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

    Great Smoky Mountains

    National Park NC,TN

Oconaluftee River Trail

The Oconaluftee River Trail is one of two walking paths on which visitors can walk dogs and bicycle. Pets and bicycles are prohibited on all other park trails.

The trail travels 1.5 miles one-way from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center to the outskirts of the city of Cherokee, NC. It is relatively flat, but does have a few small hills. The trail runs through the forest along side the Oconaluftee River and offers beautiful views of the river.

The Oconaluftee River Trail is frequently used by joggers, walkers, and bicyclists.

The Gatlinburg Trail is the second walking path on which pets and bicycles are permitted.

  • Regulations Concerning Pets Regulations Concerning Pets

    Leashed pets are allowed in developed areas and along roads, but are not allowed on park trails. Read More

  • Fishing in the Park Fishing in the Park

    The park offers a wide variety of angling experiences for fishermen. Read More

Did You Know?

Scientists estimate that 100,000 different species live in the park.

What lives in Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Although the question sounds simple, it is actually extremely complex. Right now scientists think that we only know about 17 percent of the plants and animals that live in the park, or about 17,000 species of a probable 100,000 different organisms.