Great Smoky Mountains Info

The most famous national park bear of all time is Smokey Bear, who helps to keep the woodlands safe here in the Smoky Mountains! The iconic fictional bear was created back in 1944 as part of a public service campaign and his slogan has changed several times over the years, but his message remains the same – it is ultimately up to us to prevent wildfires! Here are 5 interesting things to know about the history of Smokey Bear:

Since the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was founded in June 1934, it has become a popular tourist attraction in both Tennessee and North Carolina. It is the most visited national park in the United States, as it attracts more than 12 million visitors each year. The picturesque natural scenery and the area’s rich history are just some of the things that keep everyone coming back. Get to know this awesome place a little better with a list of 3 things you didn’t know about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

When it comes to wildlife viewing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the thing that visitors usually want to see the most is the black bear! After all, these animated animals are an iconic symbol of the Smokies and you’ll find them on t-shirts, magnets, and practically everything else at the souvenir shops throughout Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg! While you can safely view bears from a distance of at least 50 yards, you may be wondering how to react if you stumble upon one while hiking! Here are 3 things to do if you encounter any black bears in the Smoky Mountains:

One of the most impressive features of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Mount LeConte, which is beautiful from both a distance and up close! At 6,593 feet, it is the highest peak that is completely within the boundaries of Tennessee and the third-highest peak in the park! If you’re up for a challenging hike where you’ll be rewarded with some spectacular views, there are several wonderful trails that lead to the top! Here are 5 scenic hiking trails that lead to the summit of Mount LeConte:

You might be surprised to know that the National Park Service uses wildland fires to preserve plants and animals within Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Due to extensive research by scientists in the southern Appalachians and other areas, park managers have learned that fire is a natural process that helps to maintain a healthy ecosystem. In fact, they have determined that at least a dozen of the park’s plants and animals benefit from fire! Here are 3 interesting things to know about the management of wildland fires in the Smoky Mountains:

One of the best parts of coming to Tennessee or North Carolina is being outdoors in the beauty of the Smokies. There is a lot to see and many ways to explore it. With that being said, here are 3 of the best outdoor activities in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to hundreds of hiking trails for all skill levels, including some difficult options for advanced hikers! If you’re up for some strenuous trails that provide a serious workout, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous wildflowers, stunning views, and maybe even some wildlife along the way! These hikes are all at least 10 miles long, so prepare to spend most of the day exploring these amazing trails! Here are 3 of the most challenging Smoky Mountains National Park hikes:

One of the most unique destinations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the Mountain Farm Museum, a collection of authentic farm buildings that have been assembled from their original locations throughout the park! While exploring this free open-air museum, you’ll get to see how families may have lived 100 years ago! Here are the top 5 reasons why you should visit the Mountain Farm Museum in Cherokee NC:

If you’re looking for more things to do on your Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, or Sevierville vacation, then come explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitors love this attraction for its gorgeous natural scenery and rich history. It is no surprise that it has become the most visited national park in the United States. No matter how many times you’ve been there, get to know the area a little better! With that being said, explore this list of 3 frequently asked questions about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to over 150 hiking trails, which may seem a little intimidating to the first-time visitor! The good news is that several organizations in the area offer guided hikes, allowing you to experience everything from the park’s most popular trails to hidden gems! This is also a fun way for repeat visitors to discover something new! Here are 4 local organizations that offer guided hikes in the Smoky Mountains:

If you’re looking for the perfect place to tie the knot in the Smoky Mountains, look no further than Cades Cove! This spectacular valley is surrounded by mountains and was once home to numerous settlers before the formation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so you’ll find several historic churches where you can get married! There are also two approved outdoor spots to get married in the Cove, both of which offer magnificent views! Here are 5 beautiful locations for a Cades Cove wedding ceremony:

The Cades Cove Loop Road is home to several fascinating historical structures for visitors to enjoy, including an operating grist mill that dates back to the late 1800s! The Cable Mill is conveniently situated about halfway along the loop road and sits adjacent to the Cades Cove Visitor Center, making it an easy stop for anyone exploring this spectacular area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Here are 3 interesting things to know about the Cable Mill in Cades Cove:

Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and in Tennessee overall, coming in at 6,643 feet. Since the observation tower was built in 1959, visitors love to come back time and time again to see the breathtaking views. When planning your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it is important to keep in mind that Kuwohi Road is closed from December through March. This is due to the hazardous conditions that snow and ice can cause in the winter months. This road may also close unexpectedly at other times of the year because of other conditions, such as heavy rain. Don’t worry, though! There are still ways to get to the Kuwohi observation tower throughout the year. With that being said, here is how to get to Kuwohi when the road is closed:

If you want to explore some of the beautiful trails within Great Smoky Mountains National Park and are traveling with children in strollers, you’ll be happy to know that there are several excellent options! This is a fabulous opportunity to get outside among mother nature and discover some of the magnificent sights that make the park so famous! Here are 4 of the best Smoky Mountain trails for families with strollers:

You might be surprised to learn that there was once a hotel within the boundaries of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but it was actually built over 20 years before the park was established! The Wonderland Hotel was constructed in the Elkmont section of the park in 1912 to attract tourists seeking a mountain getaway, and it remained in Elkmont until it was closed in 1992. Here are the top 3 things to know about the history of the Elkmont Wonderland Hotel: