This small bookstore/visitor center is located about half-way around the Cades Cove loop road. Constructed in the 1970s, the bookstore occupies a replica of a 19th century log cabin. As you enter, the register and small information area is to your left with the bookstore occupying the remainder of the building. Adjacent to the bookstore is a replica of an early 20th century farmstead: including a working grist mill and various other historic structures.

Roughly half-way through the Cades Cove Loop Road, pause to speak with park staff and visit various exhibits. Learn about Southern Mountain life and culture, and see a gristmill (operates spring through fall), the Becky Cable house, and other historic structures. Enjoy seasonal ranger-led activities and peruse the park bookstore and shop. Public restrooms available.

A park visitor center built like a log cabin with a covered porch, chimney, and paved approach ramp.

Front of Cades Cove Visitor Center

Puzzles, DVDs, postcards, and other items displayed on shelves in a room with wood panel ceiling.

Cades Cove Visitor Center

Bookshelves and displays of key chains, postcards, and more by a fireplace with mugs on the mantel.

Inside the Cades Cove Visitor Center

Gravel path leading to the Cades Cove Visitor Center, a 19th century replica log cabin

A split rail fence by multiple walkways with two people walking towards buildings and trees.

View from Cades Cove Visitor Center

Wednesdays from May to September (Vehicle-Free Days)

Winter Hours

Closed on Christmas Day

Circle stamp Great Smoky Mountains National Park , Cades Cove

Cades Cove Passport Stamp

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Cades Cove

This stone building was constructed in the 1930s and served originally as a restroom. Today it houses a park bookstore and souvenir shop. Knowledgeable volunteers provide information and a small assortment of exhibits convey information about air quality.

Enjoy sweeping views of the Smokies, weather permitting, and get your park questions answered. Peruse a small bookstore and shop. Public restrooms are available.

A sign that says "Clingmans Dome Information Center & Store" beside stairs near a brick building

View approaching the Clingmans Dome Information Center and Store

A small group of people observing bookshelves and displays in a park bookstore.

Inside the Clingmans Dome Information Center and Bookstore

A building with exterior walls of various sized stones and a brown roof in front of evergreen trees.

Outside the Clingmans Dome Information Center and Bookstore

Rolling blue mountains below a partly cloudy sky with grass, shrubs, and trees in the foreground.

View on a clear day from Clingmans Dome parking lot

Bookshelves and display structures with tshirts, stuffed animals, mugs, and other items for sale.

Inside Clingmans Dome Bookstore

Clingmans Dome Visitor Contact Station

November

Closed in Winter

Circle stamp for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Clingmans Dome

Passport Stamp Clingmans Dome

Passport Stamp for Great Smoky Mountains Clingmans Dome

As you approach the visitor center, a large welcoming porch overlooks the Mountain Farm Museum and rocking chairs invite visitors to rest a while and enjoy the view. Once inside, you're met by a small exhibit area and fireplace with a monitor showcasing helpful information. To the left, there is a visitor center desk where you will find a knowledgeable group of volunteers and park rangers to assist with questions, directions and swearing in Jr. Rangers. Straight ahead there is an exhibit area that offers a glimpse of the park's establishment along a timeline from the Cherokee to early European settlement. To the right, there is a bookstore/souvenir shop. There's something for everyone!

Near Cherokee, North Carolina, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center is an ideal starting point as you enter the park's South District. Explore cultural history exhibits. Enjoy ranger-led programs conducted seasonally. Peruse the park bookstore and shop. Find public restrooms and drink vending machines. The adjacent Mountain Farm Museum contains a collection of log structures including a farmhouse, barn, smokehouse, applehouse, corn crib and others.

Grass and yellow flowers in front of a striking building with many windows, a porch, and a chimney.

Oconaluftee Visitor Center on a Sunny Day

A topographic map display in a room with large windows and a TV display plus park information

Inside OVC

A porch railing overlooking a grassy field with mountains and trees in the distance

View from OVC porch

Shelves and displays of merchandise like stuffed animals, books, postcards, clothes, and more.

Bookstore at OVC

A covered porch area with a chimney, benches, and light fixtures on the ceiling.

OVC porch

The front of a building with many windows divided by brown frames beside gray brick siding.

Front of Oconaluftee Visitor Center

Information panels about protecting park resources. Wooden and stone support beams in view.

Information Displays at Oconaluftee Visitor Center

Oconaluftee Visitor Center and administrative building adjacent to parking lot.

Oconaluftee Visitor Center

Great Smoky Mountains stamp Oconaluftee, NC

Oconaluftee Visitor Center passport 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Oconaluftee, NC

Once in the visitor center, you're met at the door by a black bear exhibit. Next, there is a large relief map of the entire Smoky Mountains and it's trails. At the front desk you will find a knowledgeable group of employees to assist with questions, directions and swearing in Jr. Rangers. There's a monitor on the wall showcasing the webcams throughout the park, with helpful information such as temperature, elevation, and more. Then you walk into the exhibit area. It displays some of the animals and plants that live or once lived in the Smokies. Head into the bookstore/souvenir shop. There's something for everyone in there. No cash? No worries, there's an ATM just outside of the store.

Near Gatlinburg, TN, Sugarlands Visitor Center is an excellent starting point as you enter the park's North District. Learn about the park's plants and animals with natural history exhibits. Enjoy ranger-led programs conducted seasonally. Peruse the park bookstore and shop. Access public restrooms and drink vending machines. The Backcountry Permit Office is here, too.

The entrance area to a building, including grass, trees, benches, sidewalks, and enclosed gardens.

Sugarlands Visitor Center in Early Spring

A curved wooden welcome desk with a shiny top in front of a brick column with a colorful sign

Sugarlands Visitor Center Front Desk

Sugarlands Visitor Center Museum

Park patrons looking for the perfect souvenir

Sugarlands Visitor Center Bookstore

Building with a snowy roof on a cloudy day. The nearby pavement looks wet and people are approaching

Sugarlands Visitor Center in Winter

Sugarlands Visitor Center

Circle Passport Stamp for Great Smoky Mountains National Park Sugarlands

Sugarlands Passport Stamp

Circle passport stamp for Great Smoky Mountains Sugarlands

Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park. Plan your visit today!