Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

QUICKLINKS:

A Wondrous Diversity of Life

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.

Celebrate the park's 75th Anniversary with us in 2009.

		Things to Do Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short leg-stretchers to strenuous treks that may require backcountry camping. But hiking is not the only reason for visiting the Smokies. Car camping, fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are popular activities. more...

		Wildlife Most visitors come to the Smokies hoping to see a bear. Some 1,500 bears live in the park. From the big animals like bears, deer, and elk, down to microscopic organisms, the Smokies have the most biological diversity of any area in the world's temperate zone. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy. more...

		Autumn Leaf Season The park usually experiences an autumn leaf season of several weeks as fall colors travel down the mountainsides from high elevation to low. Fall colors can typically be seen from October through early November in the park. However, the timing of the color change depends upon so many variables that the exact dates of "peak" season are impossible to predict in advance. more...

		Ranger-Guided Programs and Special Events Ranger-guided programs give visitors the opportunity to explore the wonders of the park with a Ranger. Programs are offered in spring, summer, and fall. more...

Write to

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Phone

Visitor Information
(865) 436-1200

Fax

(865) 436-1220

Climate

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a moderate climate, typified by mild winters and hot, humid summers. When planning a trip to the Smokies, keep in mind that elevations in the park range from 800 feet to 6,643 feet and that the topography can drastically affect local weather. Temperatures can vary 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit from mountain base to top, and clear skies at lower elevations do not guarantee equally pleasant weather on the higher peaks.
more...