About Great Smoky Mountains
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
Popular trails
Curated routes with approximate round-trip distance. In the app, tap one to log it.
- Alum Cave Trail5.0 mi
- Laurel Falls Trail2.6 mi
- Chimney Tops Trail3.4 mi
- Andrews Bald Trail3.6 mi
- Appalachian Trail (Park Section)72.0 mi
- Ramsey Cascades Trail8.0 mi
- Gregory Bald Trail11.0 mi
Camping
Approximately 931 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reservations are strongly recommended in peak season (June – October).
Best time to visit
Peak season: June – October. The park is open year-round, though some roads and facilities close or run reduced hours in winter.
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.
Getting there
Nearest city: Knoxville, TN. Park center: 35.610°, -83.530°.
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.
Common questions
How much does it cost to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Entry is Free. An America the Beautiful annual pass covers entrance fees at every national park.
When is the best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains?
Peak season is June – October. The park is open year-round, with some roads and facilities on reduced winter schedules. 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.
Can you camp in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Yes — about 931 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reserve ahead in peak season.
What is the closest city to Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Knoxville, TN is the nearest major city. 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.
What are the best hikes in Great Smoky Mountains?
Popular trails include Alum Cave Trail (5.0 mi), Laurel Falls Trail (2.6 mi), Chimney Tops Trail (3.4 mi), Andrews Bald Trail (3.6 mi). The park has roughly 800 named trails.
Plan your trip
The practical bits, so more of the weekend goes to the trail.