The gift shop has a wide selection of souvenirs, as well as an extensive collection of books about the Smoky Mountains. 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. It runs along the river and walk as much or as little as you like. The museum and movie are both closed and the rangers strictly monitor how many people are inside at a time. And the trailhead for the formidable Chimney Tops Trail is nearby. 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. 1. The exhibit featuring a natural history of the park is worth seeing. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Hours: 9:00-5:00. Get there early. This is why Sugarlands convenient facility has trail guides, maps and papers to help burgeoning explorers find their way, and be aware of possible pitfalls. Sugarlands needed a merchandising partner to . Parking lot, though large, was crowded and full. There is also a short hike from the visitor center to Cataract Falls, which is very convenient. 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. Ranger was friendly and even asked the kids some interactive questions. There is a few parking spaces. Here you can talk to the park rangers, pick up a map, sign up for the junior ranger program, use the restrooms on-site, pick up a water from the vending machines, watch a short FREE park video OR do one of the hiking trails out back. Great Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and gift shop. This is a nice place to visit in the Sevierville/ Pigeon Forge/ Gatlinburg area, off highway 441 South, just south of Gatlinburg and inside the north entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They have a large parking lot. Sugarlands Visitor Center, located less than 3 miles south of Gatlinburg on U.S. Route 441, is open daily (except Christmas Day). It is hard to say where it will end up but signs are posted to be careful if you spot one and stay 50 yards from it. Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Things to Do, things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Roaring Falls Motor Nature Trail isnt far from the Visitor Center. Also, the Cove Hardwood Nature Trail is a three-quarter-mile loop showing the diversity of trees in the park. Just past the welcome sign to the park (on the left) there will be a road to the left. The visitor center features knowledgable rangers, maps, restrooms, animal exhibits, informative museum, and a free movie. This easy hike is perfect for families with young children. 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. (1,110 reviews) "Conveniently located in the heart of Gatlinburg. For all of your camping and trip planning needs, look no further than RV LIFE Campgrounds and RV LIFE Trip Wizard. And what it has to offer. The only downside of this experience is the price point. Sugarlands Visitor Center Little River Rd Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738 USA (865) 436-1200 Hours not available Problem with this listing? The entrance to the restrooms is outside and to the left of the Visitor Center.We did not have to pay an entrance fee or show our National Park passes, but if you are 62 years old or above, I would recommend you buy your lifetime Senior Pass ASAP, before the fee increases from $10 to $80 on 8.28.2017. A staff made up of both paid and volunteer park rangers is on hand to answer virtually any question a visitor to the Smokies might have, whether it's an inquiry about the behavior of black bears, the location of a trailhead for a specific hike or even the history of the region before it became a national park in the 1930s. Some of them educate, others entertain, and others showcase interesting features of the area. There was a ranger in a plexiglass box answering questions. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is one of four facilities of its kind in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Includes Cable Mill, a grist mill which operates spring through fall, the Becky Cable house, and other historic structures. A park ranger will roll up fast to let you know to back up for your protection and the animals. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Stop here for maps or to get general information about the mountains. The rangers are very friendly and informative and the line moved quickly. Sugarlands Visitor Center Gatlinburg, TN. This visitor canter gets five stars, for the wildlife. See all 3 Sugarlands Visitors Center tours on Tripadvisor, View all hotels near Sugarlands Visitors Center on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Sugarlands Visitors Center on Tripadvisor, View all attractions near Sugarlands Visitors Center on Tripadvisor, Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tourism, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hotels, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Vacation Rentals, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Vacation Packages, Flights to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Travel Forum, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Photos, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Travel Guide, All Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hotels, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hotel Deals, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Campgrounds, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Pet Friendly Campgrounds, Hotels near Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, All things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Visitor Centers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Geologic Formations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mountains in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Nature & Wildlife Areas in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bodies of Water in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Horseback Riding Tours in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Scenic Drives in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Architectural Buildings in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Historic Sites in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Historic Walking Areas in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Monuments & Statues in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Scenic Walking Areas in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Lookouts in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You may purchase flour milled here when the mill is in operation. . The hike, which is less than a mile roundtrip, ends at a beautiful 25-foot waterfall. One of Sugarlands' best functions is that of provider of information. Best 5 Things to Order, Is Mountain Monsters Real? There's a self-guided wildlife exhibit that features replicas of the many types of animals that call the national park home - everything from snakes to owls to foxes. Movie and exhibits not accessable during Covid. 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. Answer 1 of 11: Going to TN in April. Impossibilities Magic, Mindreading and Mayhem! The ability to travel and explore new places is one of the best parts of the RV lifestyle. Find Sugarlands Visitor Center-inspired gifts and merchandise printed on quality products one at a time in socially responsible ways. 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. It is a moderately difficult hike, but the views are amazing. Check out our list and consider adding one or two of these to your upcoming travel plans! We found what we were looking for and the kids were so happy. The center is still open but due to the Covid-19 virus social distancing and other protocols mean that you will be required to get in line and wait before you will be allowed to go inside (everyone was wearing a mask). Cataract Falls trail is located behind the visitor center. 9822 Cty Rd 75. Guests have access to a variety of activities and learning experiences. Just down the sidewalk is an open-air museum. more, Smoky Mountain Guided Scenic High Van Tour. Oconaluftee Visitor Center is located on Newfound Gap Road (US 441) about a half mile past the entrance to Blue Ridge Parkway. Yes No Tucked into the Great Smoky Mountains, there's a barn house we call home. These elk have come to TN before but return to NC during mating season. Amenities here include: 1-Free more By TikiPirateCrew It is an easy trail to hike and takes less than an hour. The terrain is mostly level, with some moderate inclines along the way. Peruse the park 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. A must stop if exploring the park. In the visitors center, there are several extensive natural history exhibits, a free 20-minute film about the national park and an information center. The visitor center is open year-round, and there is always something . Kids will love this feature at this Great Smoky Mountains National Park visitors center. Stop by the information desk and ask to talk to a ranger who can give tips on what to look for, which forks to take and how to make the most out of your time in the mountains. Sugarlands was a very nice little visitor center and there were several excellent trails that originated from the visitor's center, which was very convenient. Next door are clean restrooms. A Comfort Station (official jargon for restrooms), is located next to the visitor center. The trail is very easy and flat. This is your typical visitors center with a gift shop. All Rights Reserved. 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. In 1887, Rebecca Cable and her brother Dan bought the house and continued to operate the store for about eight more years. Despite the cold winters in this area, its Emilys favorite season! This was at 8:15 am on a Tuesday. These programs are educational and fun and the children especially love it. You can touch a real moon rock, speak to astronauts, and get up close and personal with a rocket. Enjoy ranger-led programs conducted seasonally. This will get you to the parking on River Road. Gatlinburg Trail is also unique in that it's one of only two trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that allows dogs and bicycles. And of course, dont forget to stop by the gift shop and buy some fun souvenirs! I got three booklets/maps for $1.00 each. But more importantly, the center is home to a park ranger. Copyright 20082023 RV LIFE. The valley served as home to a number of small Appalachian communities in the 100-plus years before the National Park existed. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Is the Gatlinburg Trail fairly easy? Having been here many times my wife and I did not choose to wait. 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. Campground Reviews is a trusted source of campground and RV park reviews offered by camping and RV enthusiasts just like you. Here you can pick up a park map or newspaper, have your questions answered by a ranger, and purchase books and guides to the park. It closes in winter due to weather conditions. Do you have specific questions about the park that cant otherwise be found in a guide? They can take the information in the guides and maps and distill it in a way that makes sense. Oconaluftee Visitor Center | Photo: Billy Hathorn. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is the perfect spot to begin your Smoky Mountain vacation! Sugarlands Visitors Center reviews TripAdvisor traveler rating 1,059 reviews Google 4.8 By Q8105RDdan My wife & I visited on Monday. Leason Gregg built this house in Cades Cove in 1879 and operated a store on the first floor. Stop here to stretch your legs, get your bearings, and speak with experts about your itinerary. 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. Overall, this place is definitely worth a visit though! There are a number of scenic waterfalls with beautiful scenery, trailheads and great hikes in the surrounding area. We stopped here to get ideas from the rangers for our visit and to pick up some maps. Sugarlands Visitors Center (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Order Smokey Mountain auto tour information online because you won't be able to get it at Sugarland Visitors Center. How do I book this shuttle from Sugar to Elkmont? Do not let the uniforms intimidate you. Good place to stop before heading on to Laurel Falls and Cades Cove. Social: "Towering to the heavens" is how one pioneer described Chimney Rock, the most recognized landmark along the Oregon Trail. If you miss the turn, turn left at the light. NOTE: The featured photo above is Cades Cove Visitor Center. Fighting Creek Nature Trail is a 1.2-mile loop that's also suitable for all ages. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Great place to start your exploration of the park. Stores Were Commercial and Social Centers in Great Smokies. The Visitor Center has plenty of parking for cars, RVs, and motor coaches. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. The facility includes a bookstore and a gift shop for all your souvenir needs. Great gift shop and clean bathrooms. Visitor Centers Closed now 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visit website Call Write a review About GSMA Store Locations and HoursCades Cove Visitor Center HoursOpen every day except Christmas Day.January 9:00 am - 4:30 pmFebruary 9:00 am - 5:00 pmMarch 9:00 am - 6:00 pmApril - Aug. 9:00 am - 7:00 pmSept. The rangers are a living fount of knowledge. Typical Visitors Center, but see the Presentation anyway!! It's not expensive. Park Rangers are managing this process. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The GSMNP is vast. Thus is the very end if River Road. This area is wild and free, so its important to practice wildlife safety protocols. The rangers know current conditions (bear activity ie). Dec. 8:30 am - 4:30 pmLocation1194 Newfound Gap RoadCherokee , NC 28719Inside the park, 2 miles north of Cherokee, NC, on US-441Special ProgramsRanger-led programs conducted seasonally. Inside the visitor center are exhibits detailing mountain life from the times of the Cherokee Indians through the establishment of the national park. What attractions are near Sugarlands Visitors Center? They had a small line to get into the center (thanks to COVID) but it goes quick. You can reach the Sugarlands Visitor Center by calling 865-436-1291. And there are restrooms. Staff were restricting occupancy to 50 people due to COVID, but we didn't have to wait very long. The seasonal visitor center features exhibits, a gift shop, as well as a park film where you can learn more information about the area. Plan to come here at the beginning of your trip, so you can pick up maps and get any information you might need. There are public restrooms, telephones and drink machines available for use as well. We used this opportunity to get an official park map/newsletter, get our NPS passport cancellation stamps, and pick up a few postcards in the gift shop. The Sugarlands Visitor Center features a 21-minute movie about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, nature exhibits, hiking (see below), park exhibits, gift shop, restrooms, and plenty of free parking. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. The SmokyMountains.com Local Experts Team, Newfound Gap Road: 31 Miles of Incredible Mountain Landscapes, Sugarland Riding Stables: A Relaxing Wilderness Experience, View The Amazing Synchronous Fireflies In The Smoky Mountains, Clingmans Dome: Highest Point in Tennessee, Little River Road: Overlooks, Trails and Waterfalls. Sugarlands Visitors Center: Sugarlands Visitor Center - See 1,043 traveler reviews, 358 candid photos, and great deals for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN, at Tripadvisor. Be aware masks are currently required in the building. Public restrooms and telephones. Let us know. Public restrooms and telephones. Soda and water machines. 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