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 winding mountain road under tall trees, with the sun shining through the leaves. There is tall grass on the sides of the road.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail Closed to Visitors Sept. 24 for Mowing
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will temporarily close Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail on Sept. 24 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. to safely complete roadside mowing and other maintenance.
A collage of two photos. On the left: two bull elk clashing antlers. On the right: A black bear in a grassy area.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Reminds Visitors to View Elk and Black Bears Safely this Fall
Great Smoky Mountains National Park reminds visitors to view wildlife safely as elk and black bear activity increases this fall. Autumn offers opportunities to witness elk during their annual breeding season, known as the rut, and to observe bears feeding on fall food sources. While these experiences can be amazing to witness, they also require caution, awareness and respect for wildlife.
A map of the closure points around Mt. Le Conte during scheduled airlifts.
Additional Airlifts Planned For LeConte Lodge Recreation Building Demolition Sept. 14-18
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is planning additional airlifts to from Sept. 14-18 to remove materials from the demolished LeConte Lodge Recreation Building.
Three construction vehicles move down a mountain road as they complete mowing and cleanup.
Temporary Closures on Little River Road Sept. 15 and 17 for Road Maintenance
Great Smoky Mountains National Park will close the section of Little River Road between the Townsend Wye and Elkmont for essential road maintenance on September 15 and 17.
Upcoming Single-Lane Closures on Gatlinburg Spur Sept. 14-30
Beginning Sept. 14 and continuing through the end of the month, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will conduct multiple projects on the Gatlinburg Spur that will require single-lane closures. Visitors driving between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge during the closures can expect traffic delays. For the safety of park personnel and other drivers, please drive with extra caution.
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