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5 Reasons you need to stop at Sugarlands Visitor Center

April 19, 2016 By Nedra McDaniel 8 Comments

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5 Reasons you need to stop at Sugarlands Visitor Center

I LOVE to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park whenever I’m near Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Each time that I visit, I feel recharged and discover something new.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park sign

Stop for a Quick Photo Op at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Sign

As you enter the National Park, you have plenty of room to pull over to take a picture by the National Park sign.

Generations of families have been taking pictures at this sign each time that they visit.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park 6

I also recommend checking out the view of the creek on the short trail nearby.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park creek

Kids will enjoy skipping stones and climbing on the rocks.

Sugarlands Discovery Center building

Visit Sugarlands Visitor Center

I highly recommend stopping at Sugarlands Visitor Center as soon as you enter the National Park. Why?

The Visitor Center is located only 2 miles south of downtown Gatlinburg

Sugarlands Discovery Center is located at 1420 Fighting Creek Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN.

(865) 436-1200

Don’t Forget to Take a Bathroom Break at the Visitor Center

The Visitor Center is a great rest stop before you drive to other trailheads that might not have restrooms available within the National Park.

Cataract Falls Trail sign

Ask for Tips for Your Visit From the Park Rangers

The Park Rangers will help you determine the best trails for your time constraints, physical ability, and interests.

Each time that we have stopped at the Visitor Center, a park ranger has been super helpful in assisting us in determining how to maximize our time.

They also give you a map which comes in handy because GPS is not always reliable.

The park rangers can also update you on any road closures that could impact your travels.

Cataract Falls

Take a Quick Hike to Cataract Falls!

I’m so mad at myself for not discovering this gem sooner!

Cataract Falls with sign

This EASY (3/4 mile round trip) trail takes you to a waterfall from the Sugarlands Visitor Center.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park 4

Along the trail, you can walk across a small bridge on the trail or challenge yourself to walk across a giant tree trunk if you are feeling more adventurous.

Sugarlands Discovery Center 2

Learn More About What to Expect in the Park

There are natural history exhibits inside the Visitor Center that explain more about the wildlife you could see in the park.

Sugarlands Discovery Center 3

There is also a free 20-minute film about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park which could come in handy on a rainy day.

Sugarlands Visitor will definitely help give you a great start to your adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains.

More Great Smoky Mountains Related Articles

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Unique Adventures to try in the Smoky Mountains

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Unique Things to Do in Pigeon Forge

Year Round Adventures at Ober Gatlinburg

Why You Need to Visit Anakeesta in Gatlinburg

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5 Reasons you need to stop at Sugarlands Visitor Center

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Filed Under: Family Adventures, Adventures with Water, Featured, Fitness Fun, Outdoor Adventure, Travel, Uncategorized Tagged With: Cataract Falls, Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, hiking trails, Sugarlands Visitor Center, trail

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Comments

  1. Brittany Putman

    April 19, 2016 at 4:10 pm

    I love the Smokies and was just there last week. I never heard of cataract falls either but I will have to go next time.

Trackbacks

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    […] visit to Sugarlands Visitor Center– We wanted to make the most of our time by balancing nature and adventure. […]

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