Ranger-Led Events

Each year, the Smokies offers a number of special programs to help you explore and learn about the park. Come tap your toes to old-time music, marvel at the park's beautiful wildflowers, witness blacksmithing in action, and more!

As details are available, they will be shared on our event calendar.

 

"Granny Franny" shares mountain herb lore at the Festival of Christmas Past.

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Wildflower Pilgrimage

The Smoky Mountains are a haven for spring wildflower enthusiasts. Join us for hikes, walks, lectures, and programs (both indoors and outdoors) on natural and cultural history. Search for salamanders; learn about aquatic insects; visit an air quality monitoring station; go on wildflower, fern, or tree identification walks; and more. As information is available, details will be posted to our event calendar.

Music of the Mountains

The Music of the Mountains festival was created to share the rich musical traditions of the Southern Appalachians with our park visitors. Enjoy traditional Appalachian music during this two-day event held at Sugarlands Visitor Center and in Townsend, TN. As information is available, details will be posted to our event calendar.

 

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Smokies Harvest Celebration

Take a glimpse into the past and share in some of the traditional fall pursuits that were an important part of rural life in these southern mountains. Enjoy interactive demonstrations such as sorghum-processing, blacksmithing, apple cider pressing, broom-making, and woodworking on the Mountain Farm Museum at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. As information is available, details will be posted to our event calendar.

 

Enjoy live music and caroling at the Holiday Homecoming.

NPS Photo

Holiday Homecoming

Enjoy a holiday celebration in the Smokies with traditional music, crafts, and demonstrations at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. As information is available, details will be posted to our event calendar.

Festival of Christmas Past

Celebrate Christmas in the mountains with old-time music, harp singing, storytelling, children's activities, and craft demonstrations such as weaving, spinning, quilting, and basket making. As information is available, details will be posted to our event calendar.

 

Junior Ranger Day

Children and their families can join in a variety of free, hands-on activities including ranger-guided walks, historic toy making, visiting a blacksmith shop, and exploring touch tables with animal skins, skulls, and scat. Each visitor center will share information about specific programs, and the park's event calendar will include details as they are available.