Wisps of fog hang over the forests in the mountains.

National Park · North Carolina, Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains is the most-visited national park in America — over 12 million people a year, more than Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Grand Canyon combined. There's no entrance fee, no timed entry, and the crowds are real. The reward is misty Appalachian ridges, 1,500 black bears, and the densest forest biodiversity in North America.

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Best time to visit

Mid-October for fall color (peak around October 20). April-May for wildflowers. Avoid summer weekends in Cades Cove unless you enjoy traffic jams.

How long you need

Two days. Three if you want to do a serious hike like Mount LeConte.

Don't miss

  • Cades Cove loop at sunrise on a weekday (not weekends, ever)
  • Clingmans Dome — highest point in the park, easy paved walk to the tower
  • Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
  • Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte (most popular route up)
  • Synchronous fireflies in early June (lottery)

What people get wrong

Treating Gatlinburg as the park. Gatlinburg is a busy tourist town next to the park — pancake houses, mini-golf, the works. The actual Smokies are quieter than they sound; most visitors never get more than 100 yards from their car.

About 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!

Things to do

  • 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

Weather & when to go

Elevations in the park range from approximately 875 feet (267 meters) to 6,643 feet (2,025 meters) and the topography can drastically affect local weather. Temperatures can vary by 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit from mountain base to top, and clear skies lower down do not guarantee equally pleasant weather at higher elevations.

Operating hours

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Primary roads are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round, weather permitting. This includes Newfound Gap Road (US-441), Little River Road, and Laurel Creek Road. Secondary roads are closed seasonally.

Campgrounds

FAQ

Is there an entrance fee?
No entrance fee, but as of 2023 a parking tag is required for any stop over 15 minutes. Buy daily, weekly, or annual at visitor centers or recreation.gov.
Where should I stay?
Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge on the Tennessee side. Cherokee or Bryson City on the North Carolina side, much quieter.
How do I see a bear?
Drive Cades Cove or Roaring Fork in early morning or evening. You don't need to look hard.

Related guides

Trip plans and deep-dives from the PeepTrip blog featuring Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Keep exploring

More parks in North Carolina, Tennessee.

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