Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park consists of a huge treasure of beautiful forest on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee.

The park was given this name because of its mountainous land which gives an aura of magical smoky haze to its surroundings.

The Park has divine waterfalls like Grotto, Abrams, Laurel, Rainbow, Mingo drawings and many more throughout the 522,419 acres of land.

Other major attractions of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park consists of Chimney Tops, Sugarlands Visitor Center, Newfound Gap, Ocanaluftee Valley, Mingus Mill, Porter’s Creek, Ramsey Cascades,  and Clingman’s Dome Road.Great Smoky Mountains National ParkOther major attractions of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park consists of Chimney Tops, Sugarlands Visitor Center, Newfound Gap, Ocanaluftee Valley, Mingus Mill, Porter’s Creek, Ramsey Cascades,  and Clingman’s Dome Road.

The park has around 15,000 species of black bears, 200 species of birds, 50 species of fish, 39 species of reptiles, and 43 species of amphibians.

No. Of Visitors in 2018

11421200

Best Time To Visit

September to Mid-November

The September to Mid-November consists of awesome warm days and cool nights. Hiking and biking are the best activities to enjoy in these months. By November, the temperature drops and there is a probability of snowing in the higher elevations. Due to snowfall, some roads may get closed.

Things to carry

Following are the things that you can take along with you.

Daypack

Carry daypack that can hold all your essentials like snacks, extra layer clothing, binoculars, flashlight, pocket knife, first-aid kit and a whistle.

Clothing

Carry clothing layers because the temperature changes drastically as the sunsets.

Shoes

Carry breathable, waterproof and firm grip hiking shoes for having comfortable walking around waterfalls and mountainsides.

Food

Bring food as there are no restaurants in the park.

Medication

There are yellow jacket wasps in the park so if you have allergy from them then do carry proper medicines.

Hydration System

Drink at least 0.5 to 1 litre of water per hour so as to prevent headaches, heat cramps and heatstroke.

Bug Spray

Carry bug spray to protect from midges and gnat.

Star Chart or Star App

Carry a Star Chart or Star App so as to know the names of the star formations.

Besides the above things, do carry sunscreen, sunglasses, emergency kit and a tablecloth.

Tips before Visiting

  • Chimney Top is the most amazing trail to enjoy scenic views of the park.
  • All the main roads are open for the entire year. Secondary roads are only open according to the weather conditions. 
  • During the summers, you can explore the Cades cave by bicycle only on Wednesdays and Saturdays until 10 AM.
  • Crosby entrance of the park will be comfortable to enter so as to avoid crowd and traffic.