The Great Smoky Mountains receive millions of visitors every year! So when do all of these guests visit the national park? Are there times you aren’t allowed in? We’ve got all the details about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park hours right here for you! You’ll be able to plan your visit and know when and where you can go!
Does the national park close?
No, it doesn’t! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year! However, there are some exceptions for secondary roads, campgrounds, and other visitor facilities.
What closes during winter?
The national park receives the most visitors throughout spring, summer, and fall. So during slower months like winter when there are less visitors and a higher chance of ice or snow, some areas of the park close.
– Clingmans Dome Road is closed from December 1st to March 31st, generally.
– Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is closed from December 1st to the first week of April.
– Little Greenbrier Road is closed from the last week of November to the first week of April.
Does Cades Cove close?
Cades Cove is open year round. However, the road is closed to motor vehicles on Wednesday and Saturday mornings until 10 a.m. from May to September to allow bicyclists and pedestrians to enjoy the the area. Otherwise the road is open daily from sunrise to sunset if the weather permits it. The Cades Cove Visitors Center hours vary month to month due to sunset times, and is open every day except for Christmas.
Do any of the National Park’s Visitors Centers close?
The Oconaluftee Visitor Center and the Sugarlands Visitor Center are both open daily expect on Christmas Day. Their hours are the following:
| January – February | 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
| March | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| April – May | 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| June – August | 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| September – October | 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| November | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| December | 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
Other Things to Know About the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hours:
Please be aware that times for visitors centers, roads, and other areas to close in the park may change. If there is heavy flooding or snow and ice on roads in the park areas can be closed down until they are deemed safe again.
No matter the season, you can find any area in the national park to enjoy! From spring wildflowers, fall leaves, and winter’s snow there is plenty of beauty to find on the trails in the park. If you want to find a trail to explore no matter the Great Smoky Mountains National Park hours, take a look at 8 of the best trails to explore in the Smokies!
