GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK (828newsNOW) — Officials are urging Memorial Day weekend visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park to plan ahead, expect heavy crowds and be ready for changing conditions across one of the country’s most visited national parks.
Park rangers say traffic, parking shortages and limited cell service are all likely to challenge holiday travelers, especially in popular areas across the Smokies.
“Plan ahead for a safe and fun Smokies weekend,” park officials said in a recent advisory. “If a parking lot is full, have a backup plan to explore a different area of the park.”
Visitors are being reminded to park only in designated spaces. Vehicles parked along roadsides or in grassy areas may be ticketed or towed.
Drivers are also encouraged to slow down, watch for pedestrians and use roadside pull-offs to let faster traffic pass. Rangers say travel times to popular destinations are expected to be longer than usual.
Preparation is key, officials say. That includes mapping out destinations in advance, packing enough food and water and taking a physical map because of unreliable cell service in many areas.
Wildlife safety is another focus heading into the holiday. Visitors are urged to keep at least 50 yards from bears and 25 yards from elk and deer and to never feed or approach animals. Food should be stored securely inside locked vehicles with windows closed.
Parking will be free on Memorial Day, but visitors planning a full weekend stay are still required to purchase a parking tag.
Park officials also used the holiday reminder to highlight ongoing Leave No Trace concerns. In a recent statement, rangers said backcountry staff removed more than half a ton of trash and abandoned gear in 2025 alone, ranging from tents and fishing poles to portable toilets and clothing.
“Pack smart. Only bring what you can confidently carry in and out,” rangers said. “Thoughtful packing helps protect park resources and keeps both visitors and rangers safe.”
Meanwhile, seasonal restrictions are in place for one of the park’s most popular natural events: the synchronous firefly display in the Elkmont area, which runs through May 27.
After noon each day, access to Elkmont is limited to vehicles with reservations or registered campers. Overnight parking is also prohibited at several trailheads, including Little River, Jakes Creek and the Appalachian Clubhouse area.
The closures are designed to protect the fireflies and their habitat during mating season, a phenomenon that typically peaks between late May and mid-June, depending on soil conditions.
Park officials say the restrictions help ensure the rare display can continue f– and they’re asking the public to do their part by following the rules and respecting the resource.