Straddling the Tennessee–North Carolina border, the Smokies are the most visited national park in the country. Blue-gray ridges, old-growth forest, waterfalls, and historic mountain homesteads make it a park that changes completely with the seasons, and one where there is no entrance fee at all.
Wildflowers carpet the forest floor from late March through May. Lower-elevation trails like Porters Creek are especially good for spring blooms.
Higher elevations stay cooler. Synchronous fireflies light up the Elkmont area in late May and June; viewing requires a lottery permit. Expect afternoon thunderstorms.
Color starts on the highest ridges in early October and works its way down, peaking at lower elevations in late October and early November. This is also the busiest season.
Quiet trails, open views through bare trees, and occasional snow at higher elevations. The road to Kuwohi closes for the season, and Newfound Gap Road can close temporarily for ice.
The Smokies are home to a large population of black bears. Stay at least 50 yards away; it is the law here, not just good advice. If a bear changes its behavior because of you, you are too close. Never feed bears, and pack out all food scraps and trash.
