{"id":"nps-grsm","slug":"great-smoky-mountains-national-park","name":"Great Smoky Mountains National Park","designation":"National Park","category":"national-park","categoryLabel":"National Park","agency":{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov"},"managedBy":[{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov","unitCode":"GRSM","designation":"National Park","sourceId":"nps-grsm"}],"states":["NC","TN"],"stateNames":["North Carolina","Tennessee"],"location":{"lat":35.60116374,"lon":-83.50818326},"bbox":[-84.0139,35.4289,-82.998,35.8413],"acres":{"value":601644,"kind":"gis-estimate","source":"Computed from the simplified boundary","note":"Approximate. The managing agency publishes official acreage."},"firstProtected":null,"established":null,"administrations":[],"designationHistory":[],"summary":"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. Plan your visit today!","summarySource":"National Park Service","guide":{},"trConnection":null,"trConnections":[],"trTypes":[],"links":{"official":"https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm","social":{},"recreationGov":null,"alltrails":null,"alltrailsExplore":"https://www.alltrails.com/explore?b_tl_lat=35.8413&b_tl_lng=-84.0139&b_br_lat=35.4289&b_br_lng=-82.998","recreationGovSearch":"https://www.recreation.gov/search?q=Great%20Smoky%20Mountains%20National%20Park","directions":"http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/directions.htm"},"images":[{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C80EC37-1DD8-B71B-0B87F63E8B030D15.jpg","title":"\"Smoke\" Rising From the Mountains","alt":"Wisps of fog hang over the forests in the mountains.","caption":"The park gets its name from mists that often rise like smoke from the mountains.","credit":"Kristina Plaas","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C80F02B-1DD8-B71B-0BBC2DFD4E9349E9.jpg","title":"The \"Wildflower National Park\"","alt":"A hillside in the forest covered with white trillium flowers","caption":"Wildflowers, such as these white trillium, can be found blooming from February through November in the park.","credit":"Kristina Plaas","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/62D22291-ECC1-C9C6-D4C249F41BC599CC.jpg","title":"Winter in the Smokies","alt":"A clear sky with a vast snowy mountain scene.","caption":"The Smokies receives snow periodically throughout the winter, mostly at higher elevations.","credit":"NPS / Bob Carr","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C80E3F4-1DD8-B71B-0BFF4F2280EF1B52.jpg","title":"Frosty Morning in Cades Cove","alt":"A thick layer of frost covers the fields, trees, and mountains in Cades Cove.","caption":"Wintertime brings a quiet beauty to the Great Smoky Mountains.","credit":"Kristina Plaas","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C80EEE2-1DD8-B71B-0BC2620AAA57D7CA.jpg","title":"The Waters of Roaring Fork Below Grotto Falls","alt":"Rhododendron bushes line the banks of a stream filled with large boulders.","caption":"Abundant rainfall means lush forests and beautiful stream scenes in the Great Smoky Mountains.","credit":"Danielle Austen, Artist-in-Residence 2015","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C80F1CC-1DD8-B71B-0B784AC1BCA74166.jpg","title":"Fall Colors Near Newfound Gap","alt":"Bright gold and red leaves shine through the fog in a forest.","caption":"Fall leaf season is one of the busiest times of year in the park.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C80EDBC-1DD8-B71B-0B743AF911FE7557.jpg","title":"A Foggy Morning at Cades Cove Methodist Church","alt":"Tombstones stand in front of a white, wooden church on a foggy morning.","caption":"Historic buildings such as churches, gristmills, barns, and homes allow visitors to get a feel for life in the mountains before the national park was created.","credit":"Kristina Plaas","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C80F6C9-1DD8-B71B-0B33F35922A21B3B.jpg","title":"Fall Meets Winter","alt":"Gold and red fall colors fill the valleys while snow coats the mountain tops.","caption":"In spring and fall, weather in the foothills can be pleasant, while snow and cold rule on the mountain tops.","credit":"Sam Hobbs","source":"NPS"}],"activities":["Arts and Culture","Live Music","Auto and ATV","Scenic Driving","Astronomy","Stargazing","Biking","Road Biking","Camping","Backcountry Camping","Car or Front Country Camping","Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)","Group Camping","RV Camping","Fishing","Freshwater Fishing","Fly Fishing","Food","Picnicking","Guided Tours","Self-Guided Tours - Auto","Hands-On","Citizen Science","Hiking","Backcountry Hiking","Front-Country Hiking","Horse Trekking","Horse Camping (see also camping)","Horseback Riding","Junior Ranger Program","Wildlife Watching","Birdwatching","Park Film","Museum Exhibits","Shopping","Bookstore and Park Store"],"topics":[],"fees":[],"passes":[],"hours":[{"name":"Great Smoky Mountains National Park","description":"Primary roads are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round, weather permitting. This includes Newfound Gap Road (US-441), Little River Road, and Laurel Creek Road. Secondary roads are closed seasonally.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"All Day","monday":"All Day","thursday":"All Day","sunday":"All Day","tuesday":"All Day","friday":"All Day","saturday":"All Day"},"exceptions":[]}],"directions":"Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the borders of the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. The three main entrances to the park are in Gatlinburg, TN; Townsend, TN; and Cherokee, NC.","weatherInfo":"Elevations in the park range from approximately 875 feet (267 meters) to 6,643 feet (2,025 meters) and the topography can drastically affect local weather. Temperatures can vary by 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit from mountain base to top, and clear skies lower down do not guarantee equally pleasant weather at higher elevations.","contacts":{"phone":"(865)436-1200","email":"GRSM_Smokies_Information@nps.gov"},"visitorCenters":[{"name":"Kuwohi Visitor Center","description":"Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) is the tallest peak in the Smokies. Enjoy sweeping views of the Smokies—weather permitting—and get your park questions answered. Peruse a small bookstore and shop. Public restrooms are available.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm#CP_JUMP_899351","lat":35.55744395735922,"lon":-83.4960401058197},{"name":"Sugarlands Visitor Center","description":"Near Gatlinburg, TN, Sugarlands Visitor Center is an excellent starting point as you enter the park's North District. Learn about the park's plants and animals with natural history exhibits. Enjoy ranger-led programs conducted seasonally. Peruse the park bookstore and shop. Access public restrooms and drink vending machines. The Backcountry Permit Office is here, too.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm","lat":35.685629346,"lon":-83.536602473},{"name":"Cades Cove Visitor Center","description":"Roughly half-way through the Cades Cove Loop Road, pause to speak with park staff and visit various exhibits. Learn about Southern Mountain life and culture, and see a gristmill (operates spring through fall), the Becky Cable house, and other historic structures. Enjoy seasonal ranger-led activities and peruse the park bookstore and shop. Public restrooms available.","url":"","lat":35.5849678472,"lon":-83.8430866741},{"name":"Oconaluftee Visitor Center","description":"Near Cherokee, North Carolina, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center is an ideal starting point as you enter the park's South District. Explore cultural history exhibits. Enjoy ranger-led programs conducted seasonally. Peruse the park bookstore and shop. Find public restrooms and drink vending machines. The adjacent Mountain Farm Museum contains a collection of log structures including a farmhouse, barn, smokehouse, applehouse, corn crib and others.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm#CP_JUMP_897119","lat":35.51307495661485,"lon":-83.30611892774084}],"campgrounds":[{"name":"Smokemont Campground","description":"Smokemont Campground—open year-round—is the closest family campground to Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the South District of the park. At 2,198 feet (670 m), winters are mild and summers are hot and humid. Tent and RV campsites, flush toilets, and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers. America the Beautiful passes (not accepted in lieu of the parking tag for parking outside your campsite) are sold at the campground ranger station in summer & fall or online through the USGS store.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/smokemont-campground.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232486","sites":142},{"name":"Cades Cove Campground","description":"Cades Cove Campground—open year-round—combines the feel of primitive camping with the modern convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. With an elevation of 1,807 feet (551 m), the climate is moderate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. No hookups or showers. America the Beautiful passes (not accepted in lieu of the parking tag for parking outside your campsite) are sold at the campground ranger station in summer & fall or online through the USGS store.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/cades-cove-campground.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232488","sites":161},{"name":"Elkmont Campground","description":"Elkmont Campground is the closest family campground to Sugarlands Visitor Center in the North District of the park. At 2,150 feet (655 m), winters are mild and summers are hot and humid. Tent and RV campsites, flush toilets, and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers. America the Beautiful passes (not accepted in lieu of the parking tag for parking outside your campsite) are sold at the campground ranger station in summer & fall or online through the USGS store.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/elkmont-campground.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232487","sites":211},{"name":"Cosby Campground","description":"Cosby Campground is tucked in the mountains under a canopy of shade. With an elevation of 2,459 feet (750 m), Cosby provides a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Campsites for both tents and RVs, flush toilets, and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers are available at the campground.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/cosby-campground-information.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232479","sites":157},{"name":"Abrams Creek Campground","description":"Abrams Creek Campground is located beside beautiful Abrams Creek in a remote and secluded setting. With an elevation of 1,125 feet (343 m), the climate is moderate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Flush toilets and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers are available at the campground.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/abrams-creek-campground.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273847","sites":16},{"name":"Big Creek Campground","description":"Big Creek Campground is located beside the beautiful Big Creek in a remote and secluded setting. With an elevation of 1,700 feet (518 m), the climate is moderate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Tent-only camping, flush toilets, and drinking water available. No hookups or showers are available at the campground.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/camping-at-big-creek.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273821","sites":12},{"name":"Cataloochee Campground","description":"Cataloochee Campground is located in the historic Cataloochee Valley surrounded by mountain ranges and pristine streams. With an elevation of 2,610 feet (796 m), it is characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. It offers traditional camping with the convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. No hookups or showers are available in the campground.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/cataloochee-campground.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233284","sites":27},{"name":"Deep Creek Campground","description":"Deep Creek Campground is located next to one of the park's most popular creeks. With an elevation of 1,800 feet (549 m), the climate is characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Whether blanketed in bright spring wildflowers or vivid fall colors, the scenery at Deep Creek never disappoints. Hookups and showers are not provided, but flush toilets and drinking water are available.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/deep-creek-campground.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10041304","sites":92},{"name":"Balsam Mountain Campground","description":"Balsam Mountain Campground is surrounded by mountain ranges and streams. With an elevation of 5,310 feet (1,618 m), summer daytime temperatures rarely exceed 70°F (~21°C) and lows may dip to 50°F (10°C). RV and tent sites plus flush toilets and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers are available at the campground and the restrooms do not have lights.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/balsam-mountain.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":43},{"name":"Elkmont Group Campground","description":"These sites offers an ideal setting for group camping excursions and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds.","url":"","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232436","sites":4},{"name":"Look Rock Campground","description":"Look Rock Campground is located along the beautiful Foothills Parkway West between Walland, Tennessee and Chilhowee Lake. With an elevation of 2,600 feet (792 m), the climate is characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Flush toilets and drinking water are available. Ten of the sites offer electric and water hookups. No shower facilities are located in the campground.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/look-rock-campground.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10207636","sites":68},{"name":"Cades Cove Group Campground","description":"Cades Cove combines the feel of primitive camping with the modern convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. A camp store provides visitors with basic necessities and bike rentals. Events like interpretive programs in the nearby amphitheater and bicycle-only days on the Cades Cove Loop Road provide visitors with a fun and unique experience.","url":"","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232440","sites":3},{"name":"Smokemont Group Campground","description":"Smokemont Group Campground—open May 9–October 31, 2025—is the closest family campground to Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the South District of the park. At 2,198 feet (670 m), winters are mild and summers are hot and humid. Tent and RV campsites, flush toilets, and drinking water are available. No hookups or showers. America the Beautiful passes (not accepted in lieu of the parking tag for parking outside your campsite) are sold at the campground ranger station in summer & fall or online at the USGS store.","url":"","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232441","sites":3}],"thingsToDo":[],"nearby":[{"slug":"nantahala-national-forest","km":44},{"slug":"pisgah-national-game-refuge","km":62},{"slug":"cradle-of-forestry-in-america-national-historic-area","km":73},{"slug":"andrew-johnson-national-historic-site","km":86},{"slug":"blue-ridge-parkway","km":92},{"slug":"chattahoochee-national-forest","km":98}],"hasBoundary":true,"boundarySource":{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division","url":"https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2224545"},"sources":[{"name":"NPS Data API","url":"https://developer.nps.gov/api/v1/parks?parkCode=grsm"},{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division boundaries","url":"https://services1.arcgis.com/fBc8EJBxQRMcHlei/arcgis/rest/services/NPS_Land_Resources_Division_Boundary_and_Tract_Data_Service/FeatureServer/2"}],"editorialStatus":"draft","synced":"2026-11-09T02:12:45.614Z","alerts":[{"source":"NPS","kind":"Park Closure","title":"Seasonal road closures","text":"Heintooga Ridge Road is closed for the season.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/seasonalroads.htm","updated":"2026-11-04 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-4BC384F9-01CD-4503-B397-C3BB9CD0A4B5"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Park Closure","title":"Park Headquarters Road is closed","text":"Park Headquarters Road is closed due to rehabilitation work on the Sugarlands water and wastewater systems.","url":null,"updated":"2026-06-26 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-A199A455-8045-4391-9CD8-20B24218CF81"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Park Closure","title":"Straight Fork and the one-way section of Balsam Mountain Road closed.","text":"Straight Fork and the one-way section of Balsam Mountain Road (Heintooga Round-Bottom Road) are closed.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/seasonalroads.htm","updated":"2025-11-12 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-8BFDECEA-1900-4FB5-BED6-90A603B42CDB"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"Most visitors need a parking tag","text":"All vehicles parking for longer than 15 minutes require a parking tag. Three tag durations are available for purchase for all vehicle sizes and types: Daily ($5), Weekly ($15), or Annual ($40).","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fees.htm","updated":"2024-02-08 13:03:57.0","id":"nps-9DC90668-39A8-454B-8688-8F0B533C71EC"}],"url":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/sites/great-smoky-mountains-national-park/","boundaryUrl":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/boundaries/great-smoky-mountains-national-park.geojson"}