Great Smoky Mountain Elevations

The Great Smokies climb from about 875 feet in the lowest valleys to 6,643 feet at the highest peak, and that range shapes almost everything here: the temperature, the rainfall, the trees, and the wildlife. Driving from Gatlinburg up to Newfound Gap takes you through forests similar to those you'd find hundreds of miles farther north. Here's what sits at each level, and what it means for your visit.

Elevation of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville

Gatlinburg sits at about 1,289 feet above sea level, the highest of the three main towns, right at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Pigeon Forge sits at about 1,001 feet, along the Little Pigeon River between Sevierville and Gatlinburg.

Sevierville sits at about 902 feet, the lowest and flattest of the gateway towns.

Wears Valley sits at roughly 1,450 feet, a rural valley with wide views on the park's western side.

Even the towns sit higher than many eastern cities, but the real climb starts once you enter the park.

Quick reference

Low elevations: about 875 to 2,000 feet

The lowest ground sits near the park entrances and through the surrounding valleys. It's warmer and more humid, covered in leafy hardwood forest, and it's where most visitors spend their time.

Cades Cove — about 1,800 feet

A broad valley ringed by mountains, with historic buildings, the trail to Abrams Falls, and frequent sightings of deer, wild turkeys, and black bears.

Little River Road — about 1,200 to 1,800 feet

The road follows the Little River from Sugarlands Visitor Center toward Townsend, with access to the Laurel Falls Trail. The low elevation and river make it thick with rhododendron and ferns.

Mid elevations: about 2,000 to 4,000 feet

The forest starts to change here, with hardwoods mixing with evergreens and the air cooling enough to notice. Many of the park's best-known trails start in this range.

Alum Cave trailhead — about 3,800 feet

On Newfound Gap Road, the start of one of the park's most popular hikes. The trail climbs to Alum Cave Bluffs and continues to the summit of Mount Le Conte.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail — about 2,000 to 3,000 feet

A one-way loop through hemlock, birch, and maple that climbs about 1,000 feet, with moss-covered rocks, rushing streams, and access to trails like Rainbow Falls.

High elevations: about 4,000 to 6,643 feet

Above 4,000 feet, spruce and fir take over, temperatures drop sharply, rain and fog are more common, and snow is common in winter.

Newfound Gap — 5,046 feet

The easiest high point to reach, on US-441 where it crosses the Smokies. It sits on the Tennessee and North Carolina line, the Appalachian Trail crosses here, and the road to Kuwohi begins nearby. From here, hikers can reach Charlies Bunion.

Kuwohi — 6,643 feet

The highest point in the park and in Tennessee. Formerly known as Clingmans Dome, the mountain's Cherokee name, Kuwohi, was officially restored in 2024. A paved half-mile trail climbs from the parking area to the observation tower, and Andrews Bald is a popular hike nearby. The road to Kuwohi closes from December 1 through March 31.

Mount Le Conte — 6,593 feet

The third-highest peak in the park and the only one with a lodge at the top. LeConte Lodge can be reached only on foot, by one of several trails.

How elevation shapes the seasons

Fall color starts at the highest elevations in late September and works its way down through October, reaching the valley towns in late October and early November. See our guide to the best fall foliage in the Smoky Mountains.

Snow falls far more often on the high peaks than in town. A rainy winter day in Gatlinburg can mean snow at Newfound Gap. Read more about the best time to see snow in Gatlinburg.

Summer is warmest in the valleys, so a drive up to Newfound Gap or Kuwohi is an easy way to cool off. Check our weather averages to plan.

Frequently asked questions

What is the elevation of Gatlinburg, TN?

Gatlinburg sits at about 1,289 feet above sea level.

What is the elevation of Pigeon Forge, TN?

Pigeon Forge sits at about 1,001 feet above sea level.

What is the highest point in the Smoky Mountains?

Kuwohi, formerly Clingmans Dome, at 6,643 feet.

How much colder is it at the top?

Expect it to be roughly 3 to 5 degrees cooler for every 1,000 feet you climb. Kuwohi is often 15 to 20 degrees cooler than Gatlinburg.

Can you get altitude sickness in the Smokies?

It's unlikely. Even the highest peaks sit below the elevations where most people feel altitude sickness, but you may notice you're short of breath sooner on steep trails.

Are the high-elevation roads open year-round?

Newfound Gap Road is open most of the year but can close temporarily for snow and ice. The road to Kuwohi closes from December 1 through March 31.