Great Smoky Mountains National Park
America's most visited national park, where ancient mountains meet the world's finest temperate deciduous forest.
Quick Info
Highlights
- Clingmans Dome observation tower for 360-degree mountain views
- Cades Cove loop for wildlife, historic cabins, and fall color
- Synchronous firefly displays in Elkmont each June
- Hiking to Ramsey Cascades, the park's tallest waterfall at 100 feet
- Fall foliage driving on Newfound Gap Road
- Exploring historic Cataloochee Valley for elk watching
Park Map
Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest
About Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Straddling the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains protect the largest remaining tract of old-growth forest in the eastern United States. The park's name comes from the natural fog that often clings to its peaks, created by moisture released by the incredibly diverse vegetation. With over 19,000 documented species and estimates of 80,000-100,000 total species, the Smokies are among the most biodiverse places in the temperate world, earning its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Where to Stay
View all hotelsThe Park Vista, a DoubleTree by Hilton
$$A hilltop hotel overlooking the Smoky Mountains with panoramic views, indoor pool, and easy access to downtown Gatlinburg and park entrances.
Bearskin Lodge on the River
$$A riverside lodge on the Little Pigeon River at the edge of Gatlinburg, offering rooms with private balconies, river views, and the sound of the rushing mountain stream. Walking distance to the park's Sugarlands entrance.
Balsam Mountain Inn
$$A beautifully restored 1908 inn perched at 3,500 feet in the village of Balsam, North Carolina. This National Register property offers 50 rooms furnished with antiques and a wraparound porch with mountain views.