Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Straddling the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its misty ridgelines, colorful forests, and over 800 miles of hiking trails. It’s also the most visited national park in the United States, receiving more than twice the number of visitors as any other national park.
So why is Great Smoky Mountains so popular? You can drive through the park in a single day, with stops at scenic overlooks over the mountains, and it’s easily accessible from cities like Gatlinburg and Asheville. However, there’s plenty to do for those who want to thoroughly explore the park. Whether you come for a quick visit or linger for days, the Great Smoky Mountains have something for everyone.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Stats
Founded: June 15, 1934
Annual Visitors: 11.5 million visitors in 2025
Size: 522,000 acres
Location: North Carolina and Tennessee
Top Experiences in Great Smoky Mountains
Drive along US-441. US-441 is the main road that cuts through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A scenic drive along this main road is one of the best experiences within the park, and one of the easiest.
Stop at an Overlook. Along US-441 are a number of great viewpoints out over Great Smoky Mountains. Some of the best include Morton Overlook and Newfound Gap.
Kuwohi. At an elevation of 6,643 feet (2,025 meters), Kuwohi is the highest mountain in Great Smoky Mountains and along the Appalachian Trail. Formerly known as Clingman’s Dome, choose to either hike to the top or park at the summit. Enjoy 360-degree panoramic views from the observation deck.
Hike up Mt. LeConte. Summiting Mt. LeConte is one of the best hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains. Hike through caves and along trails that, at times, cling to the side of the mountain.
Hike the Rainbow Falls Trail. One of the most popular hiking trails in the national park, this 5-mile long trail winds through colorful forests and out to Rainbow Falls.
Drive along Cades Cove. This is another scenic drive where you never even have to leave your car. Follow the 11-mile, one-way loop through a scenic valley, passing historic homesteads and rolling hills.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This scenic roadway is quieter than Cades Cove, passes waterfalls and historic cabins, and also features good areas for hiking.
Our Experiences in Great Smoky Mountains
We spent a weekend exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park in early November to catch the fall colors. These articles detail our top experiences within the national park.
A Weekend in Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
While exploring Great Smoky Mountains for the weekend, we used Gatlinburg, Tennessee as our home base. This article covers some of the best things to do in both the national park and in Gatlinburg, as well as useful info to help plan your trip.
Hiking Mount LeConte via Alum Cave Trail: A Complete Guide
Hiking to the summit of Mt. LeConte is one of the best things to do within the national park. Hike through caves and cliffside trails, and enjoy a magnificent view from the summit.
Did You Know?
Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited national park within the United States. It receives twice the number of visitors of any other national park.
Great Smoky Mountains is one of the only national parks in the United States that extends through multiple states. The park is located in both Tennessee and North Carolina. Visit Gatlinburg to the west and Asheville to the east.
The Smoky Mountains are one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, estimated to be between 200 to 300 million years old. They are also a sub-range within the Blue Ridge Mountains, which themselves are part of the Appalachian Mountains.
When To Visit Great Smoky Mountains
The best times to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park are in the spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) seasons. Weather will be pleasant, and it is the best time of year for hiking. There will also be fewer crowds during these seasons.
If you’d like to catch the fall colors, visit the national park from mid-October to early November.
The summer months of June through August are the most popular time to visit the park. Families often visit while on summer vacation, and the warm weather is great for hiking and outdoor exploration. It is, however, the busiest time of year to visit.
For a quieter experience, consider visiting during the winter months of December through February. The park is open year-round, and if you can bear the colder temperatures, you may have hiking trails or scenic drives all to yourself. Note that roads and facilities may close due to inclement weather.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park appears in our Best US National Parks Month-By-Month series as a great park to visit in May and October.
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How Many Days Should You Spend in Great Smoky Mountains?
Great Smoky Mountains is a great national park to visit whether you have anything from one day to a week to visit. There’s plenty for those who want to take it slow, but you can also hit the highlight in a single day.
With one day, drive along US-441 and stop at the scenic overlooks. Stand on top of Kuwohi and enjoy the 360-degree panoramic views. You’ll also have time to fit a short hike in.
Two days will allow you to see more of the park while enjoying a more relaxed schedule. Take a scenic drive along US-441, take photos at the overlooks, and hike a few trails. Devote a full day to hiking to the summit of Mt. LeConte.
More time within the park is best for those who want to explore at a slower pace. Spend your afternoons along some of the 800 miles of trails the park offers.
Two Days in Great Smoky Mountains
Two days in Great Smoky Mountains National Park gives you time to see the highlights within the park while enjoying a more relaxed schedule. On day one, drive along US-441, stop at the scenic overlooks, and stand on top of Kuwohi. On day two, hike to the summit of Mt. LeConte and drive along Cades Cove.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Map
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