A Wondrous Diversity of Life

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!

Orange text that says, "Park it Forward", with a mountain photo and person in the letters of Park.
Do I Need a Parking Tag?

A parking tag is required to park for longer than 15 minutes.

A gravel road surrounded by bright green trees with sun shining through the canopy
Closures & Alerts

Know the status of the park's roads, facilities, and trails before you go.

A clear foreground of yellow flowers in a meadow with an unfocused backdrop of a mountain
Cades Cove

Allow three to four hours to leisurely wind through Tennessee's Cades Cove in your vehicle, enjoying wildlife and historic structures.

Two black bear cubs nestle with their mother
Black Bears

Bears in the park are wild and their behavior can be unpredictable. Treat bear encounters with extreme caution!

A graphic with a smiling bear beside a green check mark overlooking four safely parked cars.
Park Safely in the Smokies!

Demand for parking often exceeds capacity. Come with a backup destination in mind and park responsibly with all wheels out of the roadway.

An orange tent in a campsite with a picnic table surrounded by green trees
Camping in the Smokies

You can choose from 10 frontcountry campgrounds or head into the backcountry. Your adventure awaits!

A hiker's feet resting on a rock at a mountain overlook with some fog and clouds.
Hiking

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: January 17, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Phone:

(865)436-1200

Contact Us