Plan Your Visit

 

From black bears to salamanders, old-growth forests to spring wildflowers, log cabins to gristmills... the park offers myriad opportunities for exploring and discovering both the natural and cultural history of these ancient mountains. Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers 522,427 acres, divided almost evenly between Tennessee and North Carolina. Learn about the many areas of the park below to begin planning your Smokies adventure.

 
 

North Carolina Areas

A rocky creek with small rapids framed by forest.
NORTH CAROLINA

Big Creek

In Big Creek, a dense forest has reclaimed the former site of a logging town. Today, find a shady campground, picnic area, and trails.

A wooden barn in a grassy field below a cloudy sky alongside a gravel road
NORTH CAROLINA

Cataloochee & Balsam Mountain

Cataloochee Valley hosts elk and preserves rich cultural history. Nearby Balsam Mountain offers cooler weather with its high elevations.

A fanning waterfall falling over rocks framed by green vegetation.
NORTH CAROLINA

Deep Creek

The Deep Creek area just north of Bryson City and west of Cherokee, North Carolina, is celebrated for its many streams and waterfalls.

A lake surrounded by rolling hills covered in green trees.
NORTH CAROLINA

Fontana

Fontana is one of the most remote sections of the park. Find solitude, scenic cascades, spring wildflowers, and remnants of logging history.

Rolling mountains above a grassy field. A porch railing in the foreground.
NORTH CAROLINA

Oconaluftee

Oconaluftee is the southern gateway to the Smokies neighboring Cherokee, NC, and the Qualla Boundary. Enjoy elk, trails, and more.

Sweeping mountain views in the distance. A paved walkway and trees in the foreground.
NORTH CAROLINA/TENNESSEE BORDER

Kuwohi & Newfound Gap

Kuwohi & Newfound Gap area straddles the pinnacle of the Smokies where an important high-elevation pass connects the two sides of the park.

 

Tennessee Areas

A shallow, rocky creek near lush vegetation.
TENNESSEE

Abrams Creek & Look Rock Area

Tucked into the western corner of the park, the Abrams Creek area features a small campground, peaceful streams, and several quiet trails.

A pink historic building with a large cobblestone chimney and teal shutters. A background of trees.
TENNESSEE

Metcalf Bottoms & Elkmont

The Metcalf Bottoms and Elkmont area is defined by mountain streams, lush forests, peaceful trails, and rich history.

Fall-colored trees blanket smoothly rolling mountain sides.
TENNESSEE

Foothills Parkway East

Foothills Parkway East flanks the northeastern boundary of the park and offers unique panoramic views of the Smokies and beyond.

A paved road, fence, and field in the foreground with rolling mountains on the horizon.
TENNESSEE

Cades Cove

A scenic valley surrounded on all sides by mountains south of Townsend, Tennessee. An 11-mile, one-way loop encircles the valley.

Large trees along a leaf-covered trail in fall.
TENNESSEE

Cosby

Cosby is a less-traveled area on the northeast edge of the park near the communities of Cosby and Hartford. Enjoy peaceful trails and more.

A paved road with a stone guardrail passing through fall-colored trees.
TENNESSEE

Foothills Parkway West

Foothills Parkway West stretches 33 miles from Wears Valley north of the park to the shores of Chilhowee Lake at its western edge.

A creek flowing over large rocks in a lush forest. A distant mountain view visible between the trees
TENNESSEE

Greenbrier

Greenbrier is a heavily forested cove in the park’s northeast area approximately 20 minutes east of Gatlinburg.

A visitor center with the NPS arrowhead on the building. Benches and paved walking areas in front.
TENNESSEE

Sugarlands

Sugarlands is the northern gateway to the Smokies near Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Several trails lead to peaceful streams and more.

Sweeping mountain views in the distance. A paved walkway and trees in the foreground.
NORTH CAROLINA/TENNESSEE BORDER

Kuwohi & Newfound Gap

Kuwohi & Newfound Gap area straddles the pinnacle of the Smokies where an important high-elevation pass connects the two sides of the park.

Last updated: February 25, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Phone:

(865)436-1200

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