Place
National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
TN · NC · USPark map
Explore roads, trails, and places
Places
Places in Great Smoky Mountains
Viewpoints, landmarks, trailheads, and useful stops.More places
Trails
Trails in Great Smoky Mountains
Compare distance, typical time, difficulty, and trail details.More trails
Challenging
Appalachian Trail (GSMNP section)
72 rugged ridge miles with towers, classic knobs, and big views.
Moderate
Alum Cave Trail
Streamside climb to Arch Rock, big views, and a towering bluff
Challenging
Gregory Ridge Trail
Steep, shaded grind to a flower studded bald with huge views.
Easy
Clingmans Dome Trail
Short, steep paved climb to 360° views from the Smokies’ rooftopWildlife
Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains
Always follow park rules and local laws. Never approach wildlife, stay in your vehicle when required, and stay completely out of roadways.More wildlife
Sighting mapWhere to look
Black Bear
Ursus americanusReports peak in the evening, around 7 PMOpen wildlife map
Sighting mapWhere to look
Elk
Cervus canadensisReports peak in the early morning, around 7 AMOpen wildlife map
Sighting mapWhere to look
Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridusReports peak in the early evening, around 6 PMOpen wildlife map
Sighting mapWhere to look
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianusReports peak in the early morning, around 7 AMOpen wildlife mapBefore you go
Current park alerts
Road work, closures, safety notices, and updates from official park sources.More alerts
Caution
Gatlinburg Spur Single-Lane Closures July 27-30
Single-lane closures are scheduled on the Gatlinburg Spur for essential maintenance from July 27-30, 2026. Northbound lanes are affected July 27-28 and southbound lanes July 29-30, with work from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily; expect delays and possible route changes.Official detailsClosure
Backcountry Closures: LeConte Shelter and Campsites #19, #52, #91
LeConte Shelter remains closed due to bear activity. The park also lists Backcountry Campsite 52 as closed, and Campsites 19 and 91 as closed due to a down bear cable system. Official closures page: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htmOfficial detailsCaution
Rabbit Creek Trail: Bridge Out at Abrams Creek
The park’s current conditions page still reports a bridge out where Rabbit Creek Trail crosses Abrams Creek, creating a wide crossing that can be deep during high water. Hikers should be prepared for a potentially hazardous crossing and may need to change plans if water is high: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/conditions.htmOfficial detailsClosure
