Great Smoky Mountains National Park
America's most visited national park, where ancient mountains meet the world's finest temperate deciduous forest.
Quick Info
Highlights
- Clingmans Dome observation tower for 360-degree mountain views
- Cades Cove loop for wildlife, historic cabins, and fall color
- Synchronous firefly displays in Elkmont each June
- Hiking to Ramsey Cascades, the park's tallest waterfall at 100 feet
- Fall foliage driving on Newfound Gap Road
- Exploring historic Cataloochee Valley for elk watching
Park Map
Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest
Top Trails
Featured trailheads in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Alum Cave Trail
StrenuousLaurel Falls Trail
EasyChimney Tops Trail
StrenuousClingmans Dome Trail
ModerateRamsey Cascades Trail
StrenuousAndrews Bald Trail
ModerateAbout Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Straddling the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains protect the largest remaining tract of old-growth forest in the eastern United States. The park's name comes from the natural fog that often clings to its peaks, created by moisture released by the incredibly diverse vegetation. With over 19,000 documented species and estimates of 80,000-100,000 total species, the Smokies are among the most biodiverse places in the temperate world, earning its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Guide: Best Hikes, When to Visit & Where to Stay
Plan your trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Top hikes, best months to visit, where to stay, and essential tips for Tennessee/North Carolina.
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Where to Stay
View all hotelsThe Park Vista, a DoubleTree by Hilton
$$A hilltop hotel overlooking the Smoky Mountains with panoramic views, indoor pool, and easy access to downtown Gatlinburg and park entrances.
Bearskin Lodge on the River
$$A riverside lodge on the Little Pigeon River at the edge of Gatlinburg, offering rooms with private balconies, river views, and the sound of the rushing mountain stream. Walking distance to the park's Sugarlands entrance.
Balsam Mountain Inn
$$A beautifully restored 1908 inn perched at 3,500 feet in the village of Balsam, North Carolina. This National Register property offers 50 rooms furnished with antiques and a wraparound porch with mountain views.
Compare Great Smoky Mountains National Park
See how Great Smoky Mountains National Park stacks up against other national parks
Great Smoky Mountains National Park vs Acadia National Park
Choose Great Smoky Mountains for Appalachian culture, wildflower diversity, and free admission. Choose Acadia for dramatic ocean scenery, coastal hikes, and charming New England towns.
See full comparisonGreat Smoky Mountains National Park vs Everglades National Park
Choose Everglades for unique wetland ecosystems, alligator encounters, and winter warmth. Choose Great Smoky Mountains for mountain scenery, fall foliage, and free admission with more trail variety.
See full comparisonGreat Smoky Mountains National Park vs Grand Canyon National Park
Choose Grand Canyon for a once-in-a-lifetime geological spectacle and dramatic desert landscapes. Choose Great Smoky Mountains for accessible mountain beauty, fall foliage, and free admission.
See full comparisonGreat Smoky Mountains National Park vs Shenandoah National Park
Choose Shenandoah for accessible scenic driving, easy day trips from Washington D.C., and quieter trails. Choose Great Smoky Mountains for greater biodiversity, larger backcountry, and free admission.
See full comparisonMore Southeast Parks
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