Great Smoky Mountains National Park

 Stay safe

Bears The park is home to more than 1,000 black bears. Bears should not be approached. If the bear's behavior changes, you are too close. Visitors to the park can get more information the park's bears in any of the park's Visitor Centers.

Snakes Twenty-three (23) types of snakes make their home in the park's lands, but only two varieties are poisonous: Timber Rattlesnakes and Copperheads. Rattlesnakes are part of the pit-viper family and sport a distinctive rattle at the end of their bodies that makes a buzzing sound when the snake is agitated. The Copperheads account for most of the snake bites in the area, however their venom is the least toxic, but this does not mean you should underestimate it. Neither snake is aggressive and if you stay away from places where they tend to sun, you should be able to avoid them alltogether.

Waterfalls Do not climb on the falls. Fatalities have ocurred as a result of people climbing on the falls.

It is a good idea to have some first-aid knowledge if you wander far into the backcountry, especially off trail. Be sure to get a permit, so they'll know where to look for you if you do not show. And as always, beware of snowstorms.

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