With over 9 million visitors each year, roads in the park can become congested, especially on weekends in summer and fall. But with careful planning, you can avoid the crowds and find some solitude.
Planning a vacation to Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Click on any of the links above or below for some things you will want to know before your visit to the area.
Download a Smokies Trip Planner Information about favorite destinations, popular activities, and a park map more...
Regulations Concerning Pets Leashed pets are allowed in developed areas and along roads, but are not allowed on park trails. more...
Download Park Maps Maps of trails and campgrounds as well as general park maps are available. more...
Fishing in the Park The park offers a wide variety of angling experiences for fishermen. more...
Did You Know?
The park’s high elevation heath balds are treeless expanses where dense thickets of shrubs such as mountain laurel, rhododendron, and sand myrtle grow. Known as “laurel slicks” and “hells” by early settlers, heath balds were most likely created by forest fires long ago.