Agnostik
National Park · NC, TN

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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!

nps.gov ↗

Photos

A thick layer of frost covers the fields, trees, and mountains in Cades Cove.
Wintertime brings a quiet beauty to the Great Smoky Mountains.
Wisps of fog hang over the forests in the mountains.
The park gets its name from mists that often rise like smoke from the mountains.
A clear sky with a vast snowy mountain scene.
The Smokies receives snow periodically throughout the winter, mostly at higher elevations.
A hillside in the forest covered with white trillium flowers
Wildflowers, such as these white trillium, can be found blooming from February through November in the park.
Bright gold and red leaves shine through the fog in a forest.
Fall leaf season is one of the busiest times of year in the park.
Gold and red fall colors fill the valleys while snow coats the mountain tops.
In spring and fall, weather in the foothills can be pleasant, while snow and cold rule on the mountain tops.
Rhododendron bushes line the banks of a stream filled with large boulders.
Abundant rainfall means lush forests and beautiful stream scenes in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Tombstones stand in front of a white, wooden church on a foggy morning.
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.

Activities

  • Arts and Culture
  • Live Music
  • Auto and ATV
  • Scenic Driving
  • Astronomy
  • Stargazing
  • Biking
  • Road Biking
  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Car or Front Country Camping
  • Horse 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