Purchase Knob Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Discover breathtaking mountain vistas and rewarding hikes at Purchase Knob, a gem in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Purchase Knob Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover breathtaking mountain vistas and rewarding hikes at Purchase Knob, a gem in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
"The views at the top are pretty nice, but it's just so much work to get to the top."
🚗 Parking Pass Needed
A parking tag is required for any stop over 15 mins. Buy online or at visitor centers.
📱 Check Park Alerts
Road closures can happen! Always check park status before you go.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Purchase Knob Trail
Purchase Knob Learning Center
A rewarding hike with beautiful views, accessible even with a jogging stroller. Call ahead to confirm access.
+1
Scenic Overlooks
Various points along park roads
Capture breathtaking panoramic views of the rolling mountains and lush valleys. Perfect for a quick stop and photo op.
Wildlife Sightings
Throughout the park
Keep an eye out for black bears, elk, and other native wildlife in their natural habitat. Remember to maintain a safe distance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Pass Required
Check Road Status
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Pass Needed
A parking tag is required for any stop over 15 mins. Buy online or at visitor centers. +1
📱 Check Park Alerts
Road closures can happen! Always check park status before you go. +1
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Many trails involve inclines. Good footwear is essential for enjoying the hikes.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning mountain vistas and potential wildlife encounters.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Pass Needed
A parking tag is required for any stop over 15 mins. Buy online or at visitor centers. +1
📱 Check Park Alerts
Road closures can happen! Always check park status before you go. +1
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Many trails involve inclines. Good footwear is essential for enjoying the hikes.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning mountain vistas and potential wildlife encounters.
🐻 Wildlife Safety
Observe animals from a distance. Never feed them.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the stunning natural beauty and rewarding hikes, particularly at Purchase Knob, though some note the steepness of the trail. Access can sometimes be an issue, with reports of unpleasant individuals near the trailhead. The requirement for a parking pass is a new consideration for visitors.
"The access point for this trail is indeed closed. Sadly there are two yuppies who have made it their goal in life to make it so you cannot access the hike and enjoy some nature. They are quiet rude, and will try to ruin your day if you drive down the gravel road. Don’t go unless you want to deal with unpleasant humans.. Their names are James and Don (Donald) in case you wanted to know."
Hike Teeter
"The hike up is a steep incline, and about 1.5 miles UP. Beware! The views at the top are pretty nice, but it's just so much work to get to the top."
Monica P
"Beautiful views, and much closer (from Maggie Valley)
and easier to get to than Max Patch....just make sure you call ahead to make sure they will be open!"
Bernie Mayer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Purchase Knob is best accessed via Hemphill Road, often by Googling 'Purchase Knob Learning Center'. Some visitors have noted issues with other access points and suggest calling ahead to confirm they will be open.
Yes, you can drive to Purchase Knob. The road is a gravel road, and it's recommended to check conditions and access before you go.
Key scenic drives include the Roaring Fork Motor Trail, Cades Cove Loop, and Newfound Gap Road, which offers access to numerous overlooks and trailheads. +3
Currently, there are no public shuttle services operating within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for general access to trailheads or attractions.
Having a reliable GPS or map is recommended, as cell service can be spotty. Many visitors use their phones for navigation but download offline maps as a backup.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free. However, a parking tag is required for any vehicle parked for longer than 15 minutes. +1
Yes, if you plan to park for longer than 15 minutes at Purchase Knob or any other location within the park, you will need a valid parking tag.
Parking passes can be purchased online through the park's official website or at various visitor centers and automated pay stations within the park.
It's advisable to call ahead to confirm the operating hours and accessibility of Purchase Knob, as access can sometimes be restricted.
Currently, there are no timed entry requirements for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park itself, but parking passes are mandatory for longer stops.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike up Purchase Knob is described as a steep incline, approximately 1.5 miles one way. It offers beautiful views at the top, and some visitors have successfully used jogging strollers.
Popular scenic drives include the Roaring Fork Motor Trail for historical sites and waterfalls, Cades Cove Loop for wildlife viewing, and Newfound Gap Road for stunning mountain vistas. +3
The park is home to black bears, elk, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species. Remember to observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Yes, trails like the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail are relatively flat and family-friendly. The Kephart Prong Trail is also a popular choice.
Beyond the main attractions, consider exploring areas like Tremont Road for a less crowded experience or seeking out lesser-known waterfalls like Ramsey Cascades. +2
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic spots include Clingmans Dome for panoramic views, the overlooks along Newfound Gap Road, and the historic structures in Cades Cove. The fall colors are particularly photogenic. +2
Early mornings and late afternoons (golden hours) offer the best light for landscape photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a warm glow.
Yes, but always maintain a safe distance and use a zoom lens. Getting too close can disturb the animals and is dangerous.
No, drone usage is prohibited in all national parks, including Great Smoky Mountains National Park, for safety and wildlife protection reasons.
Look for reflections in streams, historic buildings, and the vibrant fall foliage. The mist often seen in the mornings can add a magical quality to your shots. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Cell service can be unreliable within the park, making offline maps or a physical map essential for navigation.
Hiking and Trails in the Smokies
For families or those looking for easier walks, the Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail are relatively flat and offer pleasant strolls along the river.
Experiencing Wildlife and Nature
Beyond wildlife, the park's natural beauty is breathtaking. From the misty mountain peaks visible from Clingmans Dome
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit