Great Smoky Mountains National Park
522,427
Acres
12.1 million/year
Annual Visitors
Free
Entry Fee
April through June, October
Best Time to Visit
National Park Service
National Park
Great Smoky Mountains became a national park on June 15, 1934. It is the most visited national park in the United States by a wide margin and the only one that does not charge an entrance fee, a condition written into the original land deed. The park protects one of the most biodiverse temperate forests on Earth.
What Great Smoky Mountains Is Known For
Cades Cove
Clingmans Dome
Synchronous fireflies
Fall foliage
Top Activities
Hiking
Wildlife viewing
Scenic drives
Fishing
Waterfall hunting
Our Complete Great Smoky Mountains Guide
Everything you need to plan your trip. Trails, timing, tips, and the spots most visitors miss.
Our Great Smoky Mountains Articles
Educational Resources
National Parks
Mingus Mill at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
National Parks
Cades Cove | Great Smoky Mountains National Park
National Parks
Best National Parks to Visit Every Month
National Parks
All 63 US National Parks Ranked (2026 Update)
Best of National Parks
Complete National Parks List: Every Park in the US
Educational Resources
12 Fascinating Facts About Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
History
7 Epic Arkansas National Parks
Spring
15 Best National Parks to Visit in April
Educational Resources
10 Amazing National Parks Near Memphis
Educational Resources
10 Best National Parks for Amazing Wildlife Viewing
History
11 Beautiful Alabama National Parks
Plan Your Visit
Nearby National Parks
Is Great Smoky Mountains Under Threat?
Check our live Threatened Public Lands Map for the latest on active threats to federal lands.
View the Threat MapStay in the Loop
Free weekly dispatches on public lands. Threats tracked, wins celebrated, no fluff.
Subscribe on Substack