Great Smokies Welcome Center — Attraction in Pigeon Forge

It started raining just as we arrived, so we had to hurry inside. Don't forget to pay for your parking. There are 2 kiosks on the right side as you go in where you can pay. While there's no entrance fee, a parking tag is required for any vehicle that parks in the park for more than 15 minutes, which would include parking at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Parking Tag Costs: Daily parking tag: $5. 7-day parking tag: $15. Annual parking tag: $40. There's knowledgeable Park Rangers there who can answer questions. We also saw several elk while there. One was by the entrance of the park, and another was by the exit of the park. There were also many wild turkeys in the area. After the rain stopped, we got a few photos of the gorgeous sky and mountains, plus one elk on the way out. Remember to stay away 50 yards from them and bears. Getting any closer is a...

This is the Great Smoky Mountains welcome center. It's moved from across the street and is now exclusively the national park welcoming center. It is really nice and an excellent use for this property. It is a information center, national park gift shop, small exhibits and parking pass purchase location. It also is a passport stamp location as well. Lots of gift shop items like shirts, hats, jams, pickels, chow chow, honey, chocolate, books, magazines and basicly everything you'd find at Sugarlands. It's a great resource and the staff is friendly and helpful. It's an excellent jumping off point for your Cades Cove visit. I highly recommend a visit if your heading...

The Smokey Mountain Welcome Center is a must-visit gateway to the Smokies! The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, always ready with a smile and helpful travel tips. The restrooms are spotless, the grounds are well-kept, and there’s an abundance of brochures and maps for planning your journey. Gorgeous mountain views surround the area, making it a great photo op and a peaceful place to stretch your legs. There's also ample parking, picnic spots, and even some local crafts or souvenirs depending on the season. Whether you’re just starting your adventure or taking a quick break, this welcome center sets the perfect tone for your Smoky...