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!
Learn about the many areas of the park and plan ahead for an enjoyable trip.
A parking tag is required to park for longer than 15 minutes.
Know the status of the park's roads, facilities, and trails before you go.
A scenic valley surrounded on all sides by mountains south of Townsend, Tennessee. An 11-mile, one-way loop encircles the valley.
Bears in the park are wild and their behavior can be unpredictable. Treat bear encounters with extreme caution!
Demand for parking often exceeds capacity. Come with a backup destination in mind and park responsibly with all wheels out of the roadway.
You can choose from 10 frontcountry campgrounds or head into the backcountry. Your adventure awaits!
Feel the cool spray of a waterfall. Camp under the stars. Explore a historic mill. There's plenty to see and do in the park!
Last updated: June 20, 2024
