Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Abundant rainfall means lush forests and beautiful stream scenes in the 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!
Map showing location of park.
Update on US441/Newfound Gap Road overnight closure
The National Park Service will continue to temporarily close US441/Newfound Gap Road from 10 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. each evening for the safety of all drivers. The park is turning away commercial vehicles at checkpoints during the day, but is not currently able to staff the checkpoints overnight.  
US 441/Newfound Gap Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park will reopen tomorrow
The National Park Service (NPS) will reopen US 441/Newfound Gap Road by 8 a.m. tomorrow morning to allow for access between Tennessee and North Carolina communities.
Hurricane Helene recovery in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The National Park Service (NPS) continues to assess conditions and to address damage following the impacts from Hurricane Helene in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Today, park staff are prioritizing assessments of high use roads and trails as well as radio repeaters and historic structures throughout the park.
GSMNP staff assess conditions following impacts from Hurricane Helene
Great Smoky Mountains National Park staff continue to assess conditions after the park experienced historic flooding and other impacts from Hurricane Helene.
Newfound Gap Road/US 441, visitor centers and other park areas close in preparation for tropical storm impacts
The National Park Service continues to prepare for the expected high wind and heavy rain from Hurricane Helene Thursday night into Friday. Visitors should consider rescheduling this week’s travel plans for their own safety and to reduce the risk on emergency services.
A hillside in the forest covered with white trillium flowers
Photo by Kristina Plaas
Wisps of fog hang over the forests in the mountains.
Photo by Kristina Plaas
A thick layer of frost covers the fields, trees, and mountains in Cades Cove.
Photo by Kristina Plaas
Bright gold and red leaves shine through the fog in a forest.
Photo by NPS Photo
Gold and red fall colors fill the valleys while snow coats the mountain tops.
Photo by Sam Hobbs
Tombstones stand in front of a white, wooden church on a foggy morning.
Photo by Kristina Plaas
Rhododendron bushes line the banks of a stream filled with large boulders.
Photo by Danielle Austen, Artist-in-Residence 2015