Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, USA, in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. The park is located near the towns of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Cherokee, North Carolina. Covering over 500,000 acres, it is renowned for its biodiversity and mist-covered peaks. The park was established on June 15, 1934, as part of efforts to protect the Appalachian wilderness from logging and development. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and remains one of the most visited national parks in the United States, thanks to its free admission and accessibility. Parking is available at various trailheads, visitor centers, and scenic spots throughout the park, including at popular sites such as Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome, and the Sugarlands Visitor Center. While the park has numerous parking areas, they can fill quickly during peak seasons. There is no entrance fee to the park, though some parking areas may require a day-use fee or permit for longer stays. The park’s wildlife includes black bears, white-tailed deer, elk, and various bird species such as wild turkeys and peregrine falcons. Salamanders are particularly abundant, earning the park the nickname “Salamander Capital of the World.” Rivers and streams are home to native brook trout. Flora in the Great Smoky Mountains is exceptionally diverse, with over 1,600 species of flowering plants, including rhododendrons, mountain laurels, and wildflowers like trillium and orchids. Deciduous forests cover much of the park, with elevations rising to spruce-fir forests at higher altitudes. The park’s notable features include Clingmans Dome, the highest point in Tennessee, and the scenic Cades Cove, a historic valley offering glimpses of early Appalachian settler life. Public transportation to the park is limited, but seasonal trolley services are available in Gatlinburg, providing access to nearby park entrances. Most visitors arrive by car.