Great Smoky Mountains National Park

NC,TN

Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park. Plan your visit today!

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WEATHER INFO

Elevations in the park range from approximately 875 feet (267 meters) to 6,643 feet (2,025 meters) and the topography can drastically affect local weather. Temperatures can vary by 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit from mountain base to top, and clear skies lower down do not guarantee equally pleasant weather at higher elevations.

Weather @ Great Smoky Mountains

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last updated: 28 min

DIRECTIONS INFO

Vermont, Illinois

11.2 hr

Great Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the borders of the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. The three main entrances to the park are in Gatlinburg, TN; Townsend, TN; and Cherokee, NC.

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Alerts

PARK CLOSURE

Park Headquarters Road and part of the Gatlinburg Trail closed

Park Headquarters Road and a portion of the Gatlinburg Trail are closed through September 2025 due to rehabilitation work on the Sugarlands water and wastewater systems. During this time, 0.6 miles of the Gatlinburg Trail remain open and accessible from the downtown Gatlinburg trailhead. There is no access to the trail from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The full trail is expected to reopen by October 1.

PARK CLOSURE

Old NC 284 is closed from Cataloochee Creek to Cataloochee Valley

Old NC 284 is open from Big Creek to Cataloochee creek, however there is no access to Cataloochee Valley due to road damage.

INFORMATION

Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to motor vehicles every Wednesday

Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to motor vehicles every Wednesday from June 18 to September 24. This allows pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy the cove without the presence of vehicles on the roadway.

PARK CLOSURE

Straight Fork and the one-way section of Balsam Mountain Road closed.

Straight Fork and the one-way section of Balsam Mountain Road (Heintooga Round-Bottom Road) are closed. The 9-mile paved section of Balsam Mountain Road remains open; visitors may still access Balsam Mountain Campground.

INFORMATION

Most visitors need a parking tag

All vehicles parking for longer than 15 minutes require a parking tag. Three tag durations are available for purchase for all vehicle sizes and types: Daily ($5), Weekly ($15), or Annual ($40).

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park