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About

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina in the southeastern United States. Covering approximately 816 square miles (2,114 sq km), it is the most visited national park in the United States and one of the most biologically diverse protected areas in North America.

Established in 1934, the park protects a vast landscape of ancient mountains, dense forests, cascading streams, and rich cultural heritage. In 1983, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its exceptional biodiversity and ecological significance. Situated between Knoxville and Asheville, the park preserves a large portion of the Appalachian Mountains and serves as one of America’s premier natural treasures.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is best known for its mist-covered mountain ridges, spectacular autumn colors, and extraordinary biodiversity. The name “Smoky” comes from the natural blue haze that frequently blankets the mountains, creating an ethereal appearance that has captivated visitors for generations.

Millions of people visit the park annually to enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, camping, fishing, scenic drives, photography, and historic preservation sites. Popular destinations include Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park, Cades Cove, and the scenic Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. The park’s combination of natural beauty and accessibility has made it one of the most beloved outdoor destinations in the United States.

The geography of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is defined by rugged mountain ridges, deep valleys, forested slopes, and thousands of miles of streams. Elevations range from approximately 875 feet (267 meters) to 6,643 feet (2,025 meters) at Clingmans Dome. This dramatic variation in elevation creates a wide range of climatic conditions and ecological communities.

The park contains some of the oldest mountains on Earth, shaped by hundreds of thousands of years of geological activity and erosion. Dense hardwood forests dominate lower elevations, while spruce-fir forests found near the highest peaks resemble ecosystems more commonly associated with Canada. More than 2,900 miles of streams flow through the park, supporting healthy aquatic habitats and contributing to its ecological richness.

Wildlife within Great Smoky Mountains National Park is among the most diverse in the United States. The park supports approximately 65 species of mammals, including black bears, white-tailed deer, elk, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, and river otters. Black bears have become one of the park’s most iconic animals, with an estimated population of more than 1,500 individuals.

Birdlife is exceptional, with over 240 recorded species including wild turkeys, pileated woodpeckers, peregrine falcons, warblers, and barred owls. The park is also renowned for its salamander diversity and is often called the “Salamander Capital of the World.” Thousands of plant species, insects, fungi, and aquatic organisms contribute to one of the richest ecosystems in North America.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park plays a critical role in conserving the biodiversity and cultural heritage of the Appalachian region. The park protects one of the largest remaining tracts of old-growth forest in eastern North America, preserves historic Appalachian communities, and safeguards watersheds that support countless species. Its conservation significance is often compared to Shenandoah National Park and Blue Ridge Parkway because of its ecological value and scenic beauty.

However, the Smokies’ unmatched biodiversity, ancient forests, and cultural history give it a distinctive place among the world’s protected areas. Today, Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains one of America’s most treasured landscapes, preserving a remarkable environment where mountains, wildlife, forests, and human history continue to coexist.

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Things to See

The various landscapes are the highlight of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The views change seasonally with over 1,400 flower species decorating the spring and early summer months. The fall foliage that decorates the rolling mountain ranges is another highlight that draws millions over visitors. It is the most visited national park in the United States.

Laurel Falls is an 80-foot (24 m) waterfall which can be accessed through a short easy paved path. Clingman’s Dome observation deck is also accessed through a short-paved path.

Apart from the scenic drives through the park, the best way to experience the Great Smokey Mountains is hiking the numerous trails found throughout the park. Backpacking and camping are also common ways to enjoy the park.

Popular

Popular

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, is a biodiverse sanctuary famed for its ancient mountains and rich array of wildlife, drawing visitors eager to glimpse the park’s inhabitants in their lush, natural habitat.

American Black Bear – The park’s most iconic animal, American Black Bears are frequently observed foraging in forests and meadows, a symbol of the wild Appalachian wilderness.

Elk – Reintroduced to the park in 2001, Elk have thrived, their majestic antlers and bugling calls in the fall drawing visitors to Cataloochee Valley.

White-tailed Deer – Abundant throughout the park, White-tailed Deer are often seen at dawn and dusk, grazing in clearings and along the edges of forests.

Wild Turkey – Large and surprisingly agile, Wild Turkeys roam the park’s forests and fields, their presence a testament to successful conservation efforts in the region.

Salamanders – Dubbed the “Salamander Capital of the World,” the park is home to a vast diversity of salamanders, thriving in its streams and moist forests.

Pileated Woodpecker – This large, striking bird, known for its distinctive call and powerful pecking, is often seen and heard in the park’s woodlands.

Eastern Screech Owl – Small and camouflaged, the Eastern Screech Owl’s haunting trills and whinnies fill the night air, adding to the park’s nocturnal mystique.

Raccoon – Common yet charismatic, Raccoons are skilled foragers, often spotted along the park’s waterways and campgrounds, their masked faces a familiar sight.

River Otter – Once nearly extirpated from the area, River Otters have made a successful comeback, delighting visitors with their playful antics in the park’s streams.

Synchronous Fireflies – Although not wildlife in a traditional sense, the park’s synchronous fireflies offer a magical display in early summer, lighting up the night in synchronized flashes.

The wildlife of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, from the stealthy American Black Bear to the enchanting synchronous fireflies, enriches the visitor experience, showcasing the profound biodiversity and natural beauty of America’s most visited national park.

Things To Do

Engaging Great Smoky Mountains

Hiking

Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts over 800 miles of trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks. Explore cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and panoramic vistas while immersing yourself in the park’s natural beauty and biodiversity. Highlights include the Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte, offering stunning views and unique geological formations, and the Clingmans Dome Trail, leading to the highest peak in the park.

Scenic Drives

Experience the park’s beauty from the comfort of your car by embarking on one of its scenic drives. The Cades Cove Loop Road and Newfound Gap Road both offer breathtaking views of the mountains, forests, and valleys, with numerous pull-offs and overlooks for photo opportunities and picnics. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you traverse through the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Clingmans Dome Observation Tower

Ascend to one of the park’s lookout towers for unparalleled panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Climb to the top of Clingmans Dome Observation Tower, the highest point in the park, for sweeping vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Alternatively, visit the historic fire tower at Mount Cammerer, accessible via a challenging hike, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness.

These lookout towers offer a unique perspective of the park’s vast expanse, making them a must-visit for photographers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts alike.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Trails

The Great Smokey Mountain National Park is renowned for a place to hike to your heart’s content.  There are well over 300 different hiking trails that visitors can trek to explore the national park and the abundant wilderness that awaits. The trails range from easy escape to difficult challenging adventures.

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Laurel Falls Trail

The ease and accessibility of this trail make it one of the most popular in the park.  It is a 2.4-mile (3.86 km) journey with an elevation gain of 396 feet (120.70 m) while traveling on a paved journey out to the stunning Laurel Falls. There is a chance to see wildlife, but the hike is really about exploring the forest and seeing the beautiful waterfall.

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Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Trail

This is a 1.2 mile (1.93 km) trek over a terrain that gives is a moderate rating.  Once you make the hike, the reward is the observation tower that gives captivating panoramic views of the entire area in each direction.  The mountain is the highest point in the national park, which means the tower will give you the greatest panoramic view possible.

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Chimney Tops Trail

This is a difficult rated 3.6-mile (5.79 km) with an ascent of 1,289 feet (392.88 m) while crossing rivers and trekking through the exquisite forest.  The trail is rocky and quite an adventure.

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Grotto Falls Trail

This is a popular trail that meanders through the forest out to a cascading waterfall. The terrain is rugged and ascends over 534 feet (162.76 m) while making the ascent up to where you will see the waterfall.

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Rainbow Falls Trail

This is a challenging trail that ascends up 1,653 feet (503.83 m) over 5.5 miles (8.85 km).  The trail features a cascading river as well as a cascading rocky waterfall.  There is a chance of seeing wildlife while traversing through the forest and up the mountain.

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Emerald Lake Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 3.6 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 650 feet (198 meters)

Description: This popular trail offers stunning alpine scenery, leading hikers past Nymph Lake and Dream Lake before reaching the spectacular Emerald Lake, nestled at the base of Hallett Peak. Along the way, hikers are treated to beautiful wildflowers, crystal-clear lakes, and panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, making it an unforgettable experience in Rocky Mountain National Park.

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Bear Lake Loop

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: 0.6 miles round trip with minimal elevation gain

Description: This accessible, family-friendly loop circles the beautiful Bear Lake, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains reflected in its clear waters. The trail is well-maintained and offers interpretive signs, making it an excellent option for all ages and abilities to experience the beauty of the park without a strenuous hike.

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Sky Pond Trail

Rating: Strenuous

Distance and Elevation Gain: 9 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 1,780 feet (543 meters)

Description: The hike to Sky Pond takes adventurers through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the park, including the majestic Timberline Falls and the serene Glass Lake. The trail is challenging, with some steep and rocky sections, but rewards hikers with spectacular views of the rugged terrain, cascading waterfalls, and the crystal-clear Sky Pond.

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Alberta Falls Trail

Rating: Easy to Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 1.6 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 160 feet (49 meters)

Description: Starting from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead or Bear Lake, this hike leads to the picturesque Alberta Falls, one of the park’s most popular waterfalls. The trail offers a relatively easy walk through pine forests and aspen groves, culminating in the powerful roar and sight of Alberta Falls cascading through the rocky terrain.

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Longs Peak Trail

Rating: Very Strenuous

Distance and Elevation Gain: 15 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 5,000 feet (1,524 meters)

Description: Longs Peak, the park’s highest summit, offers one of the most challenging hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. This strenuous climb involves steep grades, rocky terrain, and narrow ledges, including the infamous “Keyhole” route.

Experienced hikers are rewarded with unparalleled views from the summit and a sense of achievement. This hike requires preparation and caution due to its difficulty and exposure.

Park Protection

Great Smoky Mountains National ParkGreat Smoky Mountains National Park was created to protect one of the most biologically diverse temperate ecosystems on Earth. The park provides habitat for numerous species of conservation concern, including the endangered Indiana bat and several threatened aquatic species. Its forests support more than 19,000 documented species, with scientists believing thousands more remain undiscovered. Black bears, elk, salamanders, and hundreds of bird species thrive within the park’s extensive protected habitats.

The park is internationally renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity and contains one of the largest blocks of old-growth forest remaining in the eastern United States. It is especially famous for its diversity of salamanders, earning the nickname “Salamander Capital of the World.” Together, Great Smoky Mountains National Park protects ancient forests, rich wildlife communities, exceptional biodiversity, and one of the most important natural landscapes in eastern North America.

FAQ’s

What is Great Smoky Mountains National Park known for?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural history.

It is renowned for its vast expanses of old-growth forests, majestic mountain peaks, and abundant wildlife. The park is also famous for the ethereal blue haze that often envelops the mountains, giving them their “smoky” appearance and contributing to its name.

Additionally, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is recognized for its extensive network of hiking trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail, and its historic structures, such as log cabins and churches, which offer insights into the region’s pioneer heritage.

What is the main reason people visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is primarily visited for its scenic mountain landscapes, diverse wildlife, historic sites, waterfalls, and outstanding hiking opportunities. Located along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, the park protects over 500,000 acres of forests, streams, ridges, and valleys.

Visitors come to enjoy panoramic mountain views, explore historic Appalachian communities, hike portions of the Appalachian Trail, view wildflowers and fall foliage, observe wildlife, and experience America’s most visited national park.

What animals can visitors hope to see in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park supports approximately 65 mammal species and more than 30 reptile species. The park is internationally recognized for its exceptional biodiversity.

Some of the most notable animals found in Great Smoky Mountains National Park include:

  1. American Black Bear
  2. White-tailed Deer
  3. Elk
  4. Coyote
  5. Bobcat
  6. Red Fox
  7. Gray Fox
  8. Raccoon
  9. River Otter
  10. American Beaver
  11. Muskrat
  12. Mink
  13. Long-tailed Weasel
  14. Striped Skunk
  15. Virginia Opossum
  16. Eastern Cottontail
  17. Snowshoe Hare
  18. Eastern Gray Squirrel
  19. Fox Squirrel
  20. Southern Flying Squirrel
  21. Northern Flying Squirrel
  22. Eastern Chipmunk
  23. Groundhog
  24. Deer Mouse
  25. White-footed Mouse
  26. Woodland Vole
  27. Meadow Vole
  28. Meadow Jumping Mouse
  29. Woodland Jumping Mouse
  30. Northern Short-tailed Shrew
  31. Smoky Shrew
  32. Eastern Mole
  33. Star-nosed Mole
  34. Big Brown Bat
  35. Little Brown Bat
  36. Eastern Red Bat
  37. Hoary Bat
  38. Silver-haired Bat
  39. Evening Bat
  40. Northern Long-eared Bat
  41. Tricolored Bat
  42. Indiana Bat
  43. Rafinesque’s Big-eared Bat
  44. Eastern Small-footed Bat
  45. Seminole Bat
  46. Black Rat
  47. Cotton Mouse
  48. Harvest Mouse
  49. Various Rodent Species
  50. Various Small Mammals

What birds can visitors hope to see in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to more than 240 bird species. The park’s rich habitats make it one of the premier birdwatching destinations in the eastern United States.

Some of the most popular birds seen in Great Smoky Mountains National Park include:

  1. Bald Eagle
  2. Golden Eagle
  3. Red-tailed Hawk
  4. Red-shouldered Hawk
  5. Cooper’s Hawk
  6. Sharp-shinned Hawk
  7. Broad-winged Hawk
  8. Peregrine Falcon
  9. American Kestrel
  10. Great Horned Owl
  11. Barred Owl
  12. Eastern Screech-Owl
  13. Northern Saw-whet Owl
  14. Wild Turkey
  15. Pileated Woodpecker
  16. Red-bellied Woodpecker
  17. Downy Woodpecker
  18. Hairy Woodpecker
  19. Northern Flicker
  20. Belted Kingfisher
  21. Common Raven
  22. Blue Jay
  23. American Crow
  24. Carolina Chickadee
  25. Black-capped Chickadee
  26. Tufted Titmouse
  27. White-breasted Nuthatch
  28. Brown Creeper
  29. Carolina Wren
  30. Winter Wren
  31. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
  32. Wood Thrush
  33. Hermit Thrush
  34. Veery
  35. American Robin
  36. Cedar Waxwing
  37. Northern Mockingbird
  38. Black-and-white Warbler
  39. Blackburnian Warbler
  40. Black-throated Blue Warbler
  41. Yellow Warbler
  42. Canada Warbler
  43. Ovenbird
  44. Louisiana Waterthrush
  45. Scarlet Tanager
  46. Summer Tanager
  47. Rose-breasted Grosbeak
  48. Indigo Bunting
  49. Eastern Towhee
  50. Red-winged Blackbird

Is Great Smoky Mountains National Park worth visiting?

Yes, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is absolutely worth visiting and is one of the most popular national parks in the world.

The park offers exceptional hiking, beautiful waterfalls, rich Appalachian history, abundant wildlife, scenic mountain drives, and spectacular seasonal displays of wildflowers and fall colors. Visitors appreciate the park’s accessibility, diversity of landscapes, and wide range of activities for all skill levels.

The primary challenge is heavy visitation, especially during summer and fall foliage season.

What is the best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

The best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park is from April through June and from September through November.

Typical conditions include:

  • Spring: Wildflowers, waterfalls, and moderate temperatures.
  • Summer: Warm temperatures and lush forests.
  • Fall: Spectacular autumn foliage and comfortable hiking conditions.
  • Winter: Quiet trails and occasional snow at higher elevations.

October is often considered the most scenic month because of the brilliant fall colors.

How many days do you need to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Most visitors should plan for 2 to 4 days.

  • 1 day: Scenic drives and key viewpoints.
  • 2 days: Waterfalls, wildlife viewing, and short hikes.
  • 3–4 days: Historic sites, mountain trails, and multiple regions of the park.
  • 5+ days: Extensive hiking and backcountry exploration.

Longer visits allow visitors to experience the remarkable diversity of habitats and landscapes within the park.

How do you get to Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is accessible from both Tennessee and North Carolina.

Most visitors:

  1. Fly into McGhee Tyson Airport, Asheville Regional Airport, or Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
  2. Drive to gateway communities such as Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or Cherokee.
  3. Enter the park through one of several major access points.

The park is one of the most easily accessible national parks in the eastern United States.

Who is involved in protecting and supporting Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Several organizations help protect and support Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

  • National Park Service – manages Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
  • Friends of the Smokies – supports conservation, education, and visitor programs.
  • Great Smoky Mountains Association – supports education, interpretation, and scientific research.
  • National Park Foundation – supports projects throughout the National Park System.
  • The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians maintains deep cultural and historical connections to the region.

What is Clingmans Dome?

Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the park at 6,643 feet (2,025 meters). Its observation tower provides panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains and surrounding states.

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