North Carolina and Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The park protects forested Appalachian mountains with remarkable plant and animal diversity. Historic farms, mills, and churches preserve Southern Appalachian mountain culture.

Official visitor website

All landmarks

Photo: AppalachianCentrist, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The story

Nature & National Parks
Arts, Architecture & Regional Culture

Why it matters

The park protects forested Appalachian mountains with remarkable plant and animal diversity. Historic farms, mills, and churches preserve Southern Appalachian mountain culture.

Why it may matter to you

It is a good introduction to the Appalachian region and its music, crafts, and traditions.

The fuller story

This land is the ancestral homeland of the Cherokee, many of whom were forced west on the Trail of Tears. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians lives next to the park today. Families who farmed the area were also moved out when the park was created.

Plan your visit

Hours, prices, reservations, and closures change. Check the official visitor website.

Time to allow: 1–3 days (our estimate)
Setting: Mostly outdoor
Tickets and reservations: There is no entrance fee, but parking tags are required for stops longer than 15 minutes. Check the official visitor website.
Getting there: A car is needed; roads get crowded in summer and fall.
With family: Black bears live here; keep your distance and store food properly.
Seasons and weather: Fall colors bring heavy traffic; some roads close in winter.
Accessibility: Accessibility information from the operator(opens nps.gov in a new tab)

Times are estimates and distances are straight-line. Citizen Navigator is an independent educational resource. Visitor access and conditions change. Confirm current details with the destination's official operator.