Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Latest Stories

Environment

Dozens of Vultures Were Illegally Dumped in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Feds Want Answers.

The National Park Service is seeking tips after 33 federally protected black vultures were illegally dumped in America's most popular park.

Madison DapcevichMay 7, 20261

Exploration & Survival

The NPS Just Issued a Stark Warning After an Unusually High 38 Rescues in the Smokies

A record-breaking March has rangers on high alert. We spoke to a veteran guide about the deceptive terrain and "pointless ups and downs" that are catching hikers off guard.

Owen ClarkeApril 4, 20262

Hiking

Alum Cave Trail Is a Social Media Darling. It’s Also Deceptively Deadly.

Following a fatal 60-foot fall on the popular Alum Cave Trail, a veteran guide breaks down the extreme ecosystem and hiker behavior that make the nation’s most popular park deceptively deadly.

Owen ClarkeApril 1, 20263

Environment

This Week’s Powerful Winter Storm Leaves Dozens of National Parks Closed

As temperatures plunge and ice coats parts of the Southeastern United States, the National Park Service has closed visitor centers, caves, and scenic drives from Kentucky to Washington, D.C. Here is the full list of closures.

Owen ClarkeJanuary 26, 20262

National Parks

What It’s Really Like to Visit America’s Most Crowded National Park

Outside’s national parks columnist braved America’s busiest national park before a coalition of local governments and nonprofits had to chip in to keep the gates open

Graham AverillOctober 22, 2025

National Parks

We Scoured National Parks for the Best Swimming Holes. These Are Our Top 9.

Think our national parks are only good for hiking and scenic drives? Think again, says our national parks columnist.

Graham AverillJuly 24, 20263

National Parks

The Beer Drinker’s Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Work up a thirst—and then toast the outdoors—on the Smokies’ top hikes, rides, and more

Elisabeth Kwak-HefferanJune 2, 2025

National Parks

Can't Find a National Parks Campground? Here's Where to Camp Instead

Scoring a campsite at popular national parks in the U.S. this summer is going to be harder than ever. Here are our favorite options nearby

Graham AverillMay 23, 20251

National Parks

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Crowded (and Underfunded) National Parks

Our parks have never been more popular—or understaffed. Here’s what to expect this summer and how to navigate the busiest parks.

Graham AverillMay 20, 2025

National Parks

This Is the Most Crowded National Park in the Country. You Should Still Go.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park might be overrun, but that’s only because it’s wildly awesome. Here’s why a trip to GSMNP should still be on your bucket list.

Graham AverillApril 25, 2025

National Parks

The Most Unforgettable National Park Drives in the Country

Enjoy the country’s most iconic scenery from the comfort of your own car with our guide to the eight most unforgettable national park drives

Graham AverillMarch 7, 2025

North America

6 Super Cool Airbnbs Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

It isn’t impossible to find lodging around our nation’s most-visited national park. But these spots are extra cool—from secluded cabins and riverside retreats, to a treehouse and beyond.

Graham AverillOctober 2, 2025

National Parks

20 National Parks You Can Enter for Free (Yes, Free!)

Most national parks have an entry fee, but not these. And they’re all awesome places to visit.

Graham AverillJuly 1, 20251

National Parks

The Worst (and Most Hilarious) National-Park Reviews of the Year

“The trees aren’t as big as everyone says” and “I've seen better in video games.” Our national-parks columnist rounded up some scathing reviews of America's Best Idea.

Graham AverillDecember 23, 2024

National Parks

Check Out These Cool New Lodges Near Our Favorite National Parks

These cool new lodging options are within striking distance of some of the country’s most popular national parks

Emily PenningtonJanuary 10, 2025

National Parks

25 Easy, Scenic National-Park Hikes Under 5 Miles

Panoramas, waterfalls, and other natural wonders await you on these quick, rewarding routes chosen by our national-parks expert

Emily PenningtonJanuary 10, 2025

National Parks

A Guide to America’s Favorite Road Trip: The Blue Ridge Parkway

This beautiful 469-mile route connects Great Smoky Mountain and Shenandoah National Parks. Our local writer knows just where to stop for hikes, camping, and the best views.

Graham AverillFebruary 3, 2025

National Parks

The 9 Best Gateway Towns to U.S. National Parks

Our parks expert found the coolest small towns to stay in next door to U.S. national parks. You’re welcome.

Graham AverillApril 8, 2024

National Parks

10 Best Multiday Hikes in Our National Parks

Ditch the crowds as you hike, camp, and revel in the most stunning backcountry landscapes in the U.S. They don't call one circuit Wonderland for nothing.

Graham AverillMay 24, 2024

News and Analysis

These 10 National Parks Will Have Timed-Entry Reservations This Year

Love ’em or hate ’em, timed-entry reservations will be required at the most popular national parks. Here’s how to make sure you get in.

Emily PenningtonJanuary 2, 2024

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Latest Stories

Dozens of Vultures Were Illegally Dumped in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Feds Want Answers.

The NPS Just Issued a Stark Warning After an Unusually High 38 Rescues in the Smokies

Alum Cave Trail Is a Social Media Darling. It’s Also Deceptively Deadly.

This Week’s Powerful Winter Storm Leaves Dozens of National Parks Closed

What It’s Really Like to Visit America’s Most Crowded National Park

We Scoured National Parks for the Best Swimming Holes. These Are Our Top 9.

The Beer Drinker’s Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Can't Find a National Parks Campground? Here's Where to Camp Instead

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Crowded (and Underfunded) National Parks

This Is the Most Crowded National Park in the Country. You Should Still Go.

The Most Unforgettable National Park Drives in the Country

6 Super Cool Airbnbs Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park

20 National Parks You Can Enter for Free (Yes, Free!)

The Worst (and Most Hilarious) National-Park Reviews of the Year

Check Out These Cool New Lodges Near Our Favorite National Parks

25 Easy, Scenic National-Park Hikes Under 5 Miles

A Guide to America’s Favorite Road Trip: The Blue Ridge Parkway

The 9 Best Gateway Towns to U.S. National Parks

10 Best Multiday Hikes in Our National Parks

These 10 National Parks Will Have Timed-Entry Reservations This Year

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