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The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains and family friendly Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are just around the corner from the Blue Ridge Parkway on the western end of North Carolina. Many visitors to this region enjoy both the Great Smoky Mountains Parkway and the Blue Ridge Parkway - taking their time to explore the rich culture, natural beauty, and fun-filled activities the area offers.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in the states of North Carolina and Tennessee, encompasses 800 square miles of which 95 percent are forested. The park is open year-round. Visitor centers at Sugarlands, Oconaluftee, and Cades Cove are open all year, except Christmas Day. There are no entrance fees, due to deed restrictions imposed when the Park was established.

For more information contact:

   Great Smoky Mountains National Park

   107 Park Headquarters Road

   Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Web: www.nps.gov/grsm

Visitor Information Recorded Message: 865.436.1200

Calendar

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Midday Mountain Music

Saturday, May 25, 2013, 12:00 pm

" A Tribute to Sting and The Police"

Thursday, May 23, 2013, 8:00 pm

Heritage Fest +

Friday, May 24, 2013, 6:00 pm

Vineyard Deck Music Series

Saturday, May 25, 2013, 1:00 am

Miner's Heritage Day

Saturday, May 25, 2013, 9:00 am

What Would Katniss Do?

Saturday, May 25, 2013, 11:00 am

Tradfest

Saturday, May 25, 2013, 12:00 pm

Storytelling Hayrides: The People and History of Altapass

Saturday, May 25, 2013, 1:00 pm

3rd Annual Corks & Blues Festival

Saturday, May 25, 2013, 4:00 pm

Tracks Music & Dance

Saturday, May 25, 2013, 6:30 pm

Angelo Santamaria Live

Saturday, May 25, 2013, 7:00 pm

"The Man Who Lost the River"

Saturday, May 25, 2013, 7:30 pm

Black Light Underground Mine Tour

Saturday, May 25, 2013, 8:30 pm

Festival 2013

Saturday, May 25, 2013, 11:00 pm
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Midday Mountain Music

Sunday, May 26, 2013, 12:00 pm

Storytelling Hayrides: The People and History of Altapass

Sunday, May 26, 2013, 1:00 pm

Informal Jam on the Porch

Sunday, May 26, 2013, 2:00 pm

"The Man Who Lost the River"

Sunday, May 26, 2013, 7:30 pm

Festival 2013

Sunday, May 26, 2013, 11:00 pm
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Midday Mountain Music

Monday, May 27, 2013, 12:00 pm

Memorial Day BBQ and Covered Dish Dinner

Monday, May 27, 2013, 11:00 am
28

Historic Marion Tailgate Market

Tuesday, May 28, 2013, 3:00 pm
29

Midday Mountain Music

Wednesday, May 29, 2013, 12:00 pm

Live Music @ The Orchard

Wednesday, May 29, 2013, 1:45 pm
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Virginia's Blue Ridge Music Festival

Thursday, May 30, 2013, 6:00 pm

Midday Mountain Music

Thursday, May 2, 2013, 12:00 pm

Live Music @ The Orchard

Thursday, May 30, 2013, 1:45 pm

Marion Mountain Music

Thursday, May 30, 2013, 7:00 pm

"A Tribute to Sting and The Police"

Thursday, May 30, 2013, 8:00 pm
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Virginia's Blue Ridge Music Festival

Friday, May 31, 2013, 6:00 pm

Historic Lexington Walking Tour

Friday, April 5, 2013, 3:00 pm

Midday Mountain Music

Friday, May 3, 2013, 12:00 pm

Grandfather Mountain Nature Photography Weekend

Friday, May 31, 2013, 8:00 am

NC Gold Festival

Friday, May 31, 2013, 12:00 pm

Live Music @ The Orchard

Friday, May 31, 2013, 1:45 pm

Bluegrass Jam

Friday, May 31, 2013, 7:00 pm

Old Fort Mountain Music

Friday, May 31, 2013, 7:00 pm

Live Music & Dancing

Friday, May 31, 2013, 7:30 pm

"A Tribute to Sting and The Police"

Friday, May 31, 2013, 8:00 pm
 

Highlights & Happenings

  • Julian Price Memorial Park, MP 297
  • A majestic 4,200 acres at the foot of Grandfather Mountain, named in honor of Julian Price, comprises this popular park and lies directly adjacent to the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park. Together these parks make up the largest developed area set as
  • Moses H. Cone Park, MP 294
  • A majestic 4,200 acres at the foot of Grandfather Mountain, named in honor of Julian Price, lies directly adjacent to the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park. Together these parks comprise the largest developed area set aside for public recreati
  • Doughton Park, MP 240
  • Renew your senses amid this landscape of open meadows. Doughton Park is one of the best places along the Blue Ridge Parkway to view white-tailed deer, raccoons, red and grey foxes, and bobcats.  Flowers burst on the scene in late spring and crea
  • Mount Pisgah, MP 408
  • Mount Pisgah’s spectacular views, hiking trails, camping and the Mount Pisgah Inn make this area a popular destination for visitors along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The mountain and thousands of surrounding acres was originally purchased by indust
  • Craggy Gardens, MP 364
  • These high elevation summits are home to spectacular floral displays. June and July are usually prime times to view the pink and purple blooms of rhododendron, but don’t despair if you miss the peak bloom. Violets, blackberry, May-apple, a
  • Blue Ridge Music Center
  • The Blue Ridge Music Center is a state-of-the-art performing arts facility built to preserve and promote the historic music of Virginia and the Blue Ridge. The Blue Ridge region has produced more old-time and bluegrass musicians per capita than any o
  • Parkway Visitor Center, MP 384
  • Visitors traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway can now make one stop to learn about the entire 469 miles and 73-year history of the Parkway. The Parkway Visitor Center opened in 2008 and unveiled innovative, high-tech interactive exhibits. The LEED-certif
  • Blue Ridge Parkway Directory & Travel Planner
  • The 64th edition of the Blue Ridge Parkway Directory & Travel Planner is here! Explore area lodging and attractions, Parkway maps, services and more.
  • Attractions, Dining, Shopping & More
  • From fine arts to fun, experience the best places and activities to enhance your visit to the Blue Ridge Parkway region.
  • Camping
  • Camping is one way visitors traveling through the Blue Ridge Parkway can spend the night under the stars in one of America’s most beautiful natural settings.
  • Blooms & Wildlife Watching
  • Don't forget your cameras and binoculars when visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway! Learn when and where to see blooms along your journey.
  • Hiking Trails
  • A journey on the Blue Ridge Parkway offers motorists spectacular views of Southern Appalachia’s diverse beauty for 469.1 uninterrupted miles.
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