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

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

4/15/2026Alum Cave Trail, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, US (35.636, -83.442)1 observed

Swainson's Warbler

Limnothlypis swainsonii

4/14/2026Great Smoky Mountains NP--Schoolhouse Gap Trail2 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

4/14/2026Great Smoky Mountains NP--Schoolhouse Gap Trail2 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/5/2026Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg US-TN 35.69155, -83.501051 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/4/2026223 Webbs Overlook Way, Sevierville, Tennessee, US (35.746, -83.412)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-headed Vireo

14/12/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

14/12/2026

Red Crossbill

104/12/2026

Pine Siskin

34/12/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

24/12/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/11/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

24/11/2026

Brown Creeper

24/11/2026

Winter Wren

14/11/2026

Savannah Sparrow

14/11/2026

Black-throated Green Warbler

44/11/2026

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.