Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Designation: National Park
Location: North Carolina, Tennessee
📘 Park Overview
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!
🌤 Weather Information
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.
🚗 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.
Images
Wildflowers, such as these white trillium, can be found blooming from February through November in the park.
Credit: Kristina Plaas
Wintertime brings a quiet beauty to the Great Smoky Mountains.
Credit: Kristina Plaas
The park gets its name from mists that often rise like smoke from the mountains.
Credit: Kristina Plaas
In spring and fall, weather in the foothills can be pleasant, while snow and cold rule on the mountain tops.
Credit: Sam Hobbs
Fall leaf season is one of the busiest times of year in the park.
Credit: NPS Photo
Historic buildings such as churches, gristmills, barns, and homes allow visitors to get a feel for life in the mountains before the national park was created.
Credit: Kristina Plaas
Abundant rainfall means lush forests and beautiful stream scenes in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Credit: Danielle Austen, Artist-in-Residence 2015
Wildflowers, such as these white trillium, can be found blooming from February through November in the park.
Credit: Kristina Plaas
Wintertime brings a quiet beauty to the Great Smoky Mountains.
Credit: Kristina Plaas
The park gets its name from mists that often rise like smoke from the mountains.
Credit: Kristina Plaas
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Sunday, Jul 5
Sunny
High: 89.4°F | Low: 67.4°F
Humidity: 59%
Wind: 7.2 mph
Rain Chance: 57%
UV Index: 10.7
Sunrise: 06:23 AM
Sunset: 08:53 PM
Moon: Last Quarter (60%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 70.1°F
Cloud Cover: 57%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Monday, Jul 6
Patchy rain nearby
High: 77.1°F | Low: 64.7°F
Humidity: 90%
Wind: 3.8 mph
Rain Chance: 86%
UV Index: 10.8
Sunrise: 06:24 AM
Sunset: 08:53 PM
Moon: Last Quarter (49%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 68°F
Cloud Cover: 86%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Tuesday, Jul 7
Sunny
High: 83.7°F | Low: 62.3°F
Humidity: 75%
Wind: 7.6 mph
Rain Chance: 21%
UV Index: 7
Sunrise: 06:24 AM
Sunset: 08:52 PM
Moon: Last Quarter (39%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 66.7°F
Cloud Cover: 21%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Bear with us!
Come learn all about an iconic symbol of Great Smoky Mountains National Park... black bears!
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center Patio
Date: Mar 5, 2026 12:00am to Mar 5, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Exploring Life in the Cove
Meet a ranger in the Cable Mill Historic Area in Cades Cove to learn about what life in the Cove is like for some of its hinhabitants, past or present.
Date: Mar 7, 2026 12:00am to Mar 7, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Wild about the Smokies at Oconaluftee
Get the inside scoop on where to spot wildlife like bears and elk - and how to do it safely! Discover why scientists study mammals, birds, amphibians, and more in the park.
Location: Oconaluftee Visitor Center Porch
Date: Mar 7, 2026 12:00am to Mar 7, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Down on the Farm
Immerse yourself in Smokies history! Engage with park rangers and living historians to find out how families survived - and thrived - here through daily chores such as blacksmithing, fence making, and hearth cooking. Program topic varies.
Location: Mountain Farm Museum behind Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Date: Mar 7, 2026 12:00am to Mar 7, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Blooming Trails: Wildflower Wonderland in the Smokies
Experience the enchanting beauty of the Smokies on a wildflower hike, where diverse blooms create a vibrant tapestry. Enjoy a serene journey through nature, perfect for all skill levels.
Location: Kephart Prong Trailhead
Date: Apr 5, 2026 12:00am to Apr 5, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Blooms Beneath the Canopy: Exploring the Smokies' Wildflower Diversity
Spring into learning about the wildflowers of the Smokies. Join a ranger on trail to learn more about the flowers that bloom on the forest floor beneath the canopy.
Location: Chimneys Picnic Area
Date: Apr 5, 2026 12:00am to Apr 5, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Signs of Spring
Annual Signs of Spring Event, celebrating National American Sign Language Day.
Programs will be presented at the following locations and times. Visitors are welcome to visit any station, but it is recommended that you visit the stations in the order shown below.
Cades Cove Orientation Shelter: 9:00-9:30; 10:00-10:30; 11:00-11:30
Methodist Church: 10:00-10:30; 11:00-11:30; 12:00-12:30
Cable Mill: Drop-in between 11:00-2:30 (Junior ranger station)
Dan Lawson: 12:30-1:00; 1:30-2:00; 2:30-3:00
Lequire Cemetery: 1:30-2:00; 2:30-3:00; 3:30-4:00
No reservations required. There will be certified and student ASL interpreters at every station.
Location: Cades Cove
Date: Apr 18, 2026 12:00am to Apr 18, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Blooming Trails: Wildflower Wonderland in the Smokies
Experience the enchanting beauty of the Smokies on a wildflower hike, where diverse blooms create a vibrant tapestry. Enjoy a serene journey through nature, perfect for all skill levels.
Location: Kephart Prong Trailhead
Date: Apr 19, 2026 12:00am to Apr 19, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Naval Academy Band’s Electric Brigade Celebrates National Parks Navy Week
From elk bugles to cricket woodwinds, the Smokies are normally filled with the music of nature. But in celebration of America’s 250th and National Parks Navy Week, the Naval Academy Band’s Electric Brigade will bring music of all genres and decades to Cades Cove next week!
Electric Brigade is an extension of the 174-year-old US Naval Band and has performed all over the world. Come join this upbeat musical group near the Cades Cove amphitheater (near the Cades Cove Campground Store) at 1 pm on Monday, April 20!
Location: Near the Cades Cove Amphitheater and Campground Store
Date: Apr 20, 2026 12:00am to Apr 20, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Naval Academy Band’s Electric Brigade Celebrates National Parks Navy Week
From elk bugles to cricket woodwinds, the Smokies are normally filled with the music of nature. But in celebration of America’s 250th and National Parks Navy Week, the Naval Academy Band’s Electric Brigade will bring music of all genres and decades to Cades Cove next week!
Electric Brigade is an extension of the 174-year-old US Naval Band and has performed all over the world. Come join this upbeat musical group near the Cades Cove amphitheater (near the Cades Cove Campground Store) at 1 pm on Monday, April 20!
Location: Near the Cades Cove Amphitheater and Campground Store
Date: Apr 20, 2026 12:00am to Apr 20, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
🏤 Mailing Address:
107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
📞 Voice Phone: (865)436-1200
✉️ Email: GRSM_Smokies_Information@nps.gov