Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Difference between revisions
Truthseeker (talk | contribs) Created page with "{{Infobox national park | name = Great Smoky Mountains National Park | image = Great_Smoky_Mountains_view.jpg | caption = Mist rising through the mountains — the park's namesake | location = Tennessee and North Carolina, United States | coordinates = 35.6532°N, 83.5070°W | area = 816 sq mi (2,114 km²) | established = June 15, 1934 | visitors = 13.3 million (2023) | website = https://www.nps.gov/grsm }} '''Great Smoky Mounta..." |
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== Fun Facts == | == Fun Facts == | ||
* The park spans two time zones (Eastern and Central) | * The park spans two time zones (Eastern and Central) | ||
* Home to more than | * Home to more than '''90 historic buildings''' | ||
* Over | * Over '''19,000 documented species''', with more discovered each year | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
Revision as of 14:16, 18 July 2025
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | |
|---|---|
| Mist rising through the mountains — the park's namesake | |
| Location | Tennessee and North Carolina, United States |
| Coordinates | 35.6532°N, 83.5070°W |
| Area | 816 sq mi (2,114 km²) |
| Established | June 15, 1934 |
| Visitors (latest) | 13.3 million (2023) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Official website |
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located along the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. Famous for its mist-covered mountains, dense forests, and rich biodiversity, it is the **most visited national park in the United States**, with over 13 million visitors annually.
Natural Features
The park is named after the natural fog that often hangs over the mountain range, giving it a "smoky" appearance. Highlights include:
- Rolling Appalachian ridgelines
- Deep valleys and waterfalls
- Dense old-growth forests
Biodiversity
The park is known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve, boasting:
- Over 1,600 species of flowering plants
- More than 200 species of birds
- Mammals such as black bears, white-tailed deer, and elk
- One of the world’s richest collections of salamander species
Historical Significance
- Originally inhabited by the Cherokee people
- Includes preserved Appalachian cabins, mills, and churches from early Euro-American settlers
- Features many historic structures along Cades Cove and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Visitor Activities
- Over 800 miles of hiking trails
- Popular hikes include:
- **Clingmans Dome** (the highest point in the park) - **Alum Cave Trail** - **Chimney Tops**
- Scenic drives such as:
- **Newfound Gap Road** - **Blue Ridge Parkway**
- Camping, fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife watching
Accessibility
- No entrance fee — one of the few major U.S. national parks without one
- Accessible from tourist-friendly towns like **Gatlinburg**, **Pigeon Forge**, and **Cherokee**
Fun Facts
- The park spans two time zones (Eastern and Central)
- Home to more than 90 historic buildings
- Over 19,000 documented species, with more discovered each year