About Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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!
Quick Facts
Operating Hours
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.
Activities
Getting There
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.
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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…
Hike Little River Trail
Once a railroad bed, the Little River Trail now offers a peaceful hike through the Elkmont area of Great Smoky…
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…
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.
Visitor Centers
Cades Cove Visitor Center
Roughly half-way through the Cades Cove Loop Road, pause to speak with park staff and visit various exhibits. Learn about Southern Mountain life and culture,…
Hours: Hours vary seasonally.
Kuwohi Visitor Center
Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) is the tallest peak in the Smokies. Enjoy sweeping views of the Smokies—weather permitting—and get your park questions answered. Peruse a…
Hours: Hours vary seasonally. Closed in winter.
Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Near Cherokee, North Carolina, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center is an ideal starting point as you enter the park's South District. Explore cultural history exhibits. Enjoy…
Hours: Hours vary seasonally.
Sugarlands Visitor Center
Near Gatlinburg, TN, Sugarlands Visitor Center is an excellent starting point as you enter the park's North District. Learn about the park's plants and animals…
Hours: Hours vary seasonally.
Campgrounds
Abrams Creek Campground
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…
Balsam Mountain Campground
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 70°F (~21°C)…
Big Creek Campground
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…
Cades Cove Campground
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 of 1,807 feet…
Cades Cove Group Campground
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…
Cataloochee Campground
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), it…
Cosby Campground
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,…
Deep Creek Campground
Deep Creek Campground is located next to one of the park's most popular creeks. With an elevation of 1,800 feet (549 m), the climate is…
Elkmont Campground
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…
Elkmont Group Campground
These sites offers an ideal setting for group camping excursions and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds.
Look Rock Campground
Look Rock Campground is located along the beautiful Foothills Parkway West between Walland, Tennessee and Chilhowee Lake. With an elevation of 2,600 feet (792 m),…
Smokemont Campground
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), winters are…
Smokemont Group Campground
Smokemont Group Campground—open May 9–October 31, 2025—is the closest family campground to Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the South District of the park. At 2,198 feet…
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