Great Smoky Mountains National Park ⓘ

Becoming a national park was not easy for the Great Smokies. Joining the National Park System took a lot of money and the hard work of thousands of people. Read about some of the individuals involved in founding the national park...

Establishing most of the older parks located in the western United States, such as Yellowstone, was fairly easy. Congress merely carved them out of lands already owned by the government—often places where no one wanted to live anyway. But getting park land in this area was a different story. The land that became Great Smoky Mountains National Park was owned by hundreds of small farmers and a handful of large timber and paper companies.

The idea to create a national park in these mountains started in the late 1890s. A few farsighted people began to talk about a public land preserve in the cool, healthful air of the southern Appalachians. A bill even entered the North Carolina Legislature to this effect, but failed. By the early 20th century, many more people in the North and South were pressuring Washington for some kind of public preserve.

Efforts to create a national park became successful in the mid-1920s, with most of the hard-working supporters based in Knoxville, Tennessee and Asheville, North Carolina. Surprisingly, motorists had the biggest role in the push for a national park. The newly formed auto clubs, mostly branches of the AAA, were interested in good roads through beautiful scenery on which they could drive their shiny new cars.

In May, 1926, a bill was signed by President Calvin Coolidge that provided for the establishment of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park. This allowed the Department of the Interior to assume responsibility for administration and protection of a park in the Smokies as soon as 150,000 acres of land had been purchased.

Since the government was not allowed to buy land for national park use, the former political boosters became fund raisers. In the late 1920s, the Legislatures of Tennessee and North Carolina appropriated $2 million each for land purchases. Additional money was raised by individuals, private groups, and even school children who pledged their pennies. By 1928, a total of $5 million had been raised. The Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial Fund matched what had been raised and donated $5 million, assuring the purchase of the remaining land.

But buying the land was difficult, even with the money in hand. There were thousands of small farms, large tracts, and other miscellaneous parcels that had to be surveyed and appraised. The timber and paper companies had valuable equipment and standing inventory which required compensation. Worse, in some ways, were the emotional losses to people who had to walk away from their homes. Lifetime leases allowed some people to stay temporarily, particularly if they were too old or too sick to move. Others could be granted leases on a short-term basis. However, they could not cut timber, hunt and trap at will, or otherwise live as they always had.

The first Superintendent of the new park arrived in 1931. By 1934, the states of Tennessee and North Carolina had transferred deeds for 300,000 acres to the federal government. Congress thus authorized full development of public facilities.

Much of the early development of facilities and restoration of early settlers' buildings was done by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), an agency created during the Depression to provide work and wages for unemployed young men. The CCC worked from 1933 to 1942 when World War II finally shut the program down. Many of the trails, campgrounds, and the beautiful stone bridges and buildings are examples of their work.

The park was formally dedicated by President Franklin Roosevelt in September, 1940. He spoke from the Rockefeller Memorial at Newfound Gap astride the Tennessee - North Carolina state line. That ceremony dedicated a sanctuary that is not a local park, a county park, or even a state park, but a national park for all the people of the country and the rest of the world to enjoy.

People have occupied these mountains since prehistoric times, but it was not until the 20th century that human activities began to profoundly affect the natural course of events here.

When the first white settlers reached the Great Smoky Mountains in the late 1700s they found themselves in the land of the Cherokee Indians. The tribe, one of the most culturally advanced on the continent, had permanent towns, cultivated croplands, sophisticated political systems, and extensive networks of trails. Most of the Cherokee were forcibly removed in the 1830s to Oklahoma in a tragic episode known as the "trail of Tears. The few who remained are the ancestors of the Cherokees living near the park today.

Life for the early European settlers was primitive, but by the 1900s there was little difference between the mountain people and their contemporaries living in rural areas beyond the mountains. Earlier settlers had lived off the land by hunting the wildlife, utilizing the timber for buildings and fences, growing food, and pasturing livestock in the clearings. As the decades passed, many areas that had once been forest became fields and pastures. People farmed, attended church, hauled their grain to the mill, and maintained community ties in a typically rural fashion.

The agricultural pattern of life in the Great Smoky Mountains changed with the arrival of lumbering in the early 1900s. Within 20 years, the largely self-sufficient economy of the people here was almost entirely replaced by dependence on manufactured items, store bought food, and cash. Logging boom towns sprang up overnight at sites that still bear their names: Elkmont, Smokemont, Proctor, Tremont.

Loggers were rapidly cutting the great primeval forests that remained on these mountains. Unless the course of events could be quickly changed, there would be little left of the region’s special character and wilderness resources. Intervention came when Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established in 1934. The forest—at least the 20% that remained uncut within park boundaries—was saved.

More than 1,200 land-owners had to leave their land once the park was established. They left behind many farm buildings, mills, schools, and churches. Over 70 of these structures have since been preserved so that Great Smoky Mountains National Park now contains the largest collection of historic log buildings in the East.

Founding Great Smoky Mountains National Park took the dedicated efforts of numerous individuals and groups. Most of the hard working supporters were based in Knoxville, Tennessee, and Asheville, North Carolina. Here are some of the notable contributors.

George Masa, an immigrant from Japan who excelled in photography work, moved to Asheville, NC in 1915. His work on behalf of the Smokies played a major role in the campaign to establish Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Starting in the 1920’s, Masa became acquainted with Horace Kephart of Bryson City who wrote dozens of articles for newspapers and magazines promoting the natural virtues of the Smokies and the benefits of preserving this magnificent area as a national park. Stunning photographs by Masa accompanied many of these articles, which aided tremendously in convincing the public of the need to raise money and purchase the lands for a national park.

Not only did Masa’s photographs play a large role in the creation of the park, but Masa over a 15-year period, became an expert on the trails and names in the Great Smokies. In 1931 he served on the 3-person nomenclature committee for the NC side of the park, which had the responsibility for accurately naming the peaks, streams, and other features, as well as resolving duplicate names. Masa was the first person to systematically measure many of the trails in the park and to chart the terrain of the Smokies.

Thompson’s photographs proved invaluable in gaining public support for the campaign for a national park in the Smokies, especially in the mid to late 1920’s when funding sources were being sought. In the early 1930’s, Thompson served on the Tennessee nomenclature committee identifying place names and eliminating duplicate names.

Weather and an array of habitat conditions supports a wide range of living things. Over 19,000 species have been documented in the park, including more than 100 species of native trees, over 1,500 flowering plant species, more than 200 species of birds, and over 9,000 different species of insects. With such biodiversity, how can park visitors and researchers learn where to find plants, animals and other organisms in the park? The park has partnered with the University of Tennessee to use analysis modeling and data visualization to predict the locations of the park’s species. Predictions are based on observations of species. Species have been observed and documented in the park for over a hundred years and new discoveries are being made all the time. The model analyzes the locations of these observations as well as the characteristics of the habitat such as slope, geology, elevation, forest type, temperature, and sun exposure. The results are predictions of where the species might likely be found in the park. Understanding where species are in the park is critical to their conservation. As the Park continues to gather data, the model will become more accurate and we will be able to add more species. Only when we understand the park’s biodiversity can we truly protect it. Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details Duration: 3 minutes, 28 seconds This video describes the the diversity of life in the Smokies and introduces viewers to the applications the park has created with the University of Tennessee.

The Asian Jumping Worm is a non-native species, great for fish bait, but destructive to habits and food sources for species in the Smokies. The Flamed Tigersnail emits a bioluminescent bubbly orange mucus as a defense mechanism. They are one of 146 native land snail species in the park. There are 2,900 miles of streams in the Smokies but only about 800 miles contain fish. We have restored 30.25 miles of brook trout habitat in 13 streams since 1981. Salamanders “hear” through their feet! They do not have ears, but can sense sound vibrations through the ground. Ancient physicians erroneously thought the tooth-like projections on the white rhizome of the Toothwort meant that it could cure a toothache.

Why such a wondrous diversity? Mountains , climate, and weather are the big reasons. The park is dominated by plant-covered, gently contoured mountains that formed perhaps 200-300 million years ago. In fact, the Smokies are among the oldest mountain ranges in the world! Elevations in the park range from approximately 850 to 6,643 feet. This range in altitude mimics the climate and habitat changes you would experience driving north or south across the eastern United States, say from Georgia to Maine. Plants and animals common in the southern United States thrive in the lowlands of the Smokies while species common in the northern states find suitable habitat at the higher elevations. Some 100 species of native trees find homes in the Smokies, more than in any other North American national park. Almost 95% of the park is forested, and about 25% of that area is old-growth forest. Over 1,500 additional flowering plant species have been identified in the park. The park is also the center of diversity for salamanders and is home to more than 200 species of birds, 68 species of mammals, 67 native fish species, 39 species of reptiles, and 43 species of amphibians. Mollusks, millipedes, and mushrooms reach record diversity here. The north-south orientation of the Appalachian chain allowed the Smokies to become a refuge for many species of plants and animals that were displaced from their northern homes by glaciers in the last ice age around 10,000 years ago.

In terms of weather, the park's abundant rainfall and high summertime humidity provide excellent growing conditions. In the Smokies, the average annual rainfall varies from approximately 55 inches in the valleys to over 85 inches on some peaks. The relative humidity in the park during the growing season is about twice that of the Rocky Mountain region.

Extensive work and research is being done to preserve the biodiversity of the Smokies. Environmental factors such as air quality , water quality , and non-native species are monitored and fires are used as a tool to maintain healthy ecosystems.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: The Range of Life Beautiful collection of photos with an overview of wildlife, wildflowers, old-growth forests, mountain streams, walking trails, geology, and history.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to an impressive diversity of birds, with more than 240 species documented. Approximately 60 bird species live in the park year-round, while nearly 120 species nest in the Smokies during the warmer months — including 52 neotropical migrants, which travel from Central and South America to raise their young or pass through the region.

The park serves as a vital stopover and foraging area for many migratory species during spring and fall. Even after decades of observation, new species continue to be recorded. Notably, during the winter of 2016–2017, both the long-eared owl and Ross’s goose were documented in the park for the very first time as well as the limpkin in 2023 and the Lapland longspur in 2019.

One of the park’s key conservation efforts focuses on birds, which serve as vital indicators of ecosystem health.

To help protect bird populations, biologists engage in bird banding, a scientific method used to track the movements, behaviors, and lifespans of birds. During banding sessions, birds are gently captured using mist nets, then carefully measured, weighed, and fitted with a small, uniquely numbered band on their leg. This harmless process allows researchers to gather valuable data over time, helping them monitor migration patterns, breeding success, and population trends.

Bird banding is just one of the many ways that Great Smoky Mountains National Park support the protection and study of bird populations. Long-term monitoring programs such as the Breeding Bird Survey, which began in 1989, and the Christmas Bird Count, ongoing since 1976, play a vital role in tracking population trends and fluctuations in bird species over time. View the list of species of concern in the park.

Due to the park’s dense forests, visitors are likely to hear more birds than they see. Learning to recognize common bird calls can significantly enhance your birding experience, especially during the summer months when foliage is thick. Here are a few places we recommend when looking for birds in the Smokies:

Cades Cove’s open meadows and scenic vistas make it one of the most accessible birding locations in the park. Sparks Lane and Hyatt Lane, two gravel roads that intersect the Cades Cove Loop Road, are excellent spots to observe sparrows, Eastern kingbirds, Northern harriers, and occasionally, a long-eared owl in winter.

Cataloochee Valley often offers sightings of wild turkeys, woodpeckers, and various raptors as well as field dwelling species.

Removing plants, wildlife, or any natural materials from Great Smoky Mountains National Park is prohibited without a permit, except for limited quantities of fungi and fruit as specified in the Superintendent's compendium .

a { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb; } tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; } tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5; } Many visit the Smokies for the mountains, but the true inspiration for this National Park lies in its diversity of life—especially its plants. From towering trees to carpets of wildflowers, the Smokies form a living mosaic of ecosystems. Variations in elevation, rainfall, temperature, and geology create a wide range of habitats that support more than 2,200 plant species . Among these are over 1,650 flowering plants , along with 100 native trees and more than 100 native shrubs . a { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb; } tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; } tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5; } The Smokies are not only a haven for flowering plants but also a global hotspot for non-flowering species. The park hosts more than 500 species of bryophytes —non-vascular plants such as mosses, liverworts, and hornworts—that thrive in cool, moist environments. It is also home to 55 species of ferns and 13 species of fern allies , including one species of horsetail. a { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb; } tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; } tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5; } This incredible diversity is possible because the Smokies are part of a unique ecosystem—a temperate rainforest.

a { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb; } tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; } tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5; } A temperate rainforest is a cool, mid-latitude forest that receives abundant rainfall year-round and supports lush, layered vegetation. Unlike tropical rainforests, these forests have mild temperatures and distinct seasons, with cool winters and warm summers. a { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb; } tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; } tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5; } In the Great Smoky Mountains, heavy rainfall and dense vegetation often create a misty, smoke-like haze— giving the park its name . Lower elevations receive about 55 inches of precipitation annually, while higher elevations can get around 85 inches.

Plant life in the Smokies faces multiple threats. Changing environmental conditions caused by human activity and illegal poaching put many species at risk. In addition, non-native and invasive species introduced to the park pose a serious challenge to native ecosystems. These exotic plants often thrive because they lack natural controls such as predators or diseases, allowing them to outcompete native species for space and resources. Of the more than 380 non-native species identified in the park, 35 spread aggressively and can dominate natural landscapes, sometimes even cross-pollinating with native plants and threatening their genetic integrity. Some of the most damaging invaders include kudzu, mimosa, princess tree, multiflora rose, Japanese grass, Japanese spirea, bush honeysuckle, and garlic mustard.

In the Smokies: Stay on designated trails and follow Leave No Trace principles . These simple actions help safeguard the rich biodiversity that makes the Smokies so special.

At Home: Landscape with native plants from your region. Native species preserve biological diversity, celebrate our natural heritage, and are better adapted to local conditions, often requiring less water, fertilizer, and pesticides. They also provide essential food and shelter for wildlife, including butterflies and migrating songbirds.

Visit NPSpecies Report Viewer for the most current list of the vascular plants in Great Smoky Mountains National Park . Visit NPSpecies for more comprehensive information and advanced search capability. Have a suggestion or comment on this list? Let us know .

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most ecologically rich areas in the eastern U.S., spanning over 800 square miles of protected wilderness. It contains some of the largest tracts of undeveloped land in the East and serves as a vital sanctuary for a wide variety of animals, from tiny salamanders to large black bears.

Visitors may encounter black bears, white-tailed deer, elk, chipmunks, squirrels, and bats. Birdwatchers are especially rewarded, as many species migrate from tropical regions to breed in the park’s diverse habitats.

The park’s high elevations create cool, moist environments that mimic northern climates, allowing species like the Carolina northern flying squirrel and Canada Warbler to thrive far south of their usual range. Its streams also support native brook trout and several rare fish species reintroduced through conservation efforts.

Nicknamed the “Salamander Capital of the World,” the park boasts an extraordinary diversity of salamanders, highlighting its role as a living laboratory for evolution and adaptation.

While some species remain absent due to past human activity, the park continues to serve as a critical refuge for endangered wildlife. With a bit of patience—and perhaps a pair of binoculars—visitors can experience the incredible natural richness that makes the Smokies so special.

Home to more than 13,000 animal species—including invertebrates, birds, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and fish—the Smokies is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. The densest population of American black bears in North America. Successfully reintroduced species such as elk, northern river otters, and peregrine falcons. A refuge for rare & endangered species like the Carolina northern flying squirrel, Indiana bat, spruce-fir moss spider, and Smoky madtom. 70 species of mammals. More than 250 types of birds. More than 80 types of reptiles and amphibians, with 31 species of salamanders. 67 native fish species.

Native species are organisms that have occurred, now occur, or may occur in a given area as a result of natural processes, without the influence of humans. Each ecosystem has its own unique set of native species. Some examples of native species in the Smokies are black bears, red cheeked salamanders, and brook trout.

Non-native species are plants and animals living in areas where they don't naturally exist. Often, they are intentionally introduced by humans, for example ornamental plants, but also are sometimes accidentally brought into new areas. Some examples of non-native species in the Smokies are daffodils and brown trout.

Invasive species are non-native species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Some examples of invasive species in the Smokies are wild hogs, kudzu, and rainbow trout.

It is often thought that the terms 'invasive' and 'non-native' can be used interchangeably, but this is not always the case. A species is deemed invasive only when it causes harm to the environment, economy, or human health. The mere fact that a species is non-native does not automatically raise concern as many non-natives do not disrupt or threaten the survival of other native organisms. The National Park Service manages species that are harmful and classifies them as invasive.

Invasive species in the Smokies compete with native species for things like habitat and food, taking over specialized ecosystems that native species need to survive. Invasive species are not natural components of local ecological systems and have not evolved alongside native species.

Often, invasive species lack natural predators, allowing their populations to grow at an alarming rate. Many are 'pre-adapted' to local conditions, possessing traits like climate resilience, rapid reproduction, and the ability to effectively use available resources, which give them a competitive advantage over native species. The presence of invasive species in the Smokies poses a significant threat to the park as an International Biosphere Reserve, as native species may be negatively impacted.

The hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) ( Adelges tsugae ) is an invasive insect from Asia that has devastated eastern hemlock tree ( Tsuga canadensis ) populations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Since its detection in the park in 2002, it has caused significant declines in eastern hemlock stands.

Eastern hemlock trees are crucial to the health of ecosystems in the Smokies, providing critical habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. Their dense canopies help regulate both air and water temperatures, creating beneficial conditions for aquatic life, such as native brook trout, eastern hellbenders, and numerous species of aqautic insects. Additionally, eastern hemlocks play a significant role in soil stabilization, water retention, and water quality by reducing erosion and maintaining watershed health.

Stay at least 50 yards (150 feet) away from bears and 25 yards (75 feet) away from elk, it's the law. If your presence causes any wildlife to change its natural behavior, you're too close. Use designated pull-offs and never stop in the road. Trash kills, use wildlife-proof bins or pack it out. Store food securely. Never feed wildlife or leave food unattended. Drive the speed limit to protect wildlife and your vehicle.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to 70 mammal species , ranging from the pygmy shrew, the smallest mammal in North America, to the elk, which is the largest mammal in the park, tipping the scales at nearly 700 pounds.

Many mammals in the park are seldom seen due to their elusiveness or nocturnal behavior. Some of the mammals most commonly encountered when visiting the park are white-tailed deer, American black bear, elk, red and gray squirrels, chipmunks, woodchucks, raccoons, opossums, and coyotes.

The American black bear is the largest predator in the park and a beloved symbol of the Smokies. With over 1,900 individuals, the park has the densest black bear population in North America. If you average it out, that is about two bears per square mile. These intelligent and adaptable animals can be found anywhere in the park. If you see a black bear, make sure to keep at least 50 yards away for both yours and the bears safety.

Bats are the only mammals capable of true flight, a unique adaptation that allows them to play a vital role in ecosystems. In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, all 13 bat species feed exclusively on insects, helping to control pest populations. During the colder months, some species hibernate in park caves, hollow trees, or in leaf litter on the ground, while others migrate out of the park. The big brown bat, eastern red bat, and tri-colored bat are the most commonly seen in the park.

The park is also home to Tennessee’s largest colony of the federally endangered Indiana myotis. Many of the park’s caves serve as critical bat habitats, and to protect these sensitive areas, public entry is prohibited. Bats face serious threats, including white-nose syndrome , a deadly fungal disease.

Slightly larger than a house cat, this elusive wild feline is known for its short, bobbed tail and secretive nature and is the only wild feline in the Smokies. Native to North America, it thrives in a variety of habitats, its coat color varying by region; ranging from sandy tan in desert areas to gray-brown in forested ecosystems like the Smokies. Its coat is patterned with distinctive black spots and streaks that provide excellent camouflage and help biologist distinguish between individuals. Bobcats are sometimes mistaken for mountain lions, but there has been no confirmed evidence of mountain lions inhabiting the Smokies in over 30 years.

The coyote is the largest wild canine in the park. Their coat colors range from gray and beige to rusty red, sometimes leading to confusion with red wolves, which no longer live in the park. Originally native to the western United States, coyotes expanded eastward as farmland and development spread. They likely arrived in the Smokies in the late 1900s and now play a vital role in controlling small animal populations.

Download a bird identification app such as the free Merlin Bird ID from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology before your visit. Cell service is limited in the park, so be sure to download the Southeastern U.S. offline data in advance.

Bring a field guide to help with visual identification. Choose one specific to the Eastern U.S. or the Smokies region for the most helpful information.

Bring binoculars and practice using them before your trip. Birds are quick, and the dense vegetation in the Smokies can make them difficult to spot.

Do not use recorded bird calls or artificial lights , as these are prohibited without a research permit.

Go birding early in the morning , when most birds are active—especially during spring and fall migration.

Explore different habitats throughout the park. Visit areas at various elevations, near streams, in hardwood forests, and in open fields to increase your chances of seeing a wider variety of species.

Stay on trails to avoid trampling vegetation or disturbing nesting areas. This also helps protect sensitive ecosystems.

Be patient and observant . Consider finding a quiet spot, staying still, and letting the birds come to you.

Bird populations across North America have declined significantly over the past two decades, particularly among insect-eating species. The primary cause is habitat loss. Birds play a crucial role in ecosystems by controlling insect populations and supporting plant health.

You can help protect birds from your own home by taking the following actions:

Learn more about how you can protect birds and other species where you live.

Please remember to leave no trace Drawing by Emma Dufort The park offers several different types of campsites:

Campground Rules and Regulations Includes food storage regulations, generator use and quiet hours

Firewood Regulations: Only heat-treated firewood that is bundled and certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state department of agriculture may be brought into the park. Campers may also collect dead and down wood found in the park for campfires. Certified heat-treated firewood is packaged and clearly marked with a state or federal seal. Heat-treated wood is available from a growing list of private businesses in communities around the park. Concessioners at Cades Cove, Smokemont, and Elkmont will provide heat-treated wood for sale during their operating season March-October. Many local stores and businesses sell certified firewood. Select the campground above you'll be camping in to find nearby businesses. Additional information about this regulation.

Use only dead and down wood found within the park, or purchase certified heat-treated firewood from local businesses. GSMA design

The park offers several different types of campsites: Backcountry - for backpackers. Requires hiking several miles to a site located in the park's backcountry. Frontcountry - camping near your car in a developed campground that has restrooms with cold running water and flush toilets. Each individual campsite has a fire grate and picnic table. Group Campgrounds - large campsites suitable for groups of eight people or more. Located in frontcountry campgrounds. Horse Camps - small campgrounds, accessible by vehicle, that offer hitch racks for horses and primitive camping facilities. Campground facilities and the procedures for obtaining a site in each type are different. Click on the titles above for additional information about facilities, reservations, and operating seasons.

From the earliest hepaticas in late winter to the last asters in late fall, blooming flowers can be found nearly year-round in the park.

Whether you want lunch by the river or a snack with a mountain view, one of our ten picnic areas has it.

From black bears to elk, white-tailed deer to Yellow Warblers - learn how to improve your chances of spotting wildlife in the park.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has about 2,900 miles of streams within its boundaries, and protects one of the last wild trout habitats

Feel the cool spray of a waterfall. Camp under the stars. Explore a historic mill. There's plenty to see and do in the park!

Over 90 historic structures—houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools, and grist mills—have been preserved or rehabilitated here.

Guided horseback rides are available at stables in the park from mid-March through late November.

You can choose from 10 frontcountry campgrounds or head into the backcountry. Your adventure awaits!

Before you hike any trail in the park, make sure to download a park trail map or pick one up at a visitor center .

Caution is always advised when exploring the backcountry. The park's backcountry is managed as a natural area, where the forces of nature determine trail conditions. Please be prepared for swollen streams, bridge washouts, downed trees, and trail erosion.

It's important to remember that in the mountains, a short trail does not always mean it will be easy or take less time. Kenzie Connor More than 800 Miles of Trails to Explore Throughout the year, hikers come from across the globe to explore the remote wilderness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Each season offers a new experience. In winter, the absence of deciduous leaves opens up new vistas and reveals hidden wonders. Spring brings a colorful display of wildflowers and flowering trees that paint the landscape. In summer, hikers find themselves fully immersed in the dense greenery of the forest. Autumn offers crisp, dry air, a variety of spectacular fungi, and a rich palette of fall colors to enjoy. Choosing the right trail for you Trails throughout the park vary in difficulty based on mileage, elevation gain, terrain, and weather. Most trails in the Smokies are out-and-back, with very few loop hikes available. Know your limits and consider these questions before hiking: What is my experience level? Do I hike often, or is this my first time on the trails? How much weight and for how long can I comfortably carry in my backpack? Am I physically fit for the hike I want to do? Have I ever hiked this many miles or climbed this much elevation? Should I try an easier trail first to test my abilities? Have I ever hiked in this type of environment before? Is it too hot, cold, or humid to attempt this hike? Am I hiking alone or with a friend? Am I prepared to hike solo? Is this hike suitable for my group's abilities? Hike smart If you ever feel uncertain or a hike is more difficult than you or your group anticipated, turn back. Learn more about hiking safely in the Smokies. Let the slowest hiker set the pace. Always stay together. Put the slowest hiker near the front. Keep track of your time and distance. Remember that your total hike time includes the time it took you to hike to your destination and back. Set a turn around time if your trip is taking longer than planned. Take breaks often. Pay attention to how you are feeling when on the trail. A good rule of thumb is that if you can talk while you are hiking, you are traveling at the perfect speed. Be aware of wildlife. You might see some wildlife, such as black bears, while you are out exploring. Learn more about hiking in bear country . Leave no trace. Minimize impace and always follow the seven leave no trace principles .

What to Bring What to bring on a hike depends on many factors, but there are ten essentials that you must have for any outing. Keep in mind that these are the minimum items everyone should carry while recreating outdoors. More supplies may be necessary depending on the duration of your hike and your specific needs.

Navigation (map, compass, & GPS) Sun Protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, & hat) Insulation (jacket, hat, gloves, layers, & rain gear) Illumination (flashlight or headlamp; your phone does not count) First-Aid Supplies (first-aid kit; ensure supplies are not expired) Fire (matches, lighter, & fire starter) Repair Kit and Tools (duct tape, knife, screwdriver, & scissors) Food (nutritious snacks that do not require cooking) Hydration (water & water treatment supplies; at least 1 liter per 2 hours of hiking) Emergency Shelter (tent, tarp, bivy sack, or space blanket)