Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Location: Tennessee and North Carolina, United States
Year of Inscription: 1983
Criteria: (vii)to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(viii)to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a vast wilderness spanning over half a million acres in the southern Appalachian Mountains. It is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural history. The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.
Prominent Features:
History: The Great Smoky Mountains have a rich cultural history, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. The park preserves the history and heritage of the early Appalachian settlers, including preserved cabins, churches, and other structures.
Fun Fact: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the few places in the eastern United States where visitors can witness the phenomenon known as "synchronous fireflies." During certain times in late spring, fireflies in the park's Elkmont area synchronize their flashing lights, creating a magical display.
Family-Friendly Activities: Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers numerous family-friendly activities, including:
Entry Fees: Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee, making it accessible to all visitors.
How to Reach It: The park is accessible from various entrances, with the most popular being Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Cherokee, North Carolina. Both Gatlinburg and Cherokee have visitor centers providing information and maps. Visitors can reach the park by car via major highways leading to these entrances.
Where to Stay: Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers several options for accommodations, including:
Next Stop: Mammoth Cave National Park
Year of Inscription: 1983
Criteria: (vii)to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(viii)to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a vast wilderness spanning over half a million acres in the southern Appalachian Mountains. It is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural history. The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.
Prominent Features:
- Clingmans Dome: The highest peak in the park and the third-highest peak in the eastern United States, offering panoramic views from its observation tower.
- Cades Cove: A picturesque valley known for its historic buildings, scenic drives, and abundant wildlife, including deer, black bears, and turkeys.
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: A scenic drive that takes visitors through a dense forest, past rushing mountain streams, historic cabins, and beautiful waterfalls.
- Newfound Gap Road: A popular scenic drive that crosses the Great Smoky Mountains, offering breathtaking vistas and access to several trailheads.
- Chimney Tops: Twin peaks known for their distinctive shape, offering a challenging but rewarding hike with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
History: The Great Smoky Mountains have a rich cultural history, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. The park preserves the history and heritage of the early Appalachian settlers, including preserved cabins, churches, and other structures.
Fun Fact: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the few places in the eastern United States where visitors can witness the phenomenon known as "synchronous fireflies." During certain times in late spring, fireflies in the park's Elkmont area synchronize their flashing lights, creating a magical display.
Family-Friendly Activities: Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers numerous family-friendly activities, including:
- Junior Ranger Program: Children can participate in the park's Junior Ranger program, which involves completing activities and earning a badge.
- Wildlife Viewing: Families can go wildlife watching and spot various animals, including black bears, elk, white-tailed deer, and birds.
- Easy Hiking Trails: There are several short and easy hiking trails suitable for families, such as the Gatlinburg Trail and the Laurel Falls Trail.
- Picnicking: Enjoy a family picnic at one of the park's designated picnic areas, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Entry Fees: Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee, making it accessible to all visitors.
How to Reach It: The park is accessible from various entrances, with the most popular being Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Cherokee, North Carolina. Both Gatlinburg and Cherokee have visitor centers providing information and maps. Visitors can reach the park by car via major highways leading to these entrances.
Where to Stay: Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers several options for accommodations, including:
- Campgrounds: The park has several developed campgrounds with tent and RV sites. Reservations are recommended.
- Lodges and Cabins: There are lodging options available both within the park and in nearby towns, including rustic cabins and comfortable lodges.
- Nearby Towns: The towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in Tennessee and Cherokee in North Carolina offer a range of accommodations, including hotels, motels, cabins, and vacation rentals.
Next Stop: Mammoth Cave National Park