Alert: Cosby Entrance Road closed for construction: Rehabilitation began on December 9 for the 2.3-mile-long Cosby Entrance Road from TN State Route 32 to the gate of Cosby Campground. While crews are working, the entrance road is closed to the public. The work is projected to be completed in spring 2025.
National Park
Great Smoky Mountains
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!
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.
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.
A parking tag is required to park in the Smokies for more than 15 minutes.
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.
A parking tag is required to park in the Smokies for more than 15 minutes.
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.
A parking tag is required to park in the Smokies for more than 15 minutes.
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.
A parking tag is required to park in the Smokies for more than 15 minutes.
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.
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 flowersA thick layer of frost covers the fields, trees, and mountains in Cades Cove.Wisps of fog hang over the forests in the mountains.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.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.
