What can I do at Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a stunning landscape in which to enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, bird watching, picnicking, camping and horseback riding. You can also learn more about the park's diverse wildlife through ranger-led programs, which are offered from spring to fall.

Are there bears in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Yes, black bears live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The bears are wild, dangerous and unpredictable. If you spot a black bear, do not approach it or let it come near you. Approaching within 150 feet of a black bear or within a distance that disturbs a bear is illegal in the park.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

America's most visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to diverse plant and animal life, stunning mountain vistas, breathtaking waterfalls and more than 800 miles of scenic trails for hiking and horseback riding, including part of the Appalachian Trail. Enjoy fishing for trout in brooks and streams, hiking to the top of the peak, bike through Cades Cove or camping under a blanket of stars. Whether you want to drive through the beautiful scenery, gaze at the colorful wildflowers or have a picnic in some of the most pristine country in North America, the Smoky Mountains are the place for adventure and relaxation.

Details

Hours

Open daily 24 hours a day. Some areas close seasonally.

Prices

Admission: Free

Camping: $14-23 per night

Group picnic pavilions: Vary

Events

Wilderness Wednesday Talk

Traditional Old Time Music

Cataract Falls Walk

Activities

Hiking
Biking

Fishing
Guided Tours

Picnicking
Camping

FAQs

What can I do at Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a stunning landscape in which to enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, bird watching, picnicking, camping and horseback riding. You can also learn more about the park's diverse wildlife through ranger-led programs, which are offered from spring to fall.
Are there bears in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Yes, black bears live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The bears are wild, dangerous and unpredictable. If you spot a black bear, do not approach it or let it come near you. Approaching within 150 feet of a black bear or within a distance that disturbs a bear is illegal in the park.