Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

National preserve, eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, U.S. It is 20 mi (32 km) wide and extends southwest for 54 mi (87 km) from the Pigeon River to the Little Tennessee River. Established in 1934 to preserve the U.S.'s last remaining sizable area of southern primeval hardwood forest, it covers 520,269 acres (210,553 hectares) and contains some of the highest peaks in the Appalachian Mountains. Summits are crowned with dense forest, while lower elevations have mountain laurel, rhododendron, and azaleas. The region's first settlers established themselves in the valleys, and some of their homes are preserved in the park. It was designated a World Heritage site in 1983.

---

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Parks Directory of the United States / US National Parks / National Parks

Address: 107 Park Headquarters Rd
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Phone: 865-436-1200;
Fax: 865-436-1220;
Web: www.nps.gov/grsm/
Size: 521,495 acres.
Established: Authorized on May 22, 1926; established for full development on June 15, 1930. Designated a Biosphere Reserve in 1976 and a World Heritage Site in 1983.
Location: In eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. Several major highways lead to the park's three main entrances. In Tennessee, from I-40 take Exit 407 (Sevierville) to TN 66 South, and continue to US 441 South. In Tennessee, from I-40 in Knoxville take Exit 386B US 129 south to Alcoa/Maryville, then proceed on US 321 north through Townsend, and then straight on TN 73. In North Carolina, from I-40 take US 19 west through Maggie Valley and proceed to US 441 north at Cherokee. From Atlanta and points south, follow US 441 and 23 North.
Facilities: Campgrounds (é), picnic area, rest rooms (é), lodging, groceries, bicycle trail, visitor centers (é), museum/exhibit, trails (800+ miles).
Activities: Camping, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, fishing, wildlife viewing, auto touring, ranger-led programs and other educational activities.
Special Features: The loftiest range east of the Black Hills and one of the oldest uplands on Earth, the Smokies have a biological diversity that includes 1,400+ species of flowering plants and 4,000+ species of non-flowering plants, 100 species of native trees, 200+ species of birds, and 66 species of mammals. Besides the exquisite flora and fauna, the park also preserves structures representing southern Appalachian mountain culture. It is one of the largest protected areas in the eastern United States.

---

See other parks in Tennessee.