The Details
The most visited national park — ancient mountains wrapped in a perpetual blue haze of moisture and biodiversity.
When To Visit
Best Time To Visit
MONTH BY MONTHLate April–May for wildflowers and elk calves; October for peak fall color (with heavy crowds). Weekdays and early mornings are quieter.
July and October are busiest, and Gatlinburg and Cades Cove roads can take hours on summer and fall weekends.
Summer is hot, humid and hazy; winter brings snow and road closures at higher elevations, including Newfound Gap Road.
General patterns — conditions vary by year. Check current NPS alerts and road status before you go.
How Far
Park Entrances
SET YOUR LOCATIONNearest Airports
ESTIMATED DRIVE TO THE PARKDistances are rough estimates to the closest entrance. Check road and ferry conditions before you go.
What To Do
Top Things To Do
Where To Stay
Camping
Campgrounds inside the park are booked through Recreation.gov, and many fill months ahead.
FIND CAMPSITES ON RECREATION.GOV ↗Lodging & Nearby Towns
Cool Facts & Figures
By The Numbers
Links
Plan Your Visit
OFFICIAL & TRUSTED SITESGreat Smoky Mountains