Straddling the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a place where misty ridges, rolling forests, and wildflower meadows stretch as far as the eye can see. The mountains take their name from the natural blue haze that settles over the valleys, creating a soft, smoky appearance that shifts with the light. With more than eight hundred miles of trails, cascading waterfalls, and quiet overlooks, the park offers endless opportunities to experience the beauty of the southern Appalachian Mountains. Each season brings something different, from spring blooms to fiery autumn colors and peaceful winter frost.
The Smokies became a national park in 1934 after a large community effort to preserve the region’s forests and cultural heritage. Unlike many parks in the West, the Smokies were shaped by generations of farming families, loggers, and mountain communities. Historic cabins, churches, and mills still stand throughout the park, offering glimpses into Appalachian life. Cades Cove, a broad valley surrounded by mountain peaks, remains one of the most visited areas and showcases both natural beauty and the stories of those who once called this land home.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is renowned for its biodiversity. The region contains more than nineteen thousand documented species, and scientists believe many more remain undiscovered. Dense forests shelter black bears and white-tailed deer, while clear streams provide habitat for native brook trout and salamanders. In summer, synchronous fireflies light up the night as part of a rare natural spectacle. Whether hiking the Appalachian Trail or exploring quieter corners of the park, visitors feel the deep sense of life that thrives within these misty mountains.
Conservation in the Smokies focuses on protecting its forests from invasive species, preserving water quality, and managing the effects of heavy visitation. The National Park Service works with researchers and local partners to restore native habitats, monitor wildlife populations, and protect historic structures. Visitors can support these efforts by staying on marked trails, safely observing wildlife, and treating the park with respect. Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains a symbol of natural resilience, cultural heritage, and the enduring beauty of the Appalachian landscape.
Our Experience
This was a great park but as it's the most visited National Park, it was covered in trash and packed with people. However, there was still a lot of green to see and a lot to uncover as we hunted for Salamanders.