Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Searching for the cheapest and most expensive times to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park? This guide has you covered and will help you plan when to visit based on your travel budget.
Most Expensive Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The most expensive time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park is during peak foliage season, summer months, and holiday periods, when visitor demand is at its highest.
Fall Foliage Season (Mid-September to Late October)
Brilliant autumn colors make this the park’s busiest season.
- Hotels and cabins in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Cherokee book out far in advance.
- Roads and trails like Clingmans Dome and Cades Cove are extremely crowded.
Summer (June to August)
Warm weather and school vacations bring families in large numbers.
- Lodges and campgrounds across the area charge premium prices.
- Popular hiking trails and waterfalls are crowded throughout the day.
Spring Break & Easter (March to April)
Families and college students visit the Smokies during this period.
- Hotels near the park and attractions in Gatlinburg raise rates.
- Trails and scenic drives are busier than usual.
Holiday Weekends (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day)
National holidays bring another surge in visitation.
- Hotels, cabins, and campgrounds sell out quickly.
- Traffic in the park increases dramatically.
Cheapest Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The cheapest time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park is during the colder months and transitional seasons, when crowds thin and lodging prices drop.
Winter (Late November to Early March, excluding holidays)
Cold weather and occasional snow keep many tourists away.
- Hotels and cabins are at their lowest rates.
- Trails and overlooks are quieter, though some higher-elevation roads may close.
Late Spring (Mid-April to Early May, after Easter but before summer)
This shoulder season offers a balance of mild weather and affordability.
- Hotels in Gatlinburg and nearby towns offer discounted rates.
- Wildflowers bloom, and trails are less crowded.
Late Fall (Early November, after foliage season)
Tourism slows dramatically once the autumn leaves fade.
- Lodging and flight prices drop.
- A peaceful time to enjoy the park’s scenic drives and wildlife.
Smoky Mountains National Park Travel
| Time Period | Price Level | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-Sept – Late Oct | 💲💲💲 Highest | Fall foliage season, extreme demand |
| June – August | 💲💲💲 Very High | Summer peak, school holidays, busy trails |
| March – April (Spring Break/Easter) | 💲💲💲 High | Family travel, crowded roads & attractions |
| Holiday Weekends (May–Sept) | 💲💲💲 High | Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day traffic |
| Late Nov – Early March (excl. holidays) | 💲 Lowest | Winter off-season, cheapest lodging |
| Mid-April – Early May | 💲 Low | Shoulder season, wildflower bloom, affordable stays |
| Early November | 💲 Low–Mid | Post-foliage lull, budget-friendly travel |
How To Save Money When Visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
When you go will most certainly make the difference in costs like flights, hotels, attractions, and food. Aligning your travel dates with the Smokies’ off-peak seasons can significantly cut expenses. Consider what experiences you hope to have and plan accordingly to make the most of lower prices and thinner crowds.
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