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Road and Facility Improvements

In Spring 2010, projects to improve park roads and facilities will result in the temporary closure of several popular park roads.
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A Wondrous Diversity of Life

Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America’s most visited national park.

 
Hiker relaxing at overlook. Ken Voorhis photo.

Things to Do

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short leg-stretchers to strenuous treks that may require backcountry camping. But hiking is not the only reason for visiting the Smokies. Car camping, fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are popular activities.
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Black bear

Wildlife

Most visitors come to the Smokies hoping to see a bear. Some 1,500 bears live in the park. From the big animals like bears, deer, and elk, down to microscopic organisms, the Smokies have the most biological diversity of any area in the world's temperate zone. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy.
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Lady slipper orchid

Wildflowers

The park is a world-renowned preserve of wildflower diversity—over 1,660 kinds of flowering plants are found here, more than in any other North American national park. From the earliest hepaticas and spring-beauties in the late winter to showy rhododendron and azalea shrubs in summer, to the last asters in the late fall, blooming flowers can be found nearly year-round in the park.
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Ranger-guided programs are offered from late spring through early fall in the park.

Ranger-Guided Programs and Special Events

Ranger-guided programs give visitors the opportunity to explore the wonders of the park with a Ranger. Programs are offered in spring, summer, and fall.
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Write to

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Phone

Visitor Information
(865) 436-1200

Climate

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a moderate climate, typified by mild winters and hot, humid summers. When planning a trip to the Smokies, keep in mind that elevations in the park range from 800 feet to 6,643 feet and that the topography can drastically affect local weather. Temperatures can vary 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit from mountain base to top, and clear skies at lower elevations do not guarantee equally pleasant weather on the higher peaks.
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Communities Surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Note: The times listed below are approximate driving times to the park.
Cherokee, NC (1 min. ) Pop. 24,298
Whittier, NC (13 min. )
Bryson City, NC (17 min. ) Pop. 1,411
Gatlinburg, TN (20 min. ) Pop. 3,382
Dillsboro, NC (21 min. ) Pop. 205
Maggie Valley, NC (23 min. ) Pop. 607
Sylva, NC (24 min. ) Pop. 2,435
Townsend, TN (25 min. ) Pop. 244
Almond, NC (29 min. )
Webster, NC (29 min. ) Pop. 486
Cullowhee, NC (29 min. ) Pop. 3,579
Pigeon Forge, TN (31 min. ) Pop. 5,083
Walland, TN (33 min. )
Balsam, NC (34 min. )
Waynesville, NC (35 min. ) Pop. 9,232
Lake Junaluska, NC (35 min. ) Pop. 2,675
Clyde, NC (37 min. ) Pop. 1,324
Hazelwood, NC (37 min. )
 Glenville, NC (39 min. )
Tuckasegee, NC (40 min. )
Sevierville, TN (40 min. ) Pop. 11,757
Franklin, NC (43 min. ) Pop. 3,490
Maryville, TN (45 min. ) Pop. 23,120
Alcoa, TN (47 min. ) Pop. 7,734
Cosby, TN (47 min. )
Tallassee, TN (51 min. )
Louisville, TN (58 min. ) Pop. 2,001
Friendsville, TN (59 min. ) Pop. 890
Seymour, TN (1 hr.  0 min. ) Pop. 8,850
Hartford, TN (1 hr.  2 min. )
Greenback, TN (1 hr.  5 min. ) Pop. 954
Knoxville, TN (1 hr.  7 min. ) Pop. 173,890
Vonore, TN (1 hr.  9 min. ) Pop. 1,162
Robbinsville, NC (1 hr.  23 min. ) Pop. 747
Topton, NC (1 hr.  37 min. )
Andrews, NC (1 hr.  48 min. ) Pop. 1,602