Great Smoky Mountain National Park
This 800 square mile area hosts the regal peaks of the Appalachian Mountains,
open valleys, hundreds of species of flowering plants and
a multitude of magnificent hardwoods. During the spring
and summer months, the days are warm and the nights are
cool. In autumn the Great Smoky Mountains are breathtakingly
beautiful with foliage ranging the colors of an artist palette.
The reds, golds and yellows of the mountains trees draw
visitors from across the country. During the winter there
is often snow and heavy fog, but it is still a good time
to visit as you can see for miles around without obstruction.
The Park is an incredible place for hiking, camping, horseback
riding, and fishing, whether you are on the North
Carolina half or the Tennessee. You  will
also find preserved cabins, barns and mills of the mountain
people.
The visitor centers (Oconaluftee in North Carolina, and the Sugarlands and
Cades Cove in Tennessee) all have exhibits and information
about the park. There are campfire programs and observation
platforms as well as self-guided nature trails which make
your visit a memorable experience.
44 miles SE of Knoxville
www.nps.gov/grsm
Cades Cove in the Great Smokey Mountains
- by Lee Coursey
Top Banner Picture by U Kine |
