Great Smoky Mountains
National Park
It's the most visited National Park in the USA. It's so big that scientists are
still discovering some of the plant and animal species that live there. We're not
scientists, but we do know there are more than 1,500 bears in there, so when you
explore, keep your eyes open! Nothing beats a bear sighting in the Smokies.
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There are nearly 400 miles of roads with unspoiled, breathtaking scenery at every
turn. Here's where to start.
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There are 150 maintained trails, scores of waterfalls, picturesque valleys and breathtaking
vistas.
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There are more than bears in them thar hills. Fauna, meet Flora.
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Before it was a park, the Great Smoky Mountains were home to explorers, adventurers
and settlers alike. Here are heritage high points worth stopping for.
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Bring your basket, take a break, lay a spread and enjoy the view.
Take a drive and feel your heart come alive.
There are three entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Gatlinburg,
and every one takes you into a section of the 800 square miles of unspoiled Appalachia.
Sweeping vistas, marching woodlands, tumbling streams and incredible clifftops unfold
as you wind your way along 400 miles of mountain roads. Scenic overlooks, trailheads,
waterfalls and historic homesteads are everywhere. Loop roads hug the mountainsides
before opening up onto breathtaking vistas. 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.
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Geologic formations and hiking trails.
The best way to experience the Smokies 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 trails covering 800 miles of pristine backcountry. Waterfalls,
wildlife, valleys and vistas are everywhere.
While hikin' it to waterfalls like Grotto, Laurel, Abrams and Rainbow is popular,
the
backcountry is even more amazing. You'll discover you're never too far from the
sounds of rushing streams, babbling brooks or roaring cascades. Pull off your boots,
cool your feet and breathe deep. Few things inspire like the songs of the streams
and rays of light dancing on the mountain waters.
Here are a few highlights. Experienced campers and backcountry hikers can get more
info about trekking the mountains here
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Scenic drives and wildlife areas.
Undisturbed for over a million years.
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. Bring
your binoculars and enjoy the show. Read More »
Log cabins, gristmills and glimpses back in time.
There are over 80 preserved log structures in the Park. Get ready to hike into history
whenever you take a trail in the Smokies.
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The best Gatlinburg picnic areas.
Great places to bring the family or a partner, lay a spread and enjoy the view.
Pack a basket, pick a spot and enjoy a meal or a snack near a rushing stream with
a breathtaking view. Couples, families and large groups can find plenty of great
picnic areas scattered throughout
the Smokies. Or just have a seat on a rock and pull out a PBJ before heading on
to your next adventure. Some picnic ares have pavilions that can be reserved for
larger groups. Twin Creeks has the largest, accommodating 150 people. Greenbrier
and Metcalf Bottoms have pavilions for 70.
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