No park-wide timed entry or entry reservation at Great Smoky Mountains: what applies in 2026?

Exact conditions

Status

Not required; the stated access rule still applies

Applies to

all visitors

Effective dates

January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026

Release model

unpublished

Exceptions and limits

• One narrow exception: during the Elkmont synchronous firefly viewing event (May 20-27, 2026) access to the Elkmont area after noon was restricted to lottery-won vehicle reservations and registered Elkmont campers — covered by the firefly lottery rule.
• Entire park