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 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 Little River Trail
Once a railroad bed, the Little River Trail now offers a peaceful hike through the Elkmont area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As you follow the river’s gentle flow, you’ll pass remnants of the old Elkmont community—stone chimneys and foundations quietly tucked into the forest.
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.
Drive Foothills Parkway (Chilhowee to Walland)
Drive 16.6 miles (26.7 km) one-way on Foothills Parkway from Chilhowee to Walland.
Drive Foothills Parkway (Walland to Wears Valley)
Drive 14.75 miles (23.74 km) one-way on Foothills Parkway from Walland to Wears Valley.
Drive Foothills Parkway (Cosby to I-40)
Drive 5.6 miles (9.01 km) one-way on Foothills Parkway from Cosby to I-40.
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
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…
Balsam Mountain Campground
43 sites · $30/night
Balsam Mountain Campground is surrounded by mountain ranges and streams. With an elevation of 5,310 feet (1,618 m), summer daytime temperatures rarely exceed 7…
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…
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…
Cades Cove Group Campground
3 sites · $35/night
Cades Cove combines the feel of primitive camping with the modern convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. A camp store provides visitors with basic ne…
Cataloochee Campground
27 sites · $30/night
Cataloochee Campground is located in the historic Cataloochee Valley surrounded by mountain ranges and pristine streams. With an elevation of 2,610 feet (796 m…
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 Bradley Fork Trail, Hike Little River Trail, Hike the Gatlinburg Trail, Drive Foothills Parkway (Chilhowee to Walland). 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 Abrams Creek Campground, Balsam Mountain Campground, Big Creek Campground. See Campgrounds above for site counts, fees, and booking links.