Majestic mountain ranges, spectacular wildflowers, cascading waterfalls, abundant wildlife, free flowing streams and rivers. With so much natural beauty, it’s easy to see why Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America’s most visited national park. Nestled along the Tennessee-North Carolina border, Great Smoky Mountains preserves 500,000 acres of pristine wilderness, and it’s landscapes are truly spectacular. FDR captured the essence of the park when he said, “There are trees here that stood before our forefathers ever came to this continent; there are brooks that still run as clear as on the day the first pioneer cupped his hand and drank from them.”
Established as a national park in 1940 by President Franklin Roosevelt, Great Smoky Mountains represented a huge leap forward for America’s national parks. The first national parks had all been located in the West, carved out of land already owned by the federal government. The Smokies would be different. The land that would become Great Smoky Mountains National Park was once dotted with thousands of family farms. All the land would have to be purchased before it could be preserved as a national park. Establishing the park required coordination between the Federal Government, Tennessee, North Carolina, and private donors.
https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/historyculture/stories.htm
Visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The easiest way to see the Great Smoky Mountains is driving along Cades Cove Loop Road. Cades Cove is an easy 11 mile drive, offering some of the best opportunities to see the park’s wildlife. Common sightings include black bears, white tail deer, and wild turkeys. The best time to spot wildlife is early in the morning, but even in the afternoon there is plenty to see. I drove the loop later in the afternoon, and spotted several black bears and plenty of deer. The loop also showcases the park’s history. Along the way you can stop to check out historic churches, barns, and log cabins.
https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/cadescove.htm
Rivers and streams permeate the Smokies, and the water might be the best place to enjoy the park. Whether it’s taking a stroll along a remote stream or tubing down the river, there’s something for everyone in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I imagine the streams look much as they did when the region was first settled in the early 1800’s. The water is crystal clear and flow unobstructed. Even if you have no interest in getting into the water, just standing alongside a stream can be incredibly relaxing. I didn’t get a chance to go tubing, but it looked like great fun, I may have to make a return trip later this summer.
Hiking is the other obvious way to experience Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park offers trails for all skill levels, and with over 500,000 acres to explore, there’s plenty to see. I didn’t have time to do any hiking, but with such beautiful wilderness, it’s a good bet I’ll come back again to see more of the park.
With so many different ways to experience the park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park has something for everyone. The park’s natural beauty more than justifies a visit, and once you get here there’s plenty of recreational activities available. If you ever get the chance to visit, jump at the opportunity, you won’t regret it.
Such a beautiful place! Can’t wait to go back! I really want to go to the stables and take the nature tour on horseback. 🐴😊
Beautiful, indeed. I drove through there on several occasions with no time to stop. I just saw the scenery from the highway. One exception… I did a trip when Michelle was about 8 years old and we did a little exploring. She couldn’t remember having seen a stream before that! Kathy and I will have to make a trip to Knoxville then head down that way.
This is only about an hour from our house:) Come visit any time!! 😀