Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Experience the majesty one of America's oldest mountain ranges 

Between 8 and 10 million people visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year, making it the most visited national park in the country.

 

Whether you delight in the challenge of a strenuous hike on a mountain ridgeline or picnicking next to a roaring river, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a myriad of activities for you to enjoy. There's so much to see in the Smokies. 

Historic Buildings 

Nearly 80 structures have been preserved in the park. The Smokies has one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States.

Waterfalls 

Waterfalls are located on every river and stream in the park. Pick up a guide and hike to a magnificent waterfall.

Wildflowers 

Spring and summer are renown for spectacular displays of wildflowers along roads and trails. Over 1500 types of flowering plant species have been identified in the park.

Wildlife

Sixty-six types of mammals reside in the park. Enjoy viewing elk, white-tailed deer, and black bears in their natural habitat. The park is also home to 200 species of birds. 

 

Things to Do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Auto Touring

Relaxing auto tours offer an excellent way to view panoramic vistas, rushing mountain streams, historic homes and churches, wildflowers, and old-growth forests.

Bicycling 

Peddling Cades Cove on a misty morning is a memorable way to experience the Park. Cades Cove is closed to automobile traffic from sunrise until 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday and Saturday mornings May through late September.

Fishing 

Seven hundred miles of fishable streams in the park offers anglers access to rainbow, wily brook, and brown trout.

Hiking

Chose from over 800 miles of trails next to rivers and streams, along mountain ridges, or through peaceful meadows and forests.

Horseback Riding 

Four stables provide horses and guides in the park with hundreds of miles of horse trails.

Picnicking

Choose from eleven beautiful picnic areas with picnic tables, grills, and fire pits.

Great Smoky Mountains Wildflowers