From National Parks
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. This National Park is known for its diversity of plant and animal life, its ancient mountains, and the quality of its Southern Appalachian mountain culture remnants. The park features a range of elevations, from approximately 875 feet to 6,643 feet. Ridge upon ridge of forest can be found here. Visitor centers include Oconaluftee, Kuwohi, Sugarlands, and Cades Cove. Visitors can find activities such as hiking, scenic driving, wildlife watching, fishing, camping, biking, and horseback riding.
Know Before You Go
- Designation
- National Park
- States
- NC, TN
- Entrance fee
- No entrance feeNPS data as of 2026-08-25
- Visitor Centers
- Four visitor centers are available: Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Kuwohi Visitor Center, Sugarlands Visitor Center, and Cades Cove Visitor Center.
- Camping
- There are 13 campgrounds, including Smokemont Campground, Cades Cove Campground, and Elkmont Campground.
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Nearby ParkQwest Places
- Andrew Johnson National Historic SiteNational Historic Site · Approximately 52 miles away (straight line)
- Blue Ridge ParkwayNational Parkway · Approximately 56 miles away (straight line)
- Carl Sandburg Home National Historic SiteNational Historic Site · Approximately 63 miles away (straight line)
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Kentucky, TennesseeNational Historical Park · Approximately 70 miles away (straight line)
- Obed Wild and Scenic RiverNational Wild and Scenic River · Approximately 81 miles away (straight line)
- Big South Fork National River and Recreation AreaNational River · Approximately 92 miles away (straight line)
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Season
Winter high temperatures average 41°F and low temperatures average 25°F. Oconaluftee, Sugarlands, and Cades Cove Visitor Centers have winter hours. Kuwohi Visitor Center is closed in winter. Oconaluftee, Sugarlands, and Cades Cove Visitor Centers are closed on Christmas Day. Newfound Gap Overlook may have seasonal access.
Stories & Guides
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Easy Trails & Scenic Stops
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Easy Trails & Scenic Stops Plan with current information. Conditions, roads, services, fees, and rules can change. Verify d…
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Family Adventure Guide
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Family Adventure Guide Plan with current information. Conditions, roads, services, fees, and rules can change. Verify detai…
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Don't-Miss Experiences
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Don't-Miss Experiences Plan with current information. Conditions, roads, services, fees, and rules can change. Verify detai…
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Packing Guide
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Packing Guide Plan with current information. Conditions, roads, services, fees, and rules can change. Verify details with t…
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: 3-Day Itinerary
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: 3-Day Itinerary Plan with current information. Conditions, roads, services, fees, and rules can change. Verify details with…
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Best Time to Visit
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Best Time to Visit Plan with current information. Conditions, roads, services, fees, and rules can change. Verify details w…
Notes
Designation Date: 06/15/1934
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!
Contact
Tags
News
Kuwohi Road Closure
Kuwohi Road Closure Park Alert · Great Smoky Mountains National Park · 10/17/2026 Kuwohi Road is closed due to forecasted ice creating hazardous driving conditi…
Adaptive Hike (TN)
Adaptive Hike (TN) Park Event · Great Smoky Mountains National Park · Oct 24, 2026 · 10:00 AM–12:30 PM Join us for an adaptive hike along the Porters Creek Trai…
Smokies Service Days - Fall Colors and Fire Safety
Smokies Service Days - Fall Colors and Fire Safety Park Event · Great Smoky Mountains National Park · Oct 24, 2026 · 9:00 AM–12:00 PM NPS Take in the stunning S…
Artist-in-Residence Program
Artist-in-Residence Program Park Event · Great Smoky Mountains National Park · Oct 24, 2026 · 10:00 AM–2:00 PM Artist-In-Residence, Jenna Marie Kesgen invites v…
Missing Hiker Sahil Jilani Found Deceased in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Missing Hiker Sahil Jilani Found Deceased in Great Smoky Mountains National Park NPS News Release · Great Smoky Mountains National Park · 10/13/2026 Missing hik…
Cherokee Orchard Road Closed to Pedestrian Traffic
Cherokee Orchard Road Closed to Pedestrian Traffic Park Alert · Great Smoky Mountains National Park · 10/13/2026 Cherokee Orchard Road Closed to Pedestrian Traf…