Explore Learning
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an amazing outdoor ecosystem. An estimated 100,000 species of animals and plants live in this habitat. Scientists are actively researching inside the park, discovering new species and developing strategies to document and preserve their existence.
Several non-profit organizations, like the ones listed here on My Smoky Mountain Guide, work hand in glove with the National Park Service to ensure that this magnificent park and its inhabitants are here for many years to come.
Each organization has a different overall mission, but every one of them has a goal of educating the public about the park, its inhabitants, the cultural history, or the preservation of it all.
We invite you to explore learning as part of your Great Smoky Mountains National Park experience. Explore learning through hands-on participation in a class. Explore learning through a workshop. Explore learning through summer camps and family events.
Take a look at the organizations below. Each exists to promote the park, its preservation, and to educate the public. They also sponsor hiking events, camps, educational classes, and more. Explore the multitude of ways you can learn and have fun together.
Great Smoky Mountains Association
Great Smoky Mountains Association is a non-profit organization supporting the park financially and through the education of the public. Association members benefit through information, guided hikes, backpacking adventures, discounts at park stores, and much more.
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont has a mission to connect people with nature through hands-on lerning experiences. Participate in programs and workshops for adults, youth, families, and educators. Gain a real sense of community and teamwork as you bond over backpacking, scientific experiments, and more.
Smoky Mountain Field School
Smoky Mountain Field School celebrates more than 40 years of supporting park education through hands-on participation. Take a course on fly fishing, photography, hiking, or any of the other courses available. Your classroom is Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The instructors are amazing. The experience will change you.
Friends of the Smokies
Friends of the Smokies offers guided hiking opportunities, the Trails Forever volunteer program, and Get on the Trail with Friends & Missy hikes. Learn about this incredible organization and how you can be a part.