Great Smoky Mountains National Park


Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park. Plan your visit today!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the borders of the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. The three main entrances to the park are in Gatlinburg, TN; Townsend, TN; and Cherokee, NC.

  • Arts and Culture
  • Live Music
  • Auto and ATV
  • Scenic Driving
  • Astronomy
  • Stargazing
  • Biking
  • Road Biking
  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Car or Front Country Camping
  • Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
  • Group Camping
  • RV Camping
  • Fishing
  • Freshwater Fishing
  • Fly Fishing
  • Food
  • Picnicking
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Auto
  • Hands-On
  • Citizen Science
  • Hiking
  • Backcountry Hiking
  • Front-Country Hiking
  • Horse Trekking
  • Horse Camping (see also camping)
  • Horseback Riding
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Park Film
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store


The "Wildflower National Park"

A hillside in the forest covered with white trillium flowers

Wildflowers, such as these white trillium, can be found blooming from February through November in the park.

Fall Colors Near Newfound Gap

Bright gold and red leaves shine through the fog in a forest.

Fall leaf season is one of the busiest times of year in the park.

Frosty Morning in Cades Cove

A thick layer of frost covers the fields, trees, and mountains in Cades Cove.

Wintertime brings a quiet beauty to the Great Smoky Mountains.

Fall Meets Winter

Gold and red fall colors fill the valleys while snow coats the mountain tops.

In spring and fall, weather in the foothills can be pleasant, while snow and cold rule on the mountain tops.

A Foggy Morning at Cades Cove Methodist Church

Tombstones stand in front of a white, wooden church on a foggy morning.

Historic buildings such as churches, gristmills, barns, and homes allow visitors to get a feel for life in the mountains before the national park was created.

The Waters of Roaring Fork Below Grotto Falls

Rhododendron bushes line the banks of a stream filled with large boulders.

Abundant rainfall means lush forests and beautiful stream scenes in the Great Smoky Mountains.

"Smoke" Rising From the Mountains

Wisps of fog hang over the forests in the mountains.

The park gets its name from mists that often rise like smoke from the mountains.