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

    Great Smoky Mountains

    National Park NC,TN

Support Your Park

A volunteer reminisces with a park visitor.

Don McGowan photo

Do you care about the park and wish to help preserve the wonderfully rich natural and cultural resources the park was created to protect? Consider becoming a VIP-a participant in the Volunteers In Parks program, that is. The park could not function without the efforts of its dedicated volunteers. As a VIP you can help the park provide educational programs for visitors, assist rangers to protect the park's priceless natural and cultural resources-there are many rewarding opportunities awaiting you. Share your talents today!

If you would like to make a donation to the park, please visit the Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park or do a bit of shopping at Great Smoky Mountains Association store. These nonprofit organizations assist the park by raising funds, increasing public awareness of park issues, and by supporting the educational, scientific, and historical efforts of the park.

 

Artist-in-Residence Program
If you are interested in the park's Artist-in-Residence opportunities, please read through the AiR program brochure.

  • Become a VIP Become a VIP

    Help your favorite park by volunteering your time and talents. 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?

Barn at the Mountain Farm Museum at Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

The barn at the Mountain Farm Museum at Oconaluftee Visitor Center is over 50 feet wide and 60 feet long. A modern 2,500 square foot home would fit in the upstairs loft of the barn and over 16,000 hand-split wooden shingles are required to roof it.