Frequently Asked Questions

Two park rangers help visitors plan their adventures.

NPS

 

 

General

Where can I get information to plan my trip to the park?

The best way to plan your trip is by starting on the "Plan Your Visit" page. From this page, you can find different places in the park that interest you and create your own itinerary.

Will my cell phone work in the park?

No, there is extremely limited cell coverage in the park. For the most part, cell service is non-existent. Plan ahead by downloading an offline map (park maps are available on the NPS app) and picking up a paper map from a visitor center.

What is the weather like in the park?

Since elevations range from approximately 875 feet to 6,643 feet, temperatures can vary throughout the park. You can expect temperatures to differ by 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit from the base of the mountains to the summits. To ensure an enjoyable visit, we recommend planning ahead and wearing weather-appropriate clothing.

More information is available on our weather page.

Fees

How much does it cost to enter the park?

A parking tag is required on any vehicle parked in the park for more than 15 minutes. Entrance to the park is free, but most visitors will need a parking tag. Parking tags are $5 for the day, $15 for the week, or $40 for the year.

Fees details.

Where can I buy a parking tag?

Parking tags are available at multiple locations, including visitor centers, automatic fee machines, reacreation.gov, and outside the park at several locations.

If I have a handicap tag, am I exempt from needing a parking tag?

Yes, if you have a handicap plate, placard, or disabled veteran plate displayed on your vehicle, you are exempt from needing to display a parking tag. However, no refunds can be issued for parking tags already purchased.

Does the America the Beautiful pass, Senior Pass, or any other interagency pass cover parking?

No, access passes do not cover parking fees.

Can I purchase an America the Beautiful pass or other interagency pass at the park?

Yes, but only at staffed campgrounds during operating hours. Since this pass does not cover parking in the park, it is recommended that you purchase interagency passes at the next park you visit that accepts them.

Do you have a timed-entry reservation system?

No, there are no timed-entry reservations systems at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Parking tags do not guarantee a specific parking spot at a particular location or for a designated time frame. To increase the likelihood of finding available parking in busy areas, visitors should plan ahead by selecting off-peak hours, days, and seasons.

Is there a fee to camp in the park?

Yes, both backcountry and frontcountry campsites have fees and require a reservation.

Rules and Regulations

Can I bring my pet to the park?

Pets are allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, parking areas, and along roads, but they must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times. Additionally, pets are permitted on two walking paths: the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail. For the safety of you, your pet, and the park's plants and animals, pets are not allowed on any other park trails.

Is swimming allowed in the park?

Swimming in the park is not recommended. Drowning is a leading cause of death in the park. For your safety, please learn about water safety.

Can I fly a drone in the park?

No, launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft (such as drones) is prohibited. Their use creates safety concerns for visitors, disturbs wildlife, and conflicts with the mission of national parks to preserve and protect natural and cultural resources.

Where can I ride my bike in the park?

The park allows bicycling on any park road that is open to vehicle traffic. However, due to steep terrain, narrow road surfaces, and heavy vehicle traffic, many park roads are not well suited for safe and enjoyable bike riding.

On Wednesdays May-September, Cades Cove Loop Road (11 miles) is closed to motor vehicles, making it a great opportunity for biking the roadway.

Biking is permitted on only three trails in the park, the Gatlinburg Trail, Oconaluftee River Trail, and the lower Deep Creek Trail; bikes are prohibited on all other trails.

Where can I fish in the park?

Fishing is permitted in most streams year-round in the park. Detailed information, including a complete list of regulations and a map of fishable park waters, is available at visitor centers and ranger stations. Fishing FAQs.

Hours and Roads

When is the park open?

The park is open year-round, 24/7, with the exception of Cades Cove Loop Road, which opens at dawn and closes at dusk every day. Weather and seasonality may affect road statuses, so it is important to check the alerts page for up-to-date information. Please note that facilities such as visitor centers have specific operating hours.

What roads close seasonally?

Roads such as Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Kuwohi Road, Parsons Branch Road and others are seasonal roads. Seasonal roads have estimated closing and opening dates.

When are the visitor centers open?

For visitor center operating hours, please refer to our operating hours page.

Facilities and Services

What facilities and services are offered?

The park has some facilities, including visitor centers, restrooms, and picnic areas. Additionally, there is a seasonal convenience store located in Cades Cove, as well as a small lodge, LeConte Lodge, which can only be accessed by hiking to the summit of Mt. LeConte.

There are no gas stations, hotels, or restaurants within the park; these facilities can be found in surrounding communities.

The main services offered in the park are seasonal horse-riding stables located in three locations throughout the park and bike rentals in Cades Cove.

Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, a park partner, is also located within the park, which offers camps and environmental education programs.

Where can I ride horses in the park?

Horseback riding by the hour is available from mid-March through late November at three stables in the park. If you have your own horse to ride, check out our horse-friendly trails.

Where can I picnic in the park?

Picnic areas are located at Big Creek, Chimneys, Cades Cove, Collins Creek, Cosby, Deep Creek, Greenbrier, Heintooga, Look Rock, Metcalf Bottoms, and Twin Creeks. Wildlife may be present in the area, so be sure to never leave food or trash unattended.

Can I make a campfire in the picnic areas?

No, campfires are not permitted in picnic areas. Only use provided grills for cooking food (charcoal only).

Where can I buy park souvenirs/merchandise?

Smokies Life, a park partner, operates multiple stores within visitor centers throughout and near the park, where your purchases help fund park operations. Additionally, there is a gift shop located at the Institute at Tremont and a camp store located near the Cades Cove campground.

Is there a park shuttle?

No, the park does not offer any shuttle services; however outside businesses do provide shuttle services during the peak season. Most shuttle services run March through October. Shuttles are a great way to enjoy your Smokies experience without the stress of finding parking.

Traffic

When is the busiest time of year?

As the most visited national park in the country, attracting around 12 million visitors a year, the park is almost always busy. However, there are certain times of the year where crowds are lighter. To find the best time for your visit, please check our "Traffic and Travel Tips".

What time of day is the park busiest?

The park typically experiences peak visitation between 9 AM and 2 PM. During these hours, congestion on roadways can lead to long wait times in traffic and full parking lots at trailheads.

What is the best time to enter the park?

During the busiest times of the year, we recommend that visitors enter the park no later than 8 AM, and even earlier for popular trailheads. Alternatively, entering the park around 3 PM can also be a good time to visit. If you choose to visit later in the day, check what time the sun sets and be prepared with a headlamp, as well as to drive on curvy mountain roads at night.

Things to Do

What activities are there to do while visiting the park?

There are many ways to experience the park! You can go hiking, bird watching, camping, fishing, auto-touring, picnicking, site-seeing, wildlife viewing, biking, horseback riding, and attending ranger programs. For more specific information, check out our things to do.

Where can I view a waterfall?

There are many waterfalls in the park. While large waterfalls tend to attract large crowds, there are also small, peaceful cascades in almost every river and stream in the park. Be aware that climbing waterfalls is extremely dangerous, as many visitors have fallen from them park and sustained serious injuries.

Where can I best view the park from my vehicle?

Many of the park's roads offer scenic overlooks and views. Popular places for auto-touring are Cades Cove Loop Road and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, although their popularity can lead to long waits and traffic jams. For a less crowded drive, consider visiting foothills parkway, which provides excellent views of the vast mountain range without the traffic. Explore our website for more scenic drives or ask for suggestions at a visitor center.

What trail should I hike?

Trails in the park vary greatly in length and difficulty. It is important to remember, when choosing a trail, to pick one that suits the needs of everyone in your group. Our "Things to Do" page provides a better understanding of the mileage, time, and difficulty of some trails in the park; however, with over 800 miles of trails, there are many options. Consider visiting a visitor center for more recommendations.

Camping and Lodging

Where can I camp in the park?

The park offers ten developed campgrounds for RVs and tent campers. Advance reservations are required.

Horse riders can camp in the park's five designated horse camps. Advance reservations are required.

Backpackers have the option to stay in campsites and shelters located in the park's backcountry. A permit is mandatory for all overnight stays in the backcountry, and advance reservations are required for all shelters and many campsites.

Please note that car camping is permitted only in frontcountry campgrounds.

How do I reserve a frontcountry campsite?

All campgrounds require a reservation, which can be made at recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. While the park does not hold any sites for first-come, first-served or walk-up reservations, any remaining unsold sites can be reserved in person at staffed campgrounds during business hours.

How do I reserve a backcountry campsite?

To camp at a backcountry site, you must obtain a permit. Permits can be accessed on the backcountry permits page or in person at the backcountry office during normal business hours.

What are the camping regulations?

You can find all the camping rules and regulations for frontcountry camping on the camping regulations page.

Does the park have cabins for rent?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers campgrounds, but no hotels or rental cabins within the park, with the exception of LeConte Lodge. The lodge is accessible only by hiking and is located on the summit of Mt. LeConte. Reservations for LeConte Lodge can be made by calling [phone] or by visiting the LeConte Lodge website. Other lodging options are available in communities surrounding the park.

While camping, where do I store food to keep it safe from wildlife?

If you are camping in the frontcountry, all food and scented items must be stored inside a locked hard-side vehicle or camper. Even coolers and items labeled “bear-proof” must be stored in your vehicle or camper. If you are traveling by motorcycle or in a convertible vehicle with a soft top, you may place food and other scented items in a shared bear-proof locker.

For backcountry camping, food and scented items can be stored on suspended bear cables located at each backcountry site. All food, trash, and any equipment used to cook, serve, or store food must be stored securely at all times, except when these items are being transported, consumed, or prepared for consumption.

Are campgrounds open year-round?

Smokemont and Cades Cove campgrounds are open year-round. All other campgrounds are open seasonally.

Do the campgrounds have showers?

No, none of our campgrounds have showers. Showers may be available in outside communities.

Does someone check me in at the campgrounds?

Cosby, Elkmont, Cades Cove, Smokemont, and Deep Creek campgrounds have staff on site during business hours.

If you have a reservation and arrive at one of these campgrounds during business hours, please check in with staff upon arrival. If you arrive after hours, plan to check in the following day. At unstaffed locations, proceed to the specific site you have reserved and be prepared to show proof of reservation if asked.

We have a large group of campers; do you have group sites?

Big Creek, Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Deep Creek, Elkmont, and Smokemont campgrounds offer group sites that can accommodate 7 to 30 people. Regular family sites can accommodate up to 6 people.

Are there RV dump stations in the park?

Yes, for more information visit our frontcountry campgrounds page.

Do any sites have RV hookups?

Look Rock campground is the only campground with electric hookups.

Ranger Programs and Events

When and what kind of ranger-led programs are offered?

Ranger-led programs and events may be scheduled in the spring, summer, and fall with topics and activities changing seasonally. Check the calendar or park newspaper for more details.

Are there park events?

Yes, throughout the year the park may host events which will be scheduled on our calendar.

How do I become a junior ranger; is there a junior ranger program?

Yes! Junior Rangers can be sworn in at visitors centers after they have completed at least 5 activities in the junior ranger guide. The junior ranger guide is Smokies specific and intended to be worked on in the park. Only one guide per family is required to participate. Junior Ranger Guides are available for purchase at visitor centers for $4.50.

Nature

Where can I view wildlife?

Wildlife can be spotted anywhere in the park; it’s all about being in the right place at the right time. Popular locations for wildlife viewing include Cades Cove, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Cataloochee Valley, and Oconaluftee. Remember to maintain a safe distance of at least 50 yards from all wildlife. Approaching wildlife too closely is against federal law and is illegal.

Are there fireflies in the park? Where can I view them? How do I apply for the firefly lottery?

Yes, 19 different species of fireflies inhabit the park. The most well-known is the synchronous firefly. Learn more about fireflies and how to apply for the firefly viewing lottery on our synchronous fireflies page.

What should I do if I see a bear, elk, or other wildlife from my vehicle?

If you see wildlife such as a bear or elk from your vehicle, stay inside. Do not stop in the roadway or pull over on the road shoulder unless you are in a designated pull-off in which your vehicle can be completely moved off the roadway.

What should I do if I come across a bear in the backcountry?

In most cases, leave the bear alone and continue with your hike. Do not approach the bear and do your best to keep your distance. To learn more on what to do if you encounter a bear in the backcountry, please visit our black bears page for detailed guidance.

How many black bears are in the park?

It is estimated that around 1,900 black bears live in the park.

Are there wildflowers to see in the park?

The Smokies are full of wildflower diversity, over 1,500 species of flowering plants are found in the park, more than any other North American national park. Wildflowers peak in mid-spring, but the show goes on throughout the summer. Wildflowers can be seen all across the park.

Check out our suggestions for wildflower walks.

When and where can I view fall colors?

Typically, the last three weeks of October are the best time of year to view fall colors. Keep in mind that the weather will impact when peak season is. Fall colors are beautiful all across the park especially in lower elevations where there is more tree diversity.

When do the Rhododendron bloom?

The peak will be different every year, but Catawba Rhododendron (pink, high elevation only) peaks around late May and Rosebay Rhododendron (white) peaks around early June to early July depending on elevation

What is the highest peak in the park?

Kuwohi is the highest peak in the park, standing at 6,423 feet.

How many salamanders are in the park?

There are 31 species of salamanders identified within the park. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known as the salamander capital of the world, boasting more species of salamanders than any other place on the planet.

Do not touch salamanders as they have very sensitive skin and handling them can be harmful.

How many elk are in the park?

Around 200 elk are estimated to inhabit the park.

Why were elk reintroduced?

A primary mission of the National Park Service is to preserve native plants and animals on the lands it manages. In cases where native species have been eliminated from park areas, the National Park Service may choose to reintroduce them, as was the case with elk.

How many species are in the park?

As of 2025, there are over 22,000 identified species in the park, but the actual number is estimated to be closer to 100,000. Discover Life in America is a partner organization that has been working to document all of the species within Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Are there invasive species in the park?

Yes, there are many invasive species present in the park such as kudzu, mimosa, wild boar, rainbow trout, and woolly adelgids, a type of beetle.

How many species of trees are in the park?

The park is home to over 100 native species of trees. Check out our trees and shrubs checklist.

Culture & History

Did people live in the park?

Yes, people have inhabited the area since prehistoric times. Groups such as the Cherokee and European settlers are a few of the communities that called this land home. Learn more about the history of people in the park.

What year was Great Smoky Mountains National Park founded?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park was founded in 1934.

How many historic structures are in the park?

There are over 90 historic structures within the park.

Permits and Reservations

What requires a permit or reservation in the park?

A permit is needed for the following activities: weddings, special uses, First Amendment activities, commercial filming and still photography, commercial services, burial requests, scattering cremated ashes, scientific research and collecting, cave exploration, and fishing.

Reservations are required for: frontcountry camping, backcountry camping, LeConte Lodge, horse camps, group campgrounds, picnic pavilions, the Appalachian Clubhouse, and Spence Cabin.

For more information, please visit our permits and reservations page.

Can I hold my wedding or other special event in the park?

Weddings and other special events require a permit and must follow specific guidelines. Please call [phone] for permit information.

Employment and Volunteer Opportunities

How can I get a job at Great Smoky Mountains?

USA Jobs is the federal hiring platform used to apply for jobs within the National Park Service. Learn more about working in our park on our work with us page.

Can I volunteer at Great Smoky Mountains?

Yes, there are many opportunities to volunteer in the park. Learn more about volunteering opportunities on our volunteer page.

 

Other FAQs

• 

  Parking Tag FAQs

  Learn more about the Park It Forward program.

• 

  Fishing FAQs

  Learn more about fishing in the Smokies.

• 

  Firewood Policies FAQs

  Learn more about firewood polices in the Smokies.