- States: NC, TN
- NPCA Region: Southeast
- Est. Date: 1926
Air & Climate Data
View the 2019 ReportVisibility
Moderate Concern
Health
Moderate Concern
Nature
Significant Concern
Climate
Significant Concern
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the country's most popular national park sites. It offers postcard-perfect views and plentiful wildlife.
World-renowned for its biodiversity, the beauty of its ancient mountains and its Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this southeastern gem is worth fighting the crowds to see. Seasonal offerings include colorful wildflowers in spring, rare synchronous fireflies in late May/early June and spectacular foliage in autumn.
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Magazine Article
Safe Passages
A new children’s book shows how highways can harm wildlife — and puts a spotlight on a deadly stretch of road near Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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Magazine Article
A Liking for Lichens
Why devote a decade to documenting the lichens of Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
My Park Story
Greetings from Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Donna & Mike Take a Hike Seven years 59 Parks 295 Miles by foot, bike, canoe, horse and kayak 12 bear sightings 4 pairs of hiking boots 2 Prius cars and 1 hip replacement = One large item on our Bucket List accomplished.
More about Great Smoky Mountains
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Read more about Love Is in the Parks
Blog Post Love Is in the Parks 5 NPCA staff members share their national park love stories.
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Read more about 8 Easy Adventures for Hikers of All Fitness Levels
Blog Post 8 Easy Adventures for Hikers of All Fitness Levels New independent film features a series of low-effort, high-reward hikes for finding joy in the outdoors.
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Read more about Water, Smoke, Spirit, Forest, Ghost, Land, Sky
Magazine Article Water, Smoke, Spirit, Forest, Ghost, Land, Sky A photographic essay on Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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Read more about Victorious!
Magazine Article Victorious! 21 conservation triumphs from the past 100 years.
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National parks are a great escape for the human mind and spirit. Not only does it help the environment (obviously through air, life cycle, animals) but it helps society. Children who grow up going to different parks are more caring and open minded than those who don't. Everyone should experience multiple parks in their lifetime. — Alissa
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Read more about The Ranger Project
Magazine Article The Ranger Project The stargazers, climbers, paddlers, teachers, naturalists, historians, scientists, rescuers, protectors and dreamers of the National Park Service.
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Read more about Valley of Memories
Magazine Article Valley of Memories Their land was taken to create Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Each year, their descendants return to reconnect.
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Read more about The 12 Most-Visited Winter Parks
Blog Post The 12 Most-Visited Winter Parks National park sites can provide an ideal adventure or an escape from the cold during the winter months.
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Read more about Worth More Than a Thousand Words
Blog Post Worth More Than a Thousand Words How taking pictures of wildlife could help bears and elk — and people — survive outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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Read more about Fleeting Beauty: 9 Natural Phenomena You Won’t Want to Miss
Blog Post Fleeting Beauty: 9 Natural Phenomena You Won’t Want to Miss National parks offer remarkable experiences no matter the hour or the season. Sometimes, though, it helps to be in the right place at the right time to witness something extraordinary. You have to think ahead to catch these nine ephemeral delights — so start planning now!
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Read more about Staff Picks: 11 Spectacular Roads for Riding Your Bike
Blog Post Staff Picks: 11 Spectacular Roads for Riding Your Bike From leisurely rides to challenging climbs, national parks offer riding opportunities for cyclists of all abilities. Check out top recommendations and advice from NPCA enthusiasts on where to go and what to see.
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Read more about Polluted Parks: How Dirty Air is Harming America’s National Parks
Report Polluted Parks: How Dirty Air is Harming America’s National Parks “Polluted Parks” graded the pollution-related damage in the 48 national parks required by the Clean Air Act to have the highest possible air quality.
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Read more about Center for State of the Parks: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Report Center for State of the Parks: Great Smoky Mountains National Park In this report, the National Parks Conservation Association summarizes findings from an assessment by its State of the Parks program to describe the current condition of Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s resources and the stewardship challenges ahead.
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