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

    Great Smoky Mountains

    National Park NC,TN

Workshops and Classes

The Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is a year-round residential environmental education center in the Smokies which offers workshops and programs for everyone, from grade school children to Elderhostel groups and teachers. Programs may include hiking, slide shows on flora and fauna, mountain music, living history, and wildlife demonstrations. Program fees vary. For more information, call (865) 448-6709.


The Smoky Mountain Field School offers a full schedule of workshops, hikes, and adventures for families and adults. Programs are frequently held on weekends and cover various aspects of natural and cultural history, including wildflowers, fireflies, black bears, Cherokee history, and orienteering. Programs run from four hours to two days.

The Field School is an educational outreach program of the University of Tennessee. Program instructors are recognizes experts in their fields. Program fees vary. For more information, call (865) 974-0150.


Ranger-guided programs are offered spring through fall in the park. Most programs are free. The schedule of events page allows you to search for programs by topic or date.

  • Become a Junior Ranger Become a Junior Ranger

    Kids ages 5-12 can earn a Junior Ranger badge by exploring the park. Read More

  • All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory

    Join other citizen scientists and volunteers in discovering new species in the park. Read More

Did You Know?

Fontana Lake is formed by Fontana Dam.

At 480 feet, Fontana Dam, located on the southwestern boundary of the park, is the tallest concrete dam east of the Rocky Mountains. The dam impounds the Little Tennessee River forming Fontana Lake and produces hydroelectric power.