Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains stretches 52,1086 acres along the border between North Carolina and Tennessee.

This park is renowned for its plant and animal life—including black bears. Nearly 1,600 call Great Smoky Mountains Park home.

More than 9 million people visit the “Great Smokies” every year, making it the most visited National Park.

Visit the Mountain Farm Museum to tour historic buildings—and get a glimpse into life in the 19th century. Animal lovers should head to Great Smoky Mountains Park’s open areas, such as Cades Cove or Cataloochee, to see black bears, white-tailed deer, and turkeys.

• Rent bicycles in Cades Cove and jump on the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road. This scenic byway is known for wildlife sightings!
• Catch rainbow and brown trout in the fish-filled Little River.
• Take a guided horseback ride through Great Smoky Mountain Park, traversing wooded trails, over mountain brooks and up to vistas of trees and wildflowers.
• Zoom through Pigeon River’s thrilling rapids on a guided rafting adventure. Prepare to get wet!
• Attend the Townsend Fall Heritage Festival every September! This event showcases the Appalachian’s unique music and culture.

• Layer! Temperatures can vary 20–30º F in Great Smoky Mountains National Park from mountain base to top.
• Reserve your lodging early. The accommodations in and around Great Smoky Mountains National Park fill up fast.