Great Smokey Mountains, Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, established in June of 1934, is one of the largest protected areas in the Eastern United States. World renowned for the diversity of its plant and animal life , the beauty of its ancient mountains, the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, and the depth and integrity of its wilderness sanctuary, the park attracts over nine million visitors each year. Hiking is a common activity for park visitors.

More than 850 miles of hiking trails traverse the Great Smoky Mountains. They range from easy to difficult and provide half hour walks to week-long backpacking trips. The Appalachian Trail runs for 70 miles along the Park's top ridge. For waterfall enthusiasts, waterfalls adorn most every stream in the Smokies. Fall is a spectacular time of year to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park and an auto tour of the park offers panoramic views, tumbling mountain streams, weathered historic buildings, and uninterrupted forest stretching to the horizon.