Great Smoky Mountains
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!
Official-source overview · detailed planning coverage is still being reviewed
At a glance
- State / territory
- North Carolina, Tennessee
- Region
- Southeast
The official overview below is available now. Park-specific fees, distances, climate tables, and reviewed day plans are shown only when their supporting records have been reviewed. Check current access and arrangements with the park before travel.
Plan this visit
Build your park visit
Use this interactive tool with JavaScript enabled. Park guides and official information remain available below.
When to go
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.
General official weather guidance; historical context, not a forecast.
Arrive and stay
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.
Official directionsRisks and official checks
Conditions, access, reservations, and operating hours can change. This website is a planning resource and does not provide live conditions.
Official park informationSources and your trip kit
Where this information comes from
Park overview information is drawn from identified official sources. Published guide facts, assumptions, and editorial decisions retain their own review records.
Source retrieved: 2026-10-01. This is not a live-conditions check.
National Park Service: Great Smoky Mountains
Image credit: NPS / Bob Carr. See the image credits.
Data release 0 · Independent planning resource. Not affiliated with the National Park Service.