A major gorge park known as the Grand Canyon of the East, with waterfalls, overlooks, hiking, camping and extensive scenic drives.
Best for
Waterfalls; scenic drives; hiking; families; photography; full-day outdoor trips
Typical visit
4–8 hours / overnight
Hours summary
Open year-round, generally 6 AM–11 PM. Roads, trails, camping, concessions and programs have separate seasonal schedules.
Reservation guidance
Day use is flexible; lodging, camping and some programs should be reserved.
Food
Seasonal dining/concessions
Outdoor seating
Yes
Lake view
River gorge
Dog policy
Leashed
Child / family fit
Yes
Accessibility
Yes — selected overlooks/facilities
Group suitability
Yes
Important caution
The park is enormous; road closures, weather and seasonal facility schedules can significantly affect routing.
Last verified
2026-08-15