Great Smoky Mountains National Park
| 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