Straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park is the most visited in the entire country, thanks in large part to its enormous size and its incredible scenery. Visitors can hike through old growth forest, spot hundreds of species of birds and check out the two visitor centers. Hikes can also wind through trails that lead to the waterfalls of Laurel Falls and the vistas of Clingman’s Dome. The sprawling landscape encompasses lush forests and an abundance of wildflowers that bloom year-round. Streams, rivers and waterfalls appear along hiking routes that include a segment of the Appalachian Trail. An observation tower tops Clingmans Dome, the highest peak, offering scenic views of the mist-covered mountains.
Cades Cove
Cades Cove is the most visited part of the Park - and for good reason. This fertile mountaingreat smoky mountains, fall color, tn, nc valley is surrounded on all sides by mountains. A road winds around the valley, with stops at preserved pioneer structures. A visitor's center with pioneer exhibits, a 5-mile hike to Abrams Falls, abundant wildlife, campgrounds, bike rentals, spectacular foliage in autumn, and facilities for horseback riding all make Cades Cove a complete visitor's sampler of all the Park has to offer.
Cataloochee
North Carolina's answer to Cades Cove - without the crowding. Interestingly, Cataloochee had a greater population (approximately 1,200) at its peak than Cades Cove. Well off the beaten path, Cataloochee offers historic structures, opportunities for hiking, campgrounds, and spectacular vistas. Auto Touring
If we can't convince you to get out of your vehicle and enjoy the very best the Park has to offer then try some of these fantastic auto tours.
Waterfalls
Tom Branch Falls in the Smokies .The Smoky Mountains contain many wonderful streams and waterfalls - many of which are rewards for trekking the well-maintained hiking trails. The easiest to get to is Laurel Falls (it's paved for the handicapped) is just off Little River Road between the Sugarlands Visitors Center (which is near near Gatlinburg) and the "Y" to Townsend.
Hikes
One-hundred fifty maintained hiking trails totaling more than 800 miles crisscross the Park. Many parallel trout streams and lead to waterfalls. They offer great opportunities to get out of your vehicle to view wildflowers in spring, fantastic mountain vistas in winter, fall foliage in the autumn, and record-size trees in summer.
Clingmans Dome
Clingmans Dome is the highest peak in the Smokies (6,643 feet). Some days it's in the clouds View From Clingmans Dome , but on clear days it affords spectacular 360 degree views of the Park .
Mt Leconte
One of the Park's finest features - from afar or up close - Mt. LeConte hosts five great hiking trails to the top. One of the most popular hikes to Mt. LeConte is the Alum Cave Bluff Trail. Mt. LeConte also boasts the only lodging within the Park: Mt. LeConte Lodge - Cabins.
Appalachian Trail
Sixty nine of the 2,015 miles that make up the Appalachian Trail cross the crest of the Great Smoky Mountains, serving as a border between Tennessee and North Carolina. The AT serves as a backbone to which several major Smokies hiking trails connect.
Old Growth Forests
The American Forests organization reports that the Smokies contain 21 national champion sized trees. Will Blozan, a North Carolina arborist has discovered 30 champion-sized trees throughout the southern Appalachians. The Greenbrier section of the Park is home to several beauties. For example, there's a black cherry that has a circumference of 210 inches and a northern red oak measuring 257 inches.
Newfound Gap Road
The only road that completely traverses the Park, Newfound Gap Road runs the 33 miles between Cherokee NC and Gatlinburg TN. This road has so much to offer in the way of nature walks, hikes, mountain views, and historic structures, that we devote a much longer article (with great photos) about the Newfound Gap Road experience.
Wildflower Pilgrimage
The next annual Wildflower Pilgrimage will be held in next year Conducted by the Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association, the Pilgrimage consists of nearly 100 guided long and short walks, auto tours, talks and demonstrations to view wildflowers, trees, ferns, geology, and more
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is still supported in the Great Smoky Mountains. Both drive-in camps and horses-for-hire are available.
Renting a Horse
Want to rent a horse in the Smokies? Horseback riding at an hourly rate is available within the National Park.
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