New GSMP visitor center opens in Townsend

The newest Welcome Center for Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been opened in Townsend. The Great Smoky Mountains Association opened the Great Smokies Welcome Center at 7929 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, which will be a key site for visitors accessing the national park through Townsend, which is close to areas like Cades Cove. The center will provide information about the park and sell souvenirs, parking tags, and other park items. The facility had been the Great Smoky Mountains and Blount Partnership’s visitor center since 1992, but has since become too small for both organizations to use. The organizations moved to a facility across the road, opening up their former location for use as a visitors center.