Great Smoky Mountains National Park
North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, encompassing over 522,000 acres of diverse landscapes including some of the highest peaks in eastern North America such as Kuwohi, Mount Guyot, and Mount Le Conte. Established in 1934 and dedicated in 1940, the park protects a vast temperate rainforest ecosystem within the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the Appalachian chain. It is internationally recognized for its rich biodiversity, scenic mountains, waterfalls, and remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, including preserved historical structures from early European-American settlers. The park features deep valleys known as coves, with Cades Cove being the most prominent and accessible. Visitors can experience over 800 miles of hiking trails, wildlife viewing including elk and black bears, and cultural sites. The Appalachian Trail crosses through the park, inviting long-distance hikers to traverse its scenic ridges. The park's natural beauty and cultural heritage make it a unique destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
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Tip: The best time to visit is spring through fall for hiking, wildlife viewing, and waterfalls. Winter offers quieter trails but limited access. Obtain a parking tag for stays longer than 15 minutes. Reservations are recommended for camping, with 10 developed campgrounds available. Early mornings and late evenings are ideal for spotting elk, especially near Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Cataloochee Valley. Always exercise caution around black bears and follow park safety guidelines. Check the park's official website for current alerts, road closures, and trail conditions before your visit.
Interesting facts
- •Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States with over 12 million visitors in 2024.
- •Kuwohi is the highest mountain in Tennessee and the third highest east of the Mississippi River.
- •Mount Le Conte rises 5,301 feet from its base to summit, making it the tallest mountain in the U.S. east of the Rocky Mountains.
- •The park contains 16 of the 'Southern Sixers', mountains exceeding 6,000 feet in elevation.
- •The Appalachian Trail passes through the park, connecting Georgia to Maine.
History
Chartered by the U.S.
Congress in 1934 and dedicated by President Franklin D.
Roosevelt in 1940, Great Smoky Mountains National Park was the first U.S.
national park funded partly by federal money.
The park preserves land that was once home to early European-American settlers and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, who avoided forced relocation.
It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and an International Biosphere Reserve in 1988.
Over the decades, the park has grown into the most visited national park in the United States, balancing conservation with tourism.
Place Guide
Cades Cove
A broad, scenic valley surrounded by mountains, Cades Cove is renowned for its wildlife viewing opportunities and preserved historic buildings from early settlers. The 11-mile one-way loop road offers access to hiking trails, campgrounds, and cultural sites.
Mount Le Conte
One of the highest peaks in the park at 6,593 feet, Mount Le Conte offers challenging hikes and panoramic views. It is notable for its elevation gain and diverse ecosystems along the trail.
Oconaluftee Visitor Center
A key visitor center providing educational exhibits, park information, and access to nearby hiking trails and wildlife viewing areas, including elk sightings.
Appalachian Trail
A famous long-distance hiking trail that passes through the park, connecting Georgia to Maine. The trail traverses the park's ridgeline and offers hikers stunning mountain views and diverse habitats.
Contact
Phone: (865) 436-1200
