Great Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is celebrated for its ancient, forested mountains that straddle the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. The park derives its name from the ever-present blue mist that often shrouds the peaks. This unique atmosphere sets the scene for a stunning landscape defined by lush, temperate rainforests, high-altitude spruce-fir forests, and the dramatic elevation change from the river valleys to Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome), the highest point in the park and the entire state of Tennessee. Visitors are drawn to the scenic Newfound Gap Road and the historic Cades Cove loop, which offer breathtaking overlooks and the best opportunities for wildlife viewing.

The Great Smoky Mountains is an International Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned globally for its unparalleled biodiversity. This ecological richness includes over 100 species of native trees, thousands of flowering plants, and is known as the “Salamander Capital of the World” due to its incredible number of amphibian species. The dense, old-growth forests provide a crucial habitat for iconic wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and elk. For visitors, this abundance translates into endless outdoor activities, from hiking over 800 miles of trails— including a significant portion of the Appalachian Trail — to exploring preserved pioneer homesteads and witnessing dozens of cascading waterfalls.