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Great Smoky Mountains National ParkGreat Smoky Mountains National Park is named for the misty 'smoke' that often hangs over the park.
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Photos & Multimedia
 

WebCams

Two webcams provide a current view of the park and information about air quality conditions. Images are updated every 15 minutes. 

Look Rock (located on the western end of the park)
Purchase  Knob (located on the eastern end of the park)

 


Podcasts


 
A elk cow leads her calf across the field in front of Palmer Chapel in Cataloochee.

Elk Reintroduction
During September and October, Cataloochee Valley echoes with the bugles of bull elk calling for females and challenging other males for dominance. Hear what a bugle sounds like and learn more about the park's elk herds. 

 
A Laricobius nigrinus predator beetle feeds on hemlock woolly adelgid eggs.

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
Majestic hemlock trees are dying in the park due to a destructive, non-native insect. Join Rangers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park as they release biocontrol beetles that are predators of the hemlock woolly adelgid.

 

Spring Wildflowers 
Take a video tour of two popular wildflower viewing trails to see what's blooming in the park in early Spring. This video is closed captioned.

 
Junior Ranger programs offer children a chance to learn about the natural and cultural history of the park.
Junior Ranger Blacksmithing
Want to know what Junior Ranger programs are like? Join Ranger Brad and his blacksmith apprentices as they make dinner bells in the blacksmith shop at the Mountain Farm Museum.
 

 

The Great Smoky Mountains Association, a non-profit partner of the park, also offers free podcasts from the Smokies, including stories, songs, and the Newfound Gap Self-guiding Auto Tour. Visit their website for audio podcasts or video blogs.  

 


Photo Galleries

 

Historic Buildings

white-tailed deer
Wildlife Watching
Open areas such as Cades Cove and Cataloochee are good places to view wildlife.
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Click to access maps of the national park
Download Park Maps
Maps of trails and campgrounds as well as general park maps are available.
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Auto touring
Auto Touring
Auto Touring is a popular way to explore the park.
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When Will It Snow?
When Will It Snow?
Snow falls infrequently in the foothills, but at high elevation, snow is more common.
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Great Horned Owls can be heard most often in January and February  

Did You Know?
More than 240 species of birds have been found in the park. Sixty species are year-round residents. Nearly 120 species breed in the park, including 52 species from the neo-tropics. Many other species use the park as an important stopover and foraging area during their semiannual migration.

Last Updated: June 12, 2009 at 13:54 EST