National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service: U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
 
 
Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Great Smoky Mountains National ParkGreat Smoky Mountains National Park is named for the misty 'smoke' that often hangs over the park.
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Be A Junior Ranger
 
Two boys search for aquatic life in a park stream.

Dana Soehn Photo.

Kids—if you're between the ages of 5-12, you can become a Junior Ranger! Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet for $2.50 at any park visitor center or at the Cades Cove or Elkmont campground. Complete the activities in the booklet then stop by a visitor center to talk to a ranger and receive your Junior Ranger badge.

You can become a Junior Ranger at any time of year, but during spring, summer, and fall, ranger-led Junior Ranger programs are offered especially for children. Read through the schedule of ranger-led programs to find these special Junior Ranger programs.

 
 
Junior Ranger programs offer children a chance to explore the park and learn about the past.

Don McGowan Photo

Junior Ranger: Blacksmithing
Want to see what Junior Ranger programs are all about? Watch a video of the Junior Ranger Blacksmith program at the Mountain Farm Museum.
 
Black bear
Black Bears
An estimated 1,500 black bears live in the park.
more...
Black-chinned red salamander
Salamander Capital of the World!
At least thirty species of salamanders live in the park.
more...
white-tailed deer
Wildlife Watching
Open areas such as Cades Cove and Cataloochee are good places to view wildlife.
more...
Grotto Falls in Roaring Fork
Waterfalls
Waterfalls can be found on nearly every stream in the park.
more...
The park is named for the misty clouds that hang over the mountains.  

Did You Know?
The wispy, smoke-like fog that hangs over the Smoky Mountains comes from rain and evaporation from trees. On the high peaks of the Smokies, an average of 85 inches of rain falls each year, qualifying these upper elevation areas as temperate rain forests.

Disclaimer Accessibility Privacy Policy FOIA Notices USA.gov

Last Updated: February 24, 2009 at 15:52 EST