Visited here a couple of different days the last week of September 2023. Closest visitor center to Gatlinburg, We enjoyed the small display museum of plants and animals found in the park. The rangers were helpful. The restrooms were clean. No park movie available. A larger park store (as usual nowadays). Parking ticket kiosks are outside. You need either a $5 day pass or a $15 weekly pass. We did see the parking lot being monitored today. As noted by others and as prevalent in all areas of the park, parking can be difficult or even non-existent due to the overwhelming crowds. We took the short trail to the small Cataract Falls. Nice walk but expect that the falls are more impressive after a good rainfall. YMMV.

This was our first stop in the park. They have several machines out front that make it easy to get your parking pass, just make sure you know your license plate number when you go to get the parking pass. Inside most of the exhibits were closed when we visited, but we were able to get brochures, use the restrooms, and stop at the bookstore. Passport stamps are right inside by the entrance, since I always forget my NPS passport I have started buying a postcard at the bookstores and stamping that. If your kids are doing the Junior Ranger program you have to actually buy the booklet here, I think it was $4. The ranger said they charge for the booklet since park entry is free.

Although very busy on Easter Sunday (and many spring breaks), we were immediately greeted and helped! We were asking about trails, waterfalls and wildlife sighting opportunities with less popularity. (Fewer people, better parking, etc). We walked away with a month's worth of ideas! The displays were very helpful in learning about the birds, animals and vegetation in the area. We always like perusing the gift shop and it was busy! But the purchase line moved very quickly. Great resource for your visit to the Smokies.

A welcome place to take a break from driving. The visitor centre is packed with useful information. A gift shop features all things Smokey Mountain. Toilets are clean, and the drink vending machines are excellent value at $2.00.

We parked here for $5. Then got on the Gaitlinburg Trail for 2 miles and enjoyed a shady no hills easy walk to Gaitlinburg. About another 1/2 mile into town we found the Gaitlinburg Skypark. We took the Skylift up to the top and walked across the Skybridge, which is the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America. We had no clue about any of this and just happened upon it. If you’re the “adventure” type family like we are and can walk 5.5 miles round trip then I’d suggest doing this! Bring water so you don’t need to spend extra money. It was a great time and took lots of pics. So happy we “winged it” and made today unique for our family vacation to Gaitlinburg/Pigeon Forge.

This was our first stop in the park. Great place to get park maps and the required parking permits. However, I would recommend getting the parking in advance on recreation.gov. Good information and small museum located inside.