Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA

Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America’s most visited national park.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker’s paradise with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short leg-stretchers to strenuous treks that may require backcountry camping. But hiking is not the only reason for visiting the Smokies. Camping, fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are popular activities.

Most visitors come to the Smokies hoping to see a bear. Some 1,500 bears live in the park. From the big animals like bears, deer, and elk, down to microscopic organisms, the Smokies have the most biological diversity of any area in the world’s temperate zone. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy.

History

Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established on June 15, 1934 after a long process of land purchases starting in with Congress' authorization in 1926. More than $11 million was required to make all of the purchases. The main benefactor, who came to rescue during the Great Depression, was the Rockefeller family which donated $5 million. This great deed was honored by the erection of a memorial at Newfound Gap. The park was officially dedicated on September 2, 1940 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Hiking and Waterfalls

The best way to experience the Smoky Mountains is to do what the original settlers and explorers did: hit the trails. From the original Appalachian Trail to breathtaking wildflower walks, there are 150 Smoky Mountain trails covering 800 miles of pristine backcountry. Waterfalls, wildlife, valleys and vistas are everywhere.

Wildlife & Nature

Thousands of species of plant and animal life have been documented in the Smokies, and more are being discovered every year. Because the last Ice Age didn't get this far south, and the sea never came this far inland, flora and fauna have been thriving and diversifying here for millennia. Black bears and wildflower blooms are only the beginning when you adventure into one of the world's few International Biosphere Reserves.

Picnic in the Park

Gatlinburg is home to many scenic and accessible spots perfect for bringing back the lost joy of picnicking. Admire the antique architecture of century-old cabins and mills at Cades Cove picnic area, soak up the scenery of the Little Pigeon River at the Chimneys picnic area or share a meal at one of several other designated picnic spots near Gatlinburg including Metcalf Bottoms. It’s a great way to relax and unwind during your vacation.

Scenic Drives

There are three entrances to Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Gatlinburg, and every one takes you into a section of the 800 square miles of unspoiled Appalachia. Every trip to the Smokies begins with a drive on the Newfound Gap Road, so pack a picnic and see highlights along the way that include Sugarlands Visitor Center, Chimney Tops, Newfound Gap, Clingman's Dome Road, Ocanaluftee Valley and Mingus Mill. Wildflower watchers love exploring the Greenbrier, a six mile road featuring the most colorful flora in the Park. Porter's Creek is particularly vibrant in March and April. If you're feeling adventurous, hop out and hike four miles and witness the tallest falls in the Smokies at Ramsey Cascades. Whether you arrive during the rich green days of spring and summer, the crazy quilt of autumn color or the sparkling white of winter, your drive through the roads of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is guaranteed to be an adventure in itself.