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Great Smoky Mountains · November

Great Smoky Mountains in November

November is a good time to visit Great Smoky Mountains — quieter than October, busier than December.

Crowd score

How busy it gets

6/10
Moderate

A comfortable middle ground: some company on popular trails, but no gridlock.

About 60% of this park's busiest month.

Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025

Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 10, 2026. How this is calculated →

Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe

Visitation

Typical November visits vs. the year

November (typical)953,182
Peak — October1,592,430
Quietest — January381,476

Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.

Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025

Weather

November weather

Avg high
Avg low
Precipitation
4.3"
Sunrise
6:10 AM
Sunset
4:26 PM
Daylight
10.3h

Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, MARYVILLE 5.8 ESE, TN US

What's open

Great Smoky Mountains in November: access

Open 24 hours year-round; some secondary roads close seasonally

Seasonal closures may apply:

  • Park Closure

    Straight Fork and the one-way section of Balsam Mountain Road closed.

    Straight Fork and the one-way section of Balsam Mountain Road (Heintooga Round-Bottom Road) are closed.

    Details on nps.gov →
  • Information

    Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to motor vehicles every Wednesday

    Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to motor vehicles every Wednesday through September 30. This allows pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy the cove without the presence of vehicles on the roadway.

    Details on nps.gov →
  • Park Closure

    Park Headquarters Road is closed

    Park Headquarters Road is closed due to rehabilitation work on the Sugarlands water and wastewater systems.

Source: NPS Data API

Conditions

Current alerts

  • Information

    Most visitors need a parking tag

    All vehicles parking for longer than 15 minutes require a parking tag. Three tag durations are available for purchase for all vehicle sizes and types: Daily ($5), Weekly ($15), or Annual ($40).

    Details on nps.gov →
  • Park Closure

    Straight Fork and the one-way section of Balsam Mountain Road closed.

    Straight Fork and the one-way section of Balsam Mountain Road (Heintooga Round-Bottom Road) are closed.

    Details on nps.gov →
  • Information

    Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to motor vehicles every Wednesday

    Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to motor vehicles every Wednesday through September 30. This allows pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy the cove without the presence of vehicles on the roadway.

    Details on nps.gov →
  • Park Closure

    Park Headquarters Road is closed

    Park Headquarters Road is closed due to rehabilitation work on the Sugarlands water and wastewater systems.

Source: NPS Data API

Context

Great Smoky Mountains crowds across the year

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOct6NovDec

Alternatives

Quieter nearby in November

FAQ

Great Smoky Mountains in November

How busy is Great Smoky Mountains in November?

November rates 6/10 for crowds (Moderate) at Great Smoky Mountains National Park — about 60% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 953,182.

What is the weather like at Great Smoky Mountains in November?

In November, Great Smoky Mountains averages a high of 0°F and a low of 0°F, with about 4.3 inches of precipitation.