Great Smoky Mountains National Park with kids – Lonely Panet

More than 520,000 acres of multifaceted, fog-draped, mountain euphoria await you at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s a terrain that appeals to the full spectrum of ages, kids included. 

There are some key considerations to keep in mind if you’re visiting the Great Smoky Mountains with kids in tow. Our top tips will help keep the whole family safe, happy and planning the next trip before you even leave.

Is Great Smoky Mountains National Park good for kids?

Entry to the park is free, making this a cost-friendly destination for families. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is loaded with activities for children to enjoy, including guided horseback rides in Smokemont, 20-minute carriage rides in Cades Cove, trout fishing along the Little River and paved, stroller-friendly trails. The key here is pinpointing what you know your child will love.

As at all national parks, you’ll need to keep a close eye on wandering little ones, particularly along waterfall hikes (adjacent cliffs can be steep). And, yes, there are black bears here that your kids – and perhaps you – may want to see up close, but that’s a very bad idea. 

1. Where should we begin our trip? 

When traveling with children it is inevitable that questions will arise: Why is it called the Smoky Mountains? How did these mountains come to be? And, what can we do to help preserve it? To stay ahead of the game, get informed at the Sugarlands and Oconaluftee Visitor Centers.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has four visitor centers to explore, with Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg being the largest and most focused on the geography of the park. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee has an extensive selection of taxidermic critters.

2. When can we see the famous firefly show in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Rivaling peak foliage in September and October, the summer months bring blooming wildflowers and melted snow that trickles to the park’s waterfalls. If you’re really looking to nail a timeframe that will dazzle your kiddos, keep an eye on June for a firefly mating season spectacle (if you snag a rare ticket).

Each year, near the Elkmont Campground, the photinus carolinus firefly species synchronously lights up the night sky, one of two places on Earth where this phenomenon happens.

To experience it with your children keep an eye on the National Park…