Plan Your Visit

 

From black bears to salamanders, old-growth forests to spring wildflowers, log cabins to gristmills... the park offers myriad opportunities for exploring and discovering both the natural and cultural history of these ancient mountains. Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers 522,427 acres, divided almost evenly between Tennessee and North Carolina. Learn about the many areas of the park below to begin planning your Smokies adventure.

 
 

North Carolina Areas

 

Tennessee Areas

  • A shallow, rocky creek near lush vegetation.
    TENNESSEE
    Abrams Creek & Look Rock Area

    Tucked into the western corner of the park, the Abrams Creek area features a small campground, peaceful streams, and several quiet trails.

  • A pink historic building with a large cobblestone chimney and teal shutters. A background of trees.
    TENNESSEE
    Metcalf Bottoms & Elkmont

    The Metcalf Bottoms and Elkmont area is defined by mountain streams, lush forests, peaceful trails, and rich history.

  • Fall-colored trees blanket smoothly rolling mountain sides.
    TENNESSEE
    Foothills Parkway East

    Foothills Parkway East flanks the northeastern boundary of the park and offers unique panoramic views of the Smokies and beyond.

  • A paved road, fence, and field in the foreground with rolling mountains on the horizon.
    TENNESSEE
    Cades Cove

    A scenic valley surrounded on all sides by mountains south of Townsend, Tennessee. An 11-mile, one-way loop encircles the valley.

  • Large trees along a leaf-covered trail in fall.
    TENNESSEE
    Cosby

    Cosby is a less-traveled area on the northeast edge of the park near the communities of Cosby and Hartford. Enjoy peaceful trails and more.

  • A paved road with a stone guardrail passing through fall-colored trees.
    TENNESSEE
    Foothills Parkway West

    Foothills Parkway West stretches 33 miles from Wears Valley north of the park to the shores of Chilhowee Lake at its western edge.

  • A creek flowing over large rocks in a lush forest. A distant mountain view visible between the trees
    TENNESSEE
    Greenbrier

    Greenbrier is a heavily forested cove in the park’s northeast area approximately 20 minutes east of Gatlinburg.

  • A visitor center with the NPS arrowhead on the building. Benches and paved walking areas in front.
    TENNESSEE
    Sugarlands

    Sugarlands is the northern gateway to the Smokies near Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Several trails lead to peaceful streams and more.

  • Sweeping mountain views in the distance. A paved walkway and trees in the foreground.
    NORTH CAROLINA/TENNESSEE BORDER
    Kuwohi & Newfound Gap

    Kuwohi & Newfound Gap area straddles the pinnacle of the Smokies where an important high-elevation pass connects the two sides of the park.

Last updated: September 19, 2024

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Phone:

(865)436-1200

Contact Us