Great Smoky Mountains National Park sits on the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, in the southern Appalachians of the United States. It is the most visited national park in the country, and many travelers know it simply as the Great Smokies or the Smokies.
What the park is known for
The park is valued for its wide range of plant and animal life. Its forests and slopes shelter a great variety of species, so a visit can reward walkers, birders and anyone curious about the natural world. Waterfalls are another of its draws, and streams and falls are spread through the park's valleys.
History you can see
Among the park's features are historic log cabins, which give a sense of how people lived in these mountains before the park was created. They make a quiet counterpoint to the wilder landscape around them.
Planning a visit
- Nature: expect varied plants and animals along the trails.
- Water: waterfalls are a natural focus for a day out.
- Heritage: the log cabins add a human story to the mountain scenery.
Because the park straddles two states, you can approach it from either Tennessee or North Carolina, and each side brings its own routes into the mountains. If you enjoy outdoor scenery with a sense of history, the Smokies are a natural choice for a trip.
