Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

The Great Smoky Mountains have long been regarded as the ancestral homeland of the of the Cherokee Indians.  The area is a region rich in natural diversity and pioneer history.

The area is named by the Cherokee for the mysterious wisps of blue-gray smoke that often shroud the highest peaks, this majestic mountain range marks the southern climax of the Appalachian chain.

This area was established in 1934 as a national park and today spans more than 500,000 acres, making it the largest wilderness area in the United States.

The Smoky Mountains are home to more than 130 species of trees, 1,500 varieties of flowering plants and 200 types of birds.  The mountians also nestle among them cascading waterfalls and fantastic mountian vistas.  Amongst these natural features you will also see remnants of preserved pioneer heritage; log cabins, farmhouses, grist mills, and barns built in the 18th and 19th centuries by European settlers.

By entering in to this immense and abundant forest, walkers can retrace a pioneer past that follows the footsteps first marked by the Cherokee Indians.

Within the wilderness areas is an extensive 900 miles of walking trails of both historic and natural interests.

Whether you delight in the challenge of a strenuous hike to the crest of a mountain or prefer to sit quietly and watch the sun set, there is a myriad of activities for you to enjoy.

Auto Touring – An auto tour of the park offers a chance to see panoramic vistas, rushing mountain streams, weathered historic buildings, and majestic forests stretching to the horizon. Inexpensive booklets are available to serve as your personal tour guides along many park roads.

Bicycling – Ride through Cades Cove on a misty summer morning for a truly memorable way to experience the park.

Camping – Escape into the Smokies wilderness for a backpacking adventure or opt for a tamer excursion in one of the park’s developed campgrounds. Here is a book with some info on camping in the area. Smoky Mountain Hiking and Camping: A Guide to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Fishing – Anglers can match their skills against wily brook, brown, and rainbow trout on over 700 miles of fishable streams in the park. Check out the following for some customized fishing in the area. The Fly Fisherman’s Guide to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Hiking – Choose from over 800 miles of trails ranging from quiet walkways to multi-day backpacking treks through the back country. Check out this resource for hiking paths in the Great Smoky Mountains. Hiking Trails of the Great Smoky Mountains : A Comprehensive Guide or 100 Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Historic Buildings – The park has one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Nearly 80 historic structures—homes, barns, churches, schools, and grist mills—have been preserved in the park.  This is one of over 70 historic buildings in the smoky mountains. This is the John Oliver Cabin. You can reach it through the scenic loop road at Cades Cove

Horseback Riding – The park has hundreds of miles of horse trails and five drive-in horse camps. If you don’t own a horse, four rental stables provide mounts and guides.  For a complete set of guidelines for horseback riding, call 865-436-1200 or write to Superintendent, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 107 Park Headquarters Rd., Gatlinburg , TN 37738

Picnicking – Craving hotdogs, potato salad, water melon… and ants? There are eleven picnic areas to choose from in the park—many have pavilions that can be reserved in advance.

Waterfalls – Waterfalls can be found on nearly every river and stream in the park. Here is a complete guide to waterfalls in the area. Waterfalls and Cascades of the Great Smoky Mountains

Wildflowers – Great Smoky Mountains National park is known as the “wildflower national park.” You can find blooming plants year-round here, but spring and summer are renown for spectacular displays of wildflowers along roads and trails.

Wildlife Viewing – If you keep your eyes open you are likely to see an elk, white-tailed deer, or black bear?

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