Parks / Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
National Park · NC,TN
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!
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (6)
Missing person: Have you seen Marcin Bachleda-Blaszczak?
Bachleda-Blaszczak is described as 5 feet, 6 inches tall and approximately 170 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He is from Illinois. Anyone with information should contact [email protected]. You can see his photo and learn more by reading our press release below.
Abrams Falls Trail Closed
Abrams Falls Trail is closed Mondays-Thursdays through September 30 to replace aging footlog bridges and improve visitor safety. The trail will open to hikers Fridays-Sundays and on Labor Day during construction.
Park Headquarters Road is closed
Park Headquarters Road is closed due to rehabilitation work on the Sugarlands water and wastewater systems.
Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to motor vehicles every Wednesday
Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to motor vehicles every Wednesday through September 30. This allows pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy the cove without the presence of vehicles on the roadway.
Straight Fork and the one-way section of Balsam Mountain Road closed.
Straight Fork and the one-way section of Balsam Mountain Road (Heintooga Round-Bottom Road) are closed.
Most visitors need a parking tag
All vehicles parking for longer than 15 minutes require a parking tag. Three tag durations are available for purchase for all vehicle sizes and types: Daily ($5), Weekly ($15), or Annual ($40).
Road Conditions
Park Headquarters Road Work · Park Headquarters Road
Park Headquarters Road is closed due to rehabilitation work on the Sugarlands water and wastewater systems.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Road Closed · Straight Fork and Balsam Mtn Road Closed
Straight Fork and Balsam Mtn Road closed.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Road Closed · Straight Fork and Balsam Mtn Road Closed
Straight Fork and Balsam Mtn Road closed.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Road Closed · Straight Fork and Balsam Mtn Road Closed
Straight Fork and Balsam Mtn Road closed.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Road Closed · Straight Fork and Balsam Mtn Road Closed
Straight Fork and Balsam Mtn Road closed.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Entrance Fees
This park is fee-free.
Campgrounds (13)
Abrams Creek Campground
Abrams Creek Campground is located beside beautiful Abrams Creek in a remote and secluded setting. With an elevation of 1,125 feet (343 m), the climate is moderate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Flush toilets and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers are available at the campground.
Details →Balsam Mountain Campground
Balsam Mountain Campground is surrounded by mountain ranges and streams. With an elevation of 5,310 feet (1,618 m), summer daytime temperatures rarely exceed 70°F (~21°C) and lows may dip to 50°F (10°C). RV and tent sites plus flush toilets and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers are available at the campground and the restrooms do not have lights.
Details →Big Creek Campground
Big Creek Campground is located beside the beautiful Big Creek in a remote and secluded setting. With an elevation of 1,700 feet (518 m), the climate is moderate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Tent-only camping, flush toilets, and drinking water available. No hookups or showers are available at the campground.
Details →Cades Cove Campground
Cades Cove Campground—open year-round—combines the feel of primitive camping with the modern convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. With an elevation of 1,807 feet (551 m), the climate is moderate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. No hookups or showers. America the Beautiful passes (not accepted in lieu of the parking tag for parking outside your campsite) are sold at the campground ranger station in summer & fall or online through the USGS store.
Details →Cades Cove Group Campground
Cades Cove combines the feel of primitive camping with the modern convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. A camp store provides visitors with basic necessities and bike rentals. Events like interpretive programs in the nearby amphitheater and bicycle-only days on the Cades Cove Loop Road provide visitors with a fun and unique experience.
Cataloochee Campground
Cataloochee Campground is located in the historic Cataloochee Valley surrounded by mountain ranges and pristine streams. With an elevation of 2,610 feet (796 m), it is characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. It offers traditional camping with the convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. No hookups or showers are available in the campground.
Details →Cosby Campground
Cosby Campground is tucked in the mountains under a canopy of shade. With an elevation of 2,459 feet (750 m), Cosby provides a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Campsites for both tents and RVs, flush toilets, and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers are available at the campground.
Details →Deep Creek Campground
Deep Creek Campground is located next to one of the park's most popular creeks. With an elevation of 1,800 feet (549 m), the climate is characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Whether blanketed in bright spring wildflowers or vivid fall colors, the scenery at Deep Creek never disappoints. Hookups and showers are not provided, but flush toilets and drinking water are available.
Details →Elkmont Campground
Elkmont Campground is the closest family campground to Sugarlands Visitor Center in the North District of the park. At 2,150 feet (655 m), winters are mild and summers are hot and humid. Tent and RV campsites, flush toilets, and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers. America the Beautiful passes (not accepted in lieu of the parking tag for parking outside your campsite) are sold at the campground ranger station in summer & fall or online through the USGS store.
Details →Elkmont Group Campground
These sites offers an ideal setting for group camping excursions and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds.
Look Rock Campground
Look Rock Campground is located along the beautiful Foothills Parkway West between Walland, Tennessee and Chilhowee Lake. With an elevation of 2,600 feet (792 m), the climate is characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Flush toilets and drinking water are available. Ten of the sites offer electric and water hookups. No shower facilities are located in the campground.
Details →Smokemont Campground
Smokemont Campground—open year-round—is the closest family campground to Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the South District of the park. At 2,198 feet (670 m), winters are mild and summers are hot and humid. Tent and RV campsites, flush toilets, and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers. America the Beautiful passes (not accepted in lieu of the parking tag for parking outside your campsite) are sold at the campground ranger station in summer & fall or online through the USGS store.
Details →Smokemont Group Campground
Smokemont Group Campground—open May 9–October 31, 2025—is the closest family campground to Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the South District of the park. At 2,198 feet (670 m), winters are mild and summers are hot and humid. Tent and RV campsites, flush toilets, and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers. America the Beautiful passes (not accepted in lieu of the parking tag for parking outside your campsite) are sold at the campground ranger station in summer & fall or online at the USGS store.
Upcoming Events
Junior Ranger Ramble
Sep 3, 2026
Evening program at Smokemont
Sep 5, 2026 · Smokemont Campground, in grassy area between C and D loop
Discover Nature After Dark at Smokemont
Sep 12, 2026 · Smokemont Campground Nature Trail trailhead
Adaptive Mountain Bike (TN)
Sep 16, 2026 · Cades Cove Loop Trail (TN)
Adaptive Mountain Bike (TN)
Sep 16, 2026 · Cades Cove Loop (TN)
Cades Cove Star Party
Sep 19, 2026 · Cades Cove Orientation Shelter (before entering one-way Cades Cove Loop Road)
Artist-in-Residence Program
Sep 19, 2026
Mountain Life Festival at Oconaluftee
Sep 19, 2026 · Mountain Farm Museum near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Stitching Bee
Sep 19, 2026 · Located on the porch of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Adaptive Overnight
Sep 26, 2026 · Abrams Creek Campground to Backcountry Campsite #1
Smokies Service Days - Extra Shine
Sep 26, 2026
Artist-in-Residence Program
Sep 26, 2026
Things to Do
Drive Foothills Parkway (Chilhowee to Walland)
Drive 16.6 miles (26.7 km) one-way on Foothills Parkway from Chilhowee to Walland.
Drive Foothills Parkway (Cosby to I-40)
Drive 5.6 miles (9.01 km) one-way on Foothills Parkway from Cosby to I-40.
Drive Foothills Parkway (Walland to Wears Valley)
Drive 14.75 miles (23.74 km) one-way on Foothills Parkway from Walland to Wears Valley.
Drive Lakeview Drive
Drive 11.4 miles (18.3 km) roundtrip on Lakeview Drive.
Hike Bradley Fork Trail
The Bradley Fork Trail offers a scenic and diverse outdoor experience, featuring picturesque creeks, seasonal wildflowers, fishing access, horseback riding opportunities, and backcountry camping.
Hike Cooper Road Trail
Hike 10.9 miles (17.5 km) one-way on Cooper Road Trail.
Hike Cove Hardwood Trail
Hike 0.75 miles (1.2 km) roundtrip on Cove Hardwood Trail to explore a forest of giants and wind through a lush mountainside.
Hike Deep Creek Trail to Indian Creek Falls
Hike 1.6 miles (2.6 km) roundtrip along Deep Creek, which features views of two waterfalls, Tom Branch Falls and Indian Creek Falls.
Hike Goldmine Loop via Tunnel Bypass Trail
Hike 4 miles (6.4 km) on Lakeshore and Goldmine Loop trails through a hardwood forest filled with signs of old homesites and farms. This trail is moderate but includes some rocky areas and shallow stream crossings.
Hike Kephart Prong Trail to Historic CCC Camp
Follow the flow of mountain streams 4 miles (6.4 km) roundtrip through hardwood forest and across several log footbridges to the remains of a CCC camp and the Kephart Shelter.
Hike Little River Trail
Once a railroad bed, the Little River Trail now offers a peaceful hike through the Elkmont area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As you follow the river’s gentle flow, you’ll pass remnants of the old Elkmont community—stone chimneys and foundations quietly tucked into the forest.
Hike on Chestnut Top Trail
Hike 5.6 miles (9 km) roundtrip on a trail that climbs steadily through mixed hardwood forest to a ridgetop where American chestnut trees were once abundant. Fall leaf color and plentiful spring wildflowers remain a draw on this trail.
Hike Porters Creek Trail
Porters Creek is a peaceful trail that is filled with history and natural wonders, hike as far as you'd like to explore. If you are up for about a 4-mile roundtrip hike you can visit the beautiful Fern Branch Falls.
Hike Smokemont Nature Trail
Hike 0.62-mile (1 km) roundtrip on Smokemont Nature Trail which provides a peaceful escape and views of the surrounding peaks.
Hike the Deep Creek Waterfalls Loop
See three waterfalls on a loop around the Deep Creek area. Hike 2.4 miles (3.9 km) on several short trail segments to reach Juney Whank Falls, Indian Creek Falls, and Tom Branch Falls.
Hike the Finley Cane, Bote Mountain, Lead Cove Loop
Hike 6.9 miles (11.1 km) on this looped route that links three shorter trail sections, offering a chance to experience the biodiversity of Bote Mountain at various elevations.
Hike the Gatlinburg Trail
Enjoy a riverside stroll approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) roundtrip through a cove hardwood forest along one of the only dog- and bike-friendly trails in the park. This trail includes sections of sidewalks and roadsides as well as graded dirt path.
Hike the Little River, Cucumber Gap, Jakes Creek Loop
Hike 5.4 miles (8.7 km) on a pleasant and shady loop connecting three trails with streamside views, historic structures, and prolific spring wildflower displays. Trail conditions vary from paved road and graveled path to narrower and rockier sections with minor stream crossings.
Hike the Oconaluftee River Trail
Enjoy a riverside stroll approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) roundtrip on one of the only pet- and bike-friendly trails in the park. This popular trail is relatively flat, wide, and graveled and follows the Oconaluftee River through elk habitat and hardwood forest.
Hike to Abrams Falls
Walk 5 miles (8 km) roundtrip through rhododendron, hemlock, and pine-oak forest to a 25-foot (7.6-m) waterfall and scenic pool. Swimming in the pool is not recommended due to slippery rocks and a dangerous undertow.
Hike to Alum Cave Bluffs
Hike 4.6 miles (7.4 km) roundtrip to see the Alum Cave Bluffs and stroll through Arch Rock on this popular hike on Alum Cave Trail. The trail crosses two mountain streams via footbridges before it climbs through sections of old-growth forest.
Hike to Andrews Bald
Hike 3.6 miles (5.8 km) roundtrip descending through high-elevation, spruce-fir forest to a popular grassy bald known for its flowering azaleas in summer and views of the surrounding mountains. The return hike to the trailhead involves a relatively strenuous climb.
Hike to Charlies Bunion
Hike a popular section of the Appalachian Trail for 8 miles (12.9 km) roundtrip through spruce-fir forest to enjoy panoramic views and a unique rocky outcrop surrounded by exposed cliffs.
Hike to Chasteen Creek Cascade
Hike 3.6 miles (5.8 km) roundtrip through hardwood forest following the path of mountain streams to a peaceful cascade. This trail is wide, well-graded, and regularly used by both hikers and horse riders.
Hike to Chimney Tops Overlook
Hike 3.5 miles (5.6 km) roundtrip on this popular but challenging trail to enjoy views of surrounding mountains and the Chimney Tops pinnacles. This trail is steep and rocky at times, and includes bridges, stairs, and some lingering signs of 2016 wildfires.
Hike to Grotto Falls
Hike 2.6 miles (4.2 km) roundtrip on Trillium Gap Trail as it crosses multiple streams and sections of old-growth forest to reach a unique waterfall you can walk behind. This trail is well-traveled but prone to muddy and slippery conditions.
Hike to Hen Wallow Falls
Hike 4.3 miles (6.9 km) roundtrip through a hardwood forest with hemlock and rhododendron to a popular 90-foot (27-m) waterfall. This trail includes some steep sections and switchbacks.
Hike to Kuwohi
Walk one mile (1.6 km) roundtrip from the Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) parking area along a steep paved path to an iconic and popular observation tower with panoramic views from the highest peak in the Smokies.
Hike to Laurel Falls
Hike 2.6 miles (4.2 km) roundtrip through a mixed hardwood forest to an 80-foot (24-m) waterfall. Enjoy a few views of the mountain landscape before arriving at the waterfall. PLEASE NOTE: Laurel Falls Trail is expected to close starting in mid-December for 18 months.
Hike to Look Rock Tower
Walk along a short, paved trail 0.8 miles (1.3 km) through the forest to an observation tower with panoramic views of the Smokies and Blount County, Tennessee. This trail includes some mild to moderate inclines.
Visitor Centers
- Cades Cove Visitor Center
- Kuwohi Visitor Center
- Oconaluftee Visitor Center
- Sugarlands Visitor Center
Webcams
Source: National Park Service.