From shimmering 80 foot waterfalls to steep rock spires and river-carved gorges, the expanse of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers diverse activities and simple serenity.
More than 10 million people visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park every year and with good reason. Approximately 95 percent forested, the park is world renowned for the diversity of its plant and animal resources, the beauty of its mountains and foothills, the rare glimpse into American pioneer culture, and the depth and integrity of the wilderness sanctuary within its boundaries.
The park was officially created in 1934 to protect the last remnants of the Southern Appalachian forests. Dedicated in 1940, the park contains more than 521,000 acres in Tennessee and North Carolina. Several major highways lead to the park. There are three main entrances: In Tennessee from I-40 take Exit 407 (Sevierville) to TN Route 66 South, and continue to U.S. 441 South. Follow U.S. 441 to the park. From I-40 in Knoxville, exit 386B U.S. Highway 129 South to Alcoa/Maryville. At Maryville proceed on U.S. 321 North through Townsend. Continue straight on TN Highway 73 into the park. In North Carolina, from I-40, take U.S. Route 19 West through Maggie Valley. Proceed to U.S. 441 North at Cherokee into the park. From Atlanta and points south: follow U.S. 441 and 23 North. U.S. 441 leads to the park.
Summer is hot and humid, but more pleasant in higher elevations. Fall is dry with warm days and cool nights. Frosts start in late September. Autumn’s pageantry of colors usually peaks in mid-October. The hiking trails and waterfalls offer spectacular views year-round and activities abound.
Waterfalls adorn almost every stream in the Smokies. Only one, Meigs Falls, is visible from the road. It is 12.9 miles west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center, near the Townsend Wye. All others require hiking, and range from easy to strenuous. Some of the best known falls include:
• Laurel Falls, the easiest waterfall hike on the Tennessee side of the park. It is 60 feet high, 2.5 miles roundtrip, and follows a paved trail which cuts through the middle of a series of cascades.
• Grotto Falls off the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. It is 2.4 miles roundtrip through a hemlock- dominated forest. Grotto Falls is the only waterfall in the park one can walk behind.
• Henwallow Falls near Cosby Campground, south of Cosby, TN. It is 4.4 miles roundtrip along a moderate trail. This 45-foot fall receives less visitation than many other area falls.
• Abrams Falls, the largest water volume of any park fall, and among the most photogenic. A 5-mile roundtrip hike, the trail begins in the back of Cades Cove loop road and is a moderate hike.
• Rainbow Falls, at 80 feet, the highest single plunge water takes in the park. It is a 5.5-mile roundtrip hike.
If freefalling water isn’t on your must see list, or if you prefer more secluded scenery, the Smokies won’t let you down. More than 850 miles of hiking trails snake through the park. They range from easy to difficult and provide half hour walks to week-long backpacking trips. The Appalachian Trail runs for 70 miles along the park’s top ridge. Pets are not allowed on any trails except for the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail. Backcountry camping requires a permit. Four of the most popular trails are:
• Alum Cave Trail, a 4.4 mile roundtrip hike, rated moderate. It includes Arch Rock, a natural arch, and Inspiration Point which offers a spectacular view of the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River’s upper basin. This trail continues to Mt. LeConte, and its beautiful viewpoints. Roundtrip distance from the parking to LeConte is 10 miles.
• Chimney Tops, a 4 mile roundtrip hike, rated strenuous. It is a steep climb to two rock spires 4,755 feet in elevation. From the top they provide a spectacular 360-degree view.
• Andrews Bald, a 3.6 mile roundtrip hike, rated moderate. This hike heads downslope to a bald. Excellent views open to the south, toward Fontana Lake, and in spring the azalea explode with color.
• Charlie’s Bunion, an 8-mile roundtrip hike is rated strenuous. Following the Appalachian Trail, this hike goes out to rocky crags along the state-line ridge. It has excellent views.
Bicycles can travel on most roads within the park. Cyclists may traverse the Foothills Parkway’s unfinished portions. Cades Cove offers another great riding opportunity. The loop road periodically closes to motorized vehicles. It is closed to motor vehicle traffic from May through September until 10:00 am each Wednesday and Saturday. For information regarding bike rental, call (865) 448-9034. No mountain biking trails are available.
Anglers 13 years and older (16 and older in NC) need a valid Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license to fish in the park. The park does not sell licenses. Check with local chambers of commerce for purchase information. Fishing is permitted year-round in open waters, from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. There are size and daily limit regulations. A full copy of the regulations can be obtained at park visitor centers.
About 550 miles of the park’s hiking trails are open to horses. There are five horse camps and their use requires a reservation which can be made by calling (800) 365-2267 or via the Internet at http://reservations.nps.gov. The park also has five commercial stables within its borders. They are open from approximately mid-March through the Thanksgiving season. Prices average $15/hr.
Swimming is a favorite way to escape the summer heat, but if you jump in, be careful. Park waters are dangerous and caution is a must. Park staff does not recommend any specific swimming area for this reason. Since park waters rarely rise above 65 degrees, hypothermia is a year-round risk.
The park has specific sites set aside for picnicking. Chimneys, Deep Creek, Cades Cove, and Cosby remain open year-round. Other sites include Greenbrier, Big Creek, and Collins Creek. Most picnic areas in the park have pavilions. To reserve a pavilion, call (800) 365-2267.
Five forest types dominate the Great Smoky Mountains. Together these forests contain more than 130 species of trees, and 4,000 other plants. They represent all the major forest types along eastern North America. As elevation increases within the park, temperature decreases and precipitation increases. The additional precipitation classifies small sections of the park as a rainforest. All five types can be seen at once from Campbell Overlook, two miles south of the Sugarlands Visitor Center on Newfound Gap Road (US 441).
The Smokies are a premier wildlife viewing area. Early in the morning and late in the evening are the best times. Cades Cove and Cataloochee have large open spaces, providing excellent opportunities for viewing.
A total of 65 mammals live in the park. Some, such as the coyote and bobcat are reclusive, while deer are very common. There are also numerous sightings of red and gray squirrels, chipmunks, woodchucks, raccoons, opossums, red and gray foxes, skunks, and bats. In 2001, the park reintroduced elk back to the area as an experimental release effort. The Smokies rugged, temperate environment provides an excellent black bear habitat. Bear sightings usually begin in early March, but weather conditions can delay this. Current estimates place park bear populations near 1,800.
More than 230 species of birds use the park, and over 110 species breed within park boundaries. Birds are most active early in the morning, starting about 45 minutes before sunrise. Good birding spots include the Sugarlands Visitor Center, Cades Cove, and Oconaluftee. Some common species include: juncos, mourning doves, chimney swifts, eastern phoebes, barn swallows, blue jays, indigo buntings, cardinals, towhees, sparrows, chickadees, and warblers. Birds of prey include turkey vultures, hawks, and eagles. Reptiles include snakes, turtles and lizards. The only two poisonous species are the timber rattlesnake and northern copperhead. But death from a snake bite in the Smokies is extremely rare. Other common reptiles include the eastern box turtle, common snapping turtle, and southeastern five-lined skink.
Amphibians thrive in the Great Smokies. Frogs, toads, and salamanders are all common park residents, in fact, the Smokies’ 30 species of salamanders make it the salamander capital of the world. There are 10 campgrounds with various seasons; only one, Cades Cove Campground, is open all year. Reservations can be made by calling (800) 365-CAMP and are accepted up to five months in advance for May 1 through Oct. 31. Other dates are first-come, first-serve. This campground has 159 sites and sits at 1,807 feet elevation. No campground has shower facilities or electric hookups, only running water and bathroom facilities. Cades Cove Campground Store sells convenience items, groceries, camping supplies, and a limited selection of hot and cold deli items. There are no other food facilities in the park. Lodging outside the park can be found in North Carolina at Asheville, Bryson City, Cherokee, Newport, Sylva, and Wayneville. Tennessee accommodations are in Gatlinburg, Knoxville, Maryville, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville.
Besides park activities, the area offers other diversions:
• A former weekend hideaway for loggers, the city of Gatlinburg eventually became a major tourist mecca. Over the years, hundreds of specialty shops have been built. Major attractions, great restaurants, convention centers, and many luxury hotels make up the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. Thousands of romantic chalets are available for vacation rental throughout the mountainous area of Gatlinburg, and a ski resort sits atop a mountain overlooking downtown. One of the best ways to get there is to take I-40 to exit 440 to Highway 321. This less-traveled route offers scenery and serenity all the way to downtown Gatlinburg.
• Dollywood theme park was created by Dolly Parton to showcase her homeland. Visitors to Dollywood enjoy music, shows, amusement rides, attractions, crafts and special events, all with an Appalachian flavor. Dollywood is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, 35 miles southeast of Knoxville, off I-40 at Exit 407. Closed on Thursdays in October.
• The Dixie Stampede, also in Pigeon Forge, is another Dolly Parton enterprise. The spectacular dinner show features 32 horses, dozens of cast members and seating for 1,000 around a 35,000 square-foot arena.
• Whitewater trips flow from the Nantahala Outdoor Center, 13077 Hwy 19 West in Bryson City, NC. Guide assistance is offered as well as a combined raft trip and scenic train ride. The Nantahala River is best for beginners while the Pigeon River is ideal for busy, adventurous families. The Nolichucky River is more of a challenge with rapids and stunning gorge views. The Chattooga River offers a spectacular wilderness and the ultimate whitewater challenge in the Southeast. The Ocoee River with continuous rapids rounds out the area’s whitewater possibilities. For over a century this area has charmed visitors from all over the world and from all walks of life, and with the available activities always expanding, it is sure to do so in the future. If you’re at all interested in the outdoors or wildlife, chances are the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has something for you. |
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