Misty mountain ridges in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Tennessee · Southeast

Habitat
ForestMountain
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

May-June

Entrance Fee

Free (parking tag $5/day required)

Hours

Open 24 hours

About This Location

The Great Smoky Mountains harbor remarkable avian diversity across elevation gradients from 900 to over 6,600 feet. Higher elevations host northern breeding species like Black-capped Chickadee and Red Crossbill, while cove hardwood forests teem with breeding warblers.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Swainson's Warbler

Limnothlypis swainsonii

7/20/2026Great Smoky Mountains NP--Little River Gorge4 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

7/20/2026Great Smoky Mountains NP--Little River Gorge1 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

7/19/2026Great Smoky Mountains NP--Indian Gap2 observed

Veery

Catharus fuscescens

7/17/2026Great Smoky Mountains NP--Anthony Creek Trail6 observed

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

7/17/2026Great Smoky Mountains NP--Anthony Creek Trail2 observed

Eastern Barn Owl

Tyto javanica

7/17/2026Kituwah Mound1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/17/2026Kituwah Mound1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/16/2026Great Smoky Mountains NP--Cades Cove Nature Trail2 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

7/15/2026AT Icewater Springs shelter1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-headed Vireo

17/9/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

37/9/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

17/9/2026

Brown Creeper

17/9/2026

Winter Wren

17/9/2026

Veery

17/9/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

37/9/2026

Pine Warbler

17/9/2026

Black-throated Green Warbler

17/9/2026

Indigo Bunting

17/9/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bird Clingmans Dome road at dawn for high-elevation species

  2. 2

    Cades Cove loop is excellent for general birding

  3. 3

    Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity

  4. 4

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

  5. 5

    Listen for woodpecker drumming and warbler songs before scanning the canopy

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park for birding?
The best months to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park for birding are May-June. The best seasons are Spring and Summer.
What birds can I see at Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Notable species at Great Smoky Mountains National Park include Cerulean Warbler, Black-capped Chickadee, Red Crossbill, Winter Wren, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Carolina Wren, Cooper's Hawk, Tufted Titmouse. The area supports forest, mountain habitats.
How difficult is birding at Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Birding at Great Smoky Mountains National Park is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
The entrance fee at Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Free (parking tag $5/day required). Hours: Open 24 hours.
What amenities are available at Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Trails, Campground.