• Approximately 1,500 black bears live in the national park.

    Great Smoky Mountains

    National Park NC,TN

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  • Trail Advisory

    Several trails in the park are temporarily closed. Please check the "Backcountry Facilities" section of the Temporary Road and Facilities Closures page for further details. More »

A Wondrous Diversity of Life

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.

Features

  • A proud, new Junior Ranger is sworn in.

    Programs and Special Events

    Explore the wonders of the park with a Ranger.

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  • The Cable Mill in Cades Cove

    Cades Cove

    Wildlife viewing, historic homes and churches, and beautiful mountain scenery make Cades Cove one of the most popular destinations in the park.

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  • The hike to Ramsey Cascades waterfall is long, but the view is worth it!

    What Can I Do in the Park?

    Feel the cool spray of a waterfall. Camp under the stars. Explore a historic grist mill. There's plenty to see and do in the park!

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  • NPS social media icon

    Join Our Social Network

    No matter where you are, stay connected to Great Smoky Mountains! Get the latest news, explore the wonders of the park, and keep memories alive.

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  • Colorful fire pink flowers bloom in spring.

    Wildflowers

    From the earliest hepaticas in the late winter to the last asters in the late fall, blooming flowers can be found nearly year-round in the park.

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  • Approximately 1,500 black bears live in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

    Want to See a Bear?

    From black bears to elk, white-tailed deer to Yellow Warblers - learn how to improve your chances of spotting wildlife in the park.

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  • Elk have been reintroduced to the park.

    Elk

    Elk can often be seen in the early morning and late evening in open areas around the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and in Cataloochee Valley.

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  • Fall colors

    Fall Leaf Colors

    Autumn leaf season lasts several weeks as fall colors travel down the mountain sides from high elevation to low.

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Did You Know?

Great Horned Owls can be heard most often in January and February

More than 240 species of birds have been found in the park. Sixty species are year-round residents. Nearly 120 species breed in the park, including 52 species from the neo-tropics. Many other species use the park as an important stopover and foraging area during their semiannual migration. More...