| 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