Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Tennessee & North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains is a park familiar to many. This is the most widely visited of all the national parks, entertaining millions of guests a year with its vast variety of plants, animals, and activities to enjoy. Climb Kuwohi (formerly Clingman’s Dome), bask in the cool mist of Rainbow Falls, admire the fall colors, or hike snowy mountain trails in the winter: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a treasure trove just waiting to be explored!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Stats
When to visit
Below is a chart outlining the average number of visitors and temperatures for each month in Great Smoky Mountains National Park as of 2023.
Plants and Animals at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The national park service tracks each animal species sighting in the park. The data below is a summary of the NPS Species database, updated in 2024.
Great Smoky Mountains Hiking
The Smoky Mountains feature some of the best hikes for all skill levels and all seasons. Below are just a few of the most popular trails in the park.
Clingman's Dome / Kuwohi
Kuwohi, formerly known as Clingman’s Dome, is the highest peak in the Smoky Mountains. Visitors can drive to the mountain’s peak and visit the Kuwohi Visitor Center for additional information on this important landmark within the park. There are several overlooks in the area, including the Big Slick Ridge Overlook, that provide a spectacular view of the mountains’ peak without requiring a hike.
There are multiple hiking options in this area of the park, catering to different adventure levels. Backcountry campers and day hikers alike can access the Appalachian Trail, which runs right across Kuwohi. One popular, 8-mile stretch along the Appalachian Trail leads to Charlie’s Bunion from the Newfound Gap Overlook. Walk through hardwood forests and experience stunning mountain views. Do be aware: There are several points where hikers are exposed to open cliff edges.
Visitors can park at the Newfound Gap Overlook to start this hike, but parking is limited. If possible, use a shuttle to reduce traffic.
Alum Cave Trail
The Alum Cave Trail is an 11-mile out and back trail to the summit of Mount LeConte. This is a challenging trail.
This hike begins at Alum Cave Bluffs trailhead, then passes through Arch Rock, a magnificent outcropping formed over years of erosion due to wind and rain. A few miles into the hike, you will reach the LeConte Lodge, where visitors can stay in a primitive cabin or the lodge. Be sure to make your reservations in advance to secure a spot!
Just past the lodge, hikers will reach the peak of Mount LeConte. From here, turn around and head back the way you came to complete the out and back hike.
This hike does not allow pets and a parking pass is required.
Chimney Tops Trail
Another popular hike in the Smoky Mountains, the Chimney Tops Trail is a strenuous, 3.6 mile out and back trail, ending at an observation platform allowing visitors incredible views of the Smoky Mountains. The first mile of this hike takes you across the rushing Road Prong ringer and past many small waterfalls.
To access this trail, park at the Chimney Tops Trailhead (don’t forget to get a parking pass in advance!) or take a shuttle.
It is also important to note that bears are prominent in the Great Smoky Mountains and visitors should be prepared with bear spray in case of emergencies. Wear bear bells and always properly store food and hygiene products to avoid an unwanted run-in!
What to bring to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Bringing the right gear is essential to explore the park safely and responsibly. Check out these packs other hikers brought to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Great Smoky Mountains Waterfalls
Some of the best hikes in the Smoky Mountains will take you past stunning waterfalls, a major attraction year-round. Below are just a few of these waterfalls and how you can get to them.
Rainbow Falls
To view the picturesque Rainbow Falls, visitors can take the 5.4 mile out and back Rainbow Falls trail through a lush, green forest. Start at the Rainbow Falls and Bullhead Parking Area. Note that this parking lot fills quickly, so arrive at the trail early! Make alternate plans as well in case the parking lot is full, such as parking at the nearby Cherokee Orchard Loop.
This trail follows the Le Conte Creek up and up, passing by other, smaller waterfalls on the way to your ultimate destination. When the sun hits the mist just right, you can see a rainbow on the falls, which is what gives this waterfall its name.
Grotto Falls
Immerse yourself right into nature by visiting Grotto Falls. You can actually hike behind this waterfall! To reach the falls, take the Trillium Gap Trail, a 2.6 mile roundtrip hike that passes through an old growth forest and directly underneath the falls. There is limited parking available at the Trillium Gap Trailhead, but as always, it is highly recommended you take the shuttle to reduce traffic whenever possible.
Where to camp in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Smoky Mountains National Park features many campsites and campgrounds for visitors to choose from. First, determine which kind of camping you want to embark on. There are multiple backcountry campgrounds. To backpack at this park, visitors will need to purchase a backcountry permit in advance and prepare to hike miles through the wilderness without access to modern amenities. Make sure your backpack is equipped with everything you’ll need.
Please also keep in mind that the Smoky Mountains are home to many animals, including bears. Always follow the rules and regulations established by the National Park Service and learn to be BearWise.
For visitors looking to day hike, there are many campgrounds available for that as well. Amenities at these campgrounds vary, with some campgrounds having sites specifically reserved for larger groups. Do your research to find the right campground for you and your crew. And keep in mind that some of these campgrounds require advance reservations to secure a spot.
The history of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
So, how did the U.S.’s most popular park come to be? Like all National Parks, the Great Smoky Mountains were originally settled by the Native Americans, specifically the Cherokee. This park has a long, rich, and complicated history, with Europeans entering the scene as early as the mid-18th century. Thankfully, the location and density of the forests within the Smokies prevented it from being hard hit by the logging boom of the 19th century. In order to continue to preserve the beauty of this area, Congress officially established The Great Smoky Mountains National Park on June 15, 1934. On September 2, 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt formally dedicated the park in a ceremony at the Rockefeller Memorial at Newfound Gap.
Other Resources:
If you’re planning a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, check out the additional resources below for help.
