Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Misty Peaks, Old Forests, and Endless Trails

Straddling the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a mix of rolling mountains, deep valleys, and some of the oldest forests in North America. It’s also the most visited national park in the country — and for good reason. Whether you're here to hike, watch wildlife, or just drive through the foggy ridgelines, the Smokies never disappoint.

A Brief History

The park was established in 1934, during the Great Depression, after years of land purchases, donations, and grassroots support. It was the first national park created using federal funds matched by private donations. Today, the park protects over 522,000 acres and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It also preserves the history of the people who lived here — including Cherokee communities and early settlers — with cabins, mills, and churches still standing in places like Cades Cove and Roaring Fork.

What to Explore

There’s a lot to see, but here are the highlights you shouldn’t skip:

Clingmans Dome – highest point in the park at 6,643 feet; a short, steep walk leads to a 360° view

Cades Cove Loop – an 11-mile scenic drive with historic buildings, open meadows, and frequent wildlife

Alum Cave Trail to Mount Le Conte – one of the park’s most iconic hikes, with natural rock shelters and ridge views

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail – narrow, twisty, and beautiful, especially after a rain

Newfound Gap Road – connects Gatlinburg to Cherokee with scenic pull-offs and high mountain views

Pro Tips for a Better Visit

Arrive early — traffic builds fast, especially in Cades Cove

Watch for bears — they're common, especially in spring and fall

Layer up — it’s often 10–15°F cooler at higher elevations

Download offline maps — cell service is spotty

Visit in spring or late fall for fewer crowds and better views

Smokies by the Numbers

More than 850 miles of trails — including 71 miles of the Appalachian Trail

Over 1,500 species of flowering plants, which bloom nearly year-round

The park is home to black bears, elk, white-tailed deer, and over 200 species of birds

Synchronous fireflies light up in early June — a rare and popular event

Inspired by the Smokies

This park sticks with you. The smell of wet leaves, the blue mist on the mountains, the sound of a stream cutting through rhododendrons — it's unforgettable. These designs carry a bit of that feel:

Plan Your Trip

For seasonal updates, trail maps, and campground info, visit the official Smokies NPS site. Whether you hike a dozen trails or just sit at an overlook with a view, the Smoky Mountains leave a mark that lasts.