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

    Great Smoky Mountains

    National Park NC,TN

News

Great Smoky Mountains National Park strives to keep the public informed about news events which occur within the park by providing press releases to local and regional news providers, and by posting current news releases on this web site.

If you are a member of the media, please contact our Public Affairs Office for additional information.

Up-to-date information about temporary road and facility closures due to weather is available by calling (865) 436-1200.

  • Road and Facility Closures Road and Facility Closures

    Some roads and facilities are closed seasonally or may close temporarily in inclement weather. Read More

  • Weather Forecast Weather Forecast

    Current weather forecasts are available by phone and online. Read More

Did You Know?

The park is named for the misty clouds that hang over the mountains.

The wispy, smoke-like fog that hangs over the Smoky Mountains comes from rain and evaporation from trees. On the high peaks of the Smokies, an average of 85 inches of rain falls each year, qualifying these upper elevation areas as temperate rain forests.