GATLINBURG, TN — A first visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park brought more than scenic views. The trip included free admission, unreliable rideshare service, a tram rescue, and a series of surprises that changed how the traveler experienced the park.
The visit took place over five days in spring 2023, with time split between cabins, a glamping resort, and long stretches of time outdoors.
Free admission set the Smokies apart from other national parks
One of the first surprises was practical: the park does not charge an entrance fee. The traveler had expected a typical national park admission cost, since many parks charge vehicle or per-person fees.
According to the National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains has been free to enter since 1994 because two major roads pass through the park.
Transportation proved harder than expected around Tennessee and Gatlinburg
Getting around was the trip’s biggest logistical challenge. Despite advice from travel blogs and Airbnb hosts, rideshare apps were not dependable for pickups near the park.
When cabs were also hard to secure, the traveler ended up taking a two-mile aerial tram between downtown Gatlinburg and Ober Mountain for $30 after realizing other options were limited.
Cabins and glamping offered very different stays near the park
The trip included three nights in cabins and one night at Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains, where a luxury tent cost $520 for one night, though the publication received a media rate for that stay.
The cabins offered features such as covered patio seating and a gas fireplace, while the glamping site felt more social, with conversations among staff and other guests. The tent also included a king-sized bed, a pull-chain shower, and a wood-fired oven.
Historic buildings and quiet nights changed the pace of the visit
Beyond the scenery, the traveler was struck by the number of preserved historic structures in the park. The National Park Service says there are more than 90 preserved and restored buildings, including the Cable Mill in Cades Cove and cabins in the Elkmont Historic District.
The slower pace also changed daily habits. With four nights in nature, the traveler used electronics less, read before bed, and spent mornings looking at the mountains instead of scrolling on a phone. Attempts to photograph the stars were limited by clouds, rain, and bright cabin lighting, but the experience still left a strong impression.
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