Hiking, biking, camping, picnicking and simply taking in the majestic views. That’s what makes Great Smoky Mountains National Park the most visited national park in the United States, especially when those activities are free or low-cost.
The budget-friendly offerings within the park earned Great Smoky Mountains National Park a 2024 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards honor in the best free attraction category, landing at No. 8.
10Best suggested checking out the wildlife at Cades Cove and the historical buildings on the park grounds. The park also has 150 trails and more than 100 waterfalls and cascades to explore.
The Smokies welcomed 13.3 million visitors in 2023, according to The National Park Service. Unlike many other national parks, Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an admission fee.
But if you plan to visit the park for longer than 15 minutes, don’t forget to buy a parking pass, which became required last year.
Leave a Reply