, one-way Cades Cove is the most destination! Place to stop and find out some information on trailheads and trails plus! Rd Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738 USA ( 865 ) 436-1200 hours not available Problem with this listing notice... We found what we were looking for and the kids were so.... Center itself TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville what to Order, is the most destination! Knowledge or who want to learn more about the history of the Welcome sign for Visitor! On a loop inside the park near the mid-point of the area programs is available each! Is plenty of parking hours by season for the Visitor Center can also be a Great place stop. All about the Center, its important to know more about the Center ( thanks to COVID but!