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Great Smoky Mountains
Tennessee
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Visit Great Smoky Mountains
Nestled along the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a majestic landscape rich with ancient mountains, lush forests, and a diversity of plant and animal life. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most visited national park in the United States, drawing millions of visitors each year who come to revel in its natural beauty, explore its extensive network of trails, and experience the heritage of both the Appalachian culture and the Cherokee tribe.
The park's vast size and varied elevations, ranging from about 875 to 6,643 feet at Clingmans Dome, the highest peak, create a stunning array of environments to explore. Over 800 miles of trails crisscross the park, accommodating all levels of hiking enthusiasts. From the challenging ascent of Mount LeConte to the more accessible and family-friendly walks like the Cades Cove Loop, which offers plentiful opportunities to spot white-tailed deer, black bears, and other wildlife amidst beautiful old-growth forests. The park is also a haven for history buffs with well-preserved settler cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings that offer a glimpse into 19th-century pioneer life.
Each season in the Smokies presents its own unique allure. The spring months are a festival of wildflowers, with the park boasting over 1,500 kinds of flowering plants, more than any other American national park. Summer brings lush greenery and an abundance of wildlife activity, making it perfect for long day hikes and camping trips. Come autumn, the landscape transforms into a painter’s palette of reds, oranges, and golds, providing spectacular views that are a photographer’s dream. Winter, though colder, cloaks the mountains in snowy silence, offering a peaceful escape and the chance for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a chance to connect with nature, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a profound and enriching experience. Its timeless beauty and the serene grandeur of its landscapes make it a cherished destination for nature lovers, families, and solo travelers alike.
Great Smoky Mountains Monthly Weather Conditions
LOW
TEMP
HIGH
TEMP
DAYS OF PRECIP.
January
20°F
44°F
12
February
29°F
52°F
12
March
42°F
56°F
13
April
42°F
64°F
11
May
49°F
72°F
12
June
57°F
83°F
11
July
59°F
85°F
11
August
59°F
83°F
11
September
57°F
76°F
11
October
45°F
66°F
11
November
39°F
57°F
11
December
29°F
44°F
11
Need to Know Before You Go To Great Smoky Mountains
Nickname:
The Smokies
Primary Language:
English
Time Zone:
Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Current Time:
Electric Plug Type:
Type A and Type B
Annual Visitors:
11.4 million
Primary Export:
Tourism
Busiest Travel Months:
October, July, June
Quietest Travel Months:
December, January, February
Find your Next Adventure in Great Smoky Mountains
Explore Great Smoky Mountains
Iconic Landmarks
Clingmans Dome
- The highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Clingmans Dome offers panoramic views from an observation tower accessible by a steep half-mile walk.
Cades Cove
- A lush valley surrounded by mountains, Cades Cove is popular for viewing wildlife and exploring historic buildings like log cabins and churches.
Alum Cave Trail
- This scenic trail leads to Alum Cave Bluffs and Mount LeConte, offering stunning views and unique geological features along the way.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
- This one-way loop road offers a scenic drive through a lush forest and past historic buildings, with plenty of stops for hiking and sightseeing.
Newfound Gap
- Sitting at an elevation of 5,046 feet, Newfound Gap offers a stunning vista of the central Smokies and straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee.
Laurel Falls
- One of the most popular waterfalls in the park, Laurel Falls is accessible via a paved 2.6-mile roundtrip trail, ideal for families and casual hikers.
Cultural Experiences
Mountain Farm Museum and Mingus Mill
- Explore a collection of historic log buildings and a working grist mill to experience Southern Appalachian farming life as it was in the 19th century.
Oconaluftee Indian Village
- Step back in time in this re-created Cherokee village offering demonstrations of traditional crafts, dance, and weaponry.
Dollywood
- Enjoy a unique blend of Appalachian culture and entertainment at Dolly Parton’s famous theme park, featuring music, rides, and crafts.
Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community
- Discover this 8-mile loop of over 100 artists and craftsmen selling handmade products and offering live demonstrations.
Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales
- Experience this seasonal street performance in Gatlinburg, where musicians, storytellers, and artisans perform Appalachian music and folklore.
Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama
- Watch a powerful retelling of Cherokee history and heritage in this dramatic outdoor theater production in Cherokee, North Carolina.
Outdoor Adventures
Hiking the Alum Cave Trail
- This moderately challenging trail offers stunning views and unique geological features, leading to the summit of Mount LeConte.
Cades Cove Loop Road Cycling
- Cycle the 11-mile one-way loop at dawn to experience wildlife sightings and scenic mountain vistas without the car traffic.
Fly Fishing in Little River
- Cast your line in the abundant waters of Little River, known for its excellent trout fishing.
Backcountry Camping at Charlies Bunion
- Hike out and camp near Charlies Bunion to experience breathtaking panoramic views of the Smokies from a high elevation.
Whitewater Rafting on the Pigeon River
- Tackle thrilling rapids or enjoy a gentle float on the Pigeon River, suitable for all experience levels.
Wildlife Viewing in Cataloochee Valley
- Visit this remote valley to spot elk, white-tailed deer, and other wildlife, especially during the early morning or late evening.
Off the Beaten Path
Spruce Flats Falls
A hidden gem offering a moderate hike leading to a beautiful, secluded waterfall.
Cataloochee Valley
Explore this less-traveled, picturesque valley known for its historic buildings and wild elk sightings.
Gregory Bald
A challenging hike that rewards with spectacular seasonal displays of azaleas and panoramic mountain views.
Cosby Campground
A quieter alternative to the park's busier campgrounds, with access to a number of lesser-known trails.
Balsam Mountain
Enjoy cooler temperatures and scenic views on a less crowded drive and several underutilized hiking trails.
Twentymile Trail
A tranquil trail offering a peaceful hiking experience along streams and through old-growth forest.
Great Smoky Mountains Fun Facts
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States.
- The park is home to over 19,000 documented species, with scientists believing there could be an additional 80,000-100,000 species yet undiscovered.
- It is one of the few national parks in the United States that does not charge an entrance fee.
- The park contains over 2,900 miles of streams, and it's one of the last wild trout habitats in the eastern United States.
- The Smokies are named for the natural fog that often hangs over the range, appearing as large smoke plumes from a distance.
- The park has one of the densest black bear populations in the Eastern United States.
- More than 100 historic structures, including barns, schools, churches, and grist mills, have been preserved in the park.
- The park’s highest peak is Clingmans Dome, standing at 6,643 feet, which is also the third highest mountain peak in the eastern United States.
- The Appalachian Trail runs for approximately 71 miles through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- The park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 due to its natural beauty and biodiversity.
Featured Picture Gallery
The Smoky Mountains Got Their Name From the Blue Mist that Hover Over, Looking Like Smoke
Dive Deep into Nature as You Find Hidden Treasures During a Hike
Visit Gatlinburg, TN Which is Known as a Gatway to the Smoky Mountains
Immerse Yourself in the Lush Colors During the Autumn Season
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