Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host its annual synchronous firefly viewing opportunity at Elkmont from May 29-June 5. The public can apply for this opportunity by entering a lottery for a vehicle reservation through recreation.gov. The lottery for reservation applications opens on Friday, May 2 at 10 a.m. EDT and closes on Monday, May 5 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. This lottery system ensures that all applicants have an equal chance of securing a reservation.

The National Park Service (NPS), in partnership with Friends of the Smokies, is beginning a multi-year rehabilitation of the iconic Bullhead Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Beginning May 5, the park will close Bullhead Trail from Monday through Thursday each week, excluding federal holidays, through November 6, 2025.

Visitors should prepare for planned routine road maintenance in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

GATLINBURG, Tenn.– The National Park Service has selected LeConte Lodge L.P. as the concessioner for the new contract to provide services at LeConte Lodge in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This contract will be effective for 10 years from 2025 to 2035. 

Gatlinburg, TN – On April 4 by 12 PM EST, the National Park Service (NPS) will reopen portions of Cataloochee Valley in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cataloochee Valley has been closed since September 2024 following significant damage from Hurricane Helene. Within the park, Cataloochee Valley saw the worst impacts from Hurricane Helene.