Tennessee/North Carolina border: Explore the Great Smoky Mountains. Scenic trails, waterfalls, black bears and elk, Cades Cove, Gatlinburg, Cherokee and rich Appalachian history.
Great Smoky Mountains General Overview.
- Location: It is on Tennessee-North Carolina border.
- The Park was founded in 1934 as a national park.
- Size: ~522,000 acres (over 800 square miles).
- Status: UNESCO World heritage site and International biosphere reserve.
- Claim to fame: Highest number of visitors to national park in the U.S. (more than 12 million visitors annually).
Its natural water vapour as well as emissions of plants are known to make the park foggy, which makes the mountains appear mystically blue.
Natural Highlights
- Mountains & Peaks
- “Clingmans dome (6643 ft) – peak in the park, having a 360 observation tower.
- Mount Le Conte (6,593 ft) –famous in hiking and the LeConte Lodge.
- Newfound Gap – well-known picturesque highway that cuts through the state border.
- Forests & Biodiversity
- More than 100 species of trees, including 500 years old ones.
- The so-called Salamander Capital of the World that has 30+ species.
- Habitat of black bears (they are approximately 1,500 in the park).
- 19000 and more species of plants and animals have been documented.
- Waterfalls
- Laurel Falls –family friendly hike.
- Largest waterfall (100 ft) of the Ramsey Cascades.
- Grotto Falls – the only Smokeys waterfall one can walk behind.
Hiking & Outdoor Adventures
- Eight hundred plus miles of trails with 70 miles of the Appalachian trail.
- Popular hikes:
o Alum Cave Trail to Mount Le Conte (vigorous, yet worthwhile).
o Andrews Bald (easy, great when it is full of wildflowers).
o Charlies Bunion (dramatic Appalachian Trail location).
- Check in camping: More than 10 established camp sites + backcountry camping by permit.
- Fishing, 2,900 miles of stream trout fishing.
- Horseback Riding: At Cades Cove and Smokemont.
Scenic Drives
- Cades Cove Loop (11 miles): Benefit of historic cabins, wildlife, old churchs.
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: Waterfalls, Streams, Old Homesteads.
- Blue Ridge Parkway (469miles): Begins on the edge of Smokies and continues to NC/VA.
- Foothills Parkway: Good scenery.
History & Culture
- Previously inhabited by the Cherokee people who referred to it as Shaconage (place of blue smoke).
- European settlers came in 1800s, and left log cabins, gristmills, and churches (some of which are maintained at Cades Cove).
- The park was established in the great depression and the assistance of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
- Still strongly connected with the culture, music, and traditions of the Appalachian.
Key Towns & Gateways
Tennessee Side
- Gatlinburg: Largest tourist center, aquariums, stores, Ober Mountain tramway.
- Pigeon Forge: Doll year old, dinner shows and family attractions.
- Thence Townsend: on peaceful side Smokies.
North Carolina Side
- Cherokee: cultural center, Harrahs casino, Cherokee Indian Reservation.
- Bryson City: This place is famous due to a Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
- Maggie Valley: Skiing and Blue Ridge Parkway.
Best Times to Visit
- Spring (March 5-May): The wildflowers are in blossom, the water falls are full.
- Summer (June -August): Green forests, family-favorite.
- Fall (September-October): Gorgeous foliage attracts tremendous masses of people.
- Winter (November-February): Lowers, snow on the mountain tops and it is solitude time.
Wildlife Viewing
- Black bears (common with 50+ yards distance).
- Eldk (reintroduced to Cataloochee Valley, NC).
- Wild turkeys, coyotes, salamanders, white-tailed deer.
- Buying wildlife: Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Roaring Fork.
Travel Tips
- Specialization Fee: Free (among the few large parks in the USA that have no entry fee).
- Parking Fee: With the current situation in 2023, the daily parking tag costs 5 dollars.
- Weather: Mountain weather is unpredictable and rain gear must always be carried.
- General (Not specific): Coming early in the morning or late in the afternoon is recommended so as not to face the peak traffic.
- Bear Safety: Feed animals never, keep food locked up.
Conclusion
The Great Smoky Mountains, which lie on both sides of Tennessee and North Carolina, are a unique combination of the wonders of nature, the history of cultures, and an endless adventure in the air.
The Smokies can offer all types of visitors an experience; be it a hiking trip to trails and waterfalls in misty mountain tops, a family on a scenic road trip or a history buff taking a tour of the preserved homesteads of the Appalachians.
The Smoky Mountains has been one of the most memorable places in the U.S. with its free entrance, various seasons and its cute gateway towns such as Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Cherokee and Bryson City.
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