Great Smoky Mountains National Park One of the most visited national parks in the United States. The park offers a fascinating glimpse of the forest and attracts more than 10 million tourists every year. It has great hiking trails, amazing views and beautiful waterfalls. The smoke shadowing the mountain makes this place even more magical. If one wants to relax and spend time enjoying nature then they should definitely visit the Smoky Mountain National Park. It is an ideal place to escape the monotony of life and be surrounded by tranquil forests.
About Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located on the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. The park covers approximately 522,419 acres, making it one of the largest areas under conservation in the United States. It is also a certified UNESCO World Heritage Site. People usually like hiking and sightseeing here. Apart from this, fishing is also one of the most popular activities here.
There are also several historical and archaeological sites within the park’s boundaries. The park has a range of flora and fauna. There are many waterfalls inside the park. This national park is famous for bears and rare flowers that are difficult to find anywhere else. People can explore this place by trekking.
Best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park: The park can be visited throughout the year. The number of tourists is very high in spring season. In fact, the temperature can also vary in different areas of the park depending on the altitude level. During autumn, various shades of yellow, orange and green can be seen throughout the forest making the view even more beautiful. However, if one wants to visit when there is less crowd, September and November are the ideal times. It is advisable to pre-plan according to the climate and your needs.
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Where to Stay near Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Leconte Lodge offers accommodations on the second highest peak. One can go up to the lodge and stay there for a few days and enjoy the blissful serene view from the top of the mountain. This is a wonderful place to watch the sunrise. Being located amidst the jungle, there are no modern facilities here, but all your needs will be taken care of.
The national park has maintained several camping sites for people who love nature and adventure. There are more than 10 camping sites where one can camp. It is ideal for living amidst nature and spending time in the woods. Each campsite has water, campfire sites and toilets.
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5 things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The number of things to do and see in the park is limitless. Here are 5 things anyone can do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
1. Ramsey Cascades: Visit
It is the tallest waterfall in the park reaching a height of 100 feet. It is known for the variety of salmon found in the pools. It is refreshing to see the sparkling water falling from above and the variety of fish and flora. Be sure to stop by this great place.
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2. USA: Explore the rich wildlife
The national park contains flora and fauna exotic to the United States such as bears, fireflies, salamanders, flame azaleas, and many other types of flowers. Exploring the flora and fauna of the area will certainly be an enriching experience. Various types of trees and reptiles can be easily seen in the forest.
3. Rainbow Falls: Hiking
The Fork Motor Train is a 6-mile long trail that leads to Rainbow Falls, the area’s most popular waterfall. While walking on the road you can see a range of wildlife. The natural beauty is breathtaking and one can see nature in its true form. You will remember this experience for the rest of your life.
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4. Sugarlands Visitor Center: Stay
The place presents a 20-minute film on the national park and also has exhibitions. It is advisable to visit this place first as one can get detailed information about the park in advance and then they can plan which places to visit. Be sure to stop here.
5. Cades Cove
It is a fertile land surrounded by mountains. There are also many historical buildings here. Black bears, turkeys and deer can also be seen here. The inhabitants who lived here earlier used to grow crops in this area. Furthermore, many hiking tracks start from here and it is one of the most recommended places in the national park.
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How to Reach Great Smoky Mountains National Park
You can reach Smoky Mountain National Park from McGee-Tyson Airport in Alcoa, Asheville Regional Airport, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, and Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte. Taxis can be hired from the airport. There are multiple entrances and depending on which airport you land at, you can choose which park entrance will be closest. Tourists can drive or ride bikes to the national park. However, there is no public transportation to reach this area.
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If one wants to relax and spend time with nature then the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an ideal place to visit. The feeling of mist covered mountains all around you, sound of waterfalls, chirping of birds and light and fresh air is definitely difficult to find in daily urban life. So, let’s take a break from our busy schedules and fall in love with nature again by booking a trip to the United States.
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