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National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Park ClosureAug 27, 2026

Metcalf Bottoms Bridge is closed to pedestrians due to bridge damage

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Park ClosureAug 24, 2026

Abrams Falls Trail Closed

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Park ClosureJun 26, 2026

Park Headquarters Road is 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

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Invites Public Review of Floodplain Statement of Findings for Oconaluftee River Trail Improvements
Aug 24, 2026

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Invites Public Review of Floodplain Statement of Findings for Oconaluftee River Trail Improvements

Great Smoky Mountains National Park continues planning for future improvements to the Oconaluftee River Trail. As part of this planning process the park is inviting public review of the Oconaluftee River Trail Floodplain Statement of Findings. The document will be available for review through September 7.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Begin Construction on Abrams Falls Trail starting August 24
Aug 20, 2026

Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Begin Construction on Abrams Falls Trail starting August 24

Beginning Aug. 24, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will close Abrams Falls Trail from Monday through Thursday each week to replace aging footlog bridges and improve visitor safety. The work is expected to be completed by October 1. The trail will open to hikers Fridays through Sundays and on Labor Day (September 7) during construction.

Great Smoky Mountains Plan Airlifts for Demolition and Rebuilding of LeConte Lodge Recreation Building
Aug 3, 2026

Great Smoky Mountains Plan Airlifts for Demolition and Rebuilding of LeConte Lodge Recreation Building

As the demolition of the LeConte Lodge Recreation Building continues, the National Park Service's Contractor will conduct helicopter airlifts the mornings of Aug.10-15. The Contractor has made significant progress with most of the timber structure demolished and focusing now on the basement, stonewalls, and foundation. During this second set of airlifts, demolished materials will be flown off the mountain via helicopter.