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National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Park ClosureJan 16, 2026

Seasonal road closures

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Park ClosureDec 30, 2025

Park Headquarters Road closed

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A thick layer of frost covers the fields, trees, and mountains in Cades Cove.

Wintertime brings a quiet beauty to the Great Smoky Mountains.

Photo: Kristina Plaas

About

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!

Activities

Arts and CultureLive MusicAuto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyStargazingBikingRoad BikingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)Group Camping
RV Camping
Fishing
Freshwater Fishing
Fly Fishing
Food
Picnicking
Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours - Auto
Hands-On
Citizen Science
Hiking
Backcountry Hiking
Front-Country Hiking
Horse Trekking
Horse Camping (see also camping)
Horseback Riding
Junior Ranger Program
Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching
Park Film
Museum Exhibits
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store

Directions

Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the borders of the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. The three main entrances to the park are in Gatlinburg, TN; Townsend, TN; and Cherokee, NC.

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Weather

Elevations in the park range from approximately 875 feet (267 meters) to 6,643 feet (2,025 meters) and the topography can drastically affect local weather. Temperatures can vary by 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit from mountain base to top, and clear skies lower down do not guarantee equally pleasant weather at higher elevations.

News

Jan 23, 2026

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Prepares for Winter Storm

Beginning on Jan. 23 at 7 p.m., Great Smoky Mountains National Park will close several access points to the park due to an incoming winter storm. These will remain in effect until staff can safely assess conditions.

Jan 9, 2026

National Park Service Seeks Tips to Help Identify a Suspect Involved in Assault in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The National Park Service is seeking tips from the public to aid in the ongoing investigation of an assault that occurred in the Deep Creek area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Prescribed Burn planned in Cades Cove on January 7 and 8
Jan 6, 2026

Prescribed Burn planned in Cades Cove on January 7 and 8

The National Park Service (NPS) plans to conduct a prescribed burn in the western portion of Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on January 7 and 8, weather permitting. Fire managers intend to burn approximately 900 acres to restore native meadow habitats, reduce hazardous fuels, prevent the encroachment of woody vegetation and maintain the historic landscape of the cove.