National Parks Journal
Photo: Kristina Plaas
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!
Entrance Fees
No entrance fee. Other fees may apply for tours, camping, or transportation.
Activities
Top Hikes
2.6 mi · 400 ft gain · out & back
Paved trail through mixed hardwood forest to an 80-foot waterfall, one of the most popular hikes in the park.
Starts at: Laurel Falls Trailhead
4.6 mi · 1,200 ft gain · out & back
Through old-growth forest and Arch Rock formation to the massive Alum Cave Bluffs overhang. Can extend to Mt. LeConte.
Starts at: Alum Cave Bluffs Trailhead
5.6 mi · 1,500 ft gain · out & back
Steep trail through diverse forest to a waterfall named for the misty rainbow that often appears on sunny afternoons.
Starts at: Rainbow Falls Trailhead
5 mi · 700 ft gain · out & back
Winds through rhododendron and hemlock forest in Cades Cove to a powerful 25-foot waterfall.
Starts at: Abrams Falls Trailhead
Upcoming Events
Down on the Farm
Immerse yourself in Smokies history! Engage with park rangers and living historians to find out how families survived - and thrived - here through daily chores such as blacksmithing, fence making, and hearth cooking. Program topic varies.
Wild about the Smokies at Oconaluftee
Join a ranger for a short talk on the most popular wildlife in the Smokies. Learn about their behavior, habitat, and ongoing conservation efforts. Get the inside scoop on where to spot these majestic creatures and how to do it safely.
Cades Cove Evening Program
Join a ranger in the Cades Cove amphitheater for this long-standing national park tradition, the campground evening program.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit: January, February, March, April, November
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds
Weather & Climate
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.