Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A biodiverse preserve on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, renowned for its mist-cloaked mountains and rich Appalachian heritage.

(865) 436-1200
https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm

Tips from the community

The Great Smokies are the jewel in the crown of Appalachia. They roll through Tennessee and North Carolina in a fog of hazy ridges and moss-caked forests, babbling streams and rock bluffs with lookouts you’ll never forget. Well…you and the other 12 million people who choose to visit this iconic reserve each year. Yep – Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the single most popular US national park of them all. It’s a well-deserved accolade, too, what with 850 miles of hiking path to conquer, wild fly-fishing spots, and fun-filled nearby towns like Asheville and Pigeon Forge to get through.

jrfrancis 3 years ago

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a serene and scenic national park nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, with over 500,000 acres of pristine forests, vibrant meadows, and cascading waterfalls. As one of the 10 Most Visited National Parks in 2020, visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and camping, while experiencing the stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Smokies. With diverse wildlife and breathtaking vistas, this park offers an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

seeker 1 year ago

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, is a part of the World Heritage Sites in North America due to its cultural and natural significance. The park boasts stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains, diverse wildlife, and historic structures, showcasing the unique and important culture of the region. Visitors can hike, camp, and explore the park's many trails, waterfalls, and scenic drives, making it a must-see destination for anyone interested in experiencing the natural beauty of North America.

seeker 1 year ago

Straddling Tennessee and North Carolina, the US’s most-visited national park is famous for its fall foliage. The best time to see the colorful autumn leaves in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is typically in the last two weeks of October. Peak Foliage in Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Mid-October to Early November

laurenmack 3 years ago

Great Smoky Mountains National Park continues along a stretch of the famous Great Smoky Mountains in both Tennesee and North Carolina. One of the largest and most popular preserved spaces in the country, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has solidified itself as a must-see for any true nature lover. As this park features a comprehensive guide for first-comers and expects new tourists every day, it is certainly a great national park for beginners.

seeker 3 years ago

The apparitions in the gorgeous Great Smoky Mountains National Park are aplenty. They include the bloodthirsty Spearfinger who haunts the Noland Creek Trail and allegedly feasts on wayward children, and a man who died looking for his daughter and now to lead hikers to safety.

laurenmack 3 years ago

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States, welcoming more than 12 million visitors in 2020. Known for its stunning mountain vistas, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant fall foliage, the park offers a wealth of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also explore historic buildings, cultural exhibits, and learn about the region's rich Appalachian heritage.

seeker 1 year ago

There’s more camping in the Smokies than you can shake your bottle of moonshine at. On the north side, check out Elkmont Campground for rustic cabins amid the hemlock groves. On the North Carolina side, head to Smokemont Campground for remote pitches and RV spots by gurgling Blue Ridge streams.

jrfrancis 3 years ago

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular parks in the US, famous for its biodiversity, and breathtaking ancient mountains. Featuring hundreds of miles of walkable trails, picturesque waterfalls, historical structures, and scenic views- this is a bucket list destination for sure.

seeker 3 years ago

Due to frequent rainfall and reaching heights, the Great Smoky Mountains consist of countless famous waterfalls. These large and small cascades can be found throughout the park, including the incredible 120 feet tall Mingo Falls.

seeker 3 years ago

12 million visitors per year

seeker 3 years ago

Camping, hiking

lwithrow 3 years ago

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Guides

Map of National Parks in the US
seeker (Seeker Editors)
The US boasts an impressive 63 national parks, each with its own distinct character, awe inspiring views and countless ways to connect with nature. The parks are managed by the National Park Service which offers an annual pass for access to all 63 parks throughout the year for one flat price. Let's explore.
10 Most Visited National Parks in 2020
seeker (Seeker Editors)
From the glistening waterfalls of Glacier park to the unique wildlife at the rocky coastline of Acadia, the USA has no shortage of vast national park treasures. We love visiting national parks for the incredible views and chance to immerse ourselves amongst nature and friendly wildlife. Here are the top 10 most visited national parks across the nation, and personal favorites of the Seeker team.
Places I want to Visit
grovertara7 (Tara Farrall)
My Travel Bucket List
paige (Paige Mesicek)
Best National Parks For Beginners
seeker (Seeker Editors)
These top national park destinations are no stranger to newcomers, they have solidified themselves as some of the most famous and popular parks across the entire world. No matter what landscape you seek, from lush rainforests to spiral rock formations, there is a park waiting for you- complete with well-paved walking trails, quirky tourist traps for the entire family, and plenty of guidance documented online and at the site. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle and some comfortable shoes because we are ready to take you on your first, life-changing National Park adventure for beginners.
National Parks I've Been To
nicolejordan (Nicole Jordan)
Top Tourist Attractions in the US
seeker (Seeker Editors)
These attractions range from breathtaking to dazzling- with gorgeous natural landscapes, sparkling nightlife, and everything in between. No matter your USA plans, whether you are exploring natural parks, touring NYC, or visiting *every* iconic theme park in the country, life-changing experiences await. These are the most legendary tourist attractions across the United States, from the effervescent Las Vegas Strip to The Grand Canyon. Make it a trip to remember, and consider these spots for your USA bucket list.
Best National Parks With Waterfalls
seeker (Seeker Editors)
Shimmering towers of clear water spurting out from impressive heights while lining rocky edges and forming geometric shapes- yes, we are big fans of waterfall tourism. Across the globe, there are countless national parks full of unique cascades to witness, from sky-high cliffs in Iceland to the rainforests of Bolivia. We present our selection of the best national parks to discover mesmerizing waterfall action.
our big U.S road trip (2020-2021)
leah (Leah Fishman)
In September 2020, I sold all my stuff, packed up my car, and hit the road with my 12-year-old pup, Fiona. We started in Vermont and are currently in Mississippi. Up next: Tampa, FL
National Parks Visited
lwithrow (Lindsay Withrow)
50 and counting!
national parks east of chicago
leah (Leah Fishman)
World Heritage Sites in North America
seeker (Seeker Editors)
Sprawling natural parks with unique wildlife, ancient and mysterious temples, world-renown monuments, and more- the continent of North America is one with a deep history to be uncovered. Explore some of humankind's most famous mysteries and witness nature's magnificence at these UNESCO designated world heritage sites across the massive continent.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Articles

Top Places to See Fall Foliage in the US 2023

In hues of amber, crimson, and ochre, fall conjures up cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice, and fabulous fall foliage Predicting the best time to see the leaves change is tricky, but many states offer foliage trackers to help travelers time their trips. Looking at past peak periods can also help predict the best time to take […]

Read more...
17 of the Most Haunted Places in America

Mysterious and spooky, ghosts have captivated the world for centuries. From ghost stories and seances to haunted tours of the most mysterious places on earth, the fascination with spirits and connecting with the departed skyrockets during autumn with cooler weather, long nights, and, of course, Halloween. The most haunted places in the U.S. are not […]

Read more...