Introduction
Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the Tennessee-North Carolina border with over 500,000 acres of breathtaking landscapes.
To make the most of your adventure, finding a convenient airport is essential.
Fortunately, several airports near the park offer easy access to America’s Most Visited National Park.
Each offers unique amenities, transport options, and proximity to popular park entrances.
Whether you're coming for the scenic trails, cascading waterfalls, or just to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Smokies, Shaka Guide’s here to make your travel as painless as possible.
Where is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park located?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s central location across Tennessee and North makes it easily accessible from several major cities in the region, including:
- Knoxville
- Tennessee
- Asheville
- North Carolina, and
- Gatlinburg, Tennessee
The park’s unique location and biodiverse environment make it a cherished and popular destination.
Each year, millions visit to experience its mist-covered mountains, vibrant wildlife, and rich history.
If you need to fly to the region to visit the park, you’ve got some options.
Let’s talk about the five closest airports to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in order of proximity.
Airports Nearest to Great Smoky Mountains
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McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
Located in Knoxville, Tennessee, about 45 minutes from the park’s Townsend entrance, McGhee Tyson is the closest major airport.
It offers a range of domestic flights with connections to many U.S. cities.
Knoxville’s proximity to the Tennessee side of the park makes this a popular choice for visitors looking for quick access to the trails and scenic areas.
- Location: 2055 Alcoa Hwy, Alcoa, TN 37701
- Contact Number: (865) 342-3000
- McGhee Tyson Airport Site
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
About an hour and 20 minutes from the Oconaluftee entrance on the North Carolina side, Asheville Regional Airport is another convenient option.
This airport offers flights from several major airlines, making it a convenient option for travelers.
It’s ideal for exploring North Carolina attractions, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and historic sites.
- Location: 61 Terminal Dr #1, Fletcher, NC 28732
- Contact Number: (828) 684-2226
- Asheville Regional Airport Site
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)
Approximately 2 hours from the park, this airport serves the Greenville-Spartanburg area in South Carolina.
It has a wider selection of flights than some smaller airports, making it a solid option for visitors who prefer a larger airport experience.
- Location: 2000 GSP Dr, Greer, SC 29651
- Contact Number: (864) 877-7426
- Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport Site
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Located about 3 hours from the park, Charlotte Douglas is a major hub with a large number of domestic and international flights.
Though it’s further from the park, it’s a good choice for those looking for a wider range of flights and amenities. American Airlines operates a hub here.
- Location: 5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28208
- Contact Number: (704) 359-4013
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport Site
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Roughly 3.5 hours away, this is one of the busiest airports in the world.
Although it’s a longer drive, this airport offers a wide selection of flights, including international ones.
It’s ideal for visitors from abroad or those needing more flight options.
- Location: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy Suite 4000, Atlanta, GA 30320
- Contact Number: (800) 897-1910
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Site
Map of Airports Closest to the Great Smoky Mountains
Explore Great Smoky Mountain with Shaka Guide
Shaka Guide’s tour of Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers 37 fun-filled stops and over 98 audio tracks of stories and driving directions.
Start the tour in Cherokee, North Carolina, or Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Visit can’t-miss stops like the Oconaluftee Mountain Museum, Alum Cave Trail, Sugarlands, Elkmont, Roaring Fork, and Cades Cove!
Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tour!
We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.
For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Great Smoky Mountains National Park Itinerary and Know Before You Go article.
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