Fishing
To fish in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you need a valid Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license. Licenses can be obtained from the Tennessee Government Website or the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Know your fish before you go–the possession of brook trout (brookie) is prohibited. A combination of five rainbow and brown trout per day (minimum 7 inches) is the limit. Only artificial lures and flies may...
How to Get to Clingmans Dome in the Smoky Mountains
The drive to Clingmans Dome in the Smoky Mountains, a highlight of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a 7-mile, scenic Smoky Mountain drive on Clingmans Dome Road from Newfound Gap Road. Along the road, photo opportunities are abundant with of plenty areas to pull off to view the mountains as well as several short walking trails to enjoy. As the highest point in the national park – and the highest point in all of Tennessee –...
Camping
All backcountry campers need a free backcountry permit. They are available at most ranger stations and visitor centers. Anyone staying overnight in the backcountry must camp in a designated site or shelter. Campers need reservations to stay in a shelter. Fourteen tent areas also require reservations. Campers can make reservations by calling (865)436-1231 daily during regular business hours. For questions about the backcountry (but not...
Biking
You can rent bicycles and helmets for a bicycling tour at the Cades Cove Campground Store found, appropriately enough, in the Cades Cove Campground. The bicycle equipment is available $7.50 per hour for adults and $4.50 per hour for children (under 10). Helmets are included in the rental price. You can reach the Cades Cove Campground store at 865-448-9034. Some Smoky Mountain vacationers find the 11 mile Cades Cove Loop Road too...
Campgrounds
There is a beautiful campground at the entrance to Cades Cove and several backcountry sites accessible via the hiking trails. The largest campground by far is the one on the left as you enter the Cades Cove area. It has one hundred and fifty nine campsites some of which are wheelchair accessible. Sites handle trailers up to thirty five feet. Motor homes can be a little larger-forty feet. The sites have picnic tables, fire rings and...