Alert: Seasonal closures in effect for some park roads

National Park

Great Smoky Mountains

A hillside in the forest covered with white trillium flowers
Wildflowers, such as these white trillium, can be found blooming from February through November in the park. Kristina Plaas

Overview

Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park. Plan your visit today!

States: NC, TN(865)436-1200

Hours

  • Sunday: All Day
  • Monday: All Day
  • Tuesday: All Day
  • Wednesday: All Day
  • Thursday: All Day
  • Friday: All Day
  • Saturday: All Day

Fees & Passes

    Map

    Things To Do

    Category

    6 Results
      A thin waterfall on a rocky cliff surrounded by trees. Hiker icon in corner.

      Hike to Rainbow Falls

      $

      Description

      Hike 5.6 miles (9 km) roundtrip through varied forest to a popular waterfall named for the misty rainbow that often appears at its base. This trail is well-traveled and maintained, but the climb to the falls is relatively steep.

      More info

      Fees

      A parking tag is required to park in the Smokies for more than 15 minutes.

      A cascading waterfall framed by large rocks and green vegetation.

      Hike to Ramsey Cascades

      $

      Description

      Hike 8 miles (12.9 km) roundtrip on this popular but relatively challenging trail through cove hardwood forest to see the tallest waterfall in the park. The trail begins on an old roadbed but becomes narrower and rockier crossing multiple footlog bridges and streams as it ascends.

      More info

      Fees

      A parking tag is required to park in the Smokies for more than 15 minutes.

      A small waterfall flowing over mossy rocks in the forest.

      Hike Porters Creek Trail

      $

      Description

      Porters Creek is a peaceful trail that is filled with history and natural wonders, hike as far as you'd like to explore. If you are up for about a 4-mile roundtrip hike you can visit the beautiful Fern Branch Falls.

      More info

      Fees

      A parking tag is required.

      Time:1-3 Hours
      A stout waterfall cascading into a pool near a large boulder. A fallen tree in right frame.

      Hike to Twentymile Cascade

      $

      Description

      Hike 1.2 miles (1.9 km) roundtrip along a wide gravel roadbed that follows a mountain stream to a cascade surrounded by moss-covered rocks and mixed hardwood forest.

      More info

      Fees

      A parking tag is required to park in the Smokies for more than 15 minutes.

      A small lake surrounded by trees and a rolling mountain in the background.

      Hike Goldmine Loop via Tunnel Bypass Trail

      $

      Description

      Hike 4 miles (6.4 km) on Lakeshore and Goldmine Loop trails through a hardwood forest filled with signs of old homesites and farms. This trail is moderate but includes some rocky areas and shallow stream crossings.

      More info

      Fees

      A parking tag is required to park in the Smokies for more than 15 minutes.

      A two-tiered waterfall framed by greenery. Hiker icon in lower right corner.

      Hike to Laurel Falls

      $

      Description

      Hike 2.6 miles (4.2 km) roundtrip through a mixed hardwood forest to an 80-foot (24-m) waterfall. Enjoy a few views of the mountain landscape before arriving at the waterfall. PLEASE NOTE: Laurel Falls Trail is expected to close starting in mid-December for 18 months.

      More info

      Fees

      A parking tag is required to park in the Smokies for more than 15 minutes.

    More Images

    A hillside in the forest covered with white trillium flowers
    A hillside in the forest covered with white trillium flowers
    A thick layer of frost covers the fields, trees, and mountains in Cades Cove.
    A thick layer of frost covers the fields, trees, and mountains in Cades Cove.
    Wisps of fog hang over the forests in the mountains.
    Wisps of fog hang over the forests in the mountains.
    Gold and red fall colors fill the valleys while snow coats the mountain tops.
    Gold and red fall colors fill the valleys while snow coats the mountain tops.
    Bright gold and red leaves shine through the fog in a forest.
    Bright gold and red leaves shine through the fog in a forest.
    Tombstones stand in front of a white, wooden church on a foggy morning.
    Tombstones stand in front of a white, wooden church on a foggy morning.
    Rhododendron bushes line the banks of a stream filled with large boulders.
    Rhododendron bushes line the banks of a stream filled with large boulders.