National Parks / Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
National Park — NC,TN
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. Plan your visit today!
Current Alerts
- Park ClosureMetcalf Bottoms Bridge is closed to pedestrians due to bridge damage
Metcalf Bottoms Bridge is closed to pedestrians due to bridge damage. Visitors will not be able to walk from the picnic area across the bridge to access the Metcalf Bottoms Trail. Parking for the trail is limited near the trailhead.
- Park ClosurePark Headquarters Road is closed
Park Headquarters Road is closed due to rehabilitation work on the Sugarlands water and wastewater systems.
- InformationCades Cove Loop Road is closed to motor vehicles every Wednesday
Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to motor vehicles every Wednesday through September 30. This allows pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy the cove without the presence of vehicles on the roadway.
More info → - Park ClosureStraight Fork and the one-way section of Balsam Mountain Road closed.
Straight Fork and the one-way section of Balsam Mountain Road (Heintooga Round-Bottom Road) are closed.
More info → - InformationMost visitors need a parking tag
All vehicles parking for longer than 15 minutes require a parking tag. Three tag durations are available for purchase for all vehicle sizes and types: Daily ($5), Weekly ($15), or Annual ($40).
More info →
Source: National Park Service.
Upcoming Events
- Junior Ranger RambleThu Aug 27 2026
- Artist-in-Residence ProgramSat Aug 29 2026
- Evening program at SmokemontSat Sep 05 2026Smokemont Campground, in grassy area between C and D loop
- Discover Nature After Dark at SmokemontSat Sep 12 2026Smokemont Campground Nature Trail trailhead
- Adaptive Mountain Bike (TN)Wed Sep 16 2026Cades Cove Loop (TN)
- Adaptive Mountain Bike (TN)Wed Sep 16 2026Cades Cove Loop Trail (TN)
- Artist-in-Residence ProgramSat Sep 19 2026
- Cades Cove Star PartySat Sep 19 2026Cades Cove Orientation Shelter (before entering one-way Cades Cove Loop Road)
- Mountain Life Festival at OconalufteeSat Sep 19 2026Mountain Farm Museum near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center
- Stitching BeeSat Sep 19 2026Located on the porch of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center