Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park. Plan your visit today!
Smokey Mountains
As for temperatures, the average temperature difference between the mountains (Newfound Gap around 5,000 feet (1,500 m) MSL and the valleys (Park Headquarters around 1,600 feet (490 m) MSL in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is between 10 and 13 F (6 and 7 C) with highs and between 3 and 6 F (2 and 3 C) with lows. The difference between high temperatures is similar to the moist adiabatic lapse rate (3.3 degrees Fahrenheit per 1,000 ft), while the smaller difference between low temperatures is the result of frequent temperature inversions developing in the morning, especially during autumn.[11]
Many wildflowers grow in mountains and valleys of the Great Smokies, including bee balm, Solomon's seal, Dutchman's breeches, various trilliums, the Dragon's Advocate and even hardy orchids. There are two native species of rhododendron in the area. The Catawba rhododendron has purple flowers in May and June, while the rosebay rhododendron has longer leaves and blooms white or a light pink in June and July.
While no major engagements took place in the Smokies, minor skirmishes were fairly common. Cherokee chief William Holland Thomas formed a Confederate legion made up mostly of Cherokee soldiers.[citation needed] Thomas' Legion crossed the Smokies in 1862 and occupied Gatlinburg for several months to protect saltpeter mines atop Mount Le Conte. Residents of predominantly Union Cades Cove and predominantly Confederate Hazel Creek routinely crossed the mountains to steal one another's livestock.[79] Residents of Cosby and Cataloochee did likewise. One notable Civil War incident in the Smokies was the murder of long-time Cades Cove resident Russell Gregory (for whom Gregory Bald is named), which was carried out by bushwhackers in 1864 shortly after Gregory had led an ambush that routed a band of Confederates seeking to wreak havoc in the cove.[80] Another incident was George Kirk's raid on Cataloochee, in which Kirk killed or wounded 15 Union soldiers recovering at a makeshift hospital.[81]
Established in 1926, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is comprised of ridge upon ridge of seemingly endless forest on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. Called the Smokies due to theever-present morning fog, this mountain range is world renowned for the diversity of its plant and animal life,the beauty of its ancient mountains, and its history of southern Appalachian mountain culture. With nearly 80historic buildings, spectacular displays of wildflowers, and abundant wildlife, Great Smoky Mountains NationalPark offers myriad activities to enjoy.
You're in the presence of something fresh and, yet, ancient. The oldest mountains in the world. A preserve of wildflowers, old-growth forests and rushing mountain streams. The Smokies. It's the ultimate getaway. Bring your camera. The park has panoramic vistas with cascading rivers and majestic forests. Venture out on horseback at Sugarlands, and then cool off by rafting the Pigeon River.
Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. It offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park. Large numbers of white-tailed deer are frequently seen, and sightings of black bear, coyote, ground hog, turkey, raccoon, skunk, and other animals are also possible.
They are the Great Smoky Mountains. They are not the Smokey Mountains. In fact, the mountains were named thus by the Cherokee, who consider the mountains a sacred place. And Smoky is the correct and accepted spelling.
Looking for things to do on a hot day? Stop by this adorable ice cream shop about 5 miles off Winfield Dunn Parkway. Molly's Ice Cream & Treats offers homemade cookies and sweets, a great selection of hard ice cream, and best of all: genuine waffle cones made on site. Enjoy a generous scoop of your favorite flavor and head down the road a bit further to see the astounding views of the mountains behind Douglas Lake.
Fontana Lake is located in Western North Carolina and is the highest dam east of the Rocky Mountains. The Dam was built during World War II to be an electric power source for the war. Today, the Dam visitor center is open during the summer and fall and the dam itself is accessible to visitors year round. Walk or drive acrosss the dam and you'll catch incredible panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the lake.
Take a hike with a twist and explore the mountains with Smoky Mountain Llama Treks. Each hiker gets their own pack llama to walk beside and guide on the trail. The llamas are friendly and will carry any gear you bring along. There are three tours offered: Padgett Mill Trail, Foxfire Mountain Trail and even an overnight trek.
The Gatlinburg Space Needle is an iconic sight in downtown Gatlinburg. It towers above all of your favorite attractions, shops and restaurants. A trip to the top offers rewarding views of the mountains and downtown area. The Space Needle also offers an arcade and pizza shop inside.
Max Patch is one of the most popular places in the region to catch a sunrise or sunset. Max Patch is a 4,600 ft bald located along a section of the Appalachian Trail. It offers 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains on a clear day. Many visitors enjoy packing a tent and picnic and camping overnight during the warmer months in the year. During the fall, hikers are treated to spectacular views of the changing leaves.
The Cherohala Skyway is a 43 mile long scenic byway in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. It's considered one of the best motorcycle rides in North America, but you can also enjoy the sweeping mountain views and forested mountainsides by car. The skyway is best traveled on a clear day with moderate weather. Fun fact: the road got it's name from the combination of Cherokee and Nantahala, the two national forests the road passes through.
This famous 75 foot golden glass sphere is impossible to miss in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. Since the 1982 World's Fair the structure has stood tall as a symbol for the city; you've likely seen it on postcards, advertisements, and even in a couple famous TV shows. Take the elevator to the observation deck up top for an incredible view of the city and surrounding mountains.
Are you ready for an adventure? Located only seventeen miles from downtown, our KOA Holiday is the perfect place for you to stay while you explore Gatlinburg. Situated on 16 landscaped acres, we offer several amenities such as disc golf, horseshoes, a playground, a pool, a pavilion, and several nearby trail heads. Make the most of your vacation, and have the kampground act as your home base. With spacious full hookup RV sites, cabins, and tent sites, you can pick the pace of your travel. We have the best experience for every kind of camper, from those who love to rough it in the great outdoors, to visitors who prefer a bit more comfort. Whether you are traveling with kids and your four-legged friend or looking for a couples getaway, book your stay today! Exploring Gatlinburg:Take a deep breath of the fresh mountain air and prepare for fun. The Gatlinburg East/ Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday is the perfect place to stay while you go and explore Gatlinburg, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and the nearby outdoor activities. Some of the area's outdoor recreation includes hiking, biking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, zip-lining, and much more! Locations like Anakeesta and Ober offer a variety of guided recreational experiences and have Ski lifts up to sleepy little mountain towns with a beautiful view of the mountains. Make sure to head Downtown to see Gatlinburg's Space Needle, Ripley's experiences, Laser Tag, Escape Games, Activate Games, and shopping. Gatlinburg also has a variety of restaurants, so make sure to try the local cuisine!
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers scenic train excursions through the North Carolina mountains along Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers, across valleys and through tunnels. All of the train rides depart from the depot in downtown Bryson City (near Cherokee). Their variety of trips and special event trains (like the Polar Express - read more) are ideal for a memorable experience! Ride in vintage open-air cars, climate-controlled cars, or first-class dining options.
The mountains we call the Smokies were formed millions of years ago. They changed into what we see today over all that time. Many people have called them home for thousands of years. Archeologists have found artifacts that date back to over 10,000 years ago!
European settlers moved to the mountains in the late 1700s. Life for them was very hard. These early settlers moved onto land that belonged to the Cherokee people. They cut down trees to build their homes. They cleared the land to feed their animals and plant crops. They also hunted for food. Sometimes conflict between the two groups led to fighting.
In the 1830s, many of the Cherokee were forced to move west. More settlers began moving onto the land. By the 1900s, the land was owned mostly by farmers, timber companies, and paper factories. Small communities grew into big towns like Elkmont, Smokemont, Proctor, and Tremont. Over time, the beautiful forest was being cut down for lumber and paper products. People began to worry about the future of the mountains.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great place for travelers to enjoy the mountains year-round: hikers and mountain bikers during spring, summer, and fall, and skiers in winter. With more than 800 miles of trails throughout the park, including 71 miles of the Appalachian Trail, the Smokies are also widely recognized as one of the top hiking destinations in the east. 2ff7e9595c
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