Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Abundant rainfall means lush forests and beautiful stream scenes in the 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!
Map showing location of park.
A tractor mowing grass on a road.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Plans Maintenance on Gatlinburg Spur from July 27-30
 Great Smoky Mountains National Park will complete essential maintenance along the Gatlinburg Spur starting July 27. This work will enhance roadside vistas for visitors who drive on the Gatlinburg Spur. This will require temporary single-lane closures to allow park staff to safely and efficiently complete this work.
A map dpicting where flaggers will be stationed during the scheduled airlift the Mt. Le Conte Lodge.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Begin Demolition of LeConte Lodge Recreation Building
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will begin demolition of the LeConte Lodge Recreation Building on July 14. The concessioner of LeConte Lodge will construct a new recreation building later this year.
A park ranger speaks to an applauding crowd in front of a large American flag.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hosts Naturalization Ceremony Welcoming 30 New U.S. Citizens
On July 1, Great Smoky Mountains National Park hosted a naturalization ceremony in partnership with the United States District Court of Eastern Tennessee and the Nashville Field Office of Department of Homeland Security.
A large group enjoys a picnic in a busy picnic area on a sunny day.
Four Tips for a Safe Fourth of July in the Smokies
As America celebrates its 250th birthday this July 4, Great Smoky Mountains National Park anticipates increased visitation for the holiday weekend. Anyone planning on celebrating America’s 250th anniversary in the Smokies should prepare for warm weather, increased traffic and busy parking lots. Plan ahead and follow these four tips for a fun and safe Fourth of July weekend.
A volunteer with several park visitors creates art at a table.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Welcomes Six Artists-in-Residence for 2026
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is pleased to welcome this year’s lineup of Artists-in-Residence, whose creativity and passion will help visitors experience the Smokies in new and inspiring ways. Each month from June through November, a new artist will join us and lead hands-on programs which invite visitors to explore the park through art shaped by its landscapes, history and natural wonders.
Wisps of fog hang over the forests in the mountains.
Photo by Kristina Plaas
A hillside in the forest covered with white trillium flowers
Photo by Kristina Plaas
A clear sky with a vast snowy mountain scene.
Photo by NPS / Bob Carr
A thick layer of frost covers the fields, trees, and mountains in Cades Cove.
Photo by Kristina Plaas
Rhododendron bushes line the banks of a stream filled with large boulders.
Photo by Danielle Austen, Artist-in-Residence 2015
Bright gold and red leaves shine through the fog in a forest.
Photo by NPS Photo
Tombstones stand in front of a white, wooden church on a foggy morning.
Photo by Kristina Plaas
Gold and red fall colors fill the valleys while snow coats the mountain tops.
Photo by Sam Hobbs