Great Smoky Mountains National Park, spanning North Carolina and Tennessee is the most visited National Park in the United States. The name comes from the Cherokee people who called the landscape “place of the blue smoke” referring to the blue mist that floats above the peaks of the mountains. Similarly, the Blue Ridge Parkway is named after the same natural phenomenon.
Clingmans Dome is the highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains at an elevation of 6,643 feet. A scenic drive through the park leads to a parking area where visitors embark on a half-mile hike to the observation tower. The reward is a stunning 360-degree panorama of the Smoky Mountains from the observation tower and, on clear days, views extending over 100 miles across seven states.
The Appalachian Trail, one of the most famous long-distance hiking trails in the world, meanders through the heart of the park. Stretching over 70 miles within the park boundaries, this segment of the trail offers hikers a range of experiences, from challenging climbs to serene walks through lush forests. The trail passes by landmarks such as Charlies Bunion and Newfound Gap, providing spectacular vistas and a sense of connection with the thousands who have journeyed along this historic route. Day hikers can hike part of it and hear stories from hikers attempting to hike the whole trail from Georgia to Maine.
The park's varying elevations and abundant rainfall support its deciduous forests, which are filled with vibrant colors in the fall. Visitors can encounter a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and over 200 species of birds. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, and picnicking. Waterfalls such as Laurel Falls and Abrams Falls provide scenic destinations. The park’s extensive network of trails caters to all skill levels, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. The park preserves numerous historic structures that tell the story of the people who lived and worked in these mountains. From early Native American inhabitants to European settlers, the region’s human history is chronicled in preserved cabins, churches, and mills. The Cades Cove Historic District offers a glimpse into 19th-century Appalachian life.
Open year-round, visitors can experience the diversity of the seasons. In spring, wildflowers bloom, while summer brings lush greenery and vibrant wildlife. Autumn transforms the landscape with brilliant fall foliage, and winter offers a snow-dusted landscape. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.
