A thick layer of frost covers the fields, trees, and mountains in Cades Cove.

National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

visit on nps.gov

Info

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!

Park Photos

A thick layer of frost covers the fields, trees, and mountains in Cades Cove.
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Wintertime brings a quiet beauty to the Great Smoky Mountains.

Credit: Kristina Plaas

A thick layer of frost covers the fields, trees, and mountains in Cades Cove.
Wisps of fog hang over the forests in the mountains.
A clear sky with a vast snowy mountain scene.
A hillside in the forest covered with white trillium flowers
Bright gold and red leaves shine through the fog in a forest.
Gold and red fall colors fill the valleys while snow coats the mountain tops.
Rhododendron bushes line the banks of a stream filled with large boulders.
Tombstones stand in front of a white, wooden church on a foggy morning.

Activities

Auto and ATV
Scenic Driving
Biking
Road Biking
Camping
Backcountry Camping
Car or Front Country Camping
Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
Group Camping
RV Camping
Picnicking
Hiking
Backcountry Hiking
Front-Country Hiking
Horse Trekking
Horse Camping (see also camping)
Horseback Riding
Arts and Culture
Live Music
Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours - Auto
Hands-On
Citizen Science
Junior Ranger Program
Museum Exhibits
Bookstore and Park Store
Astronomy
Stargazing
Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching
Park Film
Fishing
Freshwater Fishing
Fly Fishing
Food
Shopping

Operating Hours

Primary roads are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round, weather permitting. This includes Newfound Gap Road (US-441), Little River Road, and Laurel Creek Road. Secondary roads are closed seasonally.

DayHours
Friday
All Day
Monday
All Day
Sunday
All Day
Tuesday
All Day
Saturday
All Day
Thursday
All Day
Wednesday
All Day

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.

Events