Between North Carolina and Tennessee lies ridges upon ridges of forests that straddle the stateline. America's most visited park is home to diverse plant and animal life, beautiful ancient mountains, and the culture of the Southern Appalachian mountain culture.
Current Park Alerts
Live from the National Park Service · Official park site →
Plan Your Visit
Hours & Season
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.
Weather
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.
Things to Do
Hike the Gatlinburg Trail
Enjoy a riverside stroll approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) roundtrip through a cove hardwood forest along one of the only dog- and bike-friendly trails in the park. This trail includes sections of sidewalks and roadsides as well as graded dirt path.
Hike to Chimney Tops Overlook
Hike 3.5 miles (5.6 km) roundtrip on this popular but challenging trail to enjoy views of surrounding mountains and the Chimney Tops pinnacles. This trail is steep and rocky at times, and includes bridges, stairs, and some lingering signs of 2016 wildfires.
Hike to Mount Le Conte on Bullhead Trail
One of five routes to Mount Le Conte, the Bullhead Trail offers consistent views. The strenuous hike is 13.6 miles (21.9 km) roundtrip. Near the beginning, visitors will see rocky cliffs and climb the Bullhead, a heath-covered bald that may resemble a bull's head from a distance.
Hike Smokemont Nature Trail
Hike 0.62-mile (1 km) roundtrip on Smokemont Nature Trail which provides a peaceful escape and views of the surrounding peaks.
Hike Bradley Fork Trail
The Bradley Fork Trail offers a scenic and diverse outdoor experience, featuring picturesque creeks, seasonal wildflowers, fishing access, horseback riding opportunities, and backcountry camping.
Hike to Chasteen Creek Cascade
Hike 3.6 miles (5.8 km) roundtrip through hardwood forest following the path of mountain streams to a peaceful cascade. This trail is wide, well-graded, and regularly used by both hikers and horse riders.
Getting There
Address: 107 Park Headquarters Road Gatlinburg TN 37738
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.
Get driving directions → Official NPS directions →Where to Stay – Campgrounds
Smokemont Campground
142 sites · $30/night
Smokemont Campground—open year-round—is the closest family campground to Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the South District of the park. At 2,198 feet (670 m), w…
Cades Cove Campground
161 sites · $30/night
Cades Cove Campground—open year-round—combines the feel of primitive camping with the modern convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. With an elevation…
Elkmont Campground
211 sites · $30/night
Elkmont Campground is the closest family campground to Sugarlands Visitor Center in the North District of the park. At 2,150 feet (655 m), winters are mild and…
Cosby Campground
157 sites · $30/night
Cosby Campground is tucked in the mountains under a canopy of shade. With an elevation of 2,459 feet (750 m), Cosby provides a moderate climate, characterized …
Abrams Creek Campground
16 sites · $30/night
Abrams Creek Campground is located beside beautiful Abrams Creek in a remote and secluded setting. With an elevation of 1,125 feet (343 m), the climate is mode…
Big Creek Campground
12 sites · $30/night
Big Creek Campground is located beside the beautiful Big Creek in a remote and secluded setting. With an elevation of 1,700 feet (518 m), the climate is modera…
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Great Smoky Mountains National Park open?
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.
What are the best things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Popular things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park include Hike the Gatlinburg Trail, Hike to Chimney Tops Overlook, Hike to Mount Le Conte on Bullhead Trail, Hike Smokemont Nature Trail. See Things to Do above for photos and details.
Are there campgrounds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Yes — Great Smoky Mountains National Park has 13 campgrounds, including Smokemont Campground, Cades Cove Campground, Elkmont Campground. See Campgrounds above for site counts, fees, and booking links.