She brushed her hand across the. The final radar contact was at 6,100 feet and about 1 mile from the crash site. As interesting as the crash site can be, it was important for us to remember the two pilots who lost their lives in this very spot and treat the area with respect. Id still like to find some old newspaper articles on the crash if they existand know more about the people who died here. Being less than 10 miles from Maggie Valley, it is the closest hike and Visitors Center. In order to reach the site of the airplane crash, you will need to start off on the Waterrock Knob trail located off of mile marker 451 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. In fact, he didnt file a flight plan as required in that situation. Get more stories delivered right to your email. To get here first drive to the visitor center at Waterrock Knob, (one of our favorite places to bring visitors too. They were drawn to our yellow lab, Odin. Of course, you know your kids best so use this guide and your best judgment to decide if its appropriate for yours. Patrick was imagining how the plane first crashed into the mountain; analyzing the trees above, and how the, Feeling the Energy at The Airport Mesa Vortex, A Trail of Luminaries through Old Town Albuquerque. All we know is that two men in 1983 were suddenly cast into a situation that was out of their control. This shed some light on the mystery. We were so determined to complete a hike that wed carry him piggyback in shifts when he got tired. The crash occurred in 1983 as a result of poor weather and alcohol. Overall, this is one of the interesting and rewarding hikes that I have been on in North Carolina.My thoughts are with the families of the two lives that were lost in the crash. It can be easy to get hurt or lost while hiking to the airplane crash site. Mitchell State Park will take you along a rocky, windy path to the top of the mountain, and a hike to Paradise Falls will reward you with stunning, watery views of the hidden waterfall. We were there last fall and someone had spray painted the plane. https://www.baaa-acro.com/sites/default/files/2020-03/N6623C.pdf, http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=6623C, http://videotarts.com/video/6GrSrJC0NAk/abandoned-airplane-in-the-middle-of-the-woods.html, https://www.lilblueboo.com/2018/08/hiking-to-a-plane-crash-in-the-smoky-mountains-via-waterrock-and-browning-knobs.html, Updated [Time, Damage, Category, Investigating agency], Updated [Time, Operator, Location, Departure airport, Destination airport, Source, Embed code, Narrative], Updated [Location, Departure airport, Destination airport, Source, Narrative]. You can un-subscribe at any time. Oh the main graffiti tag is coming off tomorrow. Before hitting the trail-head, we ran into a family coming back from the hike. The pilot's blood alcohol level was 0.4. Meteorological conditions at the crash site included low clouds and precipitation. This is a beautiful hike but the trail down to the plane crash is a bit strenuous! Odin still had energy, which increased the challenge for me. This is not a maintained path but there are plenty of forums online about how to . When you do meet new and interesting people, youll find its like waking up from a sound sleep. The adventure started at Waterrock Knob. After making eye-contact with her, I recognized it was Allison from work. His wife was suddenly standing by my side, close, like she was my friend. The trail begins at the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and continues for a quarter mile up a well-marked, paved path to an observation point of the valley below. Theres no sign as its unmaintained, but when I did it there was an arrow spray painted on a rock. There are also restrooms available and picnic tables with gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Id like to know why the plane was left there. This trail is rocky, narrow . The pilot's blood alcohol level was 0.04. The shattered hull has proven a popular spot for graffiti. We don't recommend it, but you can reach the site by hiking to Waterrock Knob's summit (0.5 miles) and then to the top of Browning Knob (0.5 miles). It was an unmarked trail with thick overgrowth on either side. Yes. Meteorological conditions at the crash site included low clouds and precipitation. Experience this 1.7-mile out-and-back trail near Sylva, North Carolina. Waterrock Knob - Milepost 451.2. In fact, it is one of dozens of unsalvageable flying machines that crashed in the Great . The hike continues for about .7 milesalong the ridge of the mountainbut with a lot of elevation change (the equivalent of about 68 flights of stairs!) If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Climbing up this mountain was quite a Hike and was a bigger chore than I realized it would be. If you get the chance, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is an amazing place to visit. Waterrock Knob has the highest elevation on the Parkway. Unfortunately, there has been several tragic airplane crashes in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Have you been to Waterrock Knob? He asked. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Address: Waterrock Knob, North Carolina 28779, USA The hike to the plane crash is about a 2.5 mile round-trip hike, first up to Waterrock Knob and then across the ridge to Browning Knob. Packing the right day hike essentials is super important for your trip. We all know that North Carolina has much to offer; however, it's home to only one known plane crash site. There are 41 sparks and recreation areas across the state, and each one seems to be more beautiful than the next. The Ranger was giving directions to two guys in shorts and tee-shirts. Only a short detour off the beaten path of one of North Carolina's most notable sunset hikes, lies a Cessna 414 plane crash site full of eerie history. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 13 min to complete. It was a dark night and the final radar contact was at 6100 feet and 1 mild from the crash site. It was an unspoken closeness she was expressing; after she and I had shared a few things we had in common with our lives. Maybe the Labor Day weekend was causing us to think about work instead of focusing on a true adventure. Can Sacred Places Impact Our Energy and Our Mood? A couple of homemade signs nailed to trees a short ways down the path offer tips and warnings for proceeding ahead. See All . The conversation started with a thirty something tan-skinned guy with dark brown hair and brown eyes, and an older man with grey hair and the same color skin. Located just 18 miles from the southern end of the Parkway and farther away from larger cities, it has a more remote and quiet feel to it. https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/38801. Can You Do Dollywood in One Day? ???? Much of the Cessna 414 is still up there on the mountain. The Plane Crash Site near the Waterrock Knob Trail. 10/10 recommend it as a place to stay, and, wherever you choose, Maggie Valley is a great base for your adventures. The rest of the aircraft was left on the mountainside. The hike requires you to hike along the ridge of the mountain, maneuvering between trees, ground roots and boulders along the way. First you have to climb up Waterrock Knob which is the highes. I was super interested. Shuckstack Fire Tower is an old fire observatory tower in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park! She brushed her hand across the soft whitish golden fur on Odins head without hesitation. She hung on to me for several minutes. I dont think a flight plan was filedwhich means the pilot may have just been flying by sight and ducking under clouds. The sun shining down on the North Carolina mountains is truly a sight we will never forget! The terrain is fairly difficult with a change in elevation of about 600 feet. Patrick and Tammy, two hikers from South Carolina, arrived at the wreckage just after us. However, by eight-years-old he wasnt getting free ride. Here are some of the prettiest trails in North Carolina: The state of North Carolina is known for its expansive beauty, but there are a few hikes across the Tar Heel State that really take the cake. . Read Also: Elkmont ghost town: Ghost stories that will give you goosebumps. We did this short hike a few weeks ago..You really should take the side trip to Browning Knob and see the old plane crash..Only an extra mile or so. 8 Best Things To Do In Charlotte North Carolina, Appalachian Trail Day Hike Essentials That You Need, Ultimate Guide to Camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 5 Best Hikes in Mammoth Cave National Park, 7 Reasons Why I am Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail, Update: I Am Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2022, Appalachian Approach Trail: Everything You Need to Know, How to Visit Chichen Itza: Ultimate Guide for Travelers, Hiking Twenty Mile Loop Trail: Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. You can use Waterrock Knob Visitor Center in Google Maps to get to the parking area. Later we learn there is a hike to a plane crash that can be reach from Waterrock Knob Trail. One of Marcus catch phrases is theres always time for a hike! So being Labor Day weekend, we could not put off this adventure. I couldnt find any engines at the site and after a little research it turns out that they were salvaged soon after the crash. Martin likely would have made it the rest of the way without much incident, had he been a couple of hundred feet higher. All rights reserved. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. Odin pulled me up the rocky path with a spring in his four legs. The Blue Ridge Parkway reaches some of its highest points in the Waterrock Knob area, including Richland Balsam (highest point on the Parkway) and Waterrock Knob Visitor Center (highest visitor center on the Parkway). The pilot's blood alcohol level was at 0.04%. Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Debris is scattered everywhere in about a 20 to 30 foot radius. Thank you for sharing. I created this little PDF with some very basic info thats easy to print off if you are thinkingabout hiking to the crashclick here or click the image below to download: Do you have any favorite hikes in the Smoky Mountains? I think he and his parents were Hawaiian. The windows were smashed; dark holes appearing to mysteriously lead into another dimension. I crave the forest, the smells, the beauty and especially the healthy feeling of being outdoors. Moderate 4.6 (1494) Blue Ridge Parkway. When I can make the trip Ill definitely consider doing this hike, it seems like an interesting one I had no idea how dangerous the Smoky Mountains were for planes. Her voice had an upward inflection. Looking at the satellite view it appears the hike to the plane crash is about a 3-mile round-trip hike, first up to Waterrock Knob and then across the ridge to Browning Knob. Two people died in this crash. . You wont be far from the visitors center, but with the thick canopy, its not a great place to be lost in the mountains. Plane crash PARKING LOT Waterrock Knob Visitor Center Waterrock Knob Browning Knob 5719 ft 6292 ft 6240 ft Elevations: Waterrock knob parking lot to peak waterrock peak to Browning Knob Browning knob to plane crash .5 miles .7 miles .05 miles distances: For us, this happens on most weekends. The hike back to the parking lot was just as arduous as the hike to the crash site, and ended up being about a 2.5 mile hike round trip. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Archive photos: Airplane crashes in the Smoky Mountains 1956-1997. Just before the summit, you will see the path to the plane crash on the left. Additionally, the FAA found a blood alcohol level of .04%. fornotifications regarding new blog posts, travel destinations, photography updates and newly available art. People had clearly left their mark over the 36 years. Just before you reach the last stretch of trail to the top, you should see a fairly obvious trail leading off to the left, marked with flagging tape. Our human curiosity about the story, and the image of a plane lasting 36 years out in the elements is what drew us to this place one late summer day in September. They are pretending to be wolves, Allison confirmed. Martin was flying his secretary, Centa Jarrett, from Illinois to visit her children who lived in Bryson City with their father. Once at Browning Knob (big obvious clearing on the top of a mountain), there's another trail off to the left, which leads down to the crashed Cessna 414. Rethink that selfie. To the left, I thought, this must be the way to Browning Knob! Make sure you leave your thoughts in the comments, especially if you know of other crashed planes hiding in the wilderness of North Carolina. I asked the family if theyd been to the plane crash. She looked more like her dad than her Caucasian mother. When I reached the top of Waterrock Knob, under rather malicious-looking skies, a 60-year old man with . Wires clustered through exposed metal. If the above hike to an abandoned airplane crash in North Carolina whets your appetite for adventure, read on! On November 24, 1983, a Cessna 414 was en route to the Jackson County Airport from Chicago when it crashed into the mountainside just before 6:00 pm. I hung onto his leash with one hand, and used my free hand to grab tree trunks along the trail. He had friends in the area and had flown into the Jackson County Airport before. on How to Hike to an Airplane Crash in the Great Smoky Mountains- Waterrock Knob, How to Hike to an Airplane Crash in the Great Smoky Mountains- Waterrock Knob. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. The Perfect 4 Day Miami Itinerary for Travelers. Once you reach Browning Knob, you should see another unmarked trail to the left. My first thought was nah, its on the other side. It was a plan that worked, until it didnt. John Gullion, Managing Editor at the Citizen Tribune, is a freelance contributor for TheSmokies.com LLC the parent company of TheSmokies.com and HeyOrlando.com. The final radar contact with the plane was at 6,100 feet, approximately only one mile from the crash site. Do you remember the terrifying crash of USAir Flight 1016 near Charlotte Douglas International Airport? Its going to work your legs. Again, sweeping views of the mountains. I found the spray paint trail markings most helpful since some of the ties had been blown away in storms, When you come to this clearing, take the path left (this spray painted rock points the way) and you are very close to the crash. The walk from Waterrock Knob to Browning Knob was approximately 0.7 miles. *subject to availability **03/27/2020 . A work colleague, Drew, had hooked me into conversation last week about the hike. For this portion of the trail, it is important to follow the yellow markers painted on the trees to make sure you stay on the correct trail. Length 1.7 miElevation gain 692 ftRoute type Out & back. Read more . About halfway up though, the trail transitions to a dirt trail with rock steps. It is easy to take a wrong turn in the forest, so be sure to pay attention to the yellow markers on the trees leading the way along the trail. Both people on board died. Your pictures were fabulous! Read more in my about section. Beware. Have you hiked at Waterrock? After navigating rocky outcrops, a steady up and downhill path, and another patch of overgrowth, the trail became thick and somewhat confusing. That crash occurred just 11 years after this one, and was one of the most tragic plane crashes in North Carolina. Before hitting the trail-head, we ran into a family coming back from the hike. Because this hike is difficult, you will more than likely get hungry! 20 reviews of Waterrock Knob "Waterrock Knob is part of the Plott Balsalms range. An old airplane engine forms an unusual cairn atop this Moroccan peak. 2023 Marcus and Jill's Happy Trails. How are you!, She responded, I never run into you outside of work., We asked about the crash. Thats not very clearly markedThanks for trying to help with your big write up that didnt help much thanks. I alway come prepared, he said. Elk Knob State Park is popular for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and Hanging Rock State Park has five waterfalls, incredible rock outcroppings, a lake, AND a mountain. Oh and also, fuck Lauren and Trent . If you look around youll see bits of wreckage spread around the area as well. Marcus and I were wandering around the fuselage like detectives at a crime scene. Take this trail. Thank you for reading! By checking this, you agree to our Privacy Policy. Hiking to the Waterrock Knob plane crash is one of the most interesting hikes I have ever been on. I never knew that there are close to 54 plane crash sites located in the Smoky Mountains. Waterrock Knob plane crash is located in Sylvia, North Carolina, right outside of Maggie Valley. Not only is Waterrock Knob the trail you need to take to get to the airplane crash, it also offers amazing views of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The hike offers epic and sweeping views of the North Carolina mountains, including from one of the spurs, a glimpse of Ghost Town in Maggie Valley off in the distance. Keep reading to learn how to hike to an airplane crash in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park via the Waterrock Knob trail. Will you be taking the hike? Its definitely sad but interesting to see! See. The two men onboard didn't survive the crash. This popular trail goes to the Waterrock Knob summit. Did you see the plane crash site? Waterrock Knob: Waterrock Knob is one of my favorite hikes and it's always one that I recommend to visitors. This peak (6,292 feet) is the 16th highest mountain in the Eastern United States and the the 15th highest of the 40 mountains in North Carolina . Guest columnist: You can love Jesus and strippers at the same time. To learn more, clickhere. Living a simple, creative life in #smalltownusa Bryson City, NC. We were unfortunately unable to see much from the lookout due to the low lying clouds, but continued on towards our next destination, which was Browning Knob. Copyright Lil Blue Boo 2023 | Privacy Policy, The Great Smoky Mountains and Western NC Hiking. Shortly after taking the detour to the left (approximately 0.3 miles from Browning Knob) we saw the plane crash in the distance, admidst the trees and haze. People had clearly left their mark over the 36 years. Ill admit this Sunday, we were trying to talk ourselves out of hiking. . And as a hiker, I love a challenging hike thanks for sharing. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. Sadly, it is true. Hey, I said. Once you are done enjoying the view from Browning Knob, be on the lookout for a small, unmarked trail to the left. I thought about our hikes 20 years ago, when our son our Alex was five-years-old. The remains of a German plane still sit in the Norwegian wood where it crashed in 1942. Winner will be selected at random on 04/01/2023. The nearly 360-degree view from Waterrock Knob stretches the eyes over the heart of the Southern Highlands - including . go back to the arrow and follow the narrow path it points to about 1/2 mile to the site of a plane crash from the early 1970's. Fascinating. Discover our featured content. Today, we met people from California, South Carolina, and others from our own town. Roots and rocks were everywhere along the earthy trail. In fact, it is one of dozens of unsalvageable flying machines that crashed in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and have been left where they came to rest. Again, this area is full of little trails or paths and steep drops. I was getting Uncharted 1 vibes. We made the slow climb up the side of the mountain. If we hike to the top elevation is 6,300 feet. Waterrock Knob is a must-stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway.Located at Milepost 451.2 (just 18 miles from the end of the Parkway), it features the last hiking trail along the Parkway as you travel toward the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.This peak (6,292 ft.) is the 16th highest mountain in the Eastern United States - and the 15th highest of the 40 mountains in North Carolina over 6,000 feet. There are also restrooms by the visitor center which is your last chance to go before you start hiking. Wed love to hear about them! The views are epic and sweeping: It can be muddy and slippery if its been raining, so just take your time as you walk over the tree roots. If youve never been to Bryson City you need to visit! An annual celebration of the region's successful elk reintroduction program. The trail turns to dirt and continues for another quarter mile until Waterrock Knob. Last year the door and seats where stolen off the plane. About 2 hours return depending on your pace. The latest music videos, short movies, tv shows, funny and extreme videos. Other than graffiti and parts that have probably been moved around from spectators over the years, the wreckage remains nestled on the Southern Appalachian mountain range between Asheville and Cherokee, North Carolina. My son-in-law, grandson and I hiked up Waterrock Knob and followed the one mile plus trail to the site of a plane crash on the side of this mountain. After traversing a few other trails, visitors will come upon the wreckage of a Cessna 414A which crashed in 1983. Upon reaching the parking lot, you will see the visitor center, which is open from 10 AM - 5 PM from mid-April through October. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Here are some of the best places with cave hikes in North Carolina: Caves are perhaps one of the most fascinating and strange natural wonders out in the wild, especially because of how tempting they are to explore. Waterrock Knob is one of my favorite hikes and its always one that I recommend to visitors. Youll eventually come to Browning Knob.. I was confused. The young guy said hed heard about the hike, but not this time. I heard it might even be getting removed soon because of it. The elevation change is said to be equivalent to about 68 flights of stairs. Looking at the satellite view it appears the hike to the plane crash is about a 3-mile round-trip hike, first up to Waterrock Knob and then across the ridge to . The two of them squatted down beside Odin. The drive to Waterrock Knob along the Blue Ridge Parkway is arguably one of the most beautiful and scenic drives in the country. It is a shame so many people can hike here but no one cares to restore the grounds and remove what isn't natural. There are affiliate links included in this post. Beautiful sunset, viewed from the Waterrock Knob parking lot upon returning after the hike. In my opinion the trail is intermediate because its unmaintained so you are hiking over a lot of tree roots and it requires more awareness to keep on track. Deep Gap Trail at Mt. It was quite a trek! Be sure to also check out these other top destinations in the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina: This post may contain affiliate links. It was an attempt to keep his bearings, which the FAA referred to as up and down altitude excursions. I found it easier to follow the spray paint on trees and rocks to stay on the trail. Lake proponents argued that turning Cades Cove into a body of water would promote tourism (photo by Patrick Jennings/stock.adobe.com), Land of Oz features an immersive experience based on the iconic story of the Wizard of Oz, including characters, the yellow brick road and a visit to Emerald City (photos and compilation by TheSmokies.com), Our site produces editorial content for the purpose of entertainment. Take the Blue Ridge Parkway to mile marker 451.2 into the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center located inSylva, NC to begin the hike to the crash site. It rises a total of 2,000 feet in just about three . On November 24, 1983, two pilots began their flight from DuPage Airport in West Chicago headed to Jackson County Airport, North Carolina. The last recorded elevation of the airplane was about 6,000 ft. My legs and arms were feeling slightly fatigued, but I was still looking forward to the climb. While this hike isnt long, it is difficult. Waterrock Knob is located at milepost 451.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and features the last hiking trail along the parkway before reaching the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. You will find the crash site at latitude 35.46354, longitude -83.13207. This trail is paved but very steep! There is a visitor center at mile marker 451 so you can park and use the restroom before your hike. Waterrock Knob is a must-stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway. A moderately difficult two-mile round trip hike from the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center and trailhead in Sylva, North Carolina lead to the wreckage. Members of the Civil Air Patrol found the wreckage near the summit of Waterrock Knob Peak a week later. It was also pretty easy to follow the well worn path just by looking as well, but the spray painted markings definitely made it easier. The remains of a doomed Antarctic plane, buried beneath layers of ice and snow, await those willing to do a bit of digging. Harold Blackwood photo. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. If you feel this information is incomplete or incorrect, you can. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. I have an awesome cinematic hiking vlog here for you guys!. Hike the relatively easy Waterrock Knob Trail for 0.9 miles: mostly uphill and paved, with impressive views. I recommend going to the summit first to check out the views, then going to the plane crash after. You will be walking through the quiet woods then all of a sudden the crash appears through the trees. It was a CESSNA 414A airplane, which is an American light-pressured twin engine. Its getting harder and harder to find safe abandoned places in North Carolina, so wed highly recommend you take advantage of the opportunity while you still can. The probable cause of the crash was determined to be due to low visibility from low lying clouds and precipitation. If you follow that trail for a little bit you will see a tree with the following signs on it: Yes, there are warningsmake sure you tell someone where you are hiking just in case! Read more about my story here. Point to point with a paved section as well as a dirt and tree root based section. I help women with chronic illnesses develop the confidence to travel the world solo! The path was straight down the side of the mountain; winding around moss covered trees and through what seemed like mile high pines overhead. If you plan to visit, it's recommended to hike with a partner or let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return, as there are many unmarked side trails, difficult terrain, and steep drops along the way. Probable cause: Occurrence #1: in flight encounter with weather. There's a large free parking area, visitor center for more information on the area, and some beautiful views here so it's worth checking out. Remembering the 72 passengers who lost their lives in 1967 airplane wreck. The young girl was about eight-years-old. The crash lays there as it landed with frayed cords and broken windows serving as a reminder of the final journey. Top Hikes in Western North Carolina - The Blue Ridge Mountains Upload, share, download and embed your videos. Click here are a few of my favorite places near Bryson City. The wreckage was uncovered by Civil Air Patrol members a week later near the summit of Waterrock Knob. After responding to our questions, and reviewing his GPS stats, he confirmed the trek down to the plane wreckage took him about 30 minutes. Located at 5,820 feet in elevation, Waterrock Knob is the Parkway's . And it appears to have had some holes kicked into it as well. 2023 Atlas Obscura. Weather was likely a factor in this plane crash nearly 40 years ago in North Carolina, where the wreckage remains (photo by Justin Colburn/Alamy stock). The wreckage still lies in the quiet mountains where it landed, leaving a unique site for hikers. Now it's 100% covered with graffiti. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Odins ears perked up. He looked tired but exuded deep satisfaction. When you visit the crash site, you can tell that the airplane almost cleared the mountain. The trail itself is a very difficult seven-mile hike to the top of Grandfather Mountain. 74 Likes, TikTok video from smoky.mountain.soul (@smoky.mountain.soul): " Have you found the elusive "plane crash" hike in Western North Carolina? I wrote about it here in 2015. This portion of the trail is also fairly difficult and is not recommended for novice hikers or lone hikers. Haha.thats Sam! The older man smiled wide and pulled a treat from his pocket. Youll have to be real careful, He said. Not only is Waterrock Knob the trail you need to take to get to the airplane crash, it also offers amazing views of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Although we were dealing with low visibility, we knew we had reached Browning Knob once the forest cleared and we came to another lookout. The bodies are gone and buried elsewhere. Shockingly enough, you can even make a day of it! You will hike to the beautiful Waterrock knob and Browning knob on your way to the plane crash site. What! If you are facing the visitor center, the trail follows an incline on the right. Heres What You Should Know, 29 Best Restaurants in Pigeon Forge, Ranked [2023], Great Smoky Mountains National Park Entrance Fees, What You Should Know, Smoky Mountains in March: Events in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge [2023], A Simple Guide to Smoky Mountain Parking Passes, Park it Forward.